Final Up to date on August 19, 2025
Reusing your objects is likely one of the finest issues you are able to do for the atmosphere. In addition to merely utilizing what you have got!
Earlier than shopping for new, I’ll borrow from a beloved one first. If that doesn’t work, getting it secondhand is second finest. And, as a final resort, I’ll purchase it new – however assist small companies the place relevant.
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There’s already so many objects on this planet – and our assets aren’t infinite. Do you know every single piece of plastic ever made still exists at present? Contemplating most objects are created from plastic these days, we should always take the time to purchase much less and select effectively.
If you happen to’re in search of an inventory of things that you may reuse over and over, right here’s what I really like to make use of.
This submit is split into sections to make it simpler to navigate, so be happy to leap round the place you want to. I additionally tried to hyperlink to small companies each time doable instead of Amazon.
kitchen
The kitchen is likely one of the most wasteful rooms of the house. And I spend chunk of time in it whipping up scrappy recipes (examine them out in my new guide, 101 Tips For a Zero Waste Kitchen)!
1. reusable water bottle
Virtually everybody has a reusable water bottle these days, which is nice! However I’ve seen that typically individuals really feel pressured to purchase these to be fashionable (ahem, Stanley cups anybody?).
Now these very Stanley cups are littering thrift shops. My finest recommendation? Keep on with what you have got.
And if you’re in want of a brand new reusable water bottle, I’ve had my Klean Kanteen for six years and couldn’t be happier with it!
2. tumbler
If you happen to love hitting up cafes for tea or espresso, think about bringing a reusable tumbler with you! I’ve even been identified to carry a espresso mug from house prior to now if I plan to remain for a bit.
After all, double examine the cafe doesn’t provide their very own mugs if you happen to order it to remain. Many small, native cafes will!
3. french press
I can not say sufficient about my French press – sure, it may possibly make espresso. But it surely can also make free leaf tea! And we love a flexible, reusable product that eliminates the necessity for single-use Ok-cups or plastic tea luggage.
4. stasher luggage
To interchange plastic ziplock luggage, I like to recommend silicone luggage that seal shut. Stasher bags are possibility to think about. You should use them within the microwave, freezer, and even the oven.
5. metallic lunch field
A metal lunch box completely beats wrapping a sandwich in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They even have tiered ones that are nice whenever you wish to pack multiple factor however don’t need the meals touching. You’ll be able to wash and reuse it for years to come back.
6. snapware
Glass snapware is ideal for storing leftovers, minimize produce, and transporting home made goodies! You don’t have to fret about plastic leaching into your meals both. And it may be frozen too, if want be.
7. silicone baking mat
I really like lining my pans with a silicone baking mat – I take advantage of it instead of parchment paper or tin foil and it really works like a attraction. Simply clear and repeat! Use some baking soda and a picket scrubber to get off burnt-on grime.
8. silicone covers
Silicone bowl covers work nice at overlaying bowls with leftovers as a substitute of utilizing plastic wrap. I don’t want beeswax wraps (although that’s an alternative choice).
9. lengthy dealt with wooden dish brush
As an alternative of a sponge, which may get grody very quick, think about switching to a long handle wooden dish brush! Not solely will it make cleansing simpler, it helps cut back plastic waste.
And, you solely have to vary out the highest a part of it periodically – which may be composted. I like to make use of it in tandem with a dish soap block, however refillable liquid cleaning soap is a good possibility too.
10. rechargeable candle lighter
As an alternative of single-use matches, attempt switching to a reusable candle lighter. You’ll be able to recharge it, so it may be reused indefinitely! Saves you cash in the long term. Pair it with some sustainable, non-toxic candles!
11. fabric napkins
I’m by no means buying single-use napkins once more. Reusable cloth napkins save SO a lot cash, and whenever you’re achieved, simply chuck them within the washer! There are such a lot of cute ones you’ll be able to spend money on with a mess of patterns to suit any vibe.
cleansing
There’s quite a lot of waste that comes with cleansing (paper towels, wipes, harsh chemical compounds and many others.). However there doesn’t should be!
12. reusable fabric towels
As an alternative of paper towels, attempt utilizing reusable cloth towels to wash messes. This may be rags (from previous t-shirts or sheets) or microfiber cloths.
Simply chuck them into the laundry bin whenever you’re achieved. And sure – you should utilize these to wash bogs too! Make certain to maintain a shade coded system going.
13. swedish dish cloths
Swedish dish cloths are nice for cleansing counter tops – and so they’re reusable for a very long time. Consider them like a reusable paper towel. Simply add water, some cleaning soap, and you should utilize them to wash surfaces. Or absorb spills.
They’ll even be washed (simply air dry them). Once they attain the tip of their life, simply minimize them up and add them to your compost!
14. reusable swiffer pads
If you happen to nonetheless have a swiffer pad, don’t toss it. Simply get reusable swiffer pads! When yours begins to look dirty, toss it within the wash. No waste wanted! If you happen to’re good at stitching, you’ll be able to in all probability even make your personal.
15. washable duster
I’ve a plastic-free feather duster I bought secondhand created from ostrich feathers and a picket deal with. It will get the job achieved and I don’t have to waste any disposable wipes or paper towels.
16. refillable cleansing merchandise
As an alternative of shopping for a brand new bottle of cleaner each month, why not reuse the identical container and simply refill it? Many sustainable cleansing corporations provide refills that cut back a lot plastic waste.
Blueland is an effective instance of this – nab their spray bottles as soon as, then refill it utilizing their condensed, water-activated refills. Listed here are some extra sustainable cleaning options. And I additionally love DIY cleaning products too – so long as it’s not laundry detergent!
rest room and private care
The lavatory is an space the place quite a lot of waste will get generated. It’s in all probability the second most wasteful room within the house after the kitchen.
