8 Tried And True Zero Waste Swaps
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

8 Tried And True Zero Waste Swaps

If you have to hear a good review before spending money on a new project, look no further. These are eight of my favorite sustainable products.

Emma Bjornsrud
Jul 24, 2019
Western Washington University
24
8 Tried And True Zero Waste Swaps
Pixabay

Need some new chapstick? How about coffee? I've compiled a list of some zero waste alternatives to day-to-day items we all replace eventually. I've found that all of these sustainable options work just as well for me, if not better than the plastic-packaged, toxic stuff we're all accustomed to buying. So, give these a try! Let your curiosity get the best of you and see how these things work for you. I guarantee you'll begin to think about how to make more sustainable swaps in every facet of your life if you just start small.

Shampoo Bar

Emma Bjornsrud

It wasn't until this summer that I finally used up the shampoo I'd bought in bulk and made the switch to a shampoo bar. My hair tends to be pretty oily and I thought the bar might not be strong enough to really clean my hair, but after a few uses, I've found that I really like it! I bought a Celestial Farms bar at my local farmer's market, and they had lots of products and scents to choose from.

Menstrual Cup

This was also my first summer using a menstrual cup. I did my research on sizing and brands and ended up buying an OrganiCup. It comes with plenty of information and it's actually really easy to use. Not only is it less wasteful, but it's also less time consuming and expensive. You can literally leave it in for a whole day without emptying it or even having to think about it! Still, this might sound a bit scary, so if you're not ready to make this leap, choose the most natural and eco-friendly feminine products that you can! (Think less packaging and applicator-free tampons!)

DIY Lip Balm

The last lip balm I bought was also a Celestial Farms product because it was packaged in a small glass container and was sold locally! However, lip balm is actually pretty easy to make yourself. There are plenty of recipes with various different scents and ingredients, so it's only a matter of mixing some things up for your very own batch!

Deodorant Jar

Although I've always used a natural deodorant, I was pleased when I found a similar product packaged in a glass jar instead of a plastic tube. I've bought Schmidt's jars recently, and I'm saving the empty jars to send back to their recycling club. For every five empty jars you recycle, they'll send you one jar for free! It's easy to use, smells great, and works really well!

Metal Straws

Of course, plenty of people have jumped on the bandwagon in buying reusable straws. I absolutely love mine, but my best advice is to keep them handy so you have them when you need one! I keep one in my bag (with my bamboo utensils), in my car's glove box, and with my collection of reusable mugs and Tupperware. They're so convenient and honestly just logical! It's never the end of the world to end up using a disposable straw when it's handed to you, but the less straws we throw away, the smaller the market for plastic straws will become!

Bamboo Utensils

I absolutely love my bamboo utensils! They're totally handy but so small and lightweight that they can fit in any bag and be ready to use whenever! You can find them at most health food stores or co-ops, and they're very affordable. It feels good to be able to turn down a plastic fork when you have your own in your pocket!

Homemade Toothpaste

I was on the fence about the DIY toothpaste until I actually tried it. I used a simple baking soda and coconut oil recipe, which is a bit salty to the taste, but with some essential oils ends up smelling great! I've found that it works well and it's so easy to make! The baking soda is a great ingredient for cleaning teeth, and when paired with a bamboo toothbrush, you have a match made in heaven!

Compostable Coffee Pods

I'm definitely a coffee drinker, but I haven't yet converted to a french press. Instead, while living in the dorms I wanted quick and easy coffee, so I bought some compostable K cups from Amazon. I bought these Tayst ones, which come in compostable bags and recyclable boxes. They even come with a handwritten note from the company thanking you for your purchase! It's good, sustainable coffee!

So, if you've been hesitant to make any of these changes, I can promise you that they're worth it. You don't have to start the swap right away; in fact, the whole point of zero waste is to use up what you have before tossing it out for something else. Just consider your options next time you run out of toothpaste or shampoo! Every little action is important, and you have the power to make a change.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
17207
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
295198
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
91080
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
153443
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
64641
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments