Plastic is everywhere. It’s the tip of your fingertips when you’re typing or when holding your beloved toothbrush. We’re bombarded by its presence in our homes, our offices, and pretty much wherever we turn. There’s no denying our impact on the planet—according to Eco Watch, we’ve produced more plastic in the last ten years than during the whole of the last century. And half of the plastic we do use, we discard after only one use. This means that every day, millions of straws, plastic bags and utensils are ending up in our landfills and oceans, destroying wildlife and polluting mother nature. One of the best ways to fight this epidemic is by replacing some of the plastic products we already buy and swapping them out for greener alternatives. We’ve put together a list of 43 environmentally friendly products that will reduce your carbon footprint and help eliminate all those single-use plastic products you buy on the regular. While we can’t change the world overnight, making these small, simple changes to our own habits will make a difference in the long-term.
1. Save the planet one straw at a time.
You’ve probably heard that plastic straws are on their way out (Seattle is the first major U.S. city to flat out ban them), but this doesn’t mean you have to give straws up altogether. Biodegradable and reusable options like BIKO Bamboo’s Natural Bamboo Drinking Straws can help curb our dependence on wasteful plastics and ultimately modify the way we consume. These straws make a great replacement and are more durable (in my opinion) than the paper ones. Or, if you prefer, you can also opt for the stainless steel variety.
2. A Stylish Bag for the Environmentally Conscious
Just because you’re trying to save the world doesn’t mean you have to relinquish style! Swap out all those troublesome plastic bags for this set of three Earthwise Deluxe Reusable Grocery Bags. Not only are they conveniently built for all your shopping needs, their large capacity and sturdy walls make them perfect for a day at the beach or that long overdue picnic. What’s not to love here?
3. Hydrate with this tough-as-nails water bottle.
Don’t be fooled by its sleek design—this eco-friendly water bottle is as tough as it is stylish. The Bogi 20oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle also happens to be scratch resistant and leak proof. Toss it in your gym bag or backpack without fear—it’ll go the distance. The lightweight bottle also comes in an array of colors for your every mood and will keep your drinks cool for 24 hours and hot for 12. Bonus: It comes with a handy sports straw cap for easy flip and drink.
4. Plastic-free trash bags, oh my!
Raise your hand if you’re puzzled by what to do with ALL your trash without the handy (albeit harmful) convenience of plastic. Fortunately for us, a safe, biodegradable alternative exists with UNNI ASTM D6400 100% Compostable Bags. Made from the starches of plants, these bags are a win-win: durable and good for the environment (if only we’d used these to begin with).
5. This Earth-Friendly Pen and Pencil Combo
Looking for guilt-free pens and pencils that come in recycled packaging? Well, look no further! Help raise green awareness by using the ONYX+GREEN Gel Twist Pen & Mechanical Lead Pencil Combo Set at the office or at home. Each purchase comes with two packs that are made from bamboo and other sustainable materials.
6. A Smarter Way to Get Your Coffee Fix
Coffee aficionados everywhere can rejoice—reduce your carbon footprint by swapping out those pesky paper filters for the iPartsPlusMore Reusable K Cups Coffee Filters. Not only are they easy to use and fit seamlessly into any Keurig brewer, they’re also 100 percent dishwasher-safe, so you can now have your coffee and drink it too.
7. Jot down all your notes with this reusable notebook.
Instead of wasting an endless amount of paper jotting down notes you eventually toss out, why not erase and write as you go? The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook allows you to do exactly that: Its 36 reusable pages wipe clean with a damp cloth when used with Pilot FriXion pens. Now all you need to do is swap out your tattered notebook for this elegant, environmentally friendly design.
8. A Watch After Your Own Heart
Keeping track of time has never been sleeker than with this beautifully handcrafted Original Grain Wood Wrist Watch. Their classic collection is sustainably sourced, featuring natural mahogany from Central Africa. But the delicate design doesn’t just look pretty, it’s also water and scratch resistant so it won’t scrape easily.
9. Batteries You Can Use Again and Again
Rather than pollute our landfills with toxic chemicals, AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries has given us a smarter way to use our electronics. Their 8-pack of batteries are pre-charged using solar energy and will stay that way even after being stored for up to 3 years. In the meantime, the good folks over at Business Insider offer a few tips on how to dispose of all your old batteries.
10. These delightful utensils don’t harm the planet.
You no longer have to drag out the heavy silver every time you have a family BBQ—this Wooden Cutlery By First Choice makes being an environmentally-friendly host easier than ever. Their 300-piece set of disposable utensils are as smooth as they are strong, and get this: They’re 100 percent biodegradable. First Choice also donates a portion of its annual net profits to non-profit environmental organizations, so break them out at your next party without worry.
