Ditching single-use items isn’t just about waste—it’s about choosing better materials, better value, and better impact.
Here’s 4 good reasons why carefully curated reusable products are a better option:
- Pollution and waste: Single-use items contribute significantly to environmental pollution. For instance, over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, harming marine life and ecosystems.
- Resource depletion and emissions: 98% of single-use plastic is made of petrochemicals (derived from oil) and plastics generated 3.4% of the world’s total emissions in 2019, and are forecast to grow.
- Microplastics and health: Microplastics are created from the degradation of plastics. Detected in the bodies of both wildlife and humans, there is mounting concern for their impact on our health.
- Economic cost: Continuously purchasing single-use items can be more expensive in the long run. For instance, according to The Big Plastic Count experiment (led by Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic) the average household discards around 3,400 items annually – which adds up!
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best reusable products that replace single-use throwaways with low-impact alternatives. And these examples are not just reusable, they’re also made with responsible materials and ethical labor. Remember though that reusable swaps like those on this list are ONLY more sustainable if they’re used again and again and again, forevermore.
Our Brand Rating System rates brands (who opt in) on a range of criteria, including things like product performance, circularity and climate impact. Look out for rated brands on the list below and find other rated brands here (many of which offer reusable alternatives and essentials).
The Best Reusable Products For Simple, Sustainable Living
Who Gives a Crap’s Dream Cloths are made of 100% compostable and super absorbent plant cellulose, making them a dream for cleaning and mopping up spills over and over again. We personally use these in our zero-waste kitchen, and they’re still going strong after several months of use. Who Gives a Crap has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Ocean Bottle makes reusable water bottles in different sizes and with varying levels of insulation. They also make a stylish reusable coffee flask with a leak proof lid that allows you to sip from any angle. Their products are all made mostly from recycled stainless steel. Ocean Bottle has been comprehensively rated and reviewed by us – find the full rating here.
Blueland offers reusable containers and refillable cleaning / personal care products. We love their dryer balls which reduce drying time, energy costs, and waste. Blueland has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – find the full rating here.
Index: Reusable Household Items
- Dream Cloths Jump to section
- Reusable Water Bottles & Flasks Jump to section
- Reusable Cleaning Products (Hello Dryer Balls!) Jump to section
- Reusable Razor Jump to section
- Reusable Laundry Detergent Substitute Jump to section
- Reusable Food Bags / Storage Jump to section
- Reusable Menstrual Products Jump to section
- Reusable Food Wraps Jump to section
- Reusable Cotton Rounds Jump to section
Dream Cloths
A Reusable Alternative To Paper Towels
Price Range: $14 for 3
While old t-shirts and clothes rags can do the job of a kitchen towel, sometimes you need a little extra absorbency from the likes of Who Gives a Crap’s reusable dream cloths.
“One part sponge, one part cloth, and three parts marvelous,” WGAC’s Dream Cloths are reusable cellulose Swedish dishcloths with a million and one uses: mopping spills, cleaning dishes, and much more. They’re compostable when they eventually run out of life but given they’re washable over and over again, that takes a long while.
For more, see our guide to reusable paper towels.
Who Gives A Crap has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Our Personal Review Of Who Gives A Crap’s Dream Cloths:
“We can confirm that WGAC’s Dream Cloths forever changed our kitchen (a bold claim I know!). We love that these super absorbent and quick-drying reusable paper towels come in funky patterns and are dishwasher AND machine washable. Plus, they’re 100% compostable, so we can just add them to our indoor compost bin when they’re worn through – which we imagine won’t be for a long time, given that we’re still using the same one after about 8 months of use.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Water Bottles & Flasks
Reusable Alternatives To Single Use Plastic Water Bottles & Coffee Cups
Price Range: $18 for 3
Replacing single use water bottles and coffee cups with reusable alternatives is one of the easiest and most impactful swaps one can make. Not to mention the positive impact on one’s health from avoiding additional exposure to microplastics from plastic water bottles.
We love Ocean Bottle’s super lightweight OB Lite bottle for water and their Brew Mug for on-the-go caffeination. Both are made ethically and primarily with recycled stainless steel.
For more ideas, see our more comprehensive guide to water bottles and coffee mugs.
Ocean Bottle has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Reusable Cleaning Products (Hello Dryer Balls!)
A Reusable Alternative To Dryer Sheets & Cleaning Products
Price Range: $18 for 3 (dryer balls); Cleaning Refills from $4.5; