13 Zero Waste Swaps to Kick off Your Sustainable Journey

Single-use plastic bags are the arch-enemy of zero wasters. They are a threat to marine species and eventually infiltrate our food chain as microplastics. It’s about time you ditch them for good!

Swap single-use plastic bags with reusable produce bags by purifyou. Their planet-friendly bags are flexible and lightweight. Available in three different sizes, the bag comes with tare weight tags and beaded drawstrings. 

The durable mesh design is perfect to use for anything that life calls for! Additionally, you will get two FREE Fish keychains (handcrafted from American maple wood), so you will never forget to bring your purifyou bag to the grocery store.

Say hello to saving the planet in style!

Plastic lunch boxes are often made from a toxic chemical, BPA, that can leach into your food and cause some serious health issues upon prolonged exposure. This zero waste swap is healthy for you and the planet alike! 

Whether you’re a working parent, a 9-to-5 hustler, or a student, you can have a healthy and sustainable lunch on the go with this plastic-free lunch kit by ECOlunchbox. 

The entire set comprises of three stainless steel containers with silicone lids, a bamboo spork, and a linen napkin. It is non-toxic, reusable, lightweight, and easy to carry.

A reusable bag is like a panacea for the plastic bag problem. You don’t have to worry about plastic waste cluttering at your home or the landfill. Besides, they are so stylishly sustainable! 

This ethically crafted tote bag by Everything Bags Inc will inspire you to change your bag habits. The casually chic design is perfect for carrying all the daily essentials while you’re out and about. 

Made by plant-based fiber, the bag is reusable, biodegradable, and leaves a minimal carbon footprint. Additionally, the ink used for printing is 100% azo-free and water-based.

A bag ethically crafted by women for women. 

Tangie Laundry Concentrate is like the current liquid laundry soap you use, just without the chemicals and plastic bottle waste. 

It is a paste concentrate-to-liquid formulation you dissolve at home using water and your own container. Refill your same container forever! No more tossing out big old’ plastic laundry jugs. 

Each waste-free laundry detergent bar dilutes to make enough liquid, plastic-free laundry soap to wash up to 256 loads. You can refill the same container and drastically reduce your plastic-waste at home. 

It is a budget-friendly zero waste swap!

Wool dryer balls are an all-natural, non-toxic alternative to dryer sheets. The latter removes static cling but releases chemicals in the process.

Woolzies dryer balls, on the other hand, naturally soften laundry by bouncing around in the dryer. The fluffy balls create space in the clothes, thus, allowing warm air to dry clothes and reduce energy usage. 

Woolzies set of six dryer balls contains extra-large unscented wool dryer balls made from pure, organic New Zealand wool. This sustainable product contains no fillers, additives, or chemicals. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. They typically last for two years or more.

Plastic cutlery is a terrible waste! It usually cannot be recycled due to its small size, yet approximately 40 billion plastic utensils are tossed in landfills every year. 

Switching to bamboo cutlery by Unpacked Living is not only eco-friendly but also convenient to use. The set consists of a knife, a spoon, a bamboo straw, a fork, two steel straws, a pair of chopsticks, and a cleaning brush. Everything you need when you hit the road!

The ethically-sourced utensils are plastic-free, reusable, and lightweight. Most importantly, you can compost this amazing zero waste swap after use!

Swapping shampoo bottle with bar is both greener and cheaper! Shampoo bars help you save the planet from plastic, and they last longer. That is because bars are much more concentrated than bottled shampoo. Moreover, they are cruelty-free!

The Honey & Citrus Shampoo bar by Oliver Flynn works just as good as your old bottled shampoo and great for normal to oily hair types. Their soap-free formula is pH-balanced and removes dirt and oil gently from your scalp without stripping it. 

Additionally, the honey and propolis extracts moisturize and restore the shine to your hair and give you hair a full and volumized look. 

Kick the bottle and say hello to bars! 

Solid conditioner bars by Moon’s Harvest are great for everyday use and easy to carry while traveling. They are packed in recyclable paper, therefore, bringing you one step closer to zero waste lifestyle. 

 Each conditioner bar has specific properties that will help calm, cleanse, soothe, silken, or revive dull tresses. Choose the formula that best suits your hair, or that will achieve the results you desire! 

 If cared for properly, your bars will last for many uses. A tiny bit goes a long way to produce lots of creamy cleansing lather and silky conditioner. Bars will leave your hair silky, shiny, healthy, and smelling great!

Approximately two billion razors are contributed to landfills every year! That plastic can take 1000 years to decompose, leaking pollutants into the surrounding soil and water. Plus, most modern razor cartridges are made of small parts and intricate materials, making them nearly impossible to recycle. 

Fortunately, this plastic-free safety razor by Eco Girl is designed to last a lifetime! Additionally, it comes with five replacement blades. 

The best part about this zero waste swap is that the replacement blades are incredibly affordable, and any standard size double-edge safety razor blades will fit this razor. 

Scrufah by Oliver Flynn is a zero waste, non-toxic, sustainable, and all-natural choice for your scrubbing needs over traditional kitchen sponges made with plastic. 

It’s made of dried loofah vegetables and can be composted at the end of its life. Moreover, the scrubber won’t scratch non-stick pans or other utensils made from softer materials. 

Scrubbing dishes just got cleaner (for the planet)!

According to a study, a staggering 500 million straws are used every day in the USA. Imagine the number of plastic straws polluting the beaches and floating in the oceans! 

Turn your intentions into action & reduce your plastic straw use from 38,000 to 1 with this classic glass straw by Simply Straws. Additionally, the handmade single sleeve will keep your straw clean and readily available for wherever life takes you.

Simply Straws works with Keep A Breast as 1% for the Planet Member to make sure you are taking care of your body and our planet all at once. 

Each glass straw is handcrafted in California, features non-toxic colors, and is made with minimal environmental impact. They feature a lifetime guarantee against breakage as well.

Let’s sip it sustainably!

Bees4Seas reusable natural beeswax wrap is an anti-bacterial alternative to cling wrap. It is handcrafted from organic cotton and natural waxes to create a breathable material that keeps food fresh for longer. 

It’s perfect for wrapping sandwiches, loaves of bread, or herbs. Just use the warmth of your hands to mold around food and bowls and wipe clean. 

This natural food wrap is plastic-free and home compostable. Additionally, it is quite easy to clean, and you can reuse the wrap for months!

Reduce plastic waste with this eco-friendly dish/pot/pan/multipurpose brush by Cloud Rinjani. This large and sturdy brush is natural, plant-based, and 100% compostable.

You can use it for both heavy and light cleaning jobs. 

• Entirely made by hand with reclaimed teak wood (handle) and coconut fiber (bristles).
• Coconut fibers are resistant to oil and grease, and naturally, inhibit bacteria growth.
• Non-scratch. Safe for use with cast iron, stainless steel cookware, dishes/plates/bowls, or sinks.
• Wood is sealed with non-toxic sealant to extend its life by reducing mold, mildew, and decay, making them water and weather resistant.
• Built-in metal wire on the handle so you can easily hang it up in your kitchen after use.
• Brush heads are replaceable. That means that you can effortlessly prolong its lifespan by just replacing the head instead of the entire brush.