20 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Help the Planet and Your Wallet

Thanks to these 20 eco-friendly swaps for everyday plastic use, going green has never been easier.

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April 17, 2023

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 44 million metric tons of plastic were wasted in 2019 alone and it is estimated that by the year 2050, plastic in the ocean will actually outweigh fish? From taking care of basic hygiene to cooking to cleaning up after furbabies, it's so easy to use a lot of plastic and unrecyclable materials every day without realizing it. Thankfully, making eco-friendly swaps is a lot simpler than you might think. From reusable paper towels and food wrap to shampoo and conditioner bars (that’s right, no plastic bottles!), we’ve rounded up our favorite planet-friendly swaps that will help support a sustainable lifestyle without compromising basic needs and joys.

$35.99
Amazon

Charcuterie boards have become party must-haves and for good reason. You can serve fruit, cheese, crackers, dip, and more on one beautiful platter, making it the focal point of any gathering. This cheeseboard and knife set is made entirely from Forest Stewardship Council-certified bamboo and comes in sustainable packaging. The hidden and secure sliding drawer can store cutlery and the two detachable bowls are ideal for displaying dip. Got little ones at home? No problem. This set is made entirely with baby-grade material.

$179.99 (Pack of 20)
Amazon

What's cooking? Twenty pieces of ceramic nonstick cookware and bakeware that are attractive, functional AND eco-friendly. Each piece is finished with a non-toxic mineral-based coating and releases up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide when manufactured compared to the conventional nonstick coating. The pots are designed with cool-touch ergonomic handles and are safe to use on gas, ceramic, electric and induction cooktops. Able to evenly distribute heat, this set can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is safe to load in the dishwasher.

$24.99 (Pack of 5)
Amazon

Baking can be such an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Unfortunately, avid bakers can end up using way more aluminum for all their baking projects than necessary. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, about 2.7 million tons of aluminum ended up in landfills in 2018. Thanks to reusable nonstick and non-toxic silicone baking mats, you can cut down on your aluminum foil usage without sacrificing the quality of your production. Able to withstand up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, these mats are perfectly safe to use in the oven, microwave and freezer. They are also easy to wipe off and suitable for the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze. Each order contains a variety of sizes of mats so you'll be sure to have one that fits your baking project.

$16.99 (Pack of 9)
Amazon

Next time you pack lunch or wrap up leftovers, sip the saran wrap and upgrade to biodegradable and adorable, and reusable beeswax wraps. Designed to ensure your food's longevity with airtight seals, these wraps are both good for the environment and your food. They can be easily cleaned for repeated use. With each purchase, you'll get nine wraps in three different sizes – three small, five medium and one large.

$10.99 (Pack of 50)
Amazon

Calling all tea lovers. Enhance your tea-drinking experience with these versatile non-toxic and biodegradable drawstring tea bags. Simply insert the tea infusers into the bag, tying the bag shut. Then, put the bag into boiled water and when brewing is complete, take out the bag and enjoy your delicious tea. Reusable and easy to clean, these organic cotton bags are made for repeated use and can be used with spices, bulk tea, herbs and potpourri.

$8.49
Amazon

Did you know that more than 200 million paper filters (which takes more than 11,000 trees to make) are thrown away daily in the U.S. alone and they all end up in landfill? If you're a passionate coffee lover and looking for a way to use less paper while still enjoying every cup to its fullest, switch to reusable. GoldTone's BPA-free reusable mesh stainless steel filters are not only safe for the environment and free of messes but they are designed to preserve the flavor and smell of your coffee in its entirety.

$24.99 (Pack of 10)
Amazon

Say goodbye to rolls and rolls of disposable paper towels and say hello to washable and reusable cotton towels. Just one of these organic carbon-neutral towels can take the place of 130 rolls of paper towels. No bleach or chemicals are used in the manufacturing, making these towels perfectly safe for children. Ulta absorbent and versatile, these soft serged-edged towels will become your go-to when it's cleanup time.

$16.89 (Pack of 10)
Amazon

Decrease your plastic bag usage significantly with these reusable dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe silicone bags. Designed with a double-zipper and double-seal, these bags ensure food freshness and zero leakage. Each bag is durably made with food-safe material. Just one of these reusable bags can replace up to 450 single-use plastic bags. With each order, you'll receive three gallon-size bags, four sandwich bags and three snack bags.

$21.99 (Pack of 75)
Amazon

Line your bathroom, office, kitchen or travel trash cans easily and efficiently with these small but mighty biodegradable trash bags. While they take up very little space in the cabinet, each bag is very durably built and designed to hold 13 gallons without ripping or leakage. Switching from traditional trash bags to biodegradable ones can accelerate degradation hundreds of times.

$48 $39
Amazon

It's time to trade in plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles for eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner bars. Not only will each bar replace up to three plastic bottles, but the bars are made with natural ingredients and free of dangerous chemicals often found in fragrances. In addition to the environmental benefits of this switch, your hair will thank you, too. It will feel cleansed, moisturized, rejuvenated, voluminous, strengthened, repaired and shinier.

$15.99 (Pack of 20)
Amazon

Stock your makeup cabinet with these reusable and washable bamboo cotton pads that are friendly to your skin and the environment. Super-soft and absorbent, these pads are perfect for removing makeup and cleaning your face. They can also safely be used on your eyes, lips and neck. Not only are they designed for repeated use, but you can use both sides of the same pad. Plus, your order will be supplied with a complimentary laundry bag and storage box.

$17.23
Amazon

What if I told you that there's a way to wipe more efficiently without clogging up the drain or leaving uncomfortable rashes on sensitive skin? Refresh Liquid Wipe offers toilet paper foam that, with one or two squirts onto your toilet paper, will create a gentle soothing wipe that is easy on the skin, easy on the toilet and perfect for potty trainees. The formula is made with aloe and zero waste and packaging from recycled materials and each container allows you to make up to 400 flushable wipes.

$20.49
Amazon

Is your bathroom trash can filled with disposable plastic razors? USA Today states that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each year, in the U.S. alone, two billion disposable razors and refill blades get thrown away. Enter metal shavers. With these double-edge reusable razors, only the blades need to be replaced, but the razors themselves are built to last and can be used time and time again. Designed with your comfort and safety in mind, these razors will prevent ingrown hair and skin soreness.

$9.95 (Pack of 75)
Amazon

Clean that cut or scrape without adding to your plastic consumption with these compostable non-toxic bamboo bandaids. Made with durable adhesive and breathable fabric, these bandaids are sure to completely seal to protect the wound and prevent germs. When finished, they're easy to tear off without any irritation, even on the most sensitive skin. Plus, they are made without latex, parabens or sulfate and were tested in labs – not on animals.

$29.94 (Pack of 2)
Amazon

Even the toughest of stains are no match for this biodegradable, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent. Wash up to 53 loads per 40-ounce container, and both your clothes and the environment will be happier. Not only is this detergent plant-based, but all scents are made entirely from essential oils and botanical ingredients. Plus, the packaging is made with recycled materials and is recyclable.

$28.99 (Pack of 80)
Amazon

Any parent knows that when it comes to caring for babies, having an abundance of disposable diapers is a must. Unfortunately, billions of diapers end up in landfills each year. The Honest Comapny's diapers are plant-based, latex-free and fragrance-free. Plus, you can be sure these are made with no parabens or chlorine processing and were not tested on animals. Not only are these hypoallergenic diapers a better alternative for the environment, but they are super absorbent, designed with your baby's comfort in mind and come with double pockets to prevent any messy blowouts. The wetness indicator will let you know when it's diaper-changing time.

$29.98 (Pack of 8)
Amazon

The days of constantly spending money on new batteries and having to dispose of used-up ones are over. Energizer's longest-lasting rechargeable batteries deliver up to five years of battery life in which they can be charged HUNDREDS of times. Plus, they are made with 15 percent recyclable materials.

$34.00 $19.4
Amazon
43% Off!

If you're somebody who loves to write but doesn't love wasting paper, Rocketbook's smart reusable notebook will become your best friend. Write to your heart's content like you would on your paper spiral notebook. Then, scan and save your work in seconds with the free Rocketbook app and wipe your notebook clean with the included microfiber cloth. Your notebook will look fresh and ready for another writing adventure.

$20.99 (Pack of 540)
Amazon

Walks with your pup just got a lot cleaner and stress-free. These odor-controlled heavy-duty poop bags are perfect for all kinds of dogs and are tightly sealed so your hands will stay clean throughout the duration of the walk. As opposed to plastic bags that can get caught in landfills, these bags are entirely biodegradable and made from vegetable-based materials. Each order comes with a dispenser for your convenience.

$11.97
Amazon

Attention cat parents. We love our purr-fect friends. The smell of their used litter boxes, not so much. That's where the litter box odor eliminator comes in. Simply sprinkle the extremely absorbent plant-based substance and it will mix easily with all types of litter and your kitty's urine and feces, wicking away the unpleasant smells. Got more than one cat? This product can handle usage from multiple cats. In addition to litter boxes, it's perfect for animal carriers, kennels, trash cans and trash compactors.

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