13 Easy Eco-Friendly Everyday Swaps to Reduce Waste

Innovative, reusable plastic-free products can now replace many of the not so eco-friendly items we use in our daily routines. There are plenty of easy, affordable swaps you can make to help you live a more sustainable life. Being eco-friendly doesn't have to be expensive or difficult; it just takes a little bit of a lifestyle change and breaking old habits. From razors and cotton pads to coffee cups and reusable cling wrap - the 13 items on this list are accessible, environmentally responsible, and ultra-convenient.

1. Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

There’s no need for plastic wrap (AKA wrestling with that flimsy roll of cellophane) or foil anymore with these washable, reusable food savers! Use them to save leftovers, fruit halves, or anything else! All you need is the warmth of your hand to mold these wonders. Simply wash with cool water and mild soap, and reuse for a year. When you’re done, add them to your compost! Simple as that.

2. Portable Collapsible Silicone Coffee Mug

Even paper coffee cups can't be properly recycled because of their plastic coating. Take this easy-to-carry, cup o' joe, on the go for your daily dose of caffeine. It’s small enough to store in purses, front pockets of backpacks, and even fanny packs. Plus, get a discount at café’s for bringing your own mug!

3. Double Wall Insulated Water Bottle

Did you know over 2 million tons of plastic bottles are tossed out (not recycled) every year? Swap pricey disposable plastic water bottles for this better, reusable option that will keep your beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.

4. Cotton Canvas Tote Bags with Pockets

Ah, the infamous plastic grocery bags. Something that we use on average for 20 minutes, but when discarded in a landfill or the ocean, they can take up to hundreds of years to decompose. Next time you're heading to the grocery store reach for these large tote bags instead. They are easy on the eyes and built to last.

5. Cotton Mesh Reusable Produce Bags & Muslin Bulk Bags

Next time you're heading to the grocery store or local farmers market, don’t reach for those pesky hard-to-open bags! Use these cotton mesh product bags and cotton muslin bags for all of your produce and bulk shopping. The tare weight is written on the tags!

6. Silicone Sealer Bags

From school lunches to leftover pasta, store any food you would put in traditional single-use zip lock baggies in these heat and cold resistant silicone sealer bags. They do everything your traditional plastic baggies do and more. Never worry about them leaking as they’re crafted with food-grade silicone. They stand up, making them easy to fill. Not to mention they’re easy to wash, endlessly reusable… what’s not to love?

7. The Munchie Box

Store all of your lunch favorites for work, or pack your kids a fun, durable bento box for school. Bring one of these Munchie Boxes along with you when you eat out, for takeout or leftovers! Say goodbye to singe-use to go boxes (and that nasty styrofoam) for good!

8. Bamboo Cutlery Set

Use this smart, durable bamboo cutlery set anytime you would use plastic forks, spoons, or knives. Carry this convenient and lightweight kit in your bag next time you're at a picnic, bbq, party, or fast food joint.

Tip: When ordering takeout, ask them to leave out the plastic cutlery.

9. Double Edge Safety Razor With Bamboo Handle

Did you know sustainable shaving was a thing? Our ancestors did it best! This eco-friendly safety razor shaves like a dream and produces zero waste. All you need to replace is the blade, and recycling them comes easy when you collect them in a little jar. You’re wallet will also thank you for not buying disposable razors. Cha-ching!

10. Bamboo Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles

These biodegradable toothbrushes are the perfect alternative to classic plastic toothbrushes that continually litter our landfills and oceans. Plus, the charcoal infused soft-medium bristles do wonders for your teeth and gum health! Just make sure to remove the bristles before composting the bamboo handle. For extra eco brownie points, repurpose the toothbrushes to clean dirty shoes or the small crevices around your sink faucet.

11. Biodegradable Zero Waste Corn Floss

Keep your pearly whites minty fresh and squeaky clean with this vegan, sustainable alternative to plastic floss. Typical floss is made of synthetic polymers, otherwise known as plastic, that ends up in the trash. Instead, put this plant based floss in your compost bin when you’re done!

12. Bamboo Cotton Rounds

Gently wipe away all traces of makeup, buildup, and oils on the skin. These reusable cotton rounds are the perfect alternative to disposable cotton pads. Saving on trips to the drugstore, cash, transportation emissions, AND production emissions?! Count us in.

13. Plant-Based Cleaning Brush Set

Scrub away germs in the bathroom, wash the dishes, and even clean fruits and veggies. This set will leave multiple rooms in your home as clean as a whistle, without hurting the environment.