We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A pack of shockingly absorbent Swedish dishcloths for an eco-friendly alternative to disposable sponges and paper towels. Unlike regular dishcloths, these can be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between uses so you know they're not harboring any unwanted germs.
Use these again and again, and compost them when you're done since they're made of natural cellulose and cotton.
I genuinely enjoy using Swedish dishcloths way more than I even did paper towels. They're perfect for managing day-to-day messes in the kitchen and they're shockingly absorbent, durable, and long-lasting. The biggest annoyance I had with them is never knowing where to put it when it was drying, but recently I mounted a Command hook behind my sink and used a hole punch to create a little hanging hole. Now my dishcloths stay out of the way when not in use and dry quicker! It was one of the easiest swaps to make that resulted in WAY less trash.
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in 30 styles).
2. A pack of reusable silicone lids that have a seemingly endless list of uses. Top off a saucepan, store leftovers, keep food warm while cooking — all without needing to use any single-use plastic wrap!
3. A pack of refillable K-Cups you can fill with your favorite coffee to save loads of money (and plastic).
4. A pack of biodegradable hair ties because they're so thick and strong that you'll actually be sad after inevitably losing one. Comfort yourself with the fact that they can naturally break down over time, unlike regular plastic-filled ties.
5. A washable sponge to replace the probably kinda smelly disposable sponge you're currently using. These work just as well, and can be tossed in the washing machine or dishwasher and reused again and again!
6. Or a pack of plant-based sponges if you're not quite ready to break up with your disposable sponge. Most sponges are plastic-based, but this compostable alternative arrives compressed (for more efficient shipping) and suddenly pops up when exposed to water. Then it's all ready for some zero-waste cleaning action!
Sqwishful is an Asian-American, woman-owned small biz that launched in 2018 with a mission to create useful, effective cleaning products that don't make the world less clean in the process.
Do you remember those washcloths that came all balled up and expanded when you ran them under water? These sponges work largely the same. I was audibly excited when I ran one of the super-thin cardboard-like sheets under water and watched it almost instantly puff up into a plush sponge. It was genuinely fun. But more importantly, the sponges themselves are larger than average and beefy, meaning they stand up super well to lots of cleaning action. And because they aren't made with any plastic or dyes, they are better for the planet when it's time to say goodbye! Just pop it in your compost bin! There's nothing to not like.
Get a three-pack from Sqwishful for $8.
7. Reusable Stasher food storage bags so ditching those single-use plastic baggies is easy! These airtight pouches come in a range of sizes and are safe to use in the microwave and freezer. Then just toss 'em in the dishwasher for easy cleaning!
8. A set of reusable shopping bags made from recycled ripstop that fold up tiny enough to keep in a purse or backpack so you're always prepared to say no to the inevitable "Do you need a bag?" question.
9. An easy-to-install Tushy bidet attachment for a true revo-loo-tionary toilet upgrade that'll keep your tushy in tip-top shape without the need for toilet paper.
Tushy is a small biz founded in 2015 with the goal of promoting booty bliss and reducing wastefulness. Their line of easy-to-install bidets make is easy to go toilet-paperless and reduce overall water waste. Plus, a portion of Tushy profits go toward building community toilets in impoverished Indian communities.
It comes with everything they need to install their bidet in under 8.5 minutes! And there's a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if they find the bidet life isn't for them, you can get a refund and buy them something else.
Promising review: "This has been such a godsend!! As a Crohn's patient, this has helped me so much. No more wiping myself raw on bad days and feeling gross after. It leaves me feeling so clean. I've also found it helpful during my period. It has literally changed EVERYTHING about going to the bathroom for the better." —Alicia S.
Get it from Amazon for $99 or from Tushy for $99 (available in nine colors).
10. Or a wall-mounted Fohm dispenser if you're not ready to give up on TP entirely. It transforms any standard piece of toilet paper into a cleansing wet wipe for a more *booty-ful* clean that won't clog your toilet!
Fohm is a small biz launched in 2019 by a husband-and-wife duo that, after traveling the world together, realized they didn't have to choose between dry TP or "flushable" wipes that are bad for the planet and your pipes. And thus, their one-of-a-kind touchless system was born!
Once you have the starter Bathroom Kit, you'll just need to buy foam refills, which you can automatically have sent to your door every 6 or 10 months.
I have been living the Fohm life for the last several years and couldn't be happier with it! You get all the benefits of a wet wipe without the microplastics, plumbing damage, and waste! And you actually end up using less toilet paper than you would without it! Plus, it holds a charge foorreevvveerrr so you don't have to fear getting trapped on your porcelain throne without your foam!
Get a dispenser and a bottle of cleanser from Fohm for $79.
11. Pair it with jumbo rolls of recycled toilet paper with no inks, dyes, or scents that help build toilets for those in need (they donate 50% of profits). You can even opt to have it sent to your home, just in case 2020's traumatic toilet paper shortage has left you looking for a non-grocery store alternative.
12. A reusable stainless-steel coffee filter for the pour-over coffee lovers flying through paper filters — and hating it!
13. A stainless-steel strainer and saucer set so you can ditch your single-use tea bags (many use plastic sealants and aren't biodegradable) and indulge in an eco-friendly tea time with tasty loose-leaf teas.
14. A makeup-erasing cloth to gently — but effectively — remove your makeup with just a little bit of water. Plus, it's reusable! Once it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash.
15. Or a 16-pack of reusable makeup remover pads that are made from bamboo, which is gentler on the planet than cotton, and can be reused up to 1,000 times. That's a lot of makeup removed and disposable cotton rounds saved!
16. A pack of reusable Swiffer mop pads because it's a one-time purchase you can use again and again for dry or wet cleaning. Sparkling floors and a permanently shorter shopping list? Yes, please!
Turbo Mops is a small business that launched in 2018 on a mission to create top-quality cleaning accessories to help you get through your to-do list as sustainably and cost-effective as possible.
Promising review: "I got both kinds, the ones with the wrap around flaps for the regular green mop and I got the nonflap ones for the WetJet. They are made of a good quality material, well designed, fit perfectly, and are easy to put on and take off. They stick to the mop very securely, you don't have to worry about them coming off when cleaning, and when done you just toss them in the washer. I am so happy I started using these. They are saving me loads of money on those wet and dry refill sheets and saves the planet as well!" —Phoenix Hinton
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
17. A beginner-friendly menstrual cup for a one-and-done purchase you'll keep for years that won't fill up your trash or empty your wallet like other period products. Just imagine — no more emergency runs to pick up tampons because your period came early.
The menstrual cup factor that freaked me out the most was the thought of having to get up there and break the seal to take it out. So when I saw the Flex Cup, which is specifically designed to make that process easier, I figured why not give it a try. This is a purchase I would definitely file under the 'life-changing' category. Yes, there is a learning curve, but by my second cycle with the cup I felt like a pro. Even with the pull tab, taking it out can be a little messy (I tend to just do it in the shower), but it's definitely a more controlled experience than if it wasn't there at all. With my flow, I can leave my cup in for 12 straight hours without fear (can't say the same about tampons...), meaning The Flex Cup has made my period less awful. A true feat!
Get it from Amazon for $34.96+ (available in two sizes).
18. Or try a comfy pair of period underwear that'll make managing your flow as easy (and comfortable) as putting on underwear. These briefs have the ~absorbency powers~ of up to three regular tampons!
19. A pack of glass straws you can reuse again and again for all your sustainable sippin' needs! They're wide enough to easily drink your favorite smoothie (and cute to boot).
These straws come with two brushes for easy cleaning.
Promising review: "There is always a concern with glass. Is it sharp? Is it too small or too large? I have to say, I was very impressed. The glass straws are about the same size as a 'Golden Arches' straw so the size is just about right. The ends are rolled and polished for smoothness and durability. I can detect no difference in size between the straws — all are uniform and well-made. A very good purchase!" —Ron C
Get an eight-pack (four bent, four straight) from Amazon for $6.78.
20. And a portable travel cutlery set so you never have to say "Oh, I forgot my reusable straw at home" ever again! That (and a whole lot more) fits in the included storage case for convenient carrying.
Promising review: "Much better quality than anticipated! Utensils are sturdy and beautifully polished. I’ve been using these at work for the past few weeks and I love them! No aluminum/metallic taste at all like you would get with cheaper sets...I would buy again!" —Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine styles).
21. A rechargeable electric lighter that's windproof, splash-proof, portable, and just overall very nice to look at. No more empty plastic lighters in the trash with this around!
Promising review: "I got the three-pack, one for me and two as gifts to friends who are trying to reduce waste. We all love these lighters because a single charge really does last, we don't have to buy any more disposable lighters for the foreseeable future, and the length is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks. Getting used to how to place the arc on the wick and understanding that there was a safety timeout took me a bit to get used to but wasn't frustrating." —Salim
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four colors).
22. A roll of reusable bamboo towels if you're tired of wasting money on expensive, single-use paper towels. They're 100% machine washable, super absorbent, and one roll offsets up to 60 rolls of conventional paper towels so you can clean with a clear conscience.
