Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are an easy switch to make to reduce single use plastics and minimize waste. Sturdy reusable grocery bags are designed for multiple trips and can handle heavier loads. Popular options include:
Cotton - Made of natural breathable fibers, cotton bags have classic style and open easily at the cash register. Look for sturdy straps and stitching. The fabric is machine washable.
Polypropylene - One of the most durable reusable grocery bag materials, polypropylene plastic bags have rope handles and fold up small enough to keep convenient bundles in cars and handbags until needed. They can carry 20 or more plastic bags worth of groceries.
Jute - Made from natural jute plant fibers, these biodegradable textile bags have an earthy look and feel. Jute is breathable and decomposes naturally when disposed, making jute bags compostable. Tip: Wash gently by hand to prolong use.
Insulated - For transporting cold and frozen foods, insulated reusable grocery bags have waterproof linings and freeze gel pack inserts. Some fasten tight with zippers or Velcro for leak proof transport. Sturdy materials like nylon and polyester provide strength and structure.
Totes - Large divided reusable tote bags turn grocery shopping into a one-trip event. Interior rigid sides keep bulky loads stable and organized in separate fabric compartments sized for produce, chilled items, pantry staples, and more. Handles are either double straps or pull cart style.
Reusable grocery bags reduce the need for flimsy single use plastic bags that choke waterways and threaten wildlife. Sturdy multi-use grocery bags protect nature while meeting household organizing needs.
Reusable Food Wraps
Another plastic-saving hack for eco-friendly kitchens is adopting reusable food wraps. These washable covers form an airtight seal around leftovers and uncut produce to protect freshness without needing disposable plastic wrap, bags or containers.
Food wraps made from beeswax coated cloths provide a naturally anti-microbial, non-toxic way to cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, half onions and other everyday uses that pile up plastic waste. The reusable wraps cling thanks to the pliable beeswax coating which melts slightly as it warms up in your hands. This allows you to stretch and mold the wrap to seal around different shaped leftovers and dishes.
Since they are made from breathable cloths like cotton, hemp or linen, the reusable wraps allow ventilation so condensation doesn’t accumulate. This prevents soggy food. The wraps improve the storage life of cut fruits, vegetables, cheeses and breads by protecting them from oxygen and drying out quickly in the fridge.
To reuse, simply wash gently by hand or machine in cold water using eco-friendly soap. Reshape while pliable after washing and allow to thoroughly dry before pressing flat for compact storage. With basic care, high quality reusable food wraps can be used for up to a year before recycling and repurchasing. They provide a plastic-free, zero waste alternative for grab and go snacks, lunches and reducing leftover waste.
Rechargeable Batteries
Reduce waste and save money by switching from disposable batteries to rechargeable batteries for frequently used devices like flashlights, toys, and game controllers. Quality rechargeable batteries can be used hundreds of times and stay charged for months when not in use.
Look for Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries that have no cadmium or mercury. Popular brands like Eneloop and AmazonBasics offer AA and AAA batteries ideal for kids toys, clocks, remotes, headlamps, and other household electronics. Invest in a compatible quick charger to power the batteries back up after use.
Rechargeable batteries spare landfills from tons of toxic battery waste every year. Though pricier upfront, they earn back their value quickly compared to buying endless packs of alkaline batteries. With modern technology lasting 2,000 recharge cycles or more, rechargeable batteries make eco-friendly financial sense.
Reusable Water Bottles
Stay hydrated on the go while cutting down on plastic pollution by carrying a reusable water bottle instead of relying on single-use plastic water bottles. Reusable bottles come in stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free plastic. When chosen wisely, they are safe, durable and eco-friendly.
Stainless steel is the most versatile reusable bottle material - it resists odors, stains and cracks. Brands like Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen offer insulated steel bottles that keep cold drinks chilled for hours or hot beverages steamy. Vacuum layer insulation helps regulate temperature. Look for narrow mouths and secure lids.
For pure taste, glass reusable water bottles can't be beat according to fans. High borosilicate glass like Pyrex is thermal shock resistant and lightweight. Silicone sleeves reduce breakage risk. Glass doesn't hold flavors or odors. Brands like Ello and Life Factory offer non-leaching glass bottles ideal for tap, filtered or alkaline water.
BPA-free plastic bottles are affordable, lightweight reusable options. Clear Tritan co-polyester plastic from brands like Nalgene resists stains and odors better than cheaper plastics. Colorful prints cover most BPA-free bottles – avoid clear plastic water bottles which breed bacteria. Wash thoroughly.
Environmentally-Friendly Toothbrushes
Every year over one billion toothbrushes end up in landfills in the US alone. Most are made from plastic that takes centuries to decompose. Eco-friendly alternatives help curb this waste through better materials and designs. Options include:
Bamboo: Compostable bamboo handles grow fast without pesticides. Bristles are usually nylon or could be boar hair. Brands like Brush with Bamboo harvest sustainable bamboo forests, avoiding clear-cutting rainforest trees. Real bamboo wood gives a luxury feel.
Electric: Automatic electric toothbrushes drastically reduce waste by eliminating the need for toothbrush heads. Brands like Geoganics and Inkhip have replaceable U-shaped heads that last 6-12 months before composting the motor base. Battery models are rechargeable.
Handle-less: Single material toothbrushes do without plastic handles for easy recycling. The Preserve razor-style model has nylon bristles attached to a 100% recycled yogurt cup body. Bite and Envirobrush are other one-piece models where even the bristles biodegrade as compost.
Bamboo Containers
Flexible bamboo kitchen containers present an eco-friendly solution for pantry staples like sugar, flour, oats, pasta, nuts, spices, coffee and tea as well as liquid soap dispensers. Naturally anti-microbial bamboo resists odors and stains better than plastic canisters.
Bamboo containers keep contents sanitary, fresh and dry thanks to tight sealing lids. The durable yet lightweight woven bamboo allows airflow while keeping out pests. Glass inserts make some models fully airtight for coffee beans and bulk spices.
Sleek, sustainable bamboo cannisters add warmth beside stainless appliances. Neutral tan colors resemble wicker. Since bamboo is fast growing compared to trees, harvesting is easier on forests than wood materials. Durability varies, but well made bamboo containers can last for years with basic handwashing care.
Brands like Estilo, Lipper International and Oggi offer bamboo canisters to organize kitchens and transition to plastic-free, reduced waste cooking. Latching curved lids tend to seal best while smooth sides allow easy wiping to keep bamboo containers fresh inside. Measure carefully since bamboo doesn’t regulate humidity like glass or steel.
Cedar Wood Mothballs
A natural alternative to naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene mothballs, cedar-based moth preventatives repel moths without using pesticides that endanger people or pets. Red cedar wood in closet blocks, chests and sachets emits a strong scent that discourages moths from laying eggs around stored textiles.
Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar wood contain oils like cedrol that mask the natural pheromones moth larvae use to feed on fabrics. This confuses them into avoiding areas with cedar wood. Yet the aroma is harmless for humans and animals. Dogs may sneeze but aren’t harmed.
Cedar moth repellants like cedar boards, cedar filled bags and cedar storage trunks provide aromatic and visual deterrents while being reusable for 5-7 years or longer. Cedar also naturally resists decay from moisture and smells earthy rather than chemical. Its versatility suits closets, bookshelves, basements, attics and garages.
While cedar won’t kill existing moth infestations, it helps prevent new ones without ongoing costs. Cedar takes some reapplication over time as the aroma fades but lasts longer than toxic mothball pesticides. For pets and kids, cedar makes clothes storage safer.
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