31 Affordable Environmentally-Friendly Products Reviewers Swear By
Including unbreakable plates, a shampoo bar, and suuuuper soft undies.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. A set of three adorable, machine-washable Swedish dish cloths that are super absorbent and designed with a cross-hatch pattern for easier scrubbing. Each one of these can replace over a DOZEN paper towel rolls. The Brawny paper towel man is shaking.
Promising review: "I originally picked these up to use in lieu of nasty, nasty dishrags that invoke my inner THIS IS NOT CLEAN demon. Since then, I have used them for everything from cleaning the kitchen to wiping up spills. After use, just toss in the wash and they are ready to go again. They are the perfect size and do an excellent job on every task to which I have applied them. They come in a variety of fun prints and I have yet to wear one out. Paper towel usage has taken a real nosedive, which is a good thing given its relative scarcity at present." —sandra simpson-kraft
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.67+ (available in 12 prints).
2. Or a roll of reusable bamboo paper towels designed to replace six whole human months of them, since each one is washable and reusable up to 120 (!!) times.
3. A set of reusable silicone Stasher bags you can get in a ton of different sizes to help significantly cut down your plastic use, saving both your money *and* the environment. Plus, these work in more than just the fridge — they're freezer- and microwave-safe, too.
Promising review: "I have been using these for about two years and let me tell you, they look like the day I bought them! I was using them for school lunches, but now with the stay at home orders, I’ve begun making batches of rice and pasta and freezing those with these bags. They work great and heat up in the microwave beautifully. No damage to the bags at all! I actually ordered some more just to have plenty on hand since I’m using more of them now than in the past. I have tried other brands of reusable storage bags that got pitted and messed up in the microwave. These may cost a little more, but they are almost indestructible and last a long long time! Did I mention you can throw them in dishwasher? Just open the bag and fit it onto the upper rack spikes and they wash up great. I just shake them out and let them air dry. I’m not using plastic bags anymore! Thanks for the great product." —John S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four sizes and eight colors).
4. A pair of period-proof underwear with full leak protection that'll significantly reduce your use of pads and tampons, even if you're only able to replace them with these for just a day of your period.
Ruby Love is a Black woman-owned business that not only specializes in period underwear, but leakproof sleepwear, swimwear, and activewear (check out more designs on Ruby Love's website).
Promising review: "You have a loyal customer here with me, already placed a new order. The leakproof stuff in your products worked for me all day, one day at work. I got caught up doing overtime and worked from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. last weekend and wore the underwear all day. At about 3 p.m. with nothing and then I added the double-sided pad in for the rest of the night. By 8 p.m., I still had no leaks. I am super happy. I did not feel a thing and they were super comfy." —Tanya
Get it from Ruby Love for $19.99+.
5. A set of delightfully rainbow reusable metal straws complete with a traveling case and cleaning brush, so you can not only replace disposable straws, but do it with ~style~.
Promising review: "I bought these straws because I am very conscious of the amount of waste I create and try to do my best to minimize it. I just got these but I can already tell I love them. I love that they give you multiple different sizes, and they also include two cleaning brushes which makes cleaning them a breeze. I also just put them in the dishwasher if I'm feeling lazy. Great straws for the environmentally conscious!" —Kimberly
Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four colors).
6. Or a sleek, compact reusable straw keychain, so you can help save the environment AND make it that much easier to find your darn keys when you're rooting around for them in the abyss of your purse.
The container even comes with an itty bitty straw cleaner so you can get even more long-term use out of it — and, more importantly, a silicone tip so you can use it on warmer drinks or hot days that might heat up the metal.
Promising review: "I bought this in an effort to be less wasteful with the plastics and also because I can NEVER find a straw when I need one - and this knocked it out of the park!! The awesome oil-slick coloring on the straw? Amazing! It collapses and opens smoothly and the little telescoping cleaner brush is fabulous! Everyone in my office is jealous and now wants one too." —Ashe
Get it from Amazon for $5.95 (available in 10 colors).
7. A moisturizing semi-matte lipstick that's also vegan, paraben-free, nontoxic, and cruelty-free, and comes in so many tones you're bound to find your ~perfect nude~.
Mented Cosmetics is a Black woman-owned cosmetics line committed to helping everyone find their perfect nude, with all the shades of their vegan, cruelty-free products shown on models with different skin tones so you can get a personalized sense for which you'll love before you buy.
Promising review: "I have been on the hunt for a natural-looking makeup that has great ingredients and also that matches my skin the way I want it to. Every make up I've tried makes me look orange but this one was perfect. I love how natural it looks. It provides coverage without looking heavy and the name fits, it looks like my skin. Also their lipstick is moisturizing. I'm going to be buying more and I want to try their eye shadow. Wish they had mascara, I'd buy the lot and say bye bye to Sephora." —Angela H.
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $16.50 (available in nine tones).
8. A set of lightweight, degradable wheat straw plates that are also — much like Kimmy Schmidt — unbreakable.
They're also dishwasher *and* microwave safe.
Promising review: "Overall, fantastic plates! These are the best faux plastic plates I've purchased. There was no funky smell and they have held up time and time again in the dishwasher and microwave. They are also incredible easy to hand wash. The plates are virtually non-stick. Melted cheese couldn't even bond to these little BPA-free beasts. Great price. Great product. Great purchase." —Alison and or Grant Meyer
Get a set of three from Amazon for $15.99.
9. A sleek compost bin you can keep next to your kitchen sink, with an easy-grip handle and a flip lid that prevents odors from wafting out (I'm looking at you, banana peels).
Interested in composting but have no idea where to start? BuzzFeed made a super comprehensive beginner's guide to composting to help!
Promising review: "I love this compost bin! It is very well-designed. They actually tested all aspects of it. The one-handed operation is SO much better than having to lift off a lid like my old steel compost bin. The lid flips up/down very easily. The lid removes when you want to empty it out. The plastic inside is super smooth so there are no nooks or crannies for food to get caught. Most of the waste simply slips off and then you can just rinse it and you are good to go. I don't have to buy compost bags anymore either. There is no smell when it is on the counter. I was worried about it looking tacky on my counter because it is plastic, but is is so well designed that it even looks classy on my granite counter!" —Susan M. Millar
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two sizes and four colors).
10. A set of see-through mesh produce bags so you don't have to waste plastic using the ones in the grocery store.
Each of these is designed to last long enough to replace 1,000 (!!) plastic bags. You can also use them as small laundry bags, too!
Promising review: "Extremely happy with this purchase! Simple and effective. I love that they're not waterproof because I like to store small veggies, like snap peas and mushrooms, within the bags in the fridge; it keeps them fresh and avoids condensation. The drawstring doesn't have any type of locking mechanism, but they stay closed just fine from cart to checkout to home. I chose these specifically because they're super easy to see through, and the cashier doesn't have to open the bags to read the barcodes or see what's inside. Overall would purchase again, and hopefully convince my family members to make the switch too. Saves plastic, keeps food fresher, way stronger. You won't regret this purchase." —Juliann
Get a set of nine from Amazon for $12.99.
11. An eco-friendly laundry detergent you'll especially love if you have sensitive skin — it's made with natural, organic, and biodegradable ingredients (and even comes in a compostable bottle!).
PUR Home is a Black woman-owned, eco-friendly household product company that launched in 2017, emphasizing transparency in the ingredients both in its products and packaging,
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I'm thrilled to have found a laundry detergent that smells great, cleans my clothes beautifully (even sweaty workout clothes and dirty gardening clothes!), is easy on my rash-prone skin (it causes none), and is non-toxic and eco-friendly. I couldn't be more happy with this product!" —Melissa
Get it from PUR Home for $16.95.
12. A set of long-lasting Bee's Wrap food wraps that not only prevent food waste with a body warmth-activated wax sealing that keeps produce and leftovers fresh, but will save you money on one-use plastic alternatives, too.
