WHY: We use a lot of bags! Reusing bags can eliminate a lot plastic / paper waste.

TRY: Cotton Tote Bags (if you already have one) or Flip and Tumble, Baggu, 8 Bag Options

INFO: Since reusable bags take material & energy, it's always best to reuse what you already have (!), and many reuses are necessary to have a net positive effect. Cotton bags (you already have) are great, since they do not shed microplastics. Ripstop nylon bags are also good. Read more about the Problem with Plastic Bags.

WHY: We use lots of cups, bottles, baggies, wraps, and boxes in our lives!

TRY: Food Huggers, Swell, Tupperware, ukonserve, naturebeewraps.ca

INFO: The situation matters - bees wax wraps are all the rage but can be challenging to clean, so use a glass or sturdy plastic container for the messy and crumbly stuff. Read more

OUR RATING:

Best options = glass or stainless steel containers (more easily recycled)

Good options = plastic or silicone containers

WHY: Compostable and/or reusable options significantly reduce deforestation & trash accumulation, and natural materials options avoid micoplastic in water!

TRY: Swedish Cloths (widely available), rags (i.e. tear up old t-shirt), Who Gives a Crap, Casabella Kind Loofa Sponge, More Options: grove.co/best/paper-towels

INFO: To learn more about paper towel usage visit here and to learn more about alternatives visit here .

OUR RATING:

Best options = Swedish cloths, natural sponge, rags, etc. that can be composted

Good options = recycled or bamboo paper towels (reduces deforestation)

WHY: Less deforestation! Less single-use plastic!

TRY: Who Gives a Crap, Cloud Paper, Trader Joes 100% recycled

INFO: Paper products are super (and kinda necessary) for the super yucky stuff. Think about sustainable wood products (like bamboo or recycled paper) that aren’t in plastic wrap. Read more

WHY: Bars packaged in paper / cardboard eliminate tons of plastic waste. Bars also tend to have fewer icky chemicals and can be shipped with a lower carbon footprint.

TRY: Dove, Moon Valley Shampoo Bar, More Soap Bar options: cosmopolitan.com best soap bars of 2022 Bar Shampoo options: vogue.com/article/best-shampoo-bars,

INFO: It can be a daunting change, BUT, options abound! And we are cheering you on as you find the best fits for you!! Read more here and here.

TIP: A good soap dish helps! If you have one already, stick to that & just keep it clean. If you need a new one, consider making or buying one that is wood (example) or bamboo (example) because those materials are antimicrobial. One that drains helps also.

WHY: Laundry strips or tablets reduce carbon shipping emissions and plastic waste!

TRY: tru.earth Earth breeze, Kindly laundry

INFO: Dissolvable sheets come in a paper envelope - easy to ship, easy to use, and no plastic! Read more.

WHY: Tablets that can be combined with water at home save a lot of waste and energy!

TRY: Meliora Means Better, Blueland

INFO: Dissolvable tablets come in small paper packaging - easy to ship, easy to use, and no plastic! Read more