The Big List of zero waste swaps I use
Incase you're wondering what zero-waste items I have tried this is my all-encompassing list and a brief explanation of it I recommend or don't recommend it! This is only what I have tried so as I continue to buy more zero-waste swaps and try them I will keep adding them to this list!
Kitchen Items:
1. Reusable Produce Bags - Bed Bath & Beyond
I love these because they come in a set of multiple sizes and are easy to throw into my bigger reusable grocery store bags. I even keep my produce in them in the fridge (I own two sets of these).
2. Reusable Coffee Filters - Eco Roots
I just got these and they are easy to use like a normal coffee filter. I empty the grinds into my compost each day and then rinse out into a bowl in the sink to get clean. I hang it on my dish rack to air dry.
3. Paper Towels - Who Gives a Crap
I use reusable paper towels whenever possible but I always like to have some disposable paper towels on hand and these work great. Made with a blend of bamboo and sugarcane they're also extremely dense last awhile!
4. Swedish Dish Cloths - Ray's Reusables
I love the Swedish Dish Cloths as a replacement for disposable paper towels! These are super absorbent, easy to clean and dry quickly so they can be reused.
5. Stasher Silicone Bags - Earth Hero
I got a 4 pack of Stasher Bags to use in the kitchen as reusable baggies. They were pricey for sure but I've heard these are extremely durable and will last years so I hope that's the case with these. They also sell these at Target if you don't want to buy online.
Bathroom Items:
1. Shampoo / Conditioner (curly girl method approved) - Plaine Products (use discount code REFQM8RK4XMTP for $15 off your first order)*
This company is great because not only are their containers made out of aluminum, when you finish the product they mail you refills and you mail the containers back to them to be refilled and sent out again. I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week but I bought these back in July and it is currently January and I still have a ton left in my bottles!
2. Body Wash - Plaine Products (use discount code REFQM8RK4XMTP for $15 off your first order)*
I wanted to try this to see if I liked it better than bars and I think I do. A bar of soap I found could cost much less than this body wash but I go through it so much faster. I have already gotten 6 months of use of this bottle and probably have another month left to go. I found that soap bars usually only last me a month or so each and in the end cost the same or more than this body wash.
3. Toilet Paper / Tissues - Who Gives a Crap*
For the toilet paper I bought the 48 rolls for $48 since I have the room to store them, pretty sure these will last us a year at least. The tissues are nice and I like that they are plastic free, however they are a little rough compared to the kind I buy in store. I will continue to buy them though because they work fine!
4. Bamboo Toothbrush - The Gaia Trading Company
This is the second bamboo toothbrush I've tried and so far my favorite because of the bristles!
5. Reusable Cotton Pads - Marley's Monsters
I love using these for my skincare! I have two mason jars on the shelves in my bathroom, one for clean rounds and the other for used rounds. I put them in a mesh bag and toss them in the laundry with everything else to wash them, then lay them out to air dry.
6. Body Lotion Bar - The Earthling Co.
I love these lotion bars, especially for my legs after shaving!
7. Dry Shampoo - The Earthling Co.
I don't use dry shampoo on the reg during quarantine but I do enjoy this one, just use a makeup brush to apply to your roots!
8. Period Underwear - Joyja
These are a great replacement for pads and really nice quality! Buy a size up as they run small.
9. Menstrual Cup - Flex
This one is so easy to use with the tampon style-remover!
Laundry
1. Detergent Pods - Dropps*
These are my favorite detergent pods I have tried so far. I also tried Blueland's dissolvable tabs but they didn't dissolve in cold water and since it is more environmentally friendly to wash your clothes with cold water I wasn't a huge fan.
2. Wool Dryer Balls - Molly's Suds
Dryer balls are the perfect alternative to dryer sheets. They help your drying machine dry clothes more efficiently and they help reduce wrinkles and static. Plus they can last for years!
