Start living a sustainable lifestyle with these zero waste swaps!
Make your journey to zero waste easier with these alternatives to plastic and disposable items. But when making the swaps, don’t throw the old ones in the trash. Instead, use them up, donate, recycle, resell or give them away. After all, the main purpose of zero waste lifestyle is to prevent as many things as possible from ending up in the landfill.
Here’s a list of zero waste swaps for sustainable living.
Zero Waste Grocery Shopping
Instead of using single-use plastics, use:
- reusable bags
- bento bags
- reusable mesh produce bags
- reusable jars with tare weight
- glass bottles for liquids
Zero Waste On The Go
Avoid plastic cups, bottled water, utensils and straws by carrying these:
- reusable travel mug
- reusable water bottle
- reusable container for takeout and leftovers
- bamboo travel cutlery set
- bamboo straws or stainless steel straws
- cloth napkin
- foldable tote bags

Zero Waste Toiletries
Yes! There are zero waste swaps for toiletries, here are some:
- deodorant
- shampoo bar
- conditioner bar
- reusable makeup remover pads
- menstrual cups
- reusable menstrual pads
- refillable dental lace
- natural bath sponge
- bamboo toothbrush
- biodegradable hair ties
- metal safety razor and razor replacement blades
- wooden hairpin
- toothpaste tablets
- bamboo comb
- biodegradable hair brushes
- stainless steel ear pick
Zero Waste Bathroom
For your bathroom, here are some zero waste swaps:
- bidet attachment for less toilet paper usage
- linen bath towels
- bars of soap (or make your own!)
- toilet brush
- natural fiber shower curtain
- refillable bottles
Zero Waste Bedroom
Go zero waste in the bedroom with these babies:
- natural mattress
- linen sheets
- buckwheat pillow
- organic cotton sheets
- DIY linen spray
- plants with recycled planters (hello DIY!)
- organic cotton duvet

Zero Waste Kitchen
Here are some zero waste swaps for cooking:
- wooden or bamboo cooking utensils
- cast iron pans
- french press or moka pot
- k-cup
- reusable tea bags or tea strainer
- glass jars
- beeswax wrap
- sort and go waste bin
- cleaning cloths
- reusable coffee filters
- reusable silicone baking cups
- silicone baking mats
On the other hand, here’s a list of zero waste swaps for eating:
- serving bowls (glass or wooden)
- cloth napkins
- silicone stasher bag
- metal utensils (you can also opt for wooden cutleries)
- wooden chopsticks
Zero Waste Cleaning
As for zero waste cleaning stuff, here are what I’d recommend:
- reusable lint remover
- cotton rags
- orange peel vinegar cleaner
- baking soda (for scrubbing)
- natural rubber gloves
- bamboo scrubbing brush
- plastic-free sponges
- bottle brush
- all-organic materials broom
- washing up brushes
- metal scourer
Zero Waste Laundry
When it comes to laundry, go zero waste with these items:
- plastic-free pods
- wool dryer ball
- vinegar (instead of fabric softener)
- DIY laundry powder
- bamboo drying rack
Zero Waste Workspace
Finally, we’re going zero waste with our workspace with these zero waste swaps:
- grease pencils
- refillable pens
- highlighter pencils
- stainless steel scissors
- Terracycle boxes
- decomposition notebook
- reusable K-cup
- plastic-free tape
Did I miss anything? Feel free to recommend any zero waste product you use in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
Let’s go zero waste!
You might also like…
- 9 Ways to Avoid Food Waste And Save More Money
- How to Go Zero Waste on a Budget (7 Sustainable Living Tips)
- 9 Surprisingly Easy Eco-friendly Tips for Apartment Living
- 7 Sustainable Living Ideas and Tips That Will Help You Save Money
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