The 15 Most Practical Zero Waste Products for Sustainable Living
Living a sustainable and zero waste lifestyle can seem overwhelming. Let's look at a few products that have helped me reduce my waste over the years.
From reusable straws to bamboo toothbrushes, there are plenty of options available to help you cut down on waste.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best zero waste products that you can use in your daily life featuring a few of my favorites!
Pin these practical low waste swaps for later!
So whether you're looking to save some money or simply want to do your part for the environment, be sure to check out this list!
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What are Zero Waste Products?
Zero waste products are items that can be reused, composted, or recycled easily. They help reduce the amount of trash we create and keep materials out of the landfill.
The main idea behind these products is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics, which has a huge environmental impact.
15 of the Best Zero Waste Products
These are some of my personal favorite zero waste swaps with specific product recommendations of what I use! Starting a zero waste journey can be intense, so here are a few suggestions to make living a low waste lifestyle a bit easier.
Remember that you don't have to be perfect to be part of the zero-waste movement! We're all just doing the best we can.
Swap Plastic Straws for Metal straws
Metal straws have been gaining in popularity as a way to ditch single-use plastic straws. These straws are typically made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
In addition to helping protect the environment, metal straws make for a great party accessory - many come with bright colors and fun designs.
Furthermore, metal straws can be reused and select straws are dishwasher safe. Metal straws usually start around $5 each making this an affordable zero waste product to purchase.
I personally have a few different reusable straws. I love the Collapsible Travel Straw from Final Straw. This one you can easily keep on your keychain and bring it out whenever you need it.
Once you're done drinking it easily folds back into the container, so that nothing else in your bag gets wet. Then once you're home you can quickly clean it and it's ready to reuse again.
I also have a few Boba Stainless Steel Straws.
Reusable Produce Bags
Plastic produce bags are one of the most common types of single-use plastics found in grocery stores. Switching to reusable produce bags is a great way to reduce your plastic waste while still keeping your fruits and vegetables safe and fresh.
Reusable bags come in a variety of materials such as cotton, hemp or even mesh, making them lightweight. I personally use organic cotton reusable produce bags. These also typically start at $5 for a set of bags, so this is another affordable zero waste swap!
Swap Out Toilet Paper for a Bidet
Reduce your toilet paper use with a bidet! Many countries around the world use a bidet to clean themselves, and it’s much more eco-friendly than toilet paper.
Using just 1 pint of water each time, Hello Tushy makes bidet attachments for your existing toilet, so you can feel squeaky clean in no time. Plus, every Tushy sold helps to build clean toilets for urban and rural poor around the world.
I've personally been using Hello Tushy's Classic 3.0 Bidet and I love it works! My husband and I were easily able to install the bidet to our regular toilet!
Silicone Bags for Food Storage
Silicone bags are quickly becoming the go to alternative for plastic ziplock bags. Not only do they help reduce waste by eliminating the need for single-use bags, but they are also an environmentally friendly alternative compared to their plastic counterparts.
Silicone bags are made from non-toxic material, so they are a safe option when keeping food in long-term storage or transporting it between places.
They are also incredibly durable and tear-resistant, making them perfect for stowing away snacks or even packing your lunch!
Despite these practical uses, Silicon Bags have plenty of fashionable options available too; with vibrant colors, cute prints and fun designs, you can customize your bag to make a statement while doing something good for the environment.
I personally use the Stasher bags. These have been incredible quality. They've been durable, lasted for years, and are easy to clean as they're dishwasher safe.
I've used these to keep my food fresh as a low was kitchen swap AND to carry some toiletries when I traveled as a zero waste travel swap.
Ditch the Plastic Bottle & Switch to Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Make your personal care routine a bit more sustainable with shampoo and conditioner bars. Conventional shampoo and conditioner bottles are wasteful and take up a lot of space in the shower. An increasingly popular solution to this problem is shampoo and conditioner bars.
Shampoo and conditioner bars are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that don’t require packaging - cutting down on plastic waste significantly. As an added bonus, these bars are typically more concentrated than their liquid counterparts, meaning that a single bar can last longer than a bottle.
Furthermore, many sustainable shampoo bars are typically vegan-friendly and free from harsh chemicals, making them a great option for those looking to make conscious choices about what they put on their hair. If you’re looking to reduce your plastic consumption and give your hair some extra TLC this is a great swap.
I personally use shampoo bars from Corvus Botanicals, EcoRoots, and Zero Waste Outlet. Shampoo and conditioner bars vary in price depending on where you shop, but they're usually around $13-$15.
Ditch the Plastic Wrap for Beeswax Wrap
This is one of my favorite zero waste kitchen products. Beeswax wraps are a sustainable, reusable alternative to plastic wrap. These wraps are made from a combination of organic cotton and beeswax, which is great for keeping food fresh without the need for single-use plastics.
The wax coating creates an airtight seal to help keep moisture in and oxygen out, making it perfect for storing and transporting food. Plus, the wrap is washable and reusable, making it a great zero-waste option.
I personally use 3Huggers and Bee's Wrap. Both of these brands have created high quality products that have helped my food last free from plastic. Beeswax wrap sets can usually be purchased for around $20.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is a great way to make periods more sustainable. Unlike traditional pads and tampons, period underwear is made from soft and breathable fabric, making them much more comfortable than disposable menstrual products.
Furthermore, unlike these products which create waste that can take hundreds of years to degrade, period underwear can be washed and reused. I've been using period underwear for years and this has been one of my favorite zero waste swaps.
Period underwear usually ranges from $30-$40 which can seem expensive at first glance. However, think of how much money you will save not having to purchase pads.
