I’ve been interested in the zero waste movement for at least 7 years now. Am I a 100% zero-waster? Definitely not. But during this time I have tried and tested quite a few zero waste swaps. Some have been great while some others – not so much. Are you intrigued? Let’s begin!
My zero-waste story – brief introduction
Hello there! My name is Maddie and I am the main author and editor of this blog. Let’s start with a little zero-waste backstory of my own. So, here it goes!
I started being interested in zero-waste around 2016/2017. I wish I could tell you the first push I had towards it, but I truly just cannot remember. It might have started with research on ingredients in cosmetics that led to stories about plastic consumption.
Either way, one thing led to another and I started paying much more attention to zero-waste actions and I began creating posts on this blog about eco-awareness.
Around that time (2016/2017) the first bulk/zero-waste shops opened in Riga (where I live). And luckily enough, they all were somewhere in my neighborhood. So, besides making my own cosmetic products (I made my toothpaste for years!) and experimenting with making everything from scratch (this dishwashing liquid fiasco is a good example) I could explore all other zero-waste alternatives these shops could offer.
For full disclosure, I never went 100% zero-waste. I never managed to save my trash in a little jar. But that said, there was a time when I did most of my shopping in the bulk shop, only thrift-shopped, and used very little single-use plastic.
Zero-waste and I now
After all the years, I am definitely not over the zero-waste movement, but at this point, I am much more flexible with buying plastic and new items. Overall, I would want to get back more into zero-waste but with a healthy, I can’t do it all attitude.
Even though I might not be so immersed in the zero-waste movement at the moment, some zero-waste classics have stayed with me for years in full capacity and some just par time. And unfortunately, some items I have swapped back to plastic or single-use products because the zero-waste alternative didn’t quite work for me.
It is finally time to see what they are!
Zero waste swaps I still use 100%
So, here’s the list of zero waste swaps I still use and have found to be no trouble to swap out.
Zero waste swaps: Reusable bags for small produce
Years ago I bought a set of 5 light-weight bags as an alternative to small plastic bags and I still use them today! They are great for carrying veggies, fruit, mushrooms, grains, pasta, and anything else that fits them. I whip them out regularly in the supermarket, farmers market, and bulk shop and never take a plastic bag for small items.
I have these Onya reusable produce bags, but there are many alternatives like this one.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Light-weight
- Reduces single-use plastic
Cons
- Have to carry with you
- Needs to be washed from time to time
- Might add a little bit of extra weight to the price
Zero waste swaps: Tote bag for shopping
For a long time, a tote bag has been advertised as one of the easiest zero waste swaps, and I think people agree. And that is one of the reasons why they are gaining so much popularity lately – people do want to contribute to a better Earth. They just want to do it conveniently. Also, it is so much more chic to carry your groceries in a cute tote bag, not a branded plastic bag. And people have picked up on it as well!
So, overall tote bags are not just for people who are into the zero-waste movement anymore. They have become a trendy accessory for expressing yourself, your thoughts, and your style.
Totes, of course, are zero-waste only if you use them again and again hundreds of times. But I think a good quality tote can hold up well and serve you for years.
I always have a tote in my purse. I use it for grocery shopping and as a regular shopping bag. For example, I could easily put a new pair of pants from a clothing shop into it. It is a handy bag extension when you need that extra space.
Pros
- Looks cute and can be a style statement
- Handy to carry because of the long handle
Cons
- You need to bring it with you
- Might not have enough space if doing a bigger purchase
Zero waste swaps: Cloth drawstring bags for packing
Now this is a luxurious swap. I truly suggest to everyone to get cloth bags for packing and traveling. Skip the rustling plastic bags for good and join the cloth bag revolution!
I put in cloth bags underwear, socks, sportswear, and pajamas. Depending on my travel arrangements (if I use a suitcase, backpack, or just a tote) I can also put t-shirts, pants, and dresses in the cloth bags. They can work as packing cubes and travel organizers.
Just do it! Try it. It’s easy and it’s versatile.
Pros
- Luxurious feeling
- Versatile solutions
- Keeps items grouped together
- Always have a packing solution on hand
Cons
- Bags need some washing from time to time
Zero waste swaps: Metal fork and spoon for a picnic
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like licking plastic. So, I always carry a travel-size metal forkspoon (one end is a fork, the other – a spoon). It is handy if I take food with me to work or I have an impromptu picnic. I might get a salad in a plastic container, but at least I can skip the plastic cutlery! It is not perfect, but it is something.
Pros
- Food tastes better
- More luxurious feeling
Cons
- Need to carry with you
- Definitely needs regular washing
Zero waste swaps: Stainless steel straws
They look good, they feel good, and they do good. For people who have no real need to use a straw except to be fancy, stainless steel or glass ones are perfect. I have stainless steel straws (it just happened that way) but I think glass ones are also very cute and look even nicer.
A friend of mine gifted me a collapsible stainless steel straw with a case, and it is one of my staples to keep in the bag. The case is plastic and the straw itself contains some plastic pieces, but I still consider it a good option. I whip it out at parties or when I am having a drink on the go and want a straw.
The only thing to keep in mind when having reusable straws, you will need a special straw-cleaning brush.
Pros
- Fancy feel and look
- “Forever” purchase
- Work perfectly as a straw
Cons
- Needs to be cleaned
- You need to be careful not to hit your teeth
Zero waste swaps: Stasher bag
This is a zero waste swap that you can live without, but honestly, it has been convenient! This bag is meant to replace plastic bags. You can put in there anything you would in a plastic bag, from a sandwich to fruits and nuts. I have quite a small size, so I use mine to take nuts and dried fruit with me on the go. I like the bag because it doesn’t take up much space and compared to a box, it doesn’t rattle. So, I give it 5 stars, even though it’s not absolutely necessary to live a zero-waste lifestyle.
Check the Stasher bag assortment here!
Pros
- Convenient
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Kind of “zero-waste” marketing product
- Can be hard to clean all the nooks and crannies
Zero waste swaps: Wooden dish brush with silicone handle
The wooden dishbrush has been a very easy transition. It really doesn’t differ much from the plastic one.
The only thing I can say – I first had a wooden handle and because of the moisture, the wood expanded and the metal hook at the end fell out. After a while, I glued the hook in and the wooden handle was as good as new but I had already switched to a stainless steel/silicone one which has been just perfect.
Pros
- Very easy to transition from conventional brush to zero-waste one
- Works great!
Cons
- A bit more expensive than the conventional one
- Need to order online or look for a specialty zero-waste shop
Zero waste swaps: Wooden toothbrush
I think this is one of the easiest swaps. Now even drugstores and big oral and dental health brands offer bamboo toothbrushes. The only thing – you will need to sacrifice the marketing promises that all the little rubbers, bumps, and different lengths and size bristles make a big difference in cleaning teeth. More often than not, they don’t. That is just marketing to sell more toothbrushes and sell them for a higher price.
Pros
- Can be cheaper
- Reminds you to change your toothbrush more often because of the handle wear
Cons
- You cannot get fancy toothbrush head additions that promise extra cleanliness
- The handle can start to rot if the toothbrush holder doesn’t have a draining system
Zero waste swaps: Bamboo toothbrush holders
I wish I could say better things about bamboo travel toothbrush holders. They are practical and easy to use. They hold toothbrushes very well. BUT. There are two buts.
- I have two, and one has started to split vertically already.
- If you leave a drop of water in them, they can start to rot.
With bamboo toothbrush holders, it looks like you cannot buy them for a “forever” use. You will need to replace them. And in my case, I feel like I haven’t even used them enough times to already think about switching them out. Also, the price was comparatively high for something I might need to throw out after just a few uses.
Maybe I got a faulty product. It can happen. Maybe the holder from a different brand would do better. Who knows.
I am still holding on to mine though, I will use them till they are really not usable. But what to purchase next? I don’t know yet. I am not ready for a plastic holder. No, no, no. But we will see.
Pros
- Convenient
- Made from wood – has a nice touch and natural material is always a plus
Cons
- Wood can start to split
- Wood can shrink and plump up in moist conditions
- It can start to rot if moisture is not dried out
Zero waste swaps: Wooden hairbrush and comb
I have used a wooden hairbrush for a long time! It could be up to 10 or more years at this point. It could also be one of the very first zero-waste items I got not even knowing it is zero-waste. I think it makes so much sense to use a wooden, not plastic brush. Why should beauty or healthcare products be plastic? They shouldn’t!
So, I have a brush and a comb. On an everyday basis, I use the brush but when I go somewhere out or traveling I often take just the comb, because it is smaller.
Pros
- Reduces static in hair
- Works just the same as plastic options
- The wood feels luxurious and very natural
Cons
- Don’t have fancy shapes like tangle teasers
- Don’t have bright colors
Zero waste swaps: Menstrual cup
This one is for the ladies. :) I like the menstrual cup and recommend it! You need to get used to inserting it, but once you find your method and flow, it’s nice and easy. I love that it doesn’t contain any extra chemicals (that cannot be said about some tampons and pads!) and that I am not contributing to waste with hygiene products.
There are very few downsides. The biggest is that it can be hard to use on the road or while camping. But other than that, just switch to a menstrual cup and never look back!
I personally use OrganiCup and I like it. I don’t have experience with other brands (there wasn’t a need to!) but there is definitely a variety to choose from.
Pros
- Saves money over time
- No nasty chemicals are leaking into your body
- Easy to use (once you get a hang of it)
- Get to keep a close watch on your period
Cons
- You have to be OK with seeing liquid blood
- A bathroom with a sink is better for easy changing
- You need to sterilize the cup every month before use
Zero waste swaps 50/50
There are quite a few zero waste swaps that I use in 50/50 capacity. It means that I still use them, but I also use their “plastic” counterparts. Let’s see!
Almost a swap: Homemade hand balm/butter
I occasionally make my own hand balm, but I also enjoy hand cream in a squeeze tube from an eco-shop. This Urtekram hand cream is my current favorite from the squeeze tube category.
When it comes to homemade or zero-waste hand balms, I find them often very buttery and too greasy for everyday use. That said, I enjoy the homemade body/hand butter as a treat once in a while.
Another thing – I often take body balms in bar forms with me when traveling. I like that I don’t have to worry about liquids spilling or the liquid limitations on the plane.
There are some body and hand-creams that come in zero-wastish packaging, for example, in aluminum containers. So, it’s not that you have to choose only a buttery hand balm vs a plastic squeeze tube. There are options, for example, this Gusto hand cream is truly amazing.
Pros
- Great, natural ingredients
- Nourishing
- Leaves hands feeling soft
Cons
- Can be too greasy
- Have to get ingredients to make it
Almost a swap: Toothpaste
This is a 50/50 zero waste swap for me. I still sometimes use zero-waste toothpaste but I also use conventional toothpaste that suits my teeth. I like to switch it up and get the best of both worlds.
Pros
- Natural ingredients that are safe for digesting (usually that’s the case with zero-waste toothpastes)
- Available different toothpaste types
Cons
- Need to get used to the taste
Almost a swap: Shampoo and conditioner bars
I love seeing how many options there are for shampoo and conditioner bars nowadays! You can get them for any hair type and hair need.
That said, this is also a 50/50 zero waste swap for me. I use shampoo and conditioner in bars, but I also always have some liquid hair wash products available to me. I have noticed that sometimes after using a bar for a longer period, it is hard for me to rinse all the product out. It kind of builds up. After washing it feels fine, but the next day I get greasy hair almost immediately. It might be my own fault for not using the product correctly. Or maybe it is my hair type or water. I am still looking into that.
BUT! I always take shampoo and conditioner bars with me when I am traveling. It is the easiest way – I love them. If you are going for a shorter trip, you can even take with you half the bar and save space. And you don’t have to worry about the liquid limitations for hand baggage when flying and there will 100% be no leaky bottles.
I have two recommendations for shampoo and conditioner bars: GreenCharmCosmetics shop on Etsy and SunBeam Cosmetics.
So overall, I do recommend this swap!
Pros
- Easy to store
- Perfect for traveling
Cons
- Can build up in hair
Almost a swap: Second-hand shopping
I am a huge fan of second-hand shopping! But nevertheless, I don’t buy everything second-hand. So, this is another 50/50 zero waste swap.
What I love about second-hand shopping
First, I love finding interesting pieces. Thrift shops are perfect for finding unique items. They often sell items that are not from this season, are from online collections, or are made by not-so-common brands. On contrary, shopping in fast fashion stores and living in a smaller city (like Riga) can bring up the risk of running into someone wearing the exact same item (especially when it comes to new-season items). Believe it or not, it has happened to me. :D It is weird twinning an outfit with a stranger.
Second, I looove finding quality materials for cheap. :) It’s like every woman’s dream to get something valuable on sale. One of my best scores is a 100% wool jumper for 20 EUR.
Third, knowing I am buying second-hand and “saving” pieces from landfill and not contributing to new overproduction, just makes me happy.
What I don’t like that much about second-hand shopping
That all said, second-hand shopping has become a niche itself. I don’t know where the big second-hand shops get their items but sometimes it feels like they are hand-me-downs. So, second-hand shopping can feel downgrading. You need to dig through piles of not-so-great things to find that one gem.
Of course, some second-hand shops are living from local donations which creates a more selected supply. They have a more put-together look and unique styling.
And let’s not forget another second-hand shopping type – person-to-person. Places like Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and other local sites offer people to exchange items (usually for money) from person to person.
However, the biggest downside of second-hand shopping is the hardship of finding the right items. Sometimes you just need new black pants, but with second-hand shopping, you get what you get. You never know if is this the day for black pants.
And lastly, some items are not meant for second-hand shopping. Underwear. Socks. Bathing suits. Also, some basics like tank tops are hard to find second-hand.
So, all together, I think second-hand shopping is definitely something people should explore more. But we also should think more about first-hand shopping choices trying to choose items from more ethical and sustainable brands.
Pros
- Cheaper prices
- Options to find natural materials for a cheap
- Offers all kinds of styles
- You know what you buy – second-hand clothes have been washed and you know they won’t change
- Great for the environment
Cons
- Can be hard to find specific pieces or sizes
- Someone has worn the clothes before
- Need to invest time to find a good item
Almost a swap: Stainless steel razor
At first, I was very excited about the stainless steel razor. I’d been using the single-use single-blade plastic razors at that point (I used them more than once though) and I was ready to switch to a zero-waste option.
The razor worked and shaved just fine.
My problem with it? I often cut myself. Since it uses a real razor blade without any safety if you are not careful, it is easy to make unintentional cuts. Especially around ankles and other tough spots.
I also noticed that it didn’t shave as smoothly as I would like to. I read online that someone said that it was the smoothest shave they have gotten, but somehow it wasn’t me.
So one day I found I still have a handle from an old plastic Gillette reusable razor. I checked the shops to see if they still make suitable razor heads, and they did! I bought a pack, and I have never been happier to shave.
It is not a 100% zero-waste option, but I use the razor head for a long time and the handle is more than 10 years old. So, I reuse.
I still have the stainless steel razor, so I might get back to it someday, but not anytime soon.
Since the razor worked and overall it was fine, I put it in the 50/50 category.
Pros
- A great option for zero-waste enthusiasts
- Some say you can achieve a very smooth finish with it
- Good for using in the bathtub and when not in a rush
Cons
- Easier to get cuts
- Need to find proper ways how to dispose of razor blades
Zero waste swaps that didn’t work for me at all
And now here is the list of zero waste swaps that really didn’t work for me. If in the previous section, there were some 50/50 options that I sometimes use, then here are zero waste swaps I don’t use in any capacity anymore.
Not a swap (for me): Reusable cotton pads
Ok, to be clear, I tried only the one brand that I could get at the zero-waste shop. However, I think this could be a common problem for all reusable cotton pads made from natural fiber. So, the problem is – they soak up way too much product.
I use cotton pads for mainly three things – remove makeup, use toner, and remove nail polish (to be fair, I never used the reusable pads for the last one).
When I put the makeup remover or toner on the pad, it soaked up so quickly! I felt like I needed to use double the amount to get something on my face. It kind of counteracted the zero-waste part and reduction of resources.
So, after a while, I gave up and started using regular cotton pads again. My hack is to split them in half to make two pads from one. For me, it works perfectly! I get to save resources and I don’t really need the whole pad. An exception is for nail polish remover. Then I use the whole pad.
Not a swap (for me): Rye flour as shampoo
You can read about my rye flour shampoo experience here. It’s a fun one and a journey. :D In the end I didn’t go into the no-poo method. Some people really swear by it, but there were too many downsides for me. First, I never got over the self-cleaning phase. Second, washing the rye flour out of hair was so much trouble. And there is no need for a third.
Not a swap (for me): Charcoal waterfilter
I guess a charcoal water filter could be a good option for someone who doesn’t drink lots of water and has quite tasty water, to begin with. The tap water where I live is considered drinkable, but it is not just very tasty. And the charcoal didn’t take away much of the taste. A little bit. But not enough.
The second problem I had with it – it needed to be in the water for some time ( at least 6 hours or something like that). I drink lots of water, so it meant that I ran out of clean water very quickly. Or I needed to cover all the counter space with water containers. Either way, it wasn’t ideal for me.
I have now switched to a water filter that is added to the tap. It really has been wonderful! It has plastic hardware, but still, it’s a more sustainable (and most likely healthier) option than buying water in single-use plastic.
Overall zero waste swap score
It looks like we are 11:5:3 with the swaps that worked out, swaps that worked out 50/50, and swaps that didn’t work out at all. Not bad! Swaps that worked out are still in the lead. Yaay!
Keep in mind that this all was my subjective experience and opinion. It might differ from person to person and even from time to time.
If you are excited about zero-waste and want to try new things, do it! Experiment and find items and hacks that work specifically for you. That is the thing, the road to zero waste is not something to copy-paste. It all depends on your personality, your needs, and even the area you live in.
That said, please share your favorite zero waste swaps in the comments! I am so excited to get inspired!
Grear Zero Waste Swap ideas. Thanks for sharing! :)
Hey, Allie! Thank you! :)