42 Reusable Products to Help You Cut Back on Waste

These hybrid diapers can be used with washable and reusable diaper pads or disposable ones depending on your preference. They’re made with washable soft fleece, are easy to adjust, and offer leak-protective leg casing. What’s more, they’ll probably save money in the long run since you won’t have to buy disposable diapers every few weeks.

These spongey reusable cotton rounds feel remarkably like standard cotton rounds, and they don’t have to be machine washed like most. They’re made from absorbent wood cellulose from conifers and short cotton fibers not suitable for the textile industry, and they come in handy carrying cases (made entirely out of post-consumer plastic).

If you’re really dedicated to wiping single-use plastic and paper out of your routine, LastObject also makes a handy cotton swab alternative made out of polypropylene that’s reinforced with glass fiber. The pliable tip ends are produced from thermoplastic elastomers. Use it for anything you would use a regular cotton swab for (even cleaning your ears), and wash it with soap and water when you’re done.

Plastic wrap is especially hard to fit around odds and ends in the fridge, like half of an onion or that last bit of lemon you have leftover from dinner. These food savers are a better way to keep your food fresh and create a seal around your produce. 

Yes, we know that banning plastic straws won’t save the world, but these reusable straws made from silicone are truly excellent alternatives to metal straws that aren’t conducive to chewing (if you know, you know), paper straws that disintegrate as soon as they come in contact with liquid, and compostable straws that are expensive for businesses. These come in a pack of 10, and include a handy pipe cleaner. Use them with your tumblers or reusable water bottles and you’re set.

Anyone who loves drip coffee probably runs through multiple paper filters a week, but if you use a No. 2 style filter in your coffee maker, you can buy this food-grade stainless-steel option that will save you the trouble. This one is suitable for making four to six cups of coffee. 

If you just can’t quit the convenience of paper towels, give these cute “unpaper” towels a go. It’s made from 100% cotton and comes in a roll, just like single-use paper towels. Just toss ’em in the wash with the rest of your towels when they get dirty and put them back on the roll once they dry. It really is that easy.

Stasher bags are the silicone-based alternative to any variety of plastic bags you might be using to store food or carry snacks in. They come in snack sizes, sandwich sizes, a half-gallon size (like the one pictured), and even a lunch-bag size that stands upright on a countertop.

We love Stojo’s collapsible coffee cup because it’s durable, travel-friendly, microwave and dishwasher safe, and comes in handfuls of cute colors. It’s made from food-grade silicone and actually recyclable plastic without BPAs, BPSs, phthalates, leads, or glues.

Kick your bagged-microwaveable-popcorn habit to the curb with this delightfully useful and washable SELF Favorite silicone bowl. Toss kernels in the collapsible bowl and pop it in the microwave, then top it with extra virgin olive oil or butter, salt, and whatever other toppings your eco-conscious heart desires for a bowl of popcorn that might even be better than the movie theater.

Here’s another option for snack bags that are slightly thinner than the Stashers but still reusable, rewashable, and, most importantly, resealable.

A mop pad such as this Swiffer-compatible pair will make cleaning day a lot less wasteful. These pads are made of microfiber fabric and are safe for all floor types.

Any baker who loves a loaf or cupcake might want to look into swapping out their paper baking cups for these colorful silicone guys. 

Wool dryer balls are a handy alternative to dryer sheets and fabric softener and can actually cut down your drying time, so they’re a lifesaver for giant loads. As an added bonus, people also like that these dryer balls tend to de-wrinkle your clothes while they’re bopping around in there.

And if you’re still using paper napkins at the dinner table, consider swapping out for something like these Swedish dishcloths that come in a variety of pretty patterns. 

You’ll want this set of food-safe, BPA-free silicone microwave covers to keep food from splattering or boiling over. They also can be used to keep leftovers fresh in the fridge. No need for aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Another increasingly popular alternative to plastic wrap is Bee’s Wrap paper, which is made from organic cotton (infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin) and can be cleaned and reused again and again. You can use these wraps for food prep or to store leftovers, since they cool to form a seal around the tops of food containers. 

Cotton makeup remover pads are super convenient to use with micellar water when you’re too tired for a full face wash. While they’re a single-use situation they could be swapped for a set of reusable makeup removers like these. These Greenzla pads are made from a soft bamboo material that may even be more comfortable than the cotton ones you’re used to. 

If you want a pour-over with a built-in filter, here’s an all-in-one system with a double-layer mesh sieve.

If you’re looking to veer away from tampons and pads completely, you can’t get more sustainable than a menstrual cup. This small reusable silicone option from Lena is catered to people who are new to using menstrual cups, so it’s a good starting point. 