They're made from organic bamboo, are machine-washable, and are SUPER strong! They can be used ~120+ times~ before discarding (ideally in your compost!).
Promising review: "Don't let the quantity discourage you, I cut mine in half! One half-sheet takes the life of dozens of sheets of regular paper towels and cloth towels! My regular cotton towels can't compete with one sheet of these bamboo towels! No lint left behind, it doesn't break apart in my hand, and is as strong as Magic Erasers, if you've tried them before! Not gross when you think on the lines of using rags, but one sheet has lasted over a week with rinsing with hot water and soap and hang drying. This is a game changer!!!" —Neela921
Get a roll (20 sheets) from Amazon for $9.99.
23. Reusable mesh produce bags to cut down your single-use plastic consumption at the grocery store or farmers market! Plus, these have a drawstring closure, which is way more convenient than standing in the middle of the aisle trying to knot the top of those flimsy plastic bags.
24. A compost bin for sustainable food scrap disposal that's sleek enough to keep on the counter, but doesn't have to stay there; it comes with a mounting bracket for the inside of cabinet doors!
Promising review: "I never knew how awful my metal compost bin was until I got this beauty! Easy to open with one hand, the bag stays in place, and it's lightweight. Everything that's wrong with the traditional countertop compost bin, this bin solves. Life-changing." —Emma
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles and three colors).
25. A 3-in-1 tool that does the work of a dust-removing garment brush, hair-busting lint roller, and heel-protecting shoehorn all in one. In this case, less really is more!
26. Plus, this patented pet hair remover if Fido's constant shedding has you flying through disposable lint rollers. This one is great for removing hair from large surfaces (like furniture) and uses bristles, not sticky tape, to catch lint, so you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again.
27. A three-blade all metal razor with a pivoting head so you can skip the disposable razors and invest in one that's designed to last you LITERALLY FOREVER with interchangeable blades that are 100% recyclable.
Leaf Shave is an eco-minded small biz founded by two Adams who set out to create a better razor that is also better for the environment. Their packaging is 100% plastic-free, and through financing initiatives to offset 100% of the company's CO2e emissions they've become Climate Neutral certified.
I know, I know — $80+ for a razor feels pretty steep, but plastic razors really add up over time and this thing is STURDY. When first trying to eco-swap my shave routine I tried a regular safety razor because it was a lot cheaper and I basically bled to death (kidding, but I did cut myself a lot). It works really well for some people, but I had really come to rely on the pivoting head of the plastic razors I learned on. So imagine my pure delight when I finally snagged one of these beauties and could return to shaving without all the cuts and blood. It's really easy to change the blades, and I find myself getting a better shave because I'm not putting off buying another razor like I would before. It really is a great investment that not only keeps plastic razors out of landfills, but all the plastic packaging they come in, too!
Get it from Amazon for $84 or from Leaf Shave for $84 (available in five colors).
28. A double-sided rechargeable hand warmer that'll provide your always-cold hands with up to four hours of on-the-go relief. It takes just two minutes to reach a toasty 107 degrees Fahrenheit, and is perfect for live sports fans or just anyone who doesn't have the patience to wait and shake those single-use hand warmers for what feels like ages.
It can also double as a little purse light when you have to dig for your keys in the dark!
Promising review: "I have trouble with my hands getting cold. I bought this for a trip because it was pretty, small, and rechargeable. It worked well enough that I plan to buy a second so I will have one for each hand. I was able to easily store in my personal item bag for air travel. It heats up rapidly and lasted as long as I needed it for walks in cooler weather. The built-in flashlight is an added bonus." —craftygirl1961
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in four styles).
29. A plastic-free food wrap made from biodegradable cotton and beeswax because, unlike plastic wrap, it can be reused for up to a year before needing to be replaced.
Promising review: "Wow, why have I not tried beeswax wrap sooner? I used this as a makeshift lid for my dog's wet canned food and it stays fresher for twice as long as when I was using foil or plastic wrap because those don't have a seal at all. This wrap is amazing, plus it has the added benefit of being eco-friendly. These last a year, so I will never have to waste money buying plastic wrap again :)" —Sarah
Get an assorted three-pack from Amazon for $18 (available in four prints).
30. A 99% plastic-free natural deodorant that's super affordable and actually works. It's got a barely there scent, keeps you fresh all day, and is free of any pore-clogging aluminum, parabens, and silicones.
31. A no-frills bamboo toothbrush with soft charcoal bristles so you can actually follow your dentist's orders and swap your toothbrush every three months without piling up more plastic in the landfill. Over time, this all-natural brush will biodegrade and return to Mama Earth.