11. A Glass Meal Container You Can’t Do Without
Who doesn’t have a bazillion food containers stuffed in their cabinets? Fortunately, we can easily swap out our plastics for greener options like these Bento Box 3-Pack Glass Food Containers. Keep your food airtight and leak-proof in their non-toxic, stain-proof glassware. Reviewers say they’re smitten with the container’s perfect size and convenient use—they’re perfect for bringing lunch to the office!
12. This Earth-Friendly Cleaning Kit
Many popular cleaning products are a double negative for the planet (plastic bottles full of toxic chemicals), but it doesn’t have to be this way. Greener options like the JAWS (Just Add Water System) Home Cleaning Kit give us everything we need: an easy-to-use, non-toxic, remarkable way to clean. Each kit comes with a cleaner for your kitchen, glass, hardwood floor, and shower (this includes an empty bottle, sprayer, and two refill pods).
13. This Stylish, Reusable Coffee Cup
Swapping out plastics for greener alternatives means making small conscious choices every day. If you’ve been using those disposable styrofoam cups in the morning, for instance, opt instead for the KeepCup 16oz Reusable Coffee Cup. Its splash-proof, sealable lid makes it an easy choice for taking it on the go. This tough yet lightweight option lets you reuse it over and over again (plus you get to save turtles).
14. Clean up with these plant-based scrub sponges.
You’re finally ready to tackle that pileup of dirty dishes from the weekend. After hours of coaxing yourself into this massive cleanup, you estimate it’s going to take several sponges to get the job done. Enter: Twist Scrub Sponges, the powerful scrubbing material made from 100-percent cactus (that’s right, c-a-c-t-u-s). These all-natural sponges contain no added colors or chemicals and are 100 percent biodegradable, so scrub away and toss ‘em out with a clean conscience.
15. Brew tea to your heart’s content.
Going green is as simple as swapping out all those paper tea bags for the Finum Reusable Coffee and Tea Infusing Mesh Brewing Basket (the Earth and your tea will thank you). The brewing basket is made out of stainless steel and comes with a nifty lid to help maintain warm temperature for a longer period. Bonus: Flip the lid over and use it as a drip-off tray.
16. Keep it green with these elegant soap dispensers.
Ditch the plastic bottles and fill up your bathrooms with these glass refillable soap dispensers by California Home Goods. Not only will you save money, you’ll also add an elegant, eco-friendly touch to your home. The dispensers come with a bonus pump and a lifetime guarantee to boot! Pro tip: Use them to store all your essential oils.
17. A Plastic-Free Ice Tray for Every Occasion
Once you start noticing, you’ll find that a lot of seemingly insignificant items are made from plastic. Case in point: your average ice tray. Luckily, the Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray is here to save the day (no rhyme intended). Turns out, this two-part system—with easy-release handle—dates back to the ’50s. Aside from being good for the planet, this novel tray makes for an elegant addition to any dinner party.
18. These Pinterest-worthy kitchen tools are #goals.
Chances are, the kitchen of your dreams is sporting a set of darling wooden utensils like these Lipper International 826 Bamboo Wood Kitchen Tools. Made from natural resources, the six-piece set is safe to use on all surfaces and will be extra gentle on your pots and pans. Swapping out your worn out plastic set is a no-brainer once you see these beauties on your countertop.
19. A Clever Calculator for Your Budgeting Needs
If you work in an office or are the designated financial planner of your family (or have a child starting their math adventure), you’ve likely been using a traditional calculator made of plastic. Turns out, there’s a better, more eco-friendly option: this Sengu Bamboo Wooden Solar Calculator. Remember being a kid and becoming fascinated by anything solar powered? You just place the calculator in even dim light and ta-da! Magic.
20. This Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse Combo
But why stop at calculators when you can replace other office items as well? Of course, reducing energy consumption is the goal here, but little things like opting for greener choices is a start. Using the SNGU Full Bamboo Handmade Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo will leave less of a carbon footprint. While the handcrafted design is aesthetically appealing, the bamboo material also makes for a comfortable typing experience.
21. Go Wild! – Swap Out Plastics for These Jazzy Coconut Bowls.
We have to admit, these bowls are one of our favorites on this list—there’s something about organic, handmade coconut dishware that transports me to some tropical island sipping some tropical fruit-based drink (of course). But beyond being just outright cool, CocoBowlz Coconut Bowls and Coconut Spoons Gift Set is also unique: Each bowl is crafted from its own coconut shell, meaning, no one else in the entire world will have one like it. And as you guessed it, they’re 100-percent NATURAL.
22. This Miraculous Paper Towel Replacement
We get it: Cleaning up after a party with the same raggedy old cloth isn’t always practical. You need options. Luckily, keeping a clean home no longer means contributing to the thousands of pounds of paper towel waste created every day. With Bambooe Paper Towel Replacement, you’ll find a super absorbent and durable alternative that you can keep reusing (just one roll comes with 20 11.5″ x 11″ sheets and the manufacturer claims they’re machine-washable up to 100 times!) Bambooe plants a tree for each one you buy—so all the more reason to stack up.
23. Travel green with this charming bamboo cutlery set.
You’re in luck because this bamboo utensil set by Bare Vida will make all of your traveling dreams seamless. The cutlery’s cute, stylish design is perfect for slipping into your bag before any trip. More remarkable still is the way these handcrafted wonders are made: The bamboo is first drenched in a river for a month before drying out in the sun to strengthen (this makes the utensils last up to three years, according to the !). If you’re also looking to make a contribution with your purchase, Bare Vida isn’t just environmentally friendly, they’re also a zero-waste company that works with locals and disabled foundations in Bali.
24. A Food Wrap with a Side of Whimsy
Wrapping up leftovers and chopped veggies is without a doubt one of our biggest daily wasters—thankfully, there’s a new, plastic-free kid in town. Introducing: Organic Reusable Food Wraps by Etee. That’s right, this wondrous, biodegradable item is made of hemp and certified organic cotton fabric infused with a combo of beeswax, organic cinnamon, clove, and jojoba oils, among other ingredients. Bonus: The wrap lets your food breathe so it stays fresher longer and comes in the most delightful colors that will add some much-needed flair to your kitchen.
25. Stay calm and brush your unruly hair.
Did you know it’s possible to have great hair and go greener? Holdoor’s Natural Wood Hair Comb helps you do exactly that. Say goodbye to plastic hairbrushes and remove all those kinky knots and tangles with this comb’s natural bristles that both massage your scalp and promotes blood circulation. Great for all hair types and for when you’ve just woken up in the morning. Remember: Saving the planet doesn’t mean living with eternal bed head.
26. A Better Way to Shop for Veggies
Who doesn’t love visiting their local farmer’s market? Now you can gear up for all those yummy fruits and veggies with Simple Ecology Organic Reusable Farmers Market Grocery Shopping Bag Set. Made of organic cotton and jute, this completely biodegradable reusable starter set is the perfect addition to your market outing. With each purchase, you get six bags that include durable handles and string produce saver bags.
27. Lather up with these recycled loofahs.
Most of us know that our beloved loofahs are not environmentally kind, but what’s the alternative? Ah, glad you asked. Ecotools Cruelty Free and Eco Friendly Loofah Body Sponges let you cleanse and exfoliate without the guilt! Perfect for baths and showers alike, this pack of three handcrafted puffs is made from fully recyclable material. So while not biodegradable like other items on this list, it’s a good alternative to the regular options you’d buy.
28. Help Mother Nature by using these washable bags.
We all know grocery bags are no good, but equally bad are those tiny bags from the produce aisle. But fear not, VERONES reusable mesh bags are exactly what you need. Carry them in your larger grocery tote and use them for keeping all your fruits and veggies in place. Unlike plastic, these bags let your produce breathe so they don’t sweat, but no worries if they get stained: the 16-pack (of large, medium, and small bags) is both foldable and washable.
29. Beautify yourself with this cruelty-free makeup brush set.
In one of our most giftable items yet, Ecotools Boho Luxe Duo Bamboo Make Up Brush Set, is one you’ll want to keep all for yourself. Made of recycled, cruelty-free materials, these double-sided brushes are as posh as they are durable. Bonus: They come in a fabulous artsy bag that you’ll want to carry everywhere.
30. A Book to Change Your Life: How to Live Plastic Free
It’s the little steps that can go a long way. Noticing the items you use and purchase when it comes to meals, beauty products and others, can give you an idea of what habits you need to change. Simply put: How to Live Plastic Free by the Conservation Society will teach you everything you need to know about cutting back on your plastic pollution. The chapters guide you through your morning routine to the time you go to bed. After all, saving the planet begins with the small choices we make today.
31. Power your smartphone using the sun’s rays.
We’re not asking you to give up your iPhone, but you can choose to consume less energy with the Anker PowerPort Dual USB Solar Charger, which allows you to charge all your devices with the power of the sun. Pro tip: Use it as an excuse to get some much-needed rays and explore the outdoors. The charger is good for smartphones and tablets.
32. These Mood-Enhancing Solar Powered Lights
Brighten up your patio for a garden party or just chill out in the moonlight with these energy-saving and environmentally friendly LED fairy lights. Put them out during the day for 6 to 8 hours of charging time and have them light up for about 8 to 12 hours after. These whimsical fairy string lights don’t just look pretty, they’re also mood-enhancing (in our opinion). Pro tip: Pair them with a warm firepit for maximum coziness effect.
33. These Classic Bamboo Sunglasses
Beach season might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your stylish shades. Tree Tribe Bamboo Sunglasses is environmentally kind, and the classic frames basically look good on everyone. They also offer UV400 protection and float in water! Another perk to your purchase: Tree Tribe plants 10 trees for every sale.
33. Swap out your plastics for these Earth-friendly toothbrushes.
If you look around, you’ll start to see all the ways plastic has seeped into your life. Even your toothbrush is made from plastic. The good news is that we can now check another item off our list of swaps: GoWoo’s 100 percent natural bamboo toothbrush is here to make this transition seamless with their biodegradable super soft nylon bristles (which are especially great for sensitive gums). Not only are they sustainable and renewable, this set of four brushes will help you lead a green life without relinquishing quality (they also come in some pretty jazzy colors).
34. Go green and hang up your clothes in style.
When you open your closet, what’s hanging inside? If the answer is plastic, High Grade Lotus Wooden Hangers offers the perfect solution with their elegantly hand-crafted hangers. Each one comes wrapped in a clear, grooved vinyl grip so your clothes don’t slip off. They’ve also been sanded to a smooth, splinter-free finish.
35. This Eco-Friendly, Chill Out Dinnerware
Plastic plates may be an easy, convenient option for dinner parties, but let’s face it: They are bad news for the environment. Swapping to Frondware’s disposable palm leaf plates gives you the best of both worlds: scrub-free nights and a guilt-free conscience. Each pack of this biodegradable dinnerware comes with 100 9-inch plates. But even more impressive? They’re created by hand from the leaves of fallen palm fronds, which means no trees were harmed or cut to make them.
36. Greener Office Supplies
Confession: I’m all about office supplies. There’s nothing quite like picking up new notebooks and sticky notes to make me feel more productive (and somewhat nostalgic). Which is why I was stoked to discover Onyx and Blue’s Recycled Green Eco Friendly School Office Supplies Kit. The packaging is made from sustainable materials such as recycled, unbleached carton printed with soy-based ink, and comes with all kinds of goodies: pens, pencils, sticky notes, index cards, a notebook with bamboo paper, and natural rubber bands.
37. Create a word garden with these sproutable pencils.
After writing down your masterpiece, instead of tossing out your pencil, you can literally plant it and watch it grow! The Original Sprout Pencil Set is 100 percent eco-friendly and made with only natural and biodegradable materials. They contain eight graphite pencils tipped with see capsules for growing herbs like thyme, basil, and flax. Another reason for you to finish up that big writing assignment!
38. These Plastic-Free Stick Swabs
Don’t let wax buildup keep you glued to plastic (pun intended). Keep yourself fresh and clean with these Eco-Friendly Bamboo Stick Swabs that are both disposable and biodegradable. Each pack of three includes 1,500 swabs and is made out of tough bamboo material so that the handle bends without breaking.
39. An Elegant Lunch Box That Won’t Harm the Planet
A greener option to store your lunch is now here with this sustainably made stainless steel lunch box. Perfect for both kids and adults alike—the container holds more than six cups of food in its leak-proof compartment. Feel free to wash the lunchbox without fear of it rusting or eroding with time (the lunch box comes with a lifetime guarantee). Bonus: You also get the added perk of stainless steel utensils (score!).
40. The Gift Wrap That Keeps on Giving
When birthdays and celebrations come around, give your loved ones the Gift Wrap That Grows and Blooms Colorful Wild Flowers. While most wrapping ends up as waste in landfills, this eco-friendly alternative is made from 100 percent recycled paper and embedded with hundreds of wildflower seeds. Easily one of our top favorites on this list, each box contains four large flowering seeded gift wrap, six gift cards, and a bundle of natural raffia.
41. Do away with plastic bottles with this solid shampoo bar.
Finally, a way to nourish your mane without hurting mother nature. With Organic Conditioning Shampoo by Très Spa, you’re getting a naturally biodegradable and vegan-friendly treat. All of their products are made from organic plant oils like clary sage and pink grapefruit that will help keep your hair looking shiny and lustrous. Handcrafted in small batches, Très Spa makes going green a delightfully relaxing and luxuriating experience.
42. Dry off your dining ware with these reusable dish towels.
Keep things clean and green with Full Circle Tidy 100 percent organic cotton dishcloths. Made with non-toxic dyes and soft, absorbent cotton, these towels are tougher than they look; plus, their little loops give you that extra bit of scrubbing power. Use the set of three to keep your dishes and glassware shiny and dry, then toss them in the washing machine after.
43. The Motivational Shirt That Keeps You Going
Last but not least, we know saving the planet is no easy feat, which is why you need a constant (friendly) reminder of what’s at stake. Keep it real with this “There is no Plan B.” shirt that’s 100 percent cotton and machine washable. Even better, give it out to family and friends (the Earth needs as many environmentally conscious helpers it can get).