Promising review: "These beeswax wraps are so much better than plastic wrap for storing hard and semi-soft cheeses. Now our cheese never starts getting moldy before we have a chance to finish it. We’re cutting down our plastic usage more and more, and these wraps are much more eco-friendly. (We just need to do more to protect the bees.) Closing the wrap is quick and easy. It takes just a second or two, using just some pressure and the warmth from your hands. As long as you remember to rinse these reusable wraps in cold (not warm or hot) water, they last a long time. So, although the upfront cost is significantly higher than plastic wrap, the per-use cost is reasonable." —Mr. Schindel
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $16.
13. A bamboo cutlery set that rolls into a tidy carrying case, so you can take it with you on camping trips or just keep it in your bag just in case (in this world of many delicious ice creams, you'll never regret having a spare spoon on hand, TBH).
Each set includes a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, straw, and a straw cleaning brush.
Promising review: "I love how high-quality these travel sets are and the affordable price just makes them better. I bought them to cut back on plastic waste when I eat out and keep mine in the car and send the other one with my husband to work. The toothbrush is a nice addition too. I like the soft bristles and it encourages me to brush my teeth after lunch." —Lisa Bragg
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
14. A bamboo face mask that's not only made with sustainable materials, but might actually help solve some of your summer mask problems by keeping you cooler in the heat.
This shop is donating a mask for every mask sold! Also, BuzzFeed has a guide to solve your summer mask problems like maskne, sweating, and running in the heat for more ~hot tips~.
Promising review: "Love this mask. I specifically was looking for something in bamboo and was so happy to find this shop. The mask is so soft and well made, the color is just perfect, and the service outstanding. Thanks so much!" —Donna Hoehle
Type Of Fit: Adjustable elastic ear straps
Pocket For Filter: Yes
Fabric Type: Viscose from bamboo
Shipping Time: Expected to ship in 3-5 business days
Get it from Bamboo Is Better on Etsy for $19.99 (available in three sizes, including kids, and seven colors).
15. A set of five reusable, machine-washable, rip-proof grocery bags to replace your use of plastic and paper bags. Plus, they fold into neat little squares so you can easily keep them in your car, purse, or bag!
Promising review: "I’m very impressed with these bags. I took two of them into Target today for groceries, and ended up only needing to use one. These bags can hold a lot of items. They are strong, easy to clean and fold up into the attached pouches within seconds. I store mine in my center console of my car. I have been promoting these to my friends and family, and they are already making purchases. These are worth every penny." —Cuesta Verde
Get a set of five from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 color combinations).
16. A pair of ethically-sourced underwear made with super-soft, earth-conscious Tencel fabric, which is produced sustainably from wood pulp.
Proclaim is a BIPOC woman-founded inclusive nude lingerie line based in Los Angeles that makes underwear and bras with an environmentally responsible closed loop production process.
Promising review: "I absolutely love the mid-rise brief. The tencel feels like a wonder fabric (breathable!) and these don’t ride up at all. I would highly recommend these to anyone and I can’t wait to buy more." —Joanna
Get it from Proclaim for $28 (available in sizes S-3X and four colors).
17. A set of reusable wool dryer balls to consistently lessen the drying time of your clothes, *plus* soften fabric, help prevent wrinkles, and pick up all the pet hair that has become an accidental accessory to all your outfits.
Promising review: "These wool dryer balls have replaced the need for dryer sheets and laundry softener, which saves me a lot of money. The Soft Sheep brand of wool balls is the best I've ever used as far as quality. They have made my laundry feel ultra soft and I love that it is an organic option. There are six balls in this package and they are extra large and work great. These balls are super high quality and I have been telling my family about them! Definitely recommend these!" —Jack
Get a set of six from Amazon for $7.99.
18. A set of chemical-free, naturally-activated charcoal and bamboo air freshening bags you can use to eliminate odors in your home.
To keep these super effective, you should leave the bags out in the sun for an hour or two every month, which helps remove the absorbed odors and moistures to activate so they can keep doing absorbing up more!
