Single-use plastics are among the most pervasive environmental pollutants on the planet today. From water bottles to food packaging, plastics are clogging up landfills, polluting oceans, and harming wildlife, but we can stop this by purchasing reusable products.

Unfortunately, only about 9% of plastic is recycled, leaving the rest accumulating in the environment, often taking hundreds of years to break down. As a result, many people are looking for reusable products to help reduce their waste.

Companies lost no time producing replacements for everyday products, which can do just that. And in many cases, they can end up saving you a lot of money over their lifetime.

Today, we are going to look at some of the best reusable products you can buy to replace their plastic counterparts.

Why Use Reusable Products?

Reusable products are better for the environment. Most single-use products today are created using plastic, which can take hundreds of years to degrade. On top of this, when they do degrade, they form small plastic particles that are ingested by wildlife and humans.

While we don’t have enough data on if this is harmful, we can say it is not natural.

Swapping to reusable products can help eliminate these single-use plastics and prevent plastic pollution in our oceans, which is out of control. And if you need proof of this, look no further than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

It is estimated to be 7.7 million sq miles and can easily be mistaken for a land mass when viewed from space.

In addition to avoiding unnecessary pollution in our environment, most reusable products will end up saving you money over their lifespan. Many everyday products we use can be replaced with reusable options.

As a result, instead of constantly buying more, you can just keep reusing the product again and again.

As the public has become more aware of climate change and looked to lower their carbon footprints, many are ditching plastic. Here are the top 25 reusable products you can buy to replace single-use plastics.

1. Hydro Flask Reusable Bottles

All living creatures need water to survive, which is why bottled water remains one of the most popular drinks. However, water bottles are among the most plentiful plastic pollutants globally. One easy way to change this is to purchase a reusable bottle.

While there are many bottles to choose from, Hydro Flask is one of the best on the market. It offers customers a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes. Each bottle is made from stainless steel and is perfect for outdoor activity.

You can also choose from a variety of lids. Some include a straw, while others utilize a wide-mouth design. You can freely change the lid to meet your needs, although additional lids need to be purchased.

Hydro Flasks also have excellent insulation capabilities and can help keep drinks cold for a full day and hot beverages warm for around 12 hours. As such, they are a much better choice to house any kind of beverage than plastic bottles.

2. Colony Co Reusable Shopping Bag

Multiple states have banned plastic bags from being an option when grocery shopping. While this has not had the desired impact, the rationale behind it is solid. As such, you can now purchase a variety of reusable shopping bags.

Colony Co. is one of the best brands you can buy. Its bags are made using organic cotton and pure beeswax to create a durable and flexible bag ideal for shopping. They also have a classic paper bag design.

This minimalistic alternative helps it stand out from a lot of the flashier bag designs. The slightly stiffer structure ensures that the bag will stand up straight, which can help you quickly fill it at checkout.

It’s worth pointing out that when folded up, this bag is on the thicker side, which can make storing multiple of them in your care more challenging. However, this is a problem most people can easily ignore.

3. Silicone Straws

Virtually anywhere you go, you are given a plastic straw for your drink. As you might expect, most people do not discard them correctly. As such, over 7.5 million plastic straws were found around US shorelines.

One of the best ways to prevent contributing to this problem is to bring your own straw, and there are plenty of options today. One of the best and cheapest options is a silicone straw. Not only can you buy a dozen for just $8, but you also get a straw cleaner.

They come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for serving drinks at a party. The straw cleaners ensure that you can quickly and easily clean them when doing the dishes.

The straws are very resilient and will flex back into place even if they are bitten repeatedly, which makes them perfect for children who tend to bite things they shouldn’t. As such, they are perfect for sippy cups.

4. Friendsheep Wool Eco Dryer Balls

Perhaps one of the most deceptive single-use plastics is dryer sheets, which are made of synthetic plastic. Naturally, this makes them one of the most common types of single-use plastic that you will use in your life, especially if you have a big family.

Luckily, there are alternatives like Friendsheep Wool Eco Dryer Balls. These dryer balls are designed to last for over 1,000 loads, making them a superior option against pricey dryer sheets that only handle a single load.