32. And some all-natural toothpaste tablets if you're on the hunt for a plastic-free alternative to traditional tubes that leaves your mouth feeling just as fresh and clean as your conscience does when you reduce waste!
33. A tablet-based refill cleaning kit from Blueland — a Shark Tank alum — that'll have your surfaces sparkling with just a few swipes. Sidebar: who thought cleaning solution would ever be so aesthetic?
34. A pack of liquid hand soap refills in easy-to-recycle paper-based cartons to avoid buying pre-packaged plastic pumps every time you run out. These refills make it easy to reduce waste while enjoying the swoon-worthy aesthetics of a reusable decorative dispenser.
Cleancult is a small business creating a low-waste solution for household essentials like dish and hand soap that come in carton packaging that's broadly curbside recyclable. Plus, they carbon offset all their shipments!
You can use most any pump dispenser you'd like, but if you're in the market for some, check out Cleancult's two-pack of dishwasher-safe, shatter-resistant soap dispensers.
Promising review: "This liquid hand soap lives up to its billing. It is the softest, most gentle liquid hand soap I have ever used. It comes in easy to use 'milk carton' containers, which are very easy to pour into your bathroom décor liquid soap dispenser. I have a dispenser full of Cleancult liquid soap at every sink in my house. The best!!!" —redapple
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $27.99.
35. A reusable cotton swab for cleaning up your ears and cleaning up the planet at the same time by replacing 1,000 single-use swabs.
36. A plastic-free body lotion concentrate you simply mix with water to make you feel like a sustainability scientist, whipping up plastic-free concoctions with skin-nourishing benefits.
37. A pair of nonstick silicone baking mats so you can say "buh-bye" to single-use parchment paper and foil but still get all the slick, nonstick benefits.
38. Some plastic-free laundry detergent sheets for getting the same stain-fighting clean you've come to expect from your detergent without the bulky plastic jugs and messy blue goo.
Kind Laundry launched in the midst of the pandemic on a mission to reduce global plastic waste with their planet-friendly alternative to bulky, traditional laundry detergents.
Why did we ever invent liquid laundry detergent when sheet detergent is just so much better? It feels ridiculous that it's taken so long to make this switch. These squishy sheets are so easy to use, mess-free, and are MUCH easier to store than big ole jugs. I get closer to 120 loads out of a pack because I have a small washer and can tear the sheets in half. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable cardboard and I still get the same clean I've come to expect from regular grocery store brands.
Get a 60-pack from Amazon for $19.95 (available in unscented and ocean breeze).
39. These rosebud lip salves because this hydrating formula comes in cute tins that are easily recyclable.
40. These reusable Swiffer dusters for all the cleaning convenience of the disposable versions while helping the environment and crossing "duster refills" off your shopping list for good.
TS Designs is a Michigan-based Etsy shop that specializes in home products and country, rustic, and vintage-styled gifts and decor.
Psst — the seller notes that this works best with Swiffers with the yellow handle, but also is compatible with the blue handle. You should avoid using fabric softener when washing this duster so it won't lose its static cling.
Promising review: "Great washable duster replacement tops. They vacuum off and wash up easily, and they grab dust and cobwebs every bit as well as the disposable ones I was using. Considering it means putting a bit less into landfills and also saving money in the long run; I only wish I had bought these years ago, sincerely. Also, they shipped very promptly and arrived sooner than expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks!" —otherlings
Get a three-pack from TS Designs on Etsy for $11.45 (available in 10 colors).
41. A mason jar herb garden that's disgustingly cute and plant-murderer-proof. Each kit is equipped with a hydroponic system that regulates soil moisture — aka no scary guesswork. Just fancy, fresh herbs with every meal, reducing both food and plastic waste!
42. Reusable silicone baking cups so you can spend more time experimenting with new recipes, and less time at the store buying yet another pack of paper liners.
43. Some penguin dryer balls to cut down on long dry times and get you back to your warm, fluffed-up clothes faster. Plus, they'll save you from having to run the dryer multiple times. Your electricity bill (and the planet) thanks you.
Friendsheep is a small biz creating handmade wool home goods. Their products are handmade by Nepali artisans and are sourced from factories and cooperatives that enforce fair trade labor policies.
Promising review: "These dryer balls really are adorable and make the chore of laundry more cheerful. Be sure and follow the instructions to dry a load of dark clothes the first time you use the black penguin balls. After that, you will have no problem with using them to dry whites or light colors. Dryer balls really work and are a good investment. I am going to be giving these as gifts!" —Auntie m
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $32.
You making all these eco-friendly swaps in 2023:
