Let me start by emphasizing: this is a SIMPLE list, NOT an EASY one. I have personally made these switches to reduce my negative impact on the planet. However, some switches take time to get used to, as they may require a little more effort than their wasteful counterparts. Whether you are looking to transform yourself into a zero-waste machine, or just trying to reduce your impact (like me), this list is the perfect start. Reduce – Reuse – Recycle.
1. Bamboo Toothbrush
This is hands down the easiest switch to make. Bamboo toothbrushes are just as good as their plastic cousins and should only need replacing every 3 months, as per the normal dentist recommendation. Most companies that produce these toothbrushes even use biodegradable / compostable packaging. Disposing of them requires a little bit more work than just tossing them in the trash, but it’s totally worth it. All that’s required is separating the bristles and staple from the handle with a set of pliers. The bristles can then be recycled, and the handle can be upcycled or composted (commercially or in your own home).
2. Tooth Powder
I get the “Fairy Dust” from Lush and can tell how much cleaner my teeth feel than tube toothpaste. Just dab your wet toothbrush in it and start brushing. The powder comes in a plastic pot, but if you return five of them to the store, you get one free AND they reuse / recycle them! I think it’s an awesome trade off. “The Dirt” is another brand that is next up for me to try! I’ll let you know how it goes.
3. Glass Floss Container with Silk Floss
When I began research on alternatives to plastic floss in the plastic containers we’ve become accustomed to, there are quite a few options. My personal favorite are the little glass vials that have silk floss refillable rolls (these are even packaged in paper).
4. Shampoo Bar
I have used my Lush shampoo bar for about 6 months now and it barely looks like it’s been used. Since the bars are one of their “Naked” products, you can pay a few dollars to get a reusable round tin that perfectly fits it. This completely eliminates plastic packaging! Wondering how well it actually works? Since I only wash my hair about once a week, sometimes I have to lather it in and rinse a couple times to feel completely free of gross-ness. But, after every wash it feels incredibly clean and smells great (I use the one called “Seanik”). Over all, it’s amazing, and I have no intent on ever going back to bottles. Plus, now when I travel I don’t have to worry about liquid quantities I can take without pissing off TSA!
5. Bar Soap
Going this route completely eliminates plastic bottles used for body wash and generally contain better ingredients for your skin anyways. It also uses the same theory as above, where one tin can be reused as necessary to contain your soap bars.
6. Safety Razor
Switching to a safety razor means only replacing metal blades instead of an entire plastic disposable razor (or even the plastic removable heads). Plus, the blades are recyclable!
7. Bulk Bin Food Items
I know these aren’t available everywhere, but I hope that one day it becomes the norm. Having certain foods in bulk bins allows companies to cut down on packaging, and consumers to only get as much as they need. Just bring a couple of jars or containers from home, and BAM, no more waste in plastic or food form.
8. Make Your Own Juice
Juicing pertains to everything from plain orange juice to custom healthy blends. Most of these come in plastic bottles, but some forward-thinking companies are at least starting to use glass. Even so, investing in your own juicer can reduce an incredible amount of waste. No plastic bottles, and you can compost (or do whatever you do with) any fruit peels left over.
9. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
A quick Google search for homemade cleaning products will produce hundreds of different recipes for all types of needs. What’s great about this is the fact that you’re using less toxic chemicals around your house in comparison to their commercial counterparts. Safer for you and your family while reducing the number of plastic containers floating around under your sink (you know the ones).
10. Reusable Water Bottle
If you have a reliable source of water, this is a pretty easy switch. Using a reusable water bottle can eliminate the use of hundreds of plastic bottles. I take mine while traveling, but it may be harder to find good water sources that don’t require any purifiers.
11. Take Out Container
If you go out to eat and take food home on a regular basis, this one is definitely for you! I use a medium size tin that fits nicely in my purse and package the food I want to take home in it. This helps avoid the Styrofoam containers that restaurants give us to take extra food home in, and potentially any plastic silverware.
12. Silverware
Keep a set of silverware (or bamboo ware) with you in the car or your purse so you can decline plasticwares. Also, when ordering food to-go, simply ask the restaurant not to include them with your food. Easy peasy!
13. Reusable Shopping Bag
Plastic bags are being banned in a lot of states, and some stores are offering more durable plastic options for sale. They may be cheap, but the impact is the same. One single reusable bag can take the place of hundreds of single-use plastic bags. This means you won’t contribute to the mass of floating bags on the road or dumping them into landfills where they’ll sit for many, many years. Just leave a couple in your car or somewhere where you won’t forget them when you go out shopping.
14. Reusable Produce Bags
The thin bags in the produce section, to me, are just as bad as the plastic shopping bags. Instead, pop a couple drawstring mesh bags in your reusable shopping bag to grab when you need any fruit or veggies! They come in many sizes and are especially helpful when going to farmers’ markets.
15. Silicone Sandwich Bag
Using these instead of Ziplocs can seem like a semi-daunting task at first. They require cleaning after use and remembering to bring them back instead of tossing them in the can. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it! I personally use Stasher Bags, which you can even use to cook in! They come in many different sizes for every occasion. Their email list even includes some sweet recipes.
16. Beeswax Food Wraps
I wasn’t entirely sold by this one since I don’t use plastic wrap or tin foil very often, but then I realized that that’s an even better reason to use beeswax wraps! They’re washable and reusable for the times when you don’t need a bag but still need to keep something covered. Especially jars or bowls that don’t have lids.
17. Reusable Cup / Mug
Any coffee addicts out there? One reusable coffee cup or mug can replace around 500 single-use coffee cups per year. That’s a lot of coffee! I know it’s easier for at-home use, but bringing them to your local coffee shop is a breeze. As an added bonus, a lot of coffee shops even offer a discount for bringing your own cup!
18. Metal / Glass Straw
I keep my metal straw with my utensils in their case. Just ask the restaurant or other establishment for no straw when ordering drinks. One of these bad boys can replace 540 plastic straws a year!
19. Cloth “Paper” Towels
There are literally cloth towel rolls (like these SUPER cute ones on Etsy) that you can purchase which are the closest thing to having an actual paper towel roll, or just opt for a single towel. Instead of paper towels that you toss after one use, you just have to throw your cloth towels in with the laundry you’ll already be doing. Just having one cloth towel can replace over 7,000 paper towels! Imagine the savings for your wallet as well as the planet!
20. Menstrual Cup
Ladies, let’s be real. Tampons and pads are expensive, space consuming, and just plain annoying. Switching to a menstrual cup has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, especially for travel. Only needing to empty it every 12 hours, you can put it in when you wake up, and not have to worry about it until you’re getting ready for bed. Plus, it’s a small item to pack, and beats using up valuable space for a million tampons or having to search for more in a strange land.
Hit me up in the comments below with some of your favorite ways to reduce waste! Or if you’re looking for lists on low-waste travel, check out my packing lists archive!
REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE
Enjoy this? Pin it for later!
*This post may contain affiliate links that can result in a commission to me, at no extra cost to you. Read my Disclosures page for more info.*