There's no doubt that many of us are growing concerned over the level of waste and plastic created in our day-to-day lives, but it can be challenging avoiding the nasty packaging and disposable items we have relied on so heavily. Fortunately, there are an increasing variety of reusable, biodegradable and recycled products on the market that are readily available and are an easy swap for your every-day, single-use items. Here are a few of our favourite finds!
*Please keep in mind when you purchase a reusable product, it is often an investment. It may be pricey in the beginning, but you will start saving money shortly after as you eliminate the ongoing cost of disposable items*
Toiletries
Shampoo/Conditioner Bars: These are one of the best zero-waste swaps we've discovered. We use Lush shampoo bars and not only are they highly effective products but they last a long time and, most importantly, do not require any packaging!
Other brands - Flora & Fauna, Biome
Safety Razor: An investment for sure, but a product that will last you for years, saving you money in the long-run. You can purchase these at any health-food store or at Flora & Fauna or and Biome. Alternatively, you can find recycled razors (made of recycled plastic) that have replaceable heads.
Reusable Make-up Remover Pads: We used to go through an absurd number of cotton rounds until we got our hands on these reusable bad boys. They are 10x softer and are super easy to wash! You can purchase them at Flora & Fauna, Amazon or Priceline (however they are considerably pricier here)
Bamboo Toothbrush: If you're going to swap out one plastic item in your bathroom, it would have to be your toothbrush. These bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and dramatically reduces your plastic waste contribution. They are now available at your local Coles, Priceline and health-food store, as well as Flora & Fauna, Biome, and Amazon.
Other products we have on our list!
Tooth Powder: Comes in a recyclable glass bottle
Plant-Based Floss: Made from a renewable plant resources and comes in plastic-free packaging
Biodegradable Loofah Sponge: Swapping out those nasty plastic ones
Refilling hand-soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash at bulk food stores (The Source Bulk Foods)
Sanitary
Applicator-Free Tampons: Although most tampons are wrapped in plastic, you can still reduce your wastage by opting for those that are not enclosed in the hard-plastic applicators. Brands like TSUNO also use bamboo and organic cotton, as well as donating 50% of their profits to charity!
Reusable Pads: Not only do you completely eliminate your pad waste, but these they are machine washable and often more comfortable than regular pads. We were lucky enough to have our Nonna make ours by hand (how cool is she?) but you can purchase your at your local health-food store, or at Flora & Fauna or Biome.
Menstrual Cup: Now we know, they look pretty scary, but once you get the hang of them they can be life-changing! Zero-waste, eliminates ongoing costs for sanitary items, easy to clean and can be left in for up to 12 hours. We do recommend you are comfortable with using tampons before you start using a menstrual cup.
Food Related
Reusable Coffee Cup: A no-brainer for most people now. And let's be real, much cuter than a grubby, disposable cup. You can purchase at health-food stores or online at Flora & Fauna.
Glass Water Bottle: Even though plastic reusable bottles are better than disposable, try sticking to a glass one as they tend to last a lot longer! We have one from Sol.
Travel Cutlery: A must if you often find yourself buying takeaway or on-the-go meals. Simply keep your cutlery pack in your bag at all times. Ours is from Flora & Fauna.
Metal Straws: Is it just us or does every drink taste better with a metal straw? You can buy these basically anywhere; Kmart, Flora & Fauna, Biome, Seed & Sprout.
Reusable Food Wrap: Cling wrap is a very common household item that arguably produces the most waste. Why not swap that out for some reusable food wrap or stretch lids!
Produce Bags: We all (hopefully) use reusable shopping bags, but many still use plastic bags for fruit and veggies at the supermarket. try swapping them out for mesh produce bags.
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