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Little swaps that can make a big difference.
BuzzFeed Staff
BuzzFeed Staff
Sure, plastic shower curtains aren't really single-use products in the traditional sense, but they're not great for the environment. Even when it's time to replace them, they're hard to dispose of. Another, even more eco-friendly alternative are hemp shower curtains ($109). They're pricier, but sooo much better for the environment.
Promising review: "I've had this up for a month, in a shower that has very strong water pressure and is used at least twice a day, and I've been surprised by the quality. Water has not come through at all. As a matter of fact, the curtain has a kind of weird quality, almost like it's got some sort of waterproofing because if you move it at all, any droplets of water on it fly right off towards you. It doesn't have any weights on the bottom, but has not flown inward at all and stays put wherever you put it. Also, mine had strong metal grommets. I'd give it a definite thumbs up." —Rodney Nottingham
Get a polyester curtain from Amazon for $7.83 (available in 45 sizes and 16 colors).
Promising review: "Was skeptical at first. I didn't tell anyone about it to see if there was any negative reaction with a change from our usual product. No one said anything! When I asked, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Good thickness, didn't fall apart with cleaning, didn't need to use too much...and didn't clog the septic! Have ordered a second time.. as long as I can continue to purchase, this will be our family's choice for the future." —LLK
Get 12 rolls from Amazon for $22.99.
TBH compostable trash bags are not a perfect solution, but they're a great first step to reducing plastic when there aren't many alternatives. According to reviewers, these bags break down pretty easily — so don't use them in places with extreme temperatures or get them wet.
Promising review: "These work perfect for my small trash can in my bathroom AND my kitchen compost. We regularly use baby wipes and put them in this bag and so far, I have not experienced any leaks of moisture. I change the bag every Wednesday night/Thursday morning routinely so I am not sure how they hold up longer than a week. BUT my compost bin that I keep in my freezer has been in there for two weeks with no leaks or breakage due to the freezing temperature! I am pleased. Great price. Great product. The only con is that they are somewhat hard to tear off. But...I don't mind. Consider having someone pre-rip them for someone with limited arm/hand mobility." —Erica Marie
Get a 100-count box from Amazon for $15.95.
Fohm Co is a small biz that was launched in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Jerry and Alissa with the goal of redefining the flushable wipe industry with a system that is better for your butts, your pipes, and the planet.
My roommates and I have been living the Fohm life for the last few months and couldn't be happier with it! It was sort of difficult to find a good spot for the dispenser (a wall mount by the TP holder would be 10/10), but otherwise, it's perfect! We just keep it on the back of the toilet and you get all the benefits of a wet wipe without the microplastics, plumbing damage, and waste! Also, the charge on this thing is incredible. If you're decent about turning it off between uses it can last for MONTHS.
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 six or 10 months.
Get a dispenser and a bottle of cleanser from Fohm Co for $44+ (available in larger quantities).
An animated video Johnson & Johnson shared for their Care To Recycle program shows that 552 million shampoo bottles end up in US landfills every year — which is enough to fill 1,164 football fields!
Promising review: "I’m trying to be a little more environmentally conscious, and this is the second brand of shampoo bar that I’ve tried. I did not have high expectations, because the shampoo bar I was using before left my hair feeling dry and lifeless. However, I am absolutely thrilled with Ethique’s Spice shampoo bar. Just three to four swipes from the roots to ends (and I have short hair) and it lathers better than any traditional shampoo I’ve used in a long time. My hair is left feeling very clean, fast, and it doesn’t dry it out! Anyone who is new to using shampoo bars should know that it is important to have a container to keep the bars dry. Plus, I can feel good about using an environmentally conscious product that isn’t tested on animals!" —Kristin
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in seven scents).
The thing that freaked me out the most about menstrual cups 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. The Flex Cup has made my period less awful. A true feat!
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two sizes).
It also comes in a LastSwab beauty version with a pointed tip for eye makeup removal.
Promising review: "OK I admit it's not soft and plushy, but it cleans perfectly and you’re producing less trash considering I use one and so does my whole family daily!!!" —Jannette N. Joly
Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in eight colors).
Promising review: "The cotton bud quality is always iffy, so when I was looking to buy, I went outside the normal organic option and found these. These are awesome. The stick part is strong and doesn’t bend when you look at it funny and the tops are all on and work well. I was concerned about ‘bulk’ buying a new product, but I am happy with this product and appreciate that I don’t have to worry about this for quite some time. I recommend." —H Duhaime
Get a 200-piece pack from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "The material is great. It's soft but flexible so it feels comfortable to step on but also sturdy beneath your feet. I got a bigger size and it actually pulls the room together making my tiny bathroom look rather chic. Honestly, I think it's great and better for the environment because I don't have launder it every week." —JamieJo
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four sizes and in black).
