Simple, sustainable/eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products

1. Straws

People use straws every day, most of the time you use a straw when you go out and buy a drink. You get one at McDonald’s, Starbucks, or just a general restaurant. Although many places have started to give out paper straws, they are still one use only. I highly recommend either buying a reusable stainless steel, silicon or bamboo straw. All three have their pros and cons. I prefer a silicone straw just because I am a person that bites on my straws and it can be folded nicely in your bag. They do have these foldable straws which are perfect for on the go. If you are a big bubble/boba tea fan, you can also buy stainless steel straws for these drinks, which I think is fantastic.

Straw 1# Straw 3# Straw 5# Straw 7# - Bubble tea/bobba straws

Straw 2# Straw 4# Straw 6# Straw 8# - Bubble tea/bobba straws

2. Water Bottle

I know many people don’t drink enough water; I am one of them. From time to time I realise I need to drink more water than the amount of soda’s I drink because it’s convenient. I realised having a water bottle next to my bed sight was great when I woke up as it makes me drink water as the first drink of the day. You can buy sustainable water bottles made from durable steel, glass or just a reusable plastic bottle. It’s still better than buying single-use plastic bottles. Instead, buy a filter which means you have access to water from your tap and only have to use one water bottle.

Water Bottle 1# Water Bottle 3#

Water Bottle 2# Water Bottle 4#

3. Coffee Cup

The same idea as the water bottle, it can come in glass or stainless steel. I prefer stainless steel as it’s more likely thermal and will keep your drinks warm for longer. I assume you make coffee and you want to bring it with you on the go. This cup will more likely be someone you use as it’s common to use a thermal mug. Many coffee shops sell their coffee cups such as Starbucks.

Coffee Cup 1# Coffee Cup 3# Coffee Cup 5# Coffee Cup 7#

Coffee Cup 2# Coffee Cup 4# Coffee Cup 6#

4. The menstrual cup, Reusable cotton pads and biodegradable cotton tampons

These items were something I never thought would have a sustainable alternative. The menstrual cup is an excellent alternative to a tampon. I think they last a good year or two; you can do your research on they and they are made from silicon. However, if you prefer to use tampons, there are single-use tampons made of cotton that are 100% biodegradable and have no fragrance. Pretty simple to insert and can be left in for about 8 hours. The reusable cotton pads can be washed repeatedly, great for people who use pads like me and need something reusable. The clip to your underwear just likes the wings of a standard pad does. They’re each to wash, so no permanent stains. Perfect!

Menstrual Cup 1# Reusable Pad 1# Tampon 1#

Menstrual Cup 2# Reusable Pad 2# All three

Menstrual Cup 3# Reusable Pad 3#

Menstrual Cup 4# Reusable Pad 4#

5. Tote bags

One of the most simple changes are using tote bags, and I buy totes bags not because they are reusable, but so many have cool designs. I buy them now when I travel to a different country as a souvenir; it’s better than buying a magnet as you can at least use it regularly. They come in all sizes, and many are made out of sturdy cloth. On Wikipedia, I found that if you use a tote bag around 130 times before they can match the carbon expenditure of a single disposable bag. I keep a tote bag in all the bags I use so that I never walk out of the house without one. You can buy tote bags anywhere, designer or just in a supermarket

6. Face, body and hair products

Most mainstream face, body and hair products come in plastic bottles. So many companies are making shampoo and conditioner bars that use no packaging as they are in a solid rather than in liquid form.

Skincare 1# Hair and body #1 Hair and body #5

Skincare 2# Hair and body #2 Deodorant 1#

Skincare 3# Hair and body #3 Deodorant 2#

Skincare 4# Hair and body #4

7. Silicon resealable bags and stretch lids

Great for keeping small foods such as nuts or fruits. They are also great for fruits if you want to freeze them overnight for a smoothie or cereal. However, these are one-use plastics as well, so I recommend silicon resealable bags as they are sturdy and can be used for a very long time. Never have to repurchase those plastic bags. You can also buy silicone stretch lids that you cover bowls so that used food stays fresh in the fridge for longer.

Resealable bags 1# Silicon stretch Lids 1#

Resealable bags 2# Silicon stretch Lids 2#

Resealable bags 3#

Resealable bags 4#

8. Reusable produce bags

Most supermarkets use thin plastic bags that you can put items in such as loose fruits and vegetables. These bags are made from mesh cotton, which is excellent quality, tough to break.

Reusable produce bags 1#

Reusable produce bags 2#

Reusable produce bags 3#

9. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss

Most mainstream toothpaste and mouthwash came in plastic containers, just like shampoo and conditioner. While floss is made from waxed nylon, rolled into a small plastic container. Furthermore, most toothbrushes are made of plastic. Just like plastic, fibre is derived from crude oil. However, it only takes 50 to 80 years to decompose compared to plastic which takes 500 to thousands of years decompose. However, there an alternative to using a biodegradable floss material; these include silk floss and polyester yarn for floss.

Dental #1 Dental #4

Dental #2 Dental #5

Dental #3 - when you buy one of their brushes, a brush is donated, and a tree is planted!

10. Cling film/aluminium foil/parchment paper

These materials are one use, and we use them every day to wrap food or cook food in the oven, its such a waste. To combat these materials for packing food, you can use beeswax wrap. I know you might think that the wax will change the taste of your food, but it doesn’t. Just try it once to see for yourself. An alternative to using aluminium foil for baking, you can use silicone baking mats. So many silicon baking alternatives.

Food wrapping 1# Baking 1#

Food wrapping 2#

11. Cutlery

When you get a takeaway, they usually will give you cutlery which is plastic. I recommend that every time you go for a takeaway, refuse the cutlery they give you if it’s plastic. Try to bring a reusable cutlery set with you, so you never have to worry about taking their cutlery. Many cutlery sets come with chopsticks too, which is excellent for takeaway noodles.

Cutlery 1# Cutlery 3#

Cutlery 2# Cutlery 4#

12. Make-up

There has been a start to brands making make-up more sustainable in their packaging and the materials they use.

Make-up 1# Make-up 3#

Make-up 2# Make-up 4#

13. Mason Jars

Mason Jars 1# Mason Jars 3#

Mason Jars 2# Mason Jars 4#

14. Teapot

I’ve never thought about this as a sustainable option, only until I found out that tea bags contain pieces of plastic which I was shocked to know. You can buy loose leave teach which comes in a cardboard packaging. I think it also means you can make a large amount of tea from a small about of team; it helps to maximise your tea stash.

Teapot 1# Teapot 2#

15. Toilet paper, paper towels and wipes

Many companies are making 100% sustainable bamboo tissues and wipe that are wrapped in 100% recycled in cardboard. They’re 100% biodegradable and specifically toilet paper break well when flushed down the toilet.

Paper 1# Wipes 1#

Paper 2# Wipes 2#

16. Razor

Most razors are made from plastic which is also disposable. I can understand why they make so many products disposable because companies can make more money from repeat purchases, but it damages the planet. Many companies send stainless steel razors with a wooden handle. They have many more uses than just using a disposable one.

Razor 1# Razor 2#

General Online store for sustainable products

https://www.plasticfreedom.co.uk/

https://earthhero.com