When it comes to the topic of going zero waste, it is easy to get overwhelmed, and quickly! When you start realizing that disposable products are a mainstream part of every aspect of life, it’s hard to know where to even start. In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 super easy zero waste swaps that cost less than $15.
These are perfect for anyone who is just starting out with reducing their waste. They also make amazing zero waste gift ideas or stocking stuffers!
Let’s jump right in!
Just a heads up: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting me!
1. Reusable “Ziploc” Bags
There are SO many uses for these quick and easy little plastic throwaways – from on-the-go snacks, to storage for travel, to food storage, to medicine storage, you name it.
Instead of buying bags in boxes of tens, or even hundreds, buying a few reusable bags instead is a super easy zero waste swap that will last you a long time!
I discuss and review a few reusable bag options in my blog post.
2. Reusable Takeout Containers
I feel super guilty whenever a restaurant gives me styrofoam containers for my leftover food. Did you know that styrofoam may never completely biodegrade? Ugh.
There is a solution to that guilt! You can bring your own takeout containers with you when you go out to eat. If you tend to drive to restaurants, just get in the habit of keeping some containers in your car. That way you’ll have them when you need them!
Bonus: I’ve had so many takeout flimsy containers from restaurants leak or break on my way home, and that can make a huge mess. If you bring your own containers, you can make sure they are leak-proof!
3. Wool Dryer Balls
I made the switch from fabric softener and dryer sheets over to wool dryer balls about a year ago and I am in love with them. I bought the specific brand pictured above from Amazon.
These make one of the best easy zero waste swaps because you can literally swap one product for another and throw these in the dryer instead of your dryer sheets. You don’t have to change any habits.
Considering how expensive natural fabric softener is, these will pay for themselves extremely quickly. They really do keep your fabrics soft, while reducing wrinkles and static. They reduce drying time too – which is even better for the environment!
4. Tea Infusers
If you are a tea drinker, I’m sorry to break it to you, but your tea bags most likely contain plastic. So not only are you throwing away single-use plastic each time you drink your tea, but you’re infusing your tea with some plastic too, which is not ideal, considering the chemicals that can leach off of plastic!
You can find some tea brands that don’t include plastic in their bags, or you can go zero waste too and start using tea infusers. I have some just like the stainless steel ones pictured above and they’re really inexpensive to buy and very easy to use and to clean.
5. Menstrual Cup
I made the switch from single-use period products to a menstrual cup almost 10 years ago and I have never looked back! It might take you a cycle or maybe two to adjust, but in my opinion, menstrual cups are way more comfortable, practical, and clean than tampons or pads.
Plus, they make an inexpensive and easy zero waste swap! In the 10 years I’ve been using cups, I’ve only replaced mine once. That means I’ve saved a whole bunch of money, and a whole bunch of waste.
I like the Pixie menstrual cup brand pictured above, because with each purchased cup they will give one to someone in need.
6. Reusable Grocery Bags
I have purchased reusable grocery bags in other countries that I’ve traveled around with and brought home with me, which give me fuzzy feelings about the places I bought them. But you can get your own cheap reusable grocery bags in most grocery stores, or on Amazon.
I really like printed cotton bags like the ones pictured above, but if you’re more of a grocery haul for a big family sort of grocery shopper, maybe check out a bundle of bags like this one.
While you’re at it, get some reusable and washable produce bags, too!
7. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Instead of buying cotton balls or cotton pads in bulk to take your makeup off with, you can buy washable cloth reusable pads instead. The pads pictured above are made with 100% bamboo, so they’re totally biodegradable.
They come with a bag for machine washing, making them another easy zero waste swap!
8. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
For these, I recommend checking out the Package Free Shop. I purchased their shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and facial bar before traveling about two years ago, and I haven’t returned to liquid, packaged products since!
Extra tip: These bars can be slippery and messy. I got these little bags and soap holders, which I use at home and take with me while traveling to hold all my bars. I highly recommend them!
9. Reusable Cutlery for Travel
If you’re packing up some healthy road trip food, having a picnic, or getting takeout, say no to the single-use plastic cutlery, and get a cute reusable set like this one.
This easy zero waste swap is another one you can just stash in your car so you have it when you need it. In the set above, the utensils are made with bamboo and the straws with stainless steel.
10. Dish Rags
This one isn’t fun and exciting (except to me probably), but buying some quality dish rags to use instead of paper towels might be the most easy and helpful zero waste swap on this list.
I spent a year living in Airbnbs while traveling full-time, and I was always shocked and annoyed at how few of them stocked dish rags. In my opinion, dish rags are way better at wiping things off, they’re more absorbent, they don’t leave a powdery film behind, and obviously, they’re zero waste!
I’m super curious – what are your favorite easy zero waste swaps that didn’t make my list? Or, maybe you have a favorite brand for one of the products listed above. Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Love these easy zero waste swaps? Also check out these related posts:
- 5 Ways to Store Food without Plastic
- 18 Ways to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste
- 25 Ethical Clothing Brands for Women
3 comments
Nice post, great ideas!
I keep hearing about these dryer balls, I think I’m going to have to give it a try. Thanks for the list!
I really love them! I would highly recommend giving them a try. 🙂