According to Real Simple, one of the biggest environmental problems with makeup remover wipes is just how many we throw away — which is estimated to be 20 million pounds every day.
I bought one of these cloths after including it in previous posts, subsequently selling myself on it (hazard of the job). It honestly works better than I imagined! You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds. I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to washing it constantly. Plus, I just keep thinking how easy this will be to travel with since I always have a way of forgetting to pack makeup remover on trips. —Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $20.
This is our mid-priced pick for the best makeup remover! Plus, check out my colleague's MakeUp Eraser review for more deets!
Let's face it, periods cost us a lot and period poverty is totally a thing. Disposable pads are one of the less-taboo menstrual products out there, but they're still single-use and contain plastic (2.4 grams per pad on average). These cloth pads are reusable, though, saving you money and reducing waste.
Promising review: "I honestly really like this product. It’s a really good alternative to disposable pads and it’s a lot better for the environment. The pad itself is very comfortable and snug. When I first put it on it was obviously a new feeling that needed some adjusting. About an hour and a half later, I got used to it. It felt like an actual pad. Whenever I sit, I barely even feel it. The only downside is that it kind of arched up which caused a little leakage...Cleaning the product was really easy. When I first received the product I washed them in the washer machine and let them air dry. Cleaning them during my cycle was really easy as well. I rinsed them with cold water and a little soap and put them in the baggie. No staining at all. I would 100% recommend this product." —Raine
Get a pack of six pads and one mini wet bag from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 10 colors).
PSA: Charcoal can always be a bit messy, so make sure you're rinsing down your sink or tub after using this.
Promising review: "Scrub is fantastic. Makes skin very soft and smooth. It made my pores smaller, it made my hands softer too from using my hands to apply to my face. The clean and fresh feel my skin is left with is impossible to duplicate in any other brand I’ve tried. The scrub shows up dry, don’t be alarmed, it glides smoothly on damp skin. It washed off with simple water for me, although I’ve seen posts that say otherwise. There was not much of a smell like some charcoal scrubs, if anything it just smelled clean. Way better than Biore or Garnier brand charcoal face washes. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s worth it. And it lasts long time. Already purchased again." —Ethan Elsbernd
Get it from Amazon for $29.19.
Point blank, the bristles for bamboo brushes are not biodegradable. However, bamboo toothbrushes are still way better for the environment than your standard plastic toothbrushes. You can easily remove the bristles (with pliers or just snap the head off), and the bamboo will decompose in your backyard in five to 10 years (three if you bury it). It definitely makes a difference when you consider the average American will throw away 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime.
Promising review: "I was skeptical, but always hated the waste of plastic brushes. WOW! They have a nice finish, so the wood doesn't 'stick' like you'd expect. The bristles are incredibly soft, as my dentist recommended, and SO fine! It takes less effort to clean between teeth, because the bristles get in deeper, but don't hang up; or shed. They are also quite small, like the nicer brand-name brushes- so you can reach further back. I will be purchasing these again, and again." —Sarah Gibson
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.99.
This set comes with a reusable glass vial and a free refill. When you run out, there are more floss refills available.
Promising review: "Just tried for the first time and loved it on many fronts: eco-friendly, clever/practical/aesthetically pleasing design, and most importantly the quality of the floss is far superior to drugstore AND boutique brands that I've tried before. I'm very particular since I've got closely-spaced teeth and need floss that won't shred. This floss is strong and it glides easily between teeth without shredding. Totally worth a few extra bucks!" —Lee
Get it from Amazon for $9.49.
Promising review: "I ordered the Aquarius model and have used it twice-daily for a week. Guess what? No more bleeding gums! And after every use, my mouth feels like it was cleaned by a dental hygienist. Love, love, love this thing, and it's super easy to use! After reading numerous reviews here, I have to say that it makes a low, vibrating noise when in use, but it's not loud. Buy one. You'll love it. I'll never be without a WaterPik again!" —Nancy A. Keller
Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in five colors and two styles).
Leaf Shave is a small biz founded by two Adams on a mission to make shaving more sustainable with their all-metal, unisex razors that's are investment pieces designed to last a lifetime. Plus they're a carbon-neutral company, financing initiatives to offset 100% of their C02 emissions
Two years ago I bought an old-fashion safety razor in an effort to reduce waste from my shaving routine. Many cuts and knicks later, I accepted I'd never get the same cut-free shave I got from disposable razors with pivoting heads. But then Leaf arrived in my Instagram feed a couple of months ago and my life was forever changed. This razor WORKS! Once you get over the upfront cost, this thing is every bit as great (if not better) than whatever razor you're using now. The blades are super easy to replace and it looks like a million bucks sitting in my shower. I'll literally never buy another razor again! —Danielle
Get it from Leaf Shave for $113 (originally $124; available in two colors).
