Every new year I go on a crazy zero waste kick to collect a few new items to add to my household that will help me save money as well as the planet. These are all my favorite zero waste swaps that I can’t live without. Being eco-friendly doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing, you just have to do as much as you can sustain, these are simple swaps that also do a lot to help the environment.
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Eco-Friendly Products Everyone Should Have
Ocean Bottle
Save the planet and your money with these amazing recycled stainless steel water bottles. Help eliminate single-use plastic water bottles by switching to reusable water bottles.
Silicone Baking Sheet Liners
Stop wasting your money on tin foil and parchment paper and start using reusable baking sheet liners. These liners will last you for years and you can finally scratch parchment paper off the grocery list for good.
Beeswax Wraps
Use beeswax wraps to store your food rather than using cling wrap. These wraps are environmentally friendly and can be washed and reused several times.
Stasher Bags
These reusable ziplock bags are the best zero waste swap. They are a little on the expensive side compared to other brands but they are the only ones that seem to last so they are well worth the money.
Reusable Straws
Replace your plastic straws with reusable straws. I keep a pack of metal straws in my car and also at home, that way I never have to worry about forgetting them.
Reusable Coffee Pods
These reusable K-cups will save you so much money, coffee pods can really add up over time. These reusable pods are a great alternative and are also biodegradable when it’s time to replace them.
Reusable Soap Bottles
Rather than having to purchase a new soap bottle, you can just purchase the soap. I love Elcove dish soap with its zero waste packaging and safer chemicals.
Reusable Sponges
I’ve replaced all of my sponges with these reusable bamboo sponges. When they get dirty I through them in the wash and they come out looking new again.
Reusable Dishcloths
Replace your paper towels and sponges with these reusable Swedish dishcloths. I use these to clean my counters and dusting around the house rather than running through a roll of paper towels.
Refurbished Cellphone
Cellphones create so much waste, especially considering people are encouraged to purchase a new phone every 2 years. I started purchasing refurbished iPhones 5 years ago and I can’t tell the difference but my wallet sure has!
Pela Phone Case
Swap your phone case for a biodegradable case. I started purchasing Pela cases years ago and I’m obsessed. They are so cute and amazing quality, I drop my phone way too often and (knock on wood) I’ve never damaged my phone.
Nada Toothbrush
Nada toothbrushes are my newest obsession, they have a beautiful sustainable aluminum handle and come with replacement heads. It’s way more cost-effective and the heads are so much better for your teeth than the bamboo brushes. Nada will also take back your old toothbrush heads and recycle them into pellets for new products.
Bidet
Bidets seem like a crazy item in America but I think they’ve become more popular since the toilet paper scare during the pandemic. They are so much better for your bottom as well as the environment and your wallet. They are a bit of an investment in the beginning but they last for years and will save you so much money in the long run.
Reusable Makeup Removers
Stop buying single-use makeup removers. They are so bad for the environment and such a waste of money, instead you should purchase reusable makeup remover pads or washcloths. There are so many great options to help save you money and the environment.
Wool Dryer Balls
Say goodbye to your dryer sheets and swap them out for wool dyer balls. I’ve been using dryer balls for the past 5 years and they are still in great shape. If you love the scent of dryer sheets then you can just add a few drops of essential oil on them to freshen up your laundry.
Leaf Razor
Razors are one essential that really add up over the year, I used to spend at least $100 a year on razor heads. The Leaf Razor is one of the best razors out there, they are quite expensive upfront but the razor heads are so much cheaper that it easily makes up for it.
Ditch shaving Cream
Swap out your shaving cream for body wash. I haven’t used shaving cream for at least 10 years and I get a silky smooth shave with body wash. I prefer Native body wash, it smells amazing and uses quality ingredients. The less you need, the more you will save.
Thinx Underwear
I have yet to switch from tampons to a Diva cup but I love the Thinx underwear for bedtime so I don’t have to wear a pad. If you hate wearing pads then these will be your new best friend, they are by far the best period underwear out there.
Reusable Lint Rollers
I love these handy little lint rollers, they create less waste and you never have to remember to buy refills. This zero waste swap is a win-win for me!
I hope you found some great zero waste swaps to help you save money and the planet. These are the simplest ways to make an impact on the environment without any sacrifice. Going green doesn’t have to be hard if you do it in a way that doesn’t have a negative impact on your life. Keep it simple with easy zero waste swaps that are going to help you save money in the long run.
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