The Best Zero Waste Products to Save the Environment and Your Money

Best Water Bottle: S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

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The S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a worthwhile upgrade from single-use plastic water bottles. The bottle comes in dozens of pretty patterns and colors to suit your style, proving that you don't have to sacrifice your personal aesthetic when opting for zero-waste products.

This vacuum-insulated bottle is ideal for carrying around both hot and cold drinks. Its triple-layer design keeps your beverage insulated for longer while also preventing condensation from forming on the outside. It fits in most car cup holders and has a mouth large enough for ice cubes.

Best Reusable Straws: Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Metal Straws

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If you like sipping beverages through a straw, the Hiware Stainless Steel Straws are the perfect alternative to single-use plastic straws. They come in a pack of 12 that includes six straight straws and six bent straws in two different lengths that fit most 30- and 20-ounce reusable tumblers. The straws are made from food-grade stainless steel, and the set comes with two nylon cleaning brushes for easy cleaning, as well as a convenient carrying case. 

Best Compost Bin: Miracle-Gro Single Chamber Tumbling Composter 27.7 Gal

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At-home composting is a great way to reduce the waste you send to the landfill, and the Miracle-Gro Small Composter is a beginner-friendly model to add to your yard. It has a 27.7-gallon capacity, and it features a single-chamber tumbler that you can simply spin to aerate your compost. The bin is made from BPA-free plastic, and it’s mounted on rust-proof stainless steel legs. There is some assembly required, so keep that in mind.

Best Food Wrap: Bee's Wrap Eco Friendly Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap, Assortable Set of 3

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Instead of using plastic wrap to cover dishes and wrap sandwiches, try Bee’s Wraps. These food wraps are made from organic cotton that’s coated with a combination of beeswax and tree resin, which creates a durable yet pliable wrap that can be reused many times. The warmth from your hands creates a seal around whatever you’re storing, and each wrap can last for up to a year with proper care.

Once you’re finished using it, the material can be composted. Some find that these seals aren't as tight as plastic wrap, so it may take you a little more time to create a tight seal with Bee's Wrap.

Best Snack Bags: Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag

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Silicone containers like the Stasher Sandwich Bag are a great zero-waste option for your family’s daily lunches. These bags are made from food-grade platinum silicone, which is non-toxic and endlessly reusable, and they can be used to store a wide range of foods thanks to their leak-proof seals. The bags are safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher, and you can even label the exterior with chalk or non-toxic dry erase marker.

Best Shopping Bags: BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags

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More stores are doing away with plastic bags, which is why it’s always a good idea to have a few reusable grocery bags in your car. We tested the BeeGreen Bags, which are made from ripstop polyester, and we loved that they’re incredibly spacious and can be carried over your shoulder thanks to their large handles. The bags come in sets of five, and they’re machine-washable and fold down into a compact form for easy storage. 

Best Trash Bags: UNNI 100% Compostable Bags, 13 Gallon, 50 Count

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The UNNI Compostable Trash Bags are a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic trash bags. These 13-gallon bags come in a box of 50, and they’re made from plant-based materials and Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute as compostable. The bags should be used within a year of purchase, and it’s important to keep in mind that they will start to decompose if exposed to heat or moisture, so they’re not the best option for food waste or other wet trash.

Best Produce Bags: Ecobags Cotton Medium and Net Large Produce Bag Bundle

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Instead of grabbing those single-use plastic produce bags at the grocery store, you can carry your produce in these convenient cotton bags. This set comes with two large net bags and three medium-sized bags, and they’re ideal for storing products, bulk dry ingredients, and other groceries. The bags are made from organic cotton with drawstring closures, and they’re machine-washable and compostable, too.

Best Sponges: Food52 Five Two Compostable Sponge Cloths

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The Five Two Compostable Sponge Cleaning Cloths are ideal for scrubbing dishes, wiping down counters, and more daily kitchen tasks. They’re made from a combination of plant-based cellulose and cotton, and they come in a pack of 10 with five different colors included. When we tested these sponges, we loved that they were super absorbent and able to wipe up most spills with ease. However, the cloths are larger than your average sponge and can be somewhat tricky to store.

Best Dish Scrubber: Brooklyn Made Natural Dish & Vegetable Scrub Brush

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Another alternative to plastic sponges is this dish scrubber, which is made from all-natural materials, including a bamboo handle and hemp bristles. The little brush is stiff enough to wash pots, pans, and vegetables in your kitchen, but it needs to be stored in a dry space to prevent mold or mildew growth. Once the bristles wear out, you can simply compost the whole thing in your backyard. 

Best Hand Soap: Blueland Hand Soap Duo

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We’ve tested a variety of eco-friendly cleaning products from Blueland, and one of our favorite products is the brand’s hand soap, which you can buy as part of a bundle or on its own. The soap comes with two 9-ounce glass bottles, as well as dissolvable tablets that you mix with water. We loved the silky consistency of the foam soap, which was gentle without drying out our hands. The only downside is the tablets take quite a while to dissolve, so you have to wait 20 minutes or so before using the product. 

Best Dishwasher Detergent: Dropps Dishwasher Detergent

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Dropps is a go-to destination for zero-waste cleaning supplies, and the brand’s dishwasher detergent pods are a top-selling item. The pods contain a triple-action detergent that effectively removes baked-on food and stains without any pre-washing, and the formula is free from dyes, chlorine, phosphates, and phthalates. The pods are available in unscented or lemon, and they’re shipped in compostable packaging with carbon-neutral shipping. 

Best All-Purpose Cleaner: Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

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Instead of buying a new plastic bottle of cleaner each month, you can reuse one bottle and simply refill it with the Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate. The grease-fighting formula is made with 92% plant-based ingredients, and it’s free from parabens, phthalates, phosphates, formaldehyde, synthetic dyes, ammonia, and chlorine bleach. There are a variety of scents to choose from, and all you have to do is mix the concentrate with water then start cleaning. 

Best Toothpaste: Bite Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits

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Another sustainable swap you can make in your everyday life is switching to Bite Toothpaste Bits. These toothpaste tablets come in three flavors, and they come in a refillable glass jar. If you opt into a subscription, the brand will send you more tablets every four months. The toothpaste itself is made of clean, vegan ingredients, and all you have to do is bite down on the tablet and then brush as normal with a wet toothbrush.