Pads are maybe a less obvious choice for a household item, but hey! If you use pads, brands like Rael make organic cloth versions that you can re-wear every month after washing them out. This one uses five layers of organic cotton for absorption and has an hourglass shape to help prevent any leakage from the sides. 

Proof’s washable leakproof undies are suitable for bladder leaks, periods, sweat, and more. These are high-waisted (though the brand has bikini and hip hugger options too) and hold up to three regular tampons worth of blood. We love them for nighttime wear.

Most parchment paper isn’t recyclable or compostable, which is where a silicone baking mat comes in. Instead of tearing roll after roll of tin foil or parchment paper when you bake or cook a sheet pan dinner, you can use just one washable mat to prevent your food from sticking.

Sponges can get fusty and moldy with use, which is why it’s healthier to toss them than to keep ’em. But if you’re washing a lot of dishes, consider switching to these polyester scrubbing sponges that are machine-washable so you can reuse them. They’re not ones you’ll have forever: You still have to wring them out and will eventually have to toss them when the outer material starts to develop a stink. But they’re designed to last a lot longer than the average sponge, so you’ll be able to cut down on your consumption over time. 

If you’re looking to reduce the number of produce bags you take home from the grocery store, you can bring your own set of cloth bags to pack up fruit and veggies. This set offers a range of breathable mesh bags for large produce and smaller items, plus one muslin bag.

Speaking of microfiber cloths, here’s a whole set of them that are great for dusting or cleaning up surfaces (dirt tends to cling to microfiber materials), without having to reach for a paper towel. 

The beauty industry still has a long way to go when it comes to plastic reduction. MOB Beauty, an emerging beauty brand setting the standard for green beauty, offers refills for all of its products, from foundation to lipstick. This talc-free blush comes in eight pretty shades, and once you buy the compact, you can continue to refill it as needed. 

Did you know that reusable pipette bags exist? These are made from a durable nylon material that can handle hot and cold food. You can also mix and match different tips and nozzles with them, depending on whether you’re icing a cake or squeezing out warm dough. 

Baggu’s kitschy, colorful totes are a fun way to add reusable grocery bags into your rotation. They’re made with durable ripstop nylon, and the thick, seamless straps mean that you can carry everything in one trip without risking a grocery disaster.

Another way to reduce your paper use is to keep absorbent tea towels easily accessible in the kitchen. These minimalist options from Food52 are made with prewashed cotton to soak up everything, and they dry quickly so you can continue using them instead of having to reach for disposable alternatives.

Instead of hassling with a bunch of rusty steel wool for pots that need a deep clean, you can invest in some reusable pot scrubbers that can be tossed in the washing machine after each use. These are made with durable nylon to help you scrub out all the grease stains and food gunk out of your favorite cookware. 

Another hassle of wrapping leftovers in plastic wrap is that it has no structure, so it can be hard to create a seal with it. These stretchy, elasticized linen covers can help. They come in various sizes, between 6 and 14 inches, so you can actually stretch them over bowls (and even sliced fruit) to keep food fresh for longer. Just pop them in the washing machine when they get dirty.

This cult-favorite body wash will transform your shower into a rainforest oasis—and leave you feeling squeaky clean in the process. It’s “filler-free” according to the brand’s website, so one 16-oz bottle will last you more than 160 showers. Plus, once you run out, you can buy a gallon refill. Yes, a gallon.

Uni is a refillable body-care brand working to reduce the waste in your self-care routine. The brand’s bath essentials include genderless body wash, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, body serum, and hand wash. Uni has a closed-loop system, which means it reuses material waste created during the production process to make additional and new products, reusing the same materials over and over again.

A stylish and durable hand soap dispenser is key when trying to cut down on waste. This glass and silicone dispenser from Cleancult is functional in a kitchen or bathroom, and dispenses the perfect amount of soap in one pump. Plus, the brand has subscription options for hand soap refills, if that’s your jam.

This laundry detergent dispenser eliminates 70% of plastic in your laundry routine. The patented control-pour mechanism within the dispenser helps ensure that you never overmeasure—or overpour—your detergent again. It’s made out of sturdy glass, BPA-free plastic, and silicone, and it features a lip spout to catch sticky detergent dribbles.

These waterless, plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars strengthen and nourish your hair without the level of waste that comes with more conventional picks. Plus, this set comes with a stone soap dish to help your hair products last longer.

Not only do safety razors look sleek and gorgeous in any bathroom, but they also help you reduce plastic. This heavy-duty butterfly razor from Albatross gives a close shave, won’t rust, and comes with 10 blade refills.

This dish soap block replaces your traditional bottle of liquid dish soap. It’s made out of coconut and castor oils, plus lemon and orange essential oils for a delicious scent. Place this dish soap block on a soap dish and use a wet sponge or dish brush to lather up.