Promising review: "These work! Rooms smell fresher. I have asthma and multiple allergies, so air fresheners are toxic for me. Placed one of these in that bathroom, near the cat box, in the closet, and in the kitchen. It took a few days, but all damp and pet odors are gone! And they're these cute little, discrete, neutral bags that aren't covered with logos or odd designs. They fit in anywhere. Highly recommend!" —Ellemphs
Get a set of four from Amazon for $25.99.
19. A set of adorable animal-shaped silicone tea infusers to cut down on your single-use tea bags and the wrappers they come in.
Promising review: "These are the cutest tea diffusers I have ever bought! Super sturdy and come with a brush to help clean. I use these for loose leaf teas and haven’t had a problem, even when I placed one in still boiling water! Everyone who comes over fights over which one they get to use!" —Amanda
Get a set of five from Amazon for $19.95.
20. A vegan, ethically-sourced shampoo bar that comes in a compostable wrapper, so you don't have to use plastic bottles anymore (this one bar is enough shampoo to replace *three* of them, in fact).
Psst — Ethique has different shampoo bars for various hair types and scents, and also offers conditioner bars.
Promising review: "I was in the market for a shampoo bar to combat dandruff so that I could switch to something natural, vegan, and good for the environment. So I did my research and found the Heali Kiwi bar by Ethique, and I am so glad that I did. I've been using Head & Shoulders for years but it left me with lingering itchiness, dry patches on my scalp, and frizzy hair. This shampoo bar has been a godsend that has combatted all of those problems! I was skeptical at first, but I noticed a difference with my first use. It smells amazing, lathers well, and my scalp feels healthy and normal for the first time in years." —Danielle Bray
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in eight variations).
21. Plus an eco-friendly, compostable shower container to extend the life of your shampoo, conditioner, or regular soap bars by helping them dry faster after use.
Promising review: "I love this shampoo/conditioner bar case! Even though it is a little on the expensive side, it is worth every penny. Anyone who is new to using shampoo bars should know that it is important to have a container to keep the bars dry. If left in the shower, it will melt! Previously, I used a travel soap container, but I could not leave the other shampoo bar in the shower even in an enclosed container. However, Ethique’s container is a perfect solution as it allows water to drip from the bottom, thus keeping 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 $14.99 (available in six colors).
22. A set of biodegradable, compostable toothbrushes with soft charcoal bristles so you can have shiny teeth *and* a shinier planet.
Promising review: "For the past year I’ve really been trying to make better decisions for my family and the environment. I came across these and decided to give them a chance. I’m so glad I did! I’ve been using them for about a week and have found that they work just as good if not better than a regular plastic ones, but I don’t feel as guilty about throwing my toothbrush away as it’s biodegradable. The toothbrush has tons of small bristles which I believe work better to clean in between my teeth. Plus they’re numbered so you know who’s whose! It’s a bit different than my old toothbrush (smaller, no tongue cleaner), but there’s nothing I can’t get over. Great choice for people wanting to switch to a more earth-friendly toothbrush!" —Jordyn
Get a set of eight from Amazon for $9.99.
23. Plus a set of biodegradable dental floss picks, for those of us who have been relying on the plastic ones to get in all those toothy nooks and crannies.
Promising review: "I like that these are biodegradable as opposed to putting more pieces of plastic in the trash. They work well and are very handy." —Kindle Customer
Get a set of 200 from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two scents).
24. An assorted variety pack of compostable coffee pods that include Espresso Roast, Hazelnut, Colombian, and — be still my heart — Donut Shop 🍩.
Promising review: With Keurigs pretty much entrenched in everyone's office, I've been having trouble for years trying to find K-cups that didn't come out weak and watery. Even my DIY refillable cup wasn't really doing it. I was trying to find something a little more environmentally friendly and came across these. I have to say, I have been really pleased — all four flavors have a terrific aroma when you open the shipping bag and they are FULL FLAVOR every time — must be the nonwoven fabric bag they use that fully infuses the coffee. The Hazelnut is my personal favorite, but the other three are also excellent. No more wimpy coffee! Try one of the small boxes first and come back for a bulk buy!" —Justine
Get a pack of 80 from Amazon for $34.49 (available in two variety packs).