Promising review: "Great for shaving women's legs! I bought this to go with my new safety razor. Smells great, works up a great lather with just some water and rub either between your hands or directly on your legs. Highly recommend!" —Sadie M
"I have very sensitive skin and have used this in place of traditional shaving cream. Every canned shaving cream I have tried leaves my face very dry and razor burned but I feel that this product is more rich and moisturizing. I would recommend this to people who struggle with canned shaving cream drying out their face and those with a strong tendency for razor burn." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.79.
Standard synthetic loofahs are made from plastic netting. That's obviously not great for the environment. These sustainable loofahs are organically farmed in Egypt, and they're BPA-free, too.
Promising review: "Great natural alternative to cheap, plastic substitutes! The initial shape is (as indicated in the packaging) temporary as the sponge puffs up within the first shower or bath. In fact, I didn’t require the suggested pre-soak. Although the sponge is — by default — a bit more abrasive than a cheap plastic loofah, I was able to gently scrub my two-year-old’s body with no problem! But the best benefit was the fact that the product can be used for far longer than a plastic loofah without getting that foul, mildew smell and dingy texture. We will be never go back to plastic again! Overall, excellent purchase that has great results, is cleaner, and environmentally responsible!" —Jazz E.
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $16.97.
Dame is a small certified B-Corp based out of the United Kingdom that's looking to change the period health industry with their first-ever reusable tampon applicator, and a general commitment to creating sustainable yet accessible period products that are safe and effective.
The full kit includes the self-sanitizing reusable applicator, tampon storage tin, travel wallet, and six organic tampons.
Get it from Dame for $36 (and a subscription of 34 tampons for $12+ (available in four delivery frequencies).
Huppy is an Asian-owned small biz creating plastic-free toothpaste tablets out of sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients. Everything is vegan, GMO- and cruelty-free. Best of all? Huppy donates 2% of revenue to fund sustainability initiatives!
As with every area of my life, I'm always looking for more eco-friendly alternatives to the things I use every day. Toothpaste was next. I was familiar with other brands making plastic-free tabs, but hadn't found one that felt adequately cost-efficient — until now! I love how zero-waste the process is with Huppy. You get a forever tin (pick from blue or blush) and then buy refills that come in compostable pouches. The whole chewing thing can be weird at first (my boyfriend found it aggressively minty, I just think they taste like Altoids) but both of us got used to it pretty quickly. With water, the tabs foam up pretty instantly, and after that, it's just a normal teeth-brushing experience. In fact, I'm actually finding that not dealing with drippy toothpaste and tiny screw-on caps is actually pretty delightful. A cleaner process both in and out of my mouth. —Danielle
Get it from Huppy for $16+ (available in two sizes and two flavors; available in subscribe and save).
For their part to reduce the 1 billion toothpaste tubes that end up in US landfills every year, this toothpaste company uses recyclable metal tubes. They even include a metal key to ensure you're getting every last ounce of paste out. The tubes are lined with a food-grade, non-BPA liner to prevent the toothpaste from touching the metal.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this toothpaste. I bought it since it is the closest to a zero-waste toothpaste tube available, with the cap being the only plastic part. The key is very helpful to get the remaining toothpaste out. The taste of this toothpaste is great as well. I also don’t have any trouble using the metal tube. Wish this item was shipped completely zero waste, though the plastic cushions in the box from Amazon’s shipping were recyclable. Giving the product 5 stars for its eco-consciousness and excellent functioning." —Kittykatykat
Get one metal tube and roller from Amazon for $9.95.
Blueland's Mission page emphasizes their goal to eliminate over 100 billion single-use plastic bottles by starting with cleaning products. Their bottles are 100% reusable. To clean, just fill a bottle with water and drop a tablet in. No shaking required.
The Clean Up Kit includes three reusable bottles and either three or four cleaning solution tablets (depending on if you subscribe or not). Just drop the correct cleaning tablet into your forever bottle and fill it with water! That's it!
Promising review: "I love my new cleaning kit. It does the job, and makes my house smell wonderful. Everything feels clean, and I feel so good to know that I’m doing a small part to help the environment! I’m always looking for small changes because it can be so hard to adjust old wasteful habits, but Blueland has made it easy!" —Sarah G.
Get it from Blueland for $27+ (save 10% with subscribe and save).
Promising review: "I love the grapefruit scent and I love that it comes in a paper carton rather than plastic. Also easy to refill my containers from the spout on the carton." —Susan J Bookman
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
Rock Paradise is a small Chatsworth, California-based Etsy shop that works with cutters and miners around the world to create gorgeous home decor pieces and jewelry out of natural gemstones and minerals.
Promising review: "The coolest soap dispenser I’ve ever owned... so in love with this and will definitely buy more!!" —Gina Scarlato
Get it from Rock Paradise for $70.20 (originally $78; available in four colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.