Reduce Your Food Waste with a Compost Bin
Composting is a great way to reduce household waste and provide valuable nutrients for your garden. A compost bin makes it easy to collect organic material such as food scraps, leaves, paper and more in one place.
The compost bin is then sealed off from the environment, allowing the natural decomposition process to occur without producing odors or attracting.
I personally use the Full Circle Odor Free Compost bin. We’ve had ours for two years and have been so pleased.
It comes apart allowing certain parts to go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. And it really is odor free.
This compost bin can be purchased for around $30.
Indoor compost machines are also a good option for people who do not have access to curbside composting or backyard composting.
When I lived in a small apartment I used the FoodCycler which was great!
Zero Waste Deodorant
Deodorant is one of those daily essential items that often comes in a non-recyclable plastic container. Zero waste deodorants come in eco-friendly packaging, such as cardboard or glass containers, and are made with natural and organic ingredients free from harsh chemicals.
These sustainable deodorants are usually free from aluminum, parabens and phthalates, so you can feel good about using them. Plastic free deodorants can usually be purchased for $15-$30 and depending on the type last a long time.
In my daily routine I use Native’s Plastic Free Deodorant which comes in a compostable container. I've also heard great things about Meow Meow Tweet deodorant and EcoRoots deodorant.
Swap Liquid Soap for Bar Soap
Say goodbye to wasteful plastic bottles and containers, and say hello to bar soap! Bar soap is a great way to reduce packaging waste while still getting clean.
Plus, it's a convenient way to quickly lather-up without the hassle of pumps or bottle caps. Bar soap can be a pretty affordable swap with soaps starting at $4.
There are plenty of bar soap options available, from natural organic-based soaps to luxury bars that provide a luxurious spa experience.
I personally use bar soap from EcoRoots and Whispering Winds.
Ditch Single Use Plastic Bottles with a Reusable water bottle
Carrying around a reusable water bottle is an excellent way to stay hydrated and help protect the environment. Not only are reusable water bottles sturdier than disposable bottles, they don't contribute to our mounting plastic waste problem.
Using a reusable water bottle also reduces the amount of money spent buying single-use bottles and prevents you from needing to find a recycling bin - saving time as well as resources.
Reusable water bottles are usually a pretty affordable swap and range in price depending on the water bottle brand. I personally use a Hydro flask water bottle!
Reusable Cutlery
Take this zero-waste kitchen item with you! Plastic utensils and straws are some of the most common single-use items that we use on a daily basis. Switching to reusable cutlery and straws is an easy way to reduce your plastic waste while still enjoying your meals.
Keep your reusable cutlery in your backpack or purse, so you can pull it out whenever you’re eating on the go. I personally have a bamboo cutlery set which has been great. Reusable cutlery sets can usually be purchased for $10-$15.
Reusable coffee mug
Reusable coffee mugs are a fantastic way to reduce your environmental footprint. Unlike disposable cups which accumulate landfill waste, reusable mugs can be washed and reused hundreds of times, thus preventing unnecessary waste production.
Not only is this beneficial for the environment, but it often saves you money since most coffee shops offer discounts for customers who bring their own mug.
Furthermore, reusable mugs are also incredibly convenient—they come in all shapes and sizes to fit your individual needs, so you can take your favourite beverage with you on the go without any mess or fuss!
If you're serious about reducing waste and saving money while still enjoying a hot cup of joe, investing in a reusable mug is definitely the way to go.
I’ve enjoyed the Stojo cup which is a collapsible travel coffee mug. It fits in my bag and easily pops up when it’s coffee time.
Leave Single-Use Plastic Bags Behind with Reusable grocery bags
Using reusable grocery bags is an effective way to reduce plastic waste in our environment. Studies have shown that replacing disposable plastic bags with reusable ones can drastically reduce litter, decrease plastic pollution, and ultimately help maintain a healthy world.
Reusable grocery bags are designed to last for months or even years, significantly reducing the amount of extra single-use plastic we produce.
Not only will this benefit the environment, but it can benefit shoppers too as more stores these days offer rebates for bringing your own bag when shopping! It is easy to craft your own sustainable lifestyle by investing in reusable grocery bags.
I personally use old Ikea bags that I’ve purchased over the years! You can find reusable grocery bags just about everywhere.
Swap Your Plastic Toothbrushes for Bamboo toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are becoming more popular with people interested in making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
For the environmentally conscious consumer, bamboo toothbrushes replace plastic handles with a renewable and biodegradable choice, reducing plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Most bamboo toothbrushes feature an inexpensive price point ranging $5-$10. Public Goods has a great option for bamboo tooth brushes
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are a great way to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the laundry room. Made from sustainably sourced wool, these dryer balls help clothes dry faster and fluff up fabrics for softer clothes.
Plus, they can be reused for years, making them a great zero-waste laundry option. AND they’re compostable at the end of their lifecycle. I’ve been using wool dryer balls for years and they work so well!
Block Dish Soap
This zero waste alternative will make your dish washing more sustainable. Block dish soap is a solid, concentrated form of dishwashing liquid that eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles.
This type of soap typically comes in bar or tablet form and looks like a bar of soap. Dissolve it in hot water, rub the solution on your dishes and rinse them off with cold water -- dishes done plastic free! Dish soap blocks can usually be purchased for $10-$15 and last a long time.
Where to Buy Zero Waste Products?
When swapping zero waste products it can be overwhelming knowing where to shop! The online zero waste stores below have some great sustainable products and are a good resource when looking for eco-friendly products.
These are only a few of the many items that you can swap out in your daily life in order to reduce your plastic consumption! By making small changes like these, we can collectively make a large impact on the planet.
Do your part today and make a few zero waste swaps! Hopefully this guide gave you some good ideas on where to find sustainable alternatives and how to kick start your zero-waste lifestyle.
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