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 $8.67+ (available in 24 styles).
2. A printed 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!
Based in Oregon, Marley's Monsters creates colorful zero-waste swaps for everyday paper essentials.
Promising review: "These are high quality and last through multiple washes and scrubbing. The item is exactly as described and had cute prints. These are my second set as my other ones lasted me about two years." —Jackie
Get it from Marley's Monsters on Etsy for $12 (available in four backing colors).
3. Or a pack of plant-based sponges if you're a disposable sponge loyalist, but not a plastic sponge loyalist. This one is specially cut to get into corners and crevices while being made from natural wood pulp with zero plastic or dyes allowing it to biodegrade over time.
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.
I was audibly excited the first time 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 (and remains) 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 — the sponge and packaging are 100% compostable! There's nothing to not like.
Get a three-pack from The Container Store for $7.99 or Sqwishful for $8.
4. A pack of refillable K-Cups you can fill with your favorite ground coffee to save loads of money (and plastic).
5. A spacious reusable shopping bag made from recycled ripstop that folds 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.
I can't and I won't shut up about my Baggu!!!! It was sort of an impulse purchase in a situation where I needed a bag, and I have gotten SO much use out of it ever since. It folds up tiny enough that I can pack it along with my other out-and-about essentials without hogging too much space in my purse — I bring it EVERYWHERE! It's massive and holds so much stuff, making it perfect for almost any impromptu shopping excursion. Because of its size, I worried getting the bag folded back into its small carrying pouch would be a struggle. It's surprisingly simple and very forgiving of a poor fold job. The fact that it wipes clean and is safe to machine wash makes it even more versatile. I've been known to lug bags of food scraps to my compost drop-off with it. If I were president, I'd make sure everyone had a Baggu!!!!!
Get it from Baggu for $14 (available in 20 colors/prints).
6. A pack of biodegradable hair ties because they're thick enough and strong enough that you'll actually be sad when you inevitably lose one. Comfort yourself with the fact that they can naturally break down over time, unlike regular plastic-filled ties.
7. A reusable Stasher food bag for making it easy to ditch those single-use plastic baggies! 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!
Promising review: "I use these for my kids almost every day, usually for apple slices or other snacks on the go. They are very sturdy and wash well in the dishwasher. The only one that hasn't lasted more than a year is one that my son purposely tore by ripping the sides." —thenoteshed
Get it from Amazon for $9.34+ (available in four colors and in additional sizes).
8. A stainless-steel strainer and saucer set to make tea time a zero-waste affair without single-use tea bags (many use plastic sealants and aren't biodegradable). Allow yourself to indulge in some tasty loose-leaf teas at home.
9. A patented pet hair remover that uses bristles, not sticky tape, to catch lint, meaning you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again. Fido's seemingly endless supply of fur to shed has finally met its zero-waste match.
10. A 16-pack of reusable bamboo makeup remover pads because they're 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!
11. Or a makeup erasing cloth so you can gently — but effectively — remove makeup with just a little bit of water. Plus, it's reusable! Once it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash. Makeup wipes, who?
12. A compost bin because it's a sustainable solution for 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 colors).
13. 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 $5.99.
14. A reusable collapsible coffee cup to make you feel like Mary Poppins, pulling full-on cups out of your teeny tiny bag and making those essential coffee runs a lot more Earth-friendly in the process.
Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers!
This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a incredible to have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too.
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in 4 sizes and in 24 styles).
15. A wild sage and vetiver shampoo bar if you're looking to cut single-use plastics from your haircare routine without sacrificing on the color-safe, nourishing quality you've come to know and love from salon brands.
Dip is a woman-owned environmental awareness brand creating top-notch hair care that's so good, being plastic-free is just a fun bonus. Products are made locally in the USA and are suitable for ALL hair types.
This is not only my favorite shampoo bar, but my favorite shampoo — period. I am not fussy with my hair, so I tend not to notice subtle differences between shampoo formulas, but even I noticed how much better my hair felt and looked after using this shampoo bar and the corresponding plastic-free conditioner. So soft and SO much less frizzy, even when I let it air dry. Don't be deterred by the price. My partner and I are three months into our first bar and there is still PLENTY of life left, so do yourself a favor and try it yourself!
Get it from Dip for $24 (also available in a travel size and in additional scents).
16. 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!
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 12 colors).
17. 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.
Promising review: "I just starting baking with these at Christmas time. They are great! They really save me a lot of money as I haven't needed to buy parchment paper to line my cookie sheets anymore. I use them to roll out sticky doughs also. I am a fan! They fit a regular size cookie sheet very well. They are easy to clean. I wish I would've discovered these sooner!" —Tamara white
Get a pair from Amazon for $16.06.
18. A portable travel cutlery set because, try as we might, remembering to pack a reusable straw or fork every time we go out is tough. Keep this compact pouch in your go-to bag so you always have that straw (and a lot more) on hand when you need it.
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 seven styles).
19. A plastic-free food wrap made from biodegradable cotton and beeswax that, unlike plastic wrap, 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 $16.99+ (available in eight prints).
20. A no-frills bamboo toothbrush with soft charcoal brushes 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.
21. 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.
22. A set of mix-and-match linen napkins if you're a messy eater looking to cut back on your paper towel consumption. These durable linen ones come in a wide range of size and color options to match your existing decor.
23. Some budget-friendly period underwear that makes handling Aunt Flo as easy as...well...putting on your underwear. This affordable pair can absorb the equivalent of two tampons so you can go about your day (or night) without fretting about unexpected leakages. Then just toss them in the wash between cycles!
Some reviewers recommend sizing up! For more info, check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord's full Bambody period underwear review.
Promising review: "I absolutely love these! It has saved me a lot of money because I don’t have to buy pads or tampons every 28 days. These keep my clothes, sheets, and chairs clean! No leaks! Can withstand both heavy and light periods. Super comfy and actually pretty breathable! I love them." —Mirae
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3X, sold individually or as multipacks in various colors).
24. A vegan charcoal dental floss with a refillable glass vial because traditional floss is great for your teeth but bad for the planet (it's usually made from petroleum-based nylon that won't biodegrade) and this bamboo fiber will break down in just 60 to 90 days.
25. A pack of reusable Swiffer mop pads for a one-time purchase you can use again and again on dry or wet surfaces. Sparkling floors and a permanently shorter shopping list? Yes, please!
Turbo Microfiber 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 $18.43.
26. 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.
27. Reusable silicone baking cups that'll free you up to spend more time experimenting with new recipes, and less time at the store buying yet another pack of paper liners.
28. A reusable stainless-steel coffee filter for the pour-over coffee lovers flying through paper filters — and hating it!
29. A dye-free Egyptian shower loofah if you're looking at your mildewy-smelling synthetic one thinking "There's gotta be a better option." You're right! And it looks like this generously sized, biodegradable alternative.
30. A 99% plastic-free natural deodorant that's super affordable and actually works. It's got a barely there scent that's fit for any and every body, keeps you fresh all day, and is free of any pore-clogging aluminum, parabens, and silicones.
31. A pack of extra-large dryer balls made from organic New Zealand wool so you can skip the single-use dryer sheet, cut down on long dry times, and get to your warm, fluffed-up clothes faster.
You reminding single-use plastics who the boss is around here:
