These 10 Sustainable Product Swaps Will Help The Planet

Instead of using thin plastic bags as you shop for produce in the supermarket, opt for this reusable shopping bag with handles, which not only are sturdier but also reduce unnecessary waste. The bags are made out of organic cotton, they are washable, plus they make good companions if you would rather take your shopping to the farmers’ market.

Wave goodbye to your regular plastic straws and the guilt-trip that comes every time you remember the turtles. This eco-friendly alternative is 100 percent organic, strong, durable and multi-usage and handcrafted in Bali. Plus, they are biodegradable and compostable, so they will never end up polluting the environment.

These reusable cotton pads are made out of special bamboo fabric. With a little added cleanser or makeup remover and a little warm water, they are super effective at removing waterproof mascara, sunscreen, lipstick, etc. The best thing is that they come with a small laundry bag, so you can just toss them all with your clothing, and use up to 1000 times.

Next time you throw a dinner party, opt for this pack of 50 disposable palm leaf plates, birch forks and knives. They are also great to bring on your next camping trip or barbecue, as they are 100 percent eco-friendly, and though they are disposable, they are made from fallen palm leaves — no trees are ever cut down — that are easily compostable, and completely break down into the Earth’s soil in 60 days.

These bags get you one step closer to living that zero-waste lifestyle, made out of lightweight, durable mesh polyester that is nearly transparent, so you can easily see what’s inside. With a drawstring toggle closure, they are easy to open and close, and you can also just throw them with the laundry to clean them.

This kitchen loofahs made out of plant-based fibers are fine for all types of nonstick cookware, pots, pans, glass, and has a little loop to hang to dry, so it also gives way to less bacteria. The best part is that it foams well, while also consuming less dish soap — so not only are you saving the planet from scrubber waste, you are also producing minimizing the times you have to toss your soap container for a new one.

Regular floss commonly consists of one or two synthetic compounds, nylon or Teflon, which are not biodegradable. But this biodegradable floss made out of candelilla wax. It comes in a glass bottle that is easily refillable and recyclable, and even the packaging it comes in is zero-waste, using kraft-paper and ink made out of soybeans.

Because if you are going to throw out any trash at all, might as well do it in a trash bag that’s also “trashable.” These bags are made out of starches of plants and contain no polyethylene, which is the most common form of plastic. They are also BPI certified, the U.S. industry compostable standards authority, and also meet the European Vincotte requirement for backyard composting. Just make sure to toss them out weekly, or else the bag may start decomposing along with your food in the kitchen.

These eco-friendly brushes also have tooth-whitening capacity, as they are infused with charcoal within the bristles to absorb plaque as you clean your teeth. The brushes are made with bio-nylon bristles that are 100 percent recyclable and even last longer than regular ones. The pack comes with eight, which is about a year’s supply.

Say goodbye to the days of plastic wrap in the kitchen. These reusable wraps made out of 100 percent certified organic cotton cloth fabric with premium organic beeswax and tree resin, and are perfect to cover anything from sandwiches to produce to sealing bowls of leftover food. All you have to do is use your warm hand to soften the wrap and mold it over any bowl or container — once it cools it creates a sturdy seal.