Going zero waste can be really exciting. As you use up your old products in plastic bottles and tubs, you start slowly replacing them with more eco-friendly, plastic-free alternatives. The temptation can be to replace everything as quickly as possible as you’re eager to make the sustainable swaps; particularly when it comes to getting rid of plastic. There’s a real joy in using things up though so take your time, use what you have, and find replacements for things you need only when you need them.
This is a comprehensive list of zero waste swaps to help guide you through the process of adopting a zero waste lifestyle. When I started my zero waste journey, I found it useful to work through each section of my home, making swaps when I had used up or worn out the products I already owned. The fundamental rule of zero waste living is to avoid waste. So: use what you have, only buy what you need, and shop second-hand before buying any of these items.
Daily Essentials
- Reusable Coffee Cup - Corkcicle or Stojo
- Water Bottle - Elephant Box or Kambukka
- Lunch Box
- Snack Pouch
- Napkins
- Cutlery - regular utensils from home or a bamboo set
- Straws (skip if you don't need them)
- Tote Bag
Toiletries
- Hair Care
- Plastic-Free Hair Ties
- Bar Soap (for hand and body wash)
- Bath Salts
- Moisturiser
- Cleanser
- Face Mask
- Low Waste Make Up
- Refillable Perfume
- Natural Deodorant
- Organic Cotton Face Cloths
- Organic Cotton Make Up Remover Pads
- Natural Body Sponge
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen
- Wooden Body Brush
- Wooden Nail Brush
First Aid Kit
- Bamboo Plasters
- Surgical Tape
- Gauze Bandage Pads and Rolls
- Aloe Vera Gel (from a plant)
- Tiger Balm Pain Relief
- Stainless Steel Tweezers
- Stainless Steel Ice Pack
- Hot Water Bottle
- Natural Cold Remedies
- Cotton Handkerchiefs
Personal
Bathroom
- Recycled Toilet Paper
- Safety Razor
- Bamboo Toothbrush
- Plastic-Free Toothpaste
- Plastic-Free Dental Floss
- Organic Cotton Buds
- Durable Hair Brush or Wooden Comb
- Plastic-Free Hair Ties or Wooden Hair Stick
- Organic Cotton Bath Towels
Bedroom
Kitchen
- Cast Iron Cookware
- Sustainable Dinnerware
- Linen Tea Towels
- Linen Place Mats
- Linen Table Cloth
- Reusable Bamboo Kitchen Towels
- Glass Jars (for food storage)
- Organic Cotton Bread Bag or Bin
- Wooden Chopping Board
- Wooden Cooking Utensils
- Silicone Baking Mats
- Reusable Wax Wraps
- Coffee
- Loose Leaf Tea
- Compost Bin
Food Shopping
- Shoppers / Tote Bags
- Reusable Produce Bags
- Storage Jars
- Reusable Containers
- Silicone Bags
Laundry and Cleaning
- Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Sanitiser
- Eco-Friendly Washing-Up Liquid
- Plant Fibre Pot Brush
- Leaf Fibre Dish Brush with Replacement Heads
- Luffa Washing-Up Pad
- Bamboo Washable Towels or Rags
- Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent
- Microfibre Washing Bag
- Natural Stain Remover
- Wooden Drying Rack
- Wooden Clothes Airer
- Responsibly-Made Household Gloves
- Window Vac
- Steam Cleaner
- DIY Cleaning
Office Supplies
- Notebook (or scrap paper)
- Refillable Pen
- Highlighter Pencils
- Metal Paper Clips
- Metal Ruler