Dryer balls also help clothes dry faster, reducing the amount of electricity your dryer uses. They also help soften clothes and separate the fabrics. Thus, they can be a great addition to any laundry routine.

In addition, they come in adorable designs, such as cats, dogs, bees, planet Earth, and more. Simply put them into the machine and watch them bounce around. Overall, they are a great way to save money and add a little fun to doing laundry.

5. Give A Sh!t Compostable Poop Bags

We all love our furry friends until it comes time to have to pick up after them. In many places, picking up after your dog is required by law, which is why you can find poop bags at virtually any store, which are usually just plastic bags.

In this case, most people do not want a reusable product, as that would require washing them or dealing with a very unpleasant odor. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t avoid plastic. And one of the best options is the Give A Sh!t compostable poop bags.

These bags are made from plant-based materials, so they easily compost when they reach a landfill. They are also thick enough to help avoid that uncomfortable feeling when picking up after your best friend.

Another positive aspect of purchasing this brand of poop bag is that they donate 10% to the Soi Dog Foundation. This foundation helps nurse back stray dogs to health and find them a home.

6. Oral-B Pro Electric Toothbrush

It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3 months because the bristles will wear out and collect bacteria that don’t get washed away. As such, toothbrushes are commonly thrown out and cannot be recycled.

Oral hygiene is extremely important, and one of the best options is the Oral-B Pro electric toothbrush. Instead of throwing out the entire toothbrush, you can swap out the bristles and continue using it, thus eliminating plastic waste.

In addition to the environmental benefits, electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth. They are also easier to use for people who suffer from arthritis in the wrist or hand or who have disabilities.

One downside of an electric toothbrush is that it is expensive. And not just in the upfront cost, as the bristles you will need to replace often cost more than a regular toothbrush. However, the benefits for your oral health and the environment cannot be denied.

7. Silicon Reusable Snack Bags

Most snacks come in a single-use bag that is easy to rip or tear. As a result, many people find themselves using a Ziploc bag to store snacks after this happens, thus adding a second single-use plastic bag.

You can avoid this by purchasing silicon reusable snack bags. These bags work identically to Ziploc bags but can be turned inside out and washed. Thus, you can safely store all of your snacks, sandwiches, and anything else you might need.

The bags are more expensive than traditional sealable plastic bags, but that is because they are reusable. They also come in a variety of color options so you can match the rest of your style, or help organize whose snack is in which bag.

They are also not just for snacks. For example, if you were using them to store pencils you will notice that they are far more durable than a traditional plastic bag. As such, they are a great option to consider using for your storage needs.

8. Silicon Stretch Wrap

Plastic wrap is common in most households because it is an easy way to store individual food items in a fridge or work as a makeshift lid for Tupperware. However, anyone who has used it knows just how frustrating it can be.

Silicon stretch wrap is not only better for the environment but also a better product. It is more durable than regular plastic wrap and can be washed and reused to help save money in the long term.

That said, it will cost more upfront. This wrap is perfect for leftover foods like tomatoes, onions, and oranges or for storing sandwiches for lunch. If you were using plastic wrap, silicone wrap would be better.

One criticism, similar to plastic wrap, is that it sticks to itself a little too well. This can make it annoying to store and wash because you will often be fighting the wrap itself. In either case, it is a great alternative to plastic wrap.

9. Makeup Eraser

There is no shortage of makeup for our faces, but removing it can be a real pain. As such, many use makeup wipes to clean their faces. However, these are typically made of plastic and are good for one use.

In addition, makeup wipes are not recyclable due to the chemicals in them. As such, makeup wipes are anything but sustainable, but that doesn’t mean there are no other options. One such is the Makeup Eraser.

This stylish alternative has extra soft fibers that are gentle on the skin but remove all kinds of makeup, including eyeliner, foundation, lipstick, and sunscreen. It comes in a variety of styles to better match your style.

Unlike makeup wipes that only last one use, the Makeup Eraser is expected to last for five years and is machine washable. As such, you can throw it in with your laundry with no hassle. All you need is some hot water, and your makeup is gone.

10. Quip Refillable Floss String

Floss is another essential part of oral hygiene, but it often comes in single-use containers that need to be discarded. Similarly, floss picks are also only used once. Naturally, this makes flossing a problem for the environment.

The Quip Refillable Floss String is the perfect solution to this problem. As the name suggests, it is a refillable container for your floss that eliminates plastic waste. Instead, you only need to purchase new floss for your container.

It has a great design where the floss piece will go into the cylinder for storage. All you need to do is click the top of it and it will emerge. This helps keep your floss clean and helps make it easy to store in your bathroom.

The string you can purchase is also marked for your use. This way, you know exactly how much to use. If you follow the recommendations, each set of floss should last for three months. It is a great way to keep your teeth clean while reducing waste.

11. OmieGo Plant-Based Plastic Bento Box

Storing your food can be a challenge, and the simple solution would be to use glass containers. There are a lot of situations where plastic is the better choice; however, when plastic containers get stained or broken, they simply sit in landfills.

One such situation is if you have children. Handing a child a glass container is a recipe for disaster. Instead, consider using the OmieGo Plant-based Plastic Bento Box. These plastic-like containers are made using plant material.

As a result, they are perfect for replacing your plastic containers and are kid-safe. The lids’ design also makes them a great way to store products in general, as they are easy to stack on top of each other, which helps avoid spills.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors, which help them fit into any kitchen. They are also very durable and can be washed in a dishwasher. You can also heat them in the microwave to warm the food contents.

12. Reusable Coffee Filters

Coffee remains one of the most popular beverages around the planet, and while there are many ways to make it, most simply use a coffee maker every morning. However, most coffee filters are single-use.

Coffee filters are made from a wide range of materials. Some are made of paper, while others use plastic. Regardless, most coffee makers today often sell reusable coffee filters you can purchase.

You’ll simply need to figure out what coffee maker you open and locate a reusable coffee filter that is compatible with it. Considering that coffee is an everyday beverage, switching to reusable filters can save you a lot of money.

For the most part, you’ll simply need to rinse out your coffee filter after use so that you can set it up for the next brew. At the very least, if you cannot find a reusable filter for your machine, be sure to avoid filters that use plastic.

13. Bamboo Stainless Steel Razors

If you want to look your best, you’ll need to shave regularly. Disposable razors may seem like a convenient option, but they are often made of plastic. And if I’m being honest, they don’t do a very good job.

Instead, buy a reusable razor, and some of the best ones are Bamboo Stainless Steel Razors. These razors have a bamboo handle with stainless steel blades. You can even choose between a straight handle and a curved one.

The razors can be used multiple times before they need to be replaced. And when the time does come to replace them, you’ll simply need to swap out the razor blades and can continue using the bamboo handle.

If you do feel like you need a new handle, remember that it’s bamboo; there’s no harm in discarding it like a traditional plastic razor. Be sure to contact your recycling center to see if they accept razor blades, though.

14. Bamboo Pocket Comb

Do you have hair that won’t stay in place? If so, you probably regularly reach for a pocket comb to get it back into place. Typically, pocket combes are made from plastic, which makes them a real problem when it is time to get a new one.

A better alternative is to purchase a Bamboo Pocket Comb. It’s no different than your average pocket comb except it’s made of bamboo and looks a lot better if I do say so myself. Functionally, it is identical.

The comb is durable, but to make it last longer, be sure to clean it regularly and apply oil (coconut, jojoba, etc.) to help extend its life. That said, the comb itself is inexpensive and will only set you back $5.50.

Thus, if it breaks, or you lose it, which is what happens to most combs anyway, they are easy to replace. More importantly, because bamboo is easy to grow and natural, it won’t spend much time in a landfill.

15. Bee’s Wrap

Bee’s Wrap is another excellent alternative for replacing plastic wrap in your kitchen. This product uses a combination of organic cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin to create the perfect replacement for plastic wrap.

The product itself is waterproof and can be used to wrap food individually or as a makeshift lid for food containers. Each roll of Bee’s Wrap is expected to last one year, but if you are cautious, it can last longer.

Cleaning the Bee’s Wrap is quite simple: Just use cold water to clean the surface. It is important to avoid using warm water and to keep it away from warm food items, as the beeswax can melt.

If it does melt off, there’s nothing to worry about. Beeswax is edible, and there is no danger in consuming it. That said, it will significantly reduce the wrap’s ability to stick to objects or itself, so you may need to replace it early.

16. Wrapping Paper

This might sound like an odd one, but a lot of wrapping paper contains plastic as an ingredient. Even worse, the plastic makes the paper unrecyclable, and the only option is to throw it away in a landfill.

Luckily, there are several alternatives. The first, and probably the simplest option, is to make sure you are buying genuine wrapping paper. Read the packaging details or search on Amazon to find some.

A good way to tell if wrapping paper is recyclable is with the crumple test. If you can crumple the recycling paper into a ball and it holds the form, it is most likely recyclable. Another alternative to consider is to use recyclable fabric gift wrap.

This is much easier to use as all you need to do is wrap the present and tie it to the top. It also removes a lot of the cleanup associated with gift wrap, as the receiver just needs to untie it. Then you can store it away until next year.

17. Reusable Mop Pads

Keeping a clean home is important for living a healthy and productive life. If you have hardwood or tiled surfaces, you’ll need to mop them regularly to keep them spotless. However, mops are often made from a combination of plastic and metal.

Eventually, you’ll need to replace them. A better way to make mopping more sustainable is to switch to reusable mop pads. Instead of purchasing single-use pads or mops that cannot be replaced, you can simply wash the pads.

That’s right. Once you are done mopping, you can simply throw the mop pad in with the rest of your laundry to get it cleaned again for the next mopping session. While there are a variety of pads, most are easy to swap between and use Velcro.

Be sure to purchase pads that fit your specific model as they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. It is worth pointing out that after enough use, even with regular washings, you will eventually need to replace them.

18. Silicone Baking Mat

Everyone loves cookies, but making sure they don’t stick to the bottom of a pan can be a challenging endeavor. For this reason, many people end up using plastic baking sheets that you can use to line the bottom of your pans.

When you are done baking, you simply throw them out. Although it is convenient, it is also terrible for the environment. A better approach is to purchase a silicone baking mat that you can reuse for multiple batches of cookies, or other cooking endeavors.

All you’ll need to do is wash off the mat alongside your pan and it will be ready for your next baking session. Many of them also come in a variety of styles so they can better match your fashion sense.

It’s also worth pointing out that there are multiple sizes, so make sure to measure your pan to ensure that it will fit correctly. The last thing you want is for part of the cookie to get stuck on the pan and break off.

19. Butter Me Up Vegan Sunscreen

UV rays from the sun can damage our skin, which is why we should wear sunscreen when we go outside for an extended period. Unfortunately, sunscreen has two problems. The first is that it is stored in single-use plastic containers.

The second is that they often contain harmful chemicals that can poison marine wildlife, the most notable being coral reefs. That’s where the Butter Me Up Vegan Sunscreen comes into play.

First, it comes in a glass container that you can reuse after you use all the sunscreen. Second, it does not contain any toxic chemicals. Instead, it mostly uses organic ingredients to keep it safe for the environment and your skin.

It’s worth noting that the blend itself is on the thicker side, which means it won’t melt easily if you store it in your beach bag. Other options, like compostable cardboard sticks, are also available, so pick the one that works best for you.

20. Lastswab Original Reusable Qtip

While the health benefits of using Qtips are questionable, there is no denying they are for a single use. While many utilize wood, there are just as many cheaper versions that utilize a plastic stick, which makes them a big problem.

That’s where the Lastswab Original reusable Qtip comes into play. This product is a forever Qtip that uses a rubberized tip that can be washed with water or rubbing alcohol. You might notice that it comes in a plastic case and has a plastic base.

However, the plastic used in these is from ocean plastic that has been collected and repurposed. If used correctly, the Qtip should save you around 1000 Qtips for every one you buy. Additionally, it is perfect to take on trips.

The travel case allows for easy storage and comes in a variety of colors to match the rest of your belongings. And just like regular Qtips, you need to be careful not to damage your eardrum when removing ear wax.

21. AFTERLOON Biodegradable Balloons

Ballons are often one of the first decoration choices at events. Their colorful designs make them stand out and have become a symbol for parties and events around the planet. However, many balloons are made with plastic.

And when filled with helium, balloons are easy to lose. As a result, they often fly away and make their way into trees or the ocean. You can still have balloons at your party without worrying about the environment if you use AFTERLOON biodegradable balloons.

As the name implies, these balloons are made from natural rubber that breaks down when the balloons are discarded or fly away. That said, you are not sacrificing quality, and the balloons come in all kinds of colors.

You can also buy them in bulk for larger events, or so you have a supply for events that occur regularly. A second alternative is to purchase reusable balloons, but they require a bit more work while being a great option.

22. Tru Earth Bamboo Cutlery Set

When ordering takeout, most stores will include a plastic cutlery set (fork, spoon, and knife). While there is sound logic in including it, they are one of the most common pollutants found in our environment, and often can’t be recycled due to contamination.

Many businesses have begun requiring customers to opt in if they want plastic cutlery to save money and cut back on plastic pollution. As such, the best option is to always have your own cutlery set available and the Tru Earth bamboo cutlery set is perfect.

The bamboo cutlery is more durable than the traditional plastic cutlery you would get, which results in a better experience. The bamboo can be washed easily and stored safely.

It also comes with a very nice travel case that you can keep in your bags when traveling, or leave in your car’s glove compartment. There are also metal cutlery kits you can purchase. As long as you are avoiding plastic ones, you’re making the right choice.

23. Dish Block

No one likes cleaning dishes, but we must. Normally, you will purchase dish soap at the store which comes in plastic bottles. However, that is not the only option you have and soap blocks are becoming more popular choices.

A soap block is exactly what it sounds like, a large block of soap you keep in your kitchen to use for dishes. Simply take a scrubber to get soap on it and begin washing your dishes. The Dish block is one of the best options you can choose.

This soap is fragrant-free and is potent enough to cut through heavy grime and grease on your dishes and pans. It also looks a lot nicer than your traditional plastic bottle of liquid dish cleaner.

While you are still free to use a sponge, many prefer using a brush that can more easily lather the soap from the block. Brushes also have a longer shelf life than sponges and are easier to use, but the option is there.

24. Sodastream

It’s easy to switch from buying water bottles to filling your own when the tap is right there, but soda and carbonated beverages do not have the same luxury. Instead, you are forced to either buy plastic bottles that contain your favorite carbonated beverage or cans.

Either case is not very good for the environment, but what if I told you there was a way to make your own at home? Well, there is and it is called the Sodastream. With it, you can carbonate water and add your soda syrup to create your favorite sodas at home.

After being purchased by PepsiCo in 2018, the device has instead been refocused on creating sparkling water but is still a great way to make your own sodas. While it is a bit more expensive than just buying your favorite drinks, it is worth it.

With it, you are in control of what you are making and what goes inside your drink. There is a passionate community behind this product and if you look online, you’ll find no shortage of original recipes or close recreations of your favorite sodas.

25. Compostable Trash Bags

Every household has a trash can or multiple trashcans, and inside each one is a trash bag. In most cases, trash bags are made from plastic, and many are even laced with chemicals that help mask any smells that may form.

While they can be a great option, it isn’t for the environment as these trash bags always end up in landfills with the rest of their contents. As such, it only makes sense to use environmentally friendly trash bags.

While there are many options you can choose from, one of the most cost-effective options is the compostable trash bags from Green Paper Products. These bags can be bought in bulk which will end up being cheaper than what you find in a store.

The bags come in a variety of sizes so they fit in small or large garbage cans. When they enter a landfill, they should disintegrate within 180 days, unlike traditional plastic trash bags.

Reusable Products FAQ

If you have questions about a reusable product, please refer to the manufacturer or seller page for full details.

Start Using Reusable Products Today

Reusable products are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and prevent more plastic from ending up in the ocean. They also have the potential to save you a lot of money. As such, it is in everyone’s best interest to start using them.

That said, there is no denying that reusable products often require more effort to maintain. After all, if you plan on reusing something, you will need to take the time to clean it or refill it, which may be too much effort for some.

If you feel this is the case, the best advice I can give is to slowly transition into using reusable products.

What types of reusable products do you use? How much money have you saved by switching to reusable products?