25. Or a pour-over coffee maker made of glass, cork, and a permanent filter — now you can have a *chef's kiss* perfect cup of coffee without any waste.
Promising review: "In my effort to slow my life down, I am choosing to make coffee in smaller, more 'hand crafted' quantities. It's paying off for me in a better tasting cup of coffee...and making me slow down and take more time with life. You can actually taste the difference in this coffee maker and pot at a time coffee. I am no longer making a pot, grabbing and gulping. I am now lingering in the making and drinking which adds to the enjoyment. Bought my daughter one too, so that she will start slowing down and smelling the coffee." —Deborah Daniel
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
26. A set of reusable, organic bamboo makeup remover pads you can pop right into the washing machine in a laundry bag that comes with them.
Promising review: "I am surprised by how much I love these! I bought them to replace cotton rounds and will not be going back. They are larger in size and I only use one to remove my makeup vs three to four of the disposable cotton ones. They wash well but I found that waterproof mascara took two washings to get totally clean. I throw them in the wash once a week. This package comes with 20 so I never run out of clean ones. I have also used them to apply toner, acid peels and to remove mud masks. Very happy with this purchase and will be getting them as gifts for friends." —Jennifer
Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $14.59.
27. A set of biodegradable, compostable sponges made with plant-based fibers that are hecka durable and won't scratch the surfaces of whatever you're cleaning.
Promising review: "I have been using these for a few weeks now. These sponges have held up better than the less environmentally friendly sponges I had previously used. I haven't tried to use these in my compost pile yet, but I am looking forward to it." —Jonathon
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $15.99.
28. A recycled gift wrap embedded with wildflower seeds the recipient can use to start their own lil' garden, so they're basically getting two gifts in one 🌻.
Promising review: "Writing this as the gift giver: there is enough paper in this box to wrap several good-sized gifts. The paper is easy to work with, and a good weight. I love the raffia ribbons that come with, and the gift cards that have instructions for the receiver on how to 'plant' the paper once the gifts are unwrapped. I LOVE the idea of this and am going to order at least one more box to have some on hand for future giving." —C. Keibler
Get a pack of four large sheets from Amazon for $14.99.
29. A chic vegan cork "leather" slim cardholder you can easily slide into a pocket (that is, when you're not showing it off).
Mind The Cork is a Black woman-owned Etsy shop that specializes in beautiful cork alternatives to leather goods.
Promising review: "I bought this for my dad who is hard to please and he loved it! It is the perfect size for him since he does not carry many things in his wallet. It is also small and thin so it fits in any pocket. Great purchase!" —Molly McGrath
Get it from Mind The Cork on Etsy for $23.96 (available in four colors).
30. A set of reusable swabs designed to be the last ones you'll ever need, whether you're using them on your ears or to touch up your makeup.
Promising review: "Been looking to get a product like this for a long time to replace the use of all the cotton Q-tips that I use and these are great! They come in a small little sturdy container and are all well made. These are perfect for travel and are very easy to use. They work just about the same as a regular Q-tip. They also are very easy to clean and seem that they will work awhile. I love that there are multiple swabs with different textures for different uses too. Great product." —Michelle
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors).
31. A set of compostable mailers for anyone who is sending lil' gifts to friends or runs any kind of small shop or business out of their home.
Wild Belle Apothecary is an Etsy shop based in Los Angeles that specializes in natural dyes, salts, and compostable mailers. Psst — this item is expected to ship in July!
Promising review: "Thank you for the quick shipment. These look like the perfect size for the items I'll be mailing. I'm excited to be able to provide the added bonus of compostable shipping materials for my customers." —Leigh
Get a pack of 25 bags from Wild Belle Apothecary on Etsy for $22.98 (available in multiple sizes).
You discovering it *is* easy being green:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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