Single Use Swaps
I want to preface this post by mentioning that I am not a sustainability expert. I realize that people get degrees in this field and therefore are much more qualified to share their low-waste solutions. I know there is so much more that goes into sustainability efforts than just swapping out single use products. I also want to say that I personally don’t believe that living low-waste is a social class issue. I believe that all people can take these steps to better our world. It may look like this post is telling you to go out and buy a bunch of new things in order to start living more low-waste, I promise that is not the intention. I think the best strategy is to use the things you already have and replace them with a low-waste option, such as the ones I’ve listed below, when those items run out. Buying the lower waste option may be more expensive initially for some of the items, but most of these products will last you for years (or a lifetime). I have noticed that I personally spend a lot less money when I make efforts towards lowering my waste. For one, bar soaps are cheaper than liquid soaps in plastic bottles. Also, my dish washing bar looks as though I’ve barely made a dent in it and I’ve had it for months. Additionally, the bulk section of the grocery store is more affordable than the packaged, brand name items. And to top it off, there are a large handful of items that I just don’t buy at all anymore. I hope you find this post helpful ♡
Face Rounds: I use these to take off my makeup with coconut oil or a toner and apply some face products. They replace cotton balls and single use face wipes.
Bamboo Toothbrush: Zero plastic and zero waste, bamboo toothbrushes can be composted!
Glass Beauty Products: Over the past 2 years I’ve slowly made the switch to purchasing beauty products that come in glass bottles. Some of my favorite brands are Youth to the People, Urban Oreganics, Mad Hippie, and Rowsie Vain.
Bar soap: Swap out all those single use hand soap containers for good old fashioned bar soap. I have also come across some brands that are making liquid hand soap refills. In my kitchen I use the liquid hand soap from Grove Collaborative in a glass dispenser that offers refills. I received this as part of a promotion and when it runs out I will probably use bar soap in the kitchen too. It’s great that companies are doing refills instead of creating new plastic bottles, but the refills still come in a single use package.
Toothpaste Tabs: I’ll be honestly I don’t love these. I did start to get used to them over time, but they’re chalkier than I would like so I’m going to try the Bite version next. If those don’t work better for me I will alternate between whatever tabs brand I like better and David’s Toothpaste which comes in a metal tube.
Menstrual Cup: I use the Saalt cup. This can replace tampons and pads once you master it :) Menstrual cup brands are really good at transparency and answering every question you may have. That’s how I decided on The Saalt Cup because their website and social media are so informative.
Thinx: I bought my first pair of these when Thinx launched a few years ago. They’re honestly game changers. Every girl and woman should own a few pairs! These also can replace tampons and pads. Also, their customer service is phenomenal. I recently had a few issues with my order which they solved efficiently and promptly!
Deodorant Jar: I love this particular brand because I tend to react to all the other natural deodorants I’ve tried. So I highly recommend this brand if that’s the case for you too! Otherwise there are lots of different jar versions of deodorant out there. I’ve also heard good things about Holly’s Keeping It Real.
Shampoo and conditioner bars: This is the first and only hair product bar I’ve ever used and I really like it. It has a great, refreshing smell and keeps my hair soft!
Silicone and Wooden untensils: I realize this one isn’t single-use, but I’m including it because it shows that plastic, in many cases, is unnecessary and two, because I try to keep plastic (especially black) away from my food. I didn’t know this until about a year ago, but black plastics seep chemicals and carcinogens into our food. Silicone and wood is the safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly option. Again, they are a little more expensive up front, but last a lifetime.
Reusable on-the-go bamboo utensils: Ditch the single-use plastic utensils that are just about everywhere. I’ve started to carry this in my backpack at all times and I’ve gotten a ton of use out of it since I got it as a gift for Christmas.
Dish washing block: This replaces liquid dish soaps that come in plastic containers. I didn’t take a photo of the actual bar because it’s sitting in my kitchen sink and doesn’t look fresh anymore (ha), but I bought this in November and it honestly looks like it’s going to last me all year long. I use it every day along with my automatic dishwasher detergent from Seventh Generation that comes in a recyclable cardboard box.
Wooden Dish Brush: Use this instead of a plastic dish brush! It works well the the dish washing block because it lathers it really well.
Cleaner concentrates or homemade cleaners: I received this glass bottle with glass cleaner concentrate from Grove. You simply pour in the concentrate and add water. When this runs out I’m going to make my own glass cleaner (tons of recipes on Pinterest). I’m going to do this for my all-purpose cleaner too when that one runs out!
Bulk section: I started shopping in the grocery store bulk section last year. I go through a ton of nuts and grains and ingredients for baking so it feels good buying those things without any package waste. If you live out west, Sprouts is amazing for bulk shopping. In Chicago, I go to Whole Foods. In Milwaukee, there’s Fresh Thyme, Outpost Natural Foods, Riverwest Co-Op, or also Whole Foods. Pro tip: Save all of your jars to store these bulk items.
Reusable drinkware: I never leave my house without a water bottle or keep cup! Many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing in your own cup :) I want to get a Stojo for lighter and smaller transport too!
Compostable kitchen bags: These are the best single-use swap I can find for the inevitable necessity of trash bags. Although, living lower waste means I literally take out the trash like once a month.
Reusable ziplocks: I love Stasher bags! Mine were all in the dishwasher when I took these pics, but these reusable ones from Grove work well too. Great for storing leftovers and on the go snacks. I’ve also used mine for makeup/toiletries while traveling.
Glass storage containers: I realize that this one too is technically not a single use swap item, but it can be! I bring all of my lunches to work in these containers! After lunch I clean them out and if I happen to be grabbing dinner after work and have leftovers, I can bring them home in this container instead of a single-use one.
Glass water bottles: I try to opt for glass water bottles if I’m in a pinch and forgot my own water bottle from home, but they can sometimes be hard to find.
Laundry powder: I recently started using this laundry powder from Urban Oreganics. It is free of harsh chemicals and gets the job done!
Wool Dryer Balls: I stopped buying dryer sheets ages ago, but I recently purchased these wool dryer balls mostly because I learned that they can lessen dry time (and if you have to pay for laundry, nothing is worse than clothes still being damp after you paid for your dry cycle). I put a few drops of lavender essential oil on them before tossing them in the dryer.
I’ll plan on continuing to add to this post as necessary. Remember to Pin it for later if you’ve found it helpful! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