Make-up, skincare, and haircare merchandise may also be extraordinarily wasteful. Particularly if you happen to prefer to sustain with tendencies, or get these ‘restock’ movies in your feed.
FYI – these movies aren’t regular and are normally magnificence influencers who obtain tons of PR (no common particular person may undergo THAT a lot product, even in a single yr’s time).
17. reusable cotton rounds
As an alternative of disposable cotton rounds, I made my very own reusable cotton rounds from scrap material! I had a flannel shirt that shrunk and didn’t wish to toss it – so I upcycled it as a substitute. I can reuse these cotton rounds time and again, which I really like. I take advantage of them to take away make-up or apply toner to my pores and skin.
18. bidet attachment
I don’t use bathroom paper wrapped in plastic (I’ve switched to Who Offers a Crap), however I barely even want TP due to my bidet! It’s simple to put in a bidet in your bathroom (sure, they even have ones for renters).
Tushy is one possibility, however there are lots of bidet manufacturers on the market price testing. Bidets can be utilized to wash extra than simply quantity two – they’re nice for post-sex and exercises, and that point of the month (women, simply lean ahead a little bit bit). They’ll maintain you clear in so some ways!
19. refillable cleaning soap
As an alternative of utilizing hand cleaning soap you eliminate after it empties, think about switching to a container you’ll be able to refill. Head to an area refillery (you probably have one), or purchase from a model that gives refillable hand soap choices.
The identical applies to shampoo, conditioner, and physique wash cleaning soap too! There are a number of manufacturers that make refillable merchandise you should utilize within the rest room. Plaine Products, Public Goods, and Blueland are just some choices to think about. You may also use bar soap.
20. handkerchiefs
I’ve stopped utilizing tissues and converted to handkerchiefs as a substitute, which may be washed after use. I fold them in an accordion sample so whenever you pull one, it’ll robotically pull the following one out.
I retailer them in an previous porcelain cowl field. A lot of them are from my grandmother and nice grandmother, which is a stunning approach of conserving them with me.
21. reusable interval merchandise
Within the U.S. alone, round 12 billion pads and seven billion tampons are thrown out yearly. Switching to reusable interval underwear is a good way to scale back interval waste.
I co-founded a interval underwear firm (Kayaness) with my finest good friend, Shelby, so I’m a little bit biased!
However period underwear are great for these irritated by interval pads and tampons and wish to really feel like they’re carrying nothing. Use the low cost code kay10 for $10 off your first order!
However reusable pads and menstrual cups are additionally choices for many who want additional protection. Menstrual cups could take some trial and error to search out the best match – however when you do, it would maintain for hours!
22. security razor
Disposable razors don’t work effectively and rack up in money. However whenever you purchase a safety razor, it’s not one thing you’ll have to switch for years (if ever).
All you’ll have to do is exchange the razor blades – however these may be recycled. And actually, I purchased a pack of refills again in 2017 that I’m nonetheless utilizing – it would in all probability final me for a number of extra years, seeing as they don’t have to get replaced regularly.
23. glass nail file
Most nail recordsdata are flimsy and break after just a few makes use of. Nevertheless, I completely love my reusable glass nail file as a result of I can simply wash it clear once I’m achieved and reuse it with out worrying it would break!
24. refillable make-up merchandise
There are such a lot of superb eco makeup brands making a aware effort to package deal their merchandise thoughtfully. I’m an enormous fan of Kjaer Weis and Zao as a result of they’re refillable and made utilizing pure elements.
events and occasions
Parties can create a considerable amount of waste, from the meals to the decor. However with a little bit planning, you’ll be able to forestall this (and nonetheless have enjoyable!).
25. reusable plates and cups
Having a stash of plates you retain only for events is a good thought. Hitting up a thrift store will ship inexpensive outcomes. On the finish of the night time, ask your pals for assist to load up the dishwasher!
For drinks, clearly you’ll be able to simply use glass cups if it’s a cocktail party. But when you already know company will probably be wandering round and could also be consuming alcohol, investing in stainless steel pint cups could be for the very best. An alternative choice is asking mates to carry their very own reusable tumblers!
26. reusable silicone baking cups
If you happen to’re planning on baking for a gathering, particularly muffins or cupcakes, think about investing in reusable silicone baking cups! They are going to prevent cash, plus you’ll be able to simply wash them for subsequent time (they’re freezer and dishwasher protected too – a plus!).
27. material present wrap
I really like wrapping presents with furoshiki wrap (aka fabric/material). You’ll be able to thrift fairly scarves, sheets and handkerchiefs you employ as wraps however make a second present!
However you can even upcycle present luggage and tissue paper, reusing them over and over. Reusing packaging paper to wrap your presents can be charming (maintain it plastic-free by tying it collectively utilizing twine).
workplace and stationary
28. refillable fountain pen
If you happen to work an workplace job, you in all probability undergo quite a lot of pens. However switching to a refillable fountain pen will prevent cash in the long term! I draw the ink from an ink well.
And if you happen to’re anxious you may lose it – when you already know an merchandise is efficacious, you’re going to deal with it loads higher. Plus there are many carrying instances you’ll be able to nab for it on the go.
29. picket highlighters
Are you continually highlighting issues in school textbooks or in books? Take into account switching to wooden highlighters. They don’t bleed by means of the paper and are fully plastic-free. And sure, reusable, to the final level! They received’t dry out on you both.
30. rechargeable batteries
Switching to rechargeable batteries is such a good way to scale back e-waste, but additionally saves cash in the long term. You received’t continually be tossing out batteries and might simply put them on a charging dock when their juice runs low.
What do you consider these reusable merchandise? Which is your favourite, or what would you add to this checklist? Let me know within the feedback!
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