Last Updated on January 13, 2025

These sustainable swaps are easy to implement and will reduce your household waste a ton for a healthier, eco friendly home!

It can be pretty daunting to know where to start, so I’ve rounded up 20 easy zero waste swaps to help you take your first step! These simple eco friendly swaps replace common household products in painless ways so you can live waste free without sacrificing your favorite products. You may even already have these easy sustainable swaps lying around without realizing it.

zero waste swaps

Learning how to reduce household waste is a great way to do your part for the planet, and the truth is that anyone can do it!

If you’re just starting out trying to live a more eco friendly lifestyle, then be sure to check out the beginner’s tab or take the Zero Waste Challenge. These resources are a simple way to get started whenever someone is trying a new lifestyle out — and a minimalist, eco friendly lifestyle is no different!

The ZWC is an amazing way to build habits and implement many of these changes in your life, and the sustainable swaps I’m suggesting here make the switch more manageable right out of the gate.

easy eco friendly swaps for the kitchen

1. compostable dish scrubs 

Instead of using sponges, I use compostable dish scrubbies! Here are some of my favorite swaps below:

• wooden pot scraper
• copper scrubbers
• loofahs
• a rag
• wooden bottle brush
• wooden scrub
• loofah sponges

Be sure to check out this blog post if you want to master Zero Waste Dish Washing.

2. cloth napkins

Instead of paper napkins, swap them for cloth napkins! 

The hardest part of this sustainable swap, for me, was remembering to wash them.

I didn’t want to store the dirty napkins in my laundry hamper, so I started throwing them in the base of the washing machine.

Whenever I did the next load of laundry, the napkins would automatically be included. Be sure to check out my post on cloth napkins for more tips on making the switch!

3. stasher bags

Most households would be shocked at how much plastic waste they produce just from single-use plastic bags and wrapping.

Switching out plastic baggies is super easy because there are so many options like silicone stasher bags or even a beeswax wrap.

Check out this blog post if you’re looking for Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps.

4. snapware

I love my glass Snapware.

You can cook in them, freeze in them, microwave them, and of course, use them to store leftovers. Their versatility makes Snapware one of the first swaps I recommend to anyone looking to reduce their plastic use.

Sometimes, they work so much better than just shoving everything in a mason jar. And you use them as zero waste takeout containers too!

Check out this post if you’re looking for ways to Store Leftovers Without Plastic.

5. french press

It should come as no surprise that I love to make tea in my French press. I find that it works much better than using a tea ball or a reusable tea bag.

If you have a small kitchen, it’s important to have items that can perform multiple tasks.

I like the French press because I can use it to make tea, coffee, or nut milk. Yes, your French press can strain your nut milk!

Get my tips for making almond milk and for making iced tea with loose leaf tea.

easy sustainable swaps in the bathroom

6. bar of soap

People are surprised to hear that one of the easiest swaps is a bar of soap.

It’s such a simple swap to make from plastic bottles of body wash to a bar of soap. I think it looks so much nicer in the shower, and it’s just really luxurious.

7. bidet attachment

Did you know it takes 37 gallons of water to make one roll of toilet paper!? Beyond the water, think of all the trees it takes too. 

Americans use 8 million tons of toilet paper a year.

If every US house used just one roll of 100% post consumer recycled TP a year, it would save 423,900 trees. 

Surprisingly, there are a lot of options when it comes to toilet paper, but you’re going to want to look for toilet paper with recycled content or ones that are tree free.

• Seventh Generation
• Marcal
• Green Heritage
• Tork
• Natural Value

And, of course, you should look into getting a bidet attachment like a Brondell or a Tushy bidet.

8. menstrual products

A lot of the mainstream tampon and pad brands use a combination of bleached rayon and conventional cotton, and they contain plastic.

The average pad contains the equivalent of four plastic bags! 

My go-to period products are Thinx. They look just like regular undies, but they absorb blood — up to two tampons worth, depending on the style.

I have a couple of their thongs for lighter days, plus a couple of the heavy duty pairs. They’re super comfortable and cute, and I never have to worry about leaking!

Plus, I love how the company prioritizes giving back. That’s always something I look for when I make purchases. 

Thinx was nice enough to offer the readers of Going Zero Waste $10 off if you use this link!

Other sustainable swap options include menstrual cups, cloth pads, compostable organic tampons.

For more information check out my blog post How to Have a Zero Waste Period.

9. bamboo toothbrush

This is a very super simple swap! Instead of using a plastic toothbrush, why not swap for a bamboo toothbrush?

Every plastic toothbrush ever created still exists since its invention in the 1930s.

Isn’t that mind-boggling? I made a short film about the life of a toothbrush — you should check it out! 

10. safety razor

Switching to a safety razor requires a bit of an adjustment from using a disposable razor, but once you switch, you’ll get a superior shave. Plus, you’ll save so much money!

Check out my guide to zero waste shaving for tips!

easy zero waste swaps for the whole house

11. mason jars

I do love me some mason jars. They’re also the ideal form of liquid storage (i.e. nut milk and smoothies). Did you know you can freeze smoothies?

Having a clear, glass, non-branded container in my pantry allows me to see what foods need to be eaten and which ones I need to buy more of. It makes cooking meals faster, simpler, and best of all… prettier!

I mean, there’s a reason everyone loves a Pinterest perfect pantry!

Of course, you don’t have to go out and buy mason jars. You can upcycle them from many of the jars you already own like mustard jars, jam jars, pasta sauce, etc.

And, I promise your pantry will look just as beautiful even if the jars don’t match.

You can use mason jars outside of the kitchen too! Use them to store bits and bobbles, hair ties and clips, beads and other craft supplies, or bathroom products.

12. rags

Did you know that paper towels were actually a mistake product?

It took a long time for companies to convince the public to buy them because the thought of paying for trash was ridiculous up until a few years ago.

The biggest complaint I hear about paper towels is that they push water around instead of absorbing it.

I’ve had the best luck with these cotton towels that have a larger weave.

Get my six tips for ditching paper towels so you can break up with paper towels forever!

13. cleaning

Swap out cleaners that have questionable toxic ingredients for some easy homemade options. Here’s a round-up of my favorites!

• DIY all-natural bleach: Forget conventional bleach. This makes a great, safe substitute.

• All-purpose spray: Who doesn’t love a spray that does it all? Check out this orange peel vinegar cleaner — great for giving your orange peels a second life!

• Tub scrub: This is so effective at breaking down soap scum on your bathtub and cleaning grout. You’ll never need anything else!

To get all of my latest cleaning recipes like dish soap for hand washing, soap for your washing machine, floor cleaner, and more, check out my book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste!

sustainable swaps for out and about

14. water bottle

Carrying a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest habits to get into if you’re learning how to reduce household waste.

I always tell people to add it to their checklist before they leave the house: phone, wallet, water, keys.

Some overall good brands to consider include Klean Kanteen, Swell (stainless steel), Life Factory (glass), and Bobble (plastic).

They each make different kinds of reusable water bottles from different materials, but they’ll all get the job done.

Check out this blog post to help you choose the right reusable water bottle for you!

15. straws

This is one of the easiest swaps! You might not even need a reusable straw — just ask for, “No straw,” with your drink order! 

• bamboo straws
• silicone topped stainless straw
• full silicone straws
• stainless steel straws
• boba straws
• glass straws

However, if you think you’d benefit from drinking from a straw, I myself really enjoy drinking from a glass one.

I’ve created a fun guide to help you figure out Which Reusable Straw is Right for You.

16. grocery bags

Bag podz are my favorite reusable bags!

I use these all the time, and I love the handy little pod they come in. It’s like an endless supply of bags that fit in that tiny pod.

I never have a fear of running out in the checkout line of the grocery store.

The other tote I always have on me is my Amour Vert cotton tote. It came with a purchase I made online, but it’s one of my favorite bags to carry with me.

I really wish they made other designs because I would love to have another one.

17. produce bags

Why stop at just plastic grocery bags? Swap out those plastic produce bags too!

These organic cotton ones are my favorite, and they make for painless, easy zero waste swaps to chemical-laden plastic produce bags!

I use them at the farmers market all the time.

Get my Four Farmers Market Essentials for picking up that local, zero waste produce.

18. thermos

500 billion disposable cups are produced every year. Most of them can’t be recycled because they’re lined with plastic.

If you’re sitting in the coffee shop, ask for a mug to stay — and if you’re getting your drink to-go, bring your own thermos!

I use a mason jar if I’m getting something cold to drink. But, for hot drinks use a keep cup or an insulated water bottle!

Check out this blog post to learn all of the different ways to brew a zero waste cup of coffee.

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19. cutlery

Instead of plastic cutlery, use real flatware. I like to stash a set in my handbag for festivals and bbqs so I don’t have to use single-use forks and spoons.

Many people assume that using disposable products will save water, but what they forget to take into account is the water used in production and manufacturing.

It takes 8 gallons of water to make one paper plate!

The modern dishwashers that are energy-efficient use 3 to 5 gallons of water per load of dishes. So you could potentially wash a lot of plates with all of that water you saved.

There’s so much water that goes into these products that we don’t even think about.

So, switch to reusables! Check out this post Tips for Using Real Stuff for more information.

20. metal lunchbox

My lunchbox is easily one of my favorite, easy sustainable swaps. Instead of brown bagging your lunch, look into swapping out for a metal tiffin. 

I get tons of questions about it — it looks much more chic than a plastic insulated lunchbox or a brown bag that will be thrown away.

And it’s versatile! Not only is it great for lunch, but you can also use it to carry out leftovers from a restaurant.

Related Post: How to Pack a Zero Waste Lunch + Lunch Ideas!

faqs for how to reduce household waste

what is the point of swapping for more sustainable items?

A sustainable swap refers to any eco friendly or sustainable item or practice that you can use/do to replace ones that harm the environment.

Ideally, these items will be zero waste and benefit the environment through ethical practices and ethically sourced materials. However, any improvement over wasteful, harmful practices counts!

what are easy swaps that make good gifts?

My favorite tip for gifting swaps is to look at the materials used. Candles can be made plastic free, especially when soy wax and wood wicks are used.

You can buy eco-friendly and natural beauty products rather than hitting up your local big box beauty store. Or, you can bake a delicious plant based treat rather than something pre-packaged and highly processed.

are sustainable products more expensive?

It depends! Sometimes sustainable products are more expensive up front because of the materials and ethical practices used to make them, but the benefit is that they tend to last longer than products that are not made sustainably. You can save a lot of money by shopping sustainably since you won’t need to re-purchase as often.

what are some lifestyle swaps that I can make to live more sustainably?

In addition to making the swap to more sustainable products, consider making some lifestyle changes with your diet and energy usage.

For example, you could try swapping a meat-based recipe for a plant-based recipe, or opting for line-drying clothes instead of using the dryer. Swaps in general are a great way to reduce your environmental impact!