One-Time Eco-Friendly Purchases to Reduce Waste
Affordable Eco-Friendly Transitions to Implement in 2024, Each Costing Less Than $25
Hope you love these recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were carefully chosen by our editors. Note that BuzzFeed and its publishing partners might earn a commission from the links on this page.
Good news - many of these single-use alternatives will save you money over time.
By Danielle Healy, BuzzFeed Staff
1. Swedish Dishcloths
Use these eco-friendly, reusable, and absorbent dishcloths to replace disposable sponges and paper towels. They can be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between uses, ensuring they're free of germs. To make organization easier, mount a Command hook behind your sink and punch a hole for hanging. Available on Amazon for $8.67 (24 styles).
2. Printed Washable Sponge
Swap your probably-smelly disposable sponge with this colorful and reusable one. It can be tossed in the washing machine or dishwasher for later use. Based in Oregon, Marley's Monsters specializes in zero-waste daily essentials. On Etsy for $12 (four backing colors).
3. Plant-Based Sponge
For the disposable sponge loyalists, try this specially cut, natural wood pulp sponge that biodegrades over time. Ideal for getting into corners and crevices. Sqwishful, an Asian-American, woman-owned small business, launched in 2018 to create eco-friendly cleaning solutions. At The Container Store for $7.99, or Sqwishful for $8.
4. Refillable K-Cups
Save money and reduce waste by filling these cups with your favorite ground coffee. Available on Amazon.
5. Reusable Shopping Bag
Carry this spacious, recycled ripstop bag designed to replace single-use plastic bags. It's safe to machine wash and can be easily composted when you're done. Get it from Baggu for $14 (available in 20 colors/prints).
6. Biodegradable Hair Ties
These thick and strong hair ties are made from biodegradable materials, perfect for those who want a guilt-free alternative to plastic-filled ties.
7. Reusable Stasher Food Bag
Swap single-use plastic baggies with these reusable, airtight, microwave- and freezer-safe bags. Available on Amazon for $9.34 (additional sizes available).
8. Stainless-Steel Strainer and Saucer Set
Replace single-use tea bags with this set for a zero-waste tea time experience. Available on Amazon.
9. Pet Hair Remover
Tired of Fido's shedding? This bristle-based pet hair remover catches lint and can be reused multiple times.
10. Reusable Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads
These gentle, reusable makeup remover pads are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cotton rounds, lasting up to 1,000 uses. On Amazon.
11. Makeup Erasing Cloth
Say goodbye to makeup wipes with this reusable makeup-removing cloth. Simply wash when dirty.
12. Compost Bin
Keep your food scraps organized with this sleek compost bin that comes with a cabinet door mount. On Amazon.
13. Glass Straws
Clean and reusable glass straws for all your sustainable sipping needs.
14. Collapsible Coffee Cup
Travel in style with this collapsible coffee cup, perfect forjava lovers who are always on the go. On Amazon.
15. Wild Sage and Vetiver Shampoo Bar
Experience salon-quality, color-safe, and nourishing shampoo without the plastic waste. From woman-owned brand Dip. On Dip for $24 (travel size and additional scents available).
16. Rechargeable Electric Lighter
Enjoy a windproof, splash-proof, and long-lasting lighter that doesn't contribute to plastic waste. On Amazon.
17. Silicone Baking Mats
Say "goodbye" to parchment paper and foil with these versatile, non-stick, and reusable baking mats. On Amazon.
18. Portable Travel Cutlery Set
Never forget your reusable straw or fork again with this compact travel cutlery set. On Amazon.
19. Beeswax Food Wrap
Say goodbye to plastic wrap with this biodegradable alternative made from cotton and beeswax, which can be reused for up to a year. On Amazon.
20. Bamboo Toothbrush
Switch to this eco-friendly, all-natural bamboo toothbrush that can biodegrade and fades with use.
21. Reusable Cotton Swab
Replace single-use cotton swabs with these reusable, eco-friendly alternatives.
22. Linen Napkins
Upgrade your table setting with these durable, mixing-and-matching linen napkins that reduce paper towel use.
23. Period Underwear
Conveniently handle your period with these affordable period underwear that can replace tampons for more comfortable, eco-friendly periods. On Amazon.
24. Vegan Charcoal Dental Floss
Practice good oral hygiene with this eco-friendly, plastic-free dental floss made from bamboo fiber.
25. Reusable Swiffer Mop Pads
A one-time purchase for a reusable solution to your mopping needs. Dry or wet, these versatile pads shorten your shopping list and save the planet.
26. Plastic-Free Body Lotion Concentrate
Mix this lotion concentrate with water for a DIY zero-waste skincare experience with nourishing benefits.
27. Reusable Silicone Baking Cups
Make baking easy with these reusable silicone baking cups that eliminate the need for paper liners.
28. Reusable Stainless-Steel Coffee Filter
Brew better coffee with this reusable stainless-steel coffee filter.
29. Egyptian Shower Loofah
Ditch your mildewy synthetic loofah for this biodegradable alternative that lasts longer and offers a larger surface area for exfoliation.
30. Natural Deodorant
Go plastic-free and affordably with this natural, 99% plastic-free deodorant that effectively keeps you fresh all day.
31. Extra-Large Dryer Balls
Cut down on dryer time and single-use dryer sheets with these extra-large organic wool dryer balls.
- For the upcoming market-redo-post, focus on promoting eco-friendly products like the reusable shopping bag from Baggu, available for under $15.
- BuzzFeed's shopping-under50 section could feature reusable dishcloths as a top pick, with the market-amazon-majority sellers offering a variety of styles for less than $10.
- If you're looking for content ideas for your blog, consider creating formulas for homemade natural deodorants as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional products. (fyi)
- Market-priority-post: ditch plastic exfoliating tools and switch to the Egyptians shower loofah; it's biodegradable and lasts longer.
- To keep your posts buzzing, consider featuring the pet hair remover as a must-have item, especially for pet owners who are constantly battling shedding fur. Additionally, highlight reusable options such as the reusable Cotton Swab, Linen Napkins, and the Bamboo Toothbrush.