Other
1. Yearly Planner - The Green Dreamer
This planner I got heading into 2021. I love having a physical planner and this one is made from recycled paper and the cover is made from linen. They also had digital downloads available if you prefer digitally planning!
1. Reusable Produce Bags - Bed Bath & Beyond
I love these because they come in a set of multiple sizes and are easy to throw into my bigger reusable grocery store bags. I even keep my produce in them in the fridge (I own two sets of these).
2. Reusable Coffee Filters - Eco Roots
I just got these and they are easy to use like a normal coffee filter. I empty the grinds into my compost each day and then rinse out into a bowl in the sink to get clean. I hang it on my dish rack to air dry.
3. Paper Towels - Who Gives a Crap
I use reusable paper towels whenever possible but I always like to have some disposable paper towels on hand and these work great. Made with a blend of bamboo and sugarcane they're also extremely dense last awhile!
4. Swedish Dish Cloths - Ray's Reusables
I love the Swedish Dish Cloths as a replacement for disposable paper towels! These are super absorbent, easy to clean and dry quickly so they can be reused.
5. Stasher Silicone Bags - Earth Hero
I got a 4 pack of Stasher Bags to use in the kitchen as reusable baggies. They were pricey for sure but I've heard these are extremely durable and will last years so I hope that's the case with these. They also sell these at Target if you don't want to buy online.
Bathroom Items:
1. Shampoo / Conditioner (curly girl method approved) - Plaine Products (use discount code REFQM8RK4XMTP for $15 off your first order)*
This company is great because not only are their containers made out of aluminum, when you finish the product they mail you refills and you mail the containers back to them to be refilled and sent out again. I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week but I bought these back in July and it is currently January and I still have a ton left in my bottles!
2. Body Wash - Plaine Products (use discount code REFQM8RK4XMTP for $15 off your first order)*
I wanted to try this to see if I liked it better than bars and I think I do. A bar of soap I found could cost much less than this body wash but I go through it so much faster. I have already gotten 6 months of use of this bottle and probably have another month left to go. I found that soap bars usually only last me a month or so each and in the end cost the same or more than this body wash.
3. Toilet Paper / Tissues - Who Gives a Crap*
For the toilet paper I bought the 48 rolls for $48 since I have the room to store them, pretty sure these will last us a year at least. The tissues are nice and I like that they are plastic free, however they are a little rough compared to the kind I buy in store. I will continue to buy them though because they work fine!
4. Bamboo Toothbrush - The Gaia Trading Company
This is the second bamboo toothbrush I've tried and so far my favorite because of the bristles!
5. Reusable Cotton Pads - Marley's Monsters
I love using these for my skincare! I have two mason jars on the shelves in my bathroom, one for clean rounds and the other for used rounds. I put them in a mesh bag and toss them in the laundry with everything else to wash them, then lay them out to air dry.
6. Body Lotion Bar - The Earthling Co.
I love these lotion bars, especially for my legs after shaving!
7. Dry Shampoo - The Earthling Co.
I don't use dry shampoo on the reg during quarantine but I do enjoy this one, just use a makeup brush to apply to your roots!
8. Period Underwear - Joyja
These are a great replacement for pads and really nice quality! Buy a size up as they run small.
9. Menstrual Cup - Flex
This one is so easy to use with the tampon style-remover!
Laundry
1. Detergent Pods - Dropps*
These are my favorite detergent pods I have tried so far. I also tried Blueland's dissolvable tabs but they didn't dissolve in cold water and since it is more environmentally friendly to wash your clothes with cold water I wasn't a huge fan.
2. Wool Dryer Balls - Molly's Suds
Dryer balls are the perfect alternative to dryer sheets. They help your drying machine dry clothes more efficiently and they help reduce wrinkles and static. Plus they can last for years!
Other
1. Yearly Planner - The Green Dreamer
This planner I got heading into 2021. I love having a physical planner and this one is made from recycled paper and the cover is made from linen. They also had digital downloads available if you prefer digitally planning!
*Some of these links are my "refer a friend link" and if used may give me a discount on a future order
