100 Zero Waste Swaps for a Sustainable lifestyle
Zero Waste Swaps.
After you've evaluated your lifestyle and determined what areas could benefit from change, then you can start looking into products that will help you achieve your sustainable goals.
WAIT! Before you go running off to buy new stuff! I first want you to think about what you already own that you can use to live zero waste.
Because I've said it before and I'll say it again: the most sustainable thing you can do is use what you already have.
Then the next step is to see if you can upcycle something else to fit your needs (for example, clean a glass pasta sauce jar out and use that for a water bottle.) Then, to fill in the gaps, shop your second-hand stores first or see if you can upcycle something.
Then, as a last resort, buy your products new from these sustainable stores/companies.
You'll notice that most all of these links are sustainable e-commerce stores such as Earth Hero, Life Without Plastic, or to the direct producers such as Organic Basics.
These companies / eCommerce stores are paving the way for sustainable products and shopping. I love supporting their mission (why give money to Jeff Bezos when these awesome companies exist?)!
If you want to see the three online sustainable stores I trust to buy my stuff from, check out this post!
I hope this list will point you in the right direction!
*This post contains affiliate thinks! This means I make a small commission, but it does not change your price. Thank you for supporting me!*
On-the-Go Swaps
Insulated Thermos (I love Klean Kanteen because they're a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet Member, and their products are incredibly durable!)
Insulated Water Bottle (check your cabinets first though, do you already have one tucked off in a corner? If not, then check your thrift store. If nothing piques your interest there, then consider investing in a high-quality insulated bottle - the insulation on this one keeps my water cold for hours, even when I leave it in the direct summer sun for hours.)
Cloth Hankie or a rag (great for mopping up spills, grabbing a pastry, or blow your nose!)
Bamboo Utensils in a Carry Case or second-hand utensils
Airtight Stainless Steel ontainer (for leftovers, snacks, compost, etc) or use an upcycled glass jar
Beauty
Online Refillable Liquid Shampoo and Conditioner from Plaine Products
I LOVE Plaine Products! Environmentally friendly and effective products, zero plastic in their shipping, and their returnable and refillable business model is what zero waste dreams are made of. And, everything they make smells amazing.
Coupon code for you: 'Pfor20' fof 20% off at check out!
And if you want to know more about how to create a zero waste hair care routine, check this post out.
Refillable Body Wash or a package-free bar of soap
Organic Reusable Facial Rounds (to replace cotton balls, cotton pads, or makeup wipes when paired with a facial oil.)
Safety Razor or Leaf Shave Razor (I prefer my Leaf Shave Razor - read here why.)
Natural Deodorants (in a compostable tube or a glass jar)
Natural Lip Balm in a Compostable Tube
Sustainable Makeup from Elate Cosmetics
Biodegradable Hair Ties (or pick them off up off the street and thoroughly clean them)
Grocery Shopping
Reusable Cotton Mesh Bags or Reusable Recycled Plastic Mesh Bags to grab your produce or fill up with large items from the bulk bins
Glass Containers for fine bulk items (like flour or nutritional yeast) or liquids (like oil, peanut butter, syrup, etc.) You can also use upcycled glass containers!
Reusable Totes (use any that you already have or make some)
Related: How to Zero Waste Grocery Shop from Start to Finish
Bathroom
Compostable Floss (not vegan because they are made with silk!)
Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper (an underrated zero waste swap)
Biodegradable Cotton Swabs or Reusable Ear Pick
Refillable Body Lotion or DIY your own Whipped Body Butter (instructions here!)
Reusable Menstrual Cup or Organic Cotton Tampons
Daily Reusable Menstrual Liners or Compostable Organic Cotton Panty Liners
Bamboo Adhesive Bandages (to replace Band-aids)
Pivoting Squeegee made with bamboo and recycled plastic
Zero Waste Office / Studies Swaps
Refillable Stainless Steel Fountain Pen (with a fine nib) or Refillable Natural Grass Pen
Recycled Plastic Gel Highlighters
Recycled ECO Composition Notebook
Cooking
Bamboo Kitchen Basics (spoons and a spatula)
Silicone Snack Bag (to replace plastic bags)
Silicone Stretch Wraps (another one of my zero waste swaps! But you can also place over bowls to keep food sealed and fresh, and that one doesn't cost a penny.)
Airtight Weck Glass Jars for food storage or upcycle glass jars you already have (like peanut butter, pickles, jam, etc)
Reusable Cotton Coffee Filters (I use this in my Chemex everyday!)
Glass Chemex with a handle, French Press, Coffee Dripper, or a Moka Pot for making coffee (I can normally find one of the last three options at a thrift store!)
Cleaning
Wood & Tampico Fiber Dish Brush
Plastic Free Brush for Cleaning Long Neck Bottles
Related: 4 Sustainable Dish Soaps
Dishwasher Detergent Pods or Powder Detergent
DIY All-purpose Cleaning Scrub and Spray
Reusable Latex Cleaning Gloves
Rags or Unpaper Towels
Laundry
In addition to these swaps, you can green-ify your laundry routine by using your drier less! Not only will that save electricity, but it helps prolong the life of your clothes.
Clothing
Normally, I shop second hand for most all of my clothes. I make exceptions for certain pieces I need for work or more personal pieces. So for undies, socks, bras, etc, I buy them from these stores!
Organic Cotton Thongs, Bikini Briefs from Organic Basics, or Thongs and Briefs from Pact
Organic Cotton Socks or Organic Cotton Cushioned Socks
High-Rise Compressive Legging (Girlfriend Collective) or SilverTech Active Leggings (OrganicBasics)
Bedroom
Organic Sateen Weave Sheet Set
Reusable Microwavable Heat Pad or DIY one here
Pets
Compostable Pet Waste Bags (or use any other plastic bags you acquire)
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Hi, I'm Taylor
Amateur adult. Zero waste zealot. Personal finance fiend. Spicy food supporter. I’m an mid 20’s gal living in Denver, Colorado. My love of the outdoors has cultivated my zero waste lifestyle, which inadvertently fueled my passion for personal finance. Cheers to everyone interested in lessening their footprint while growing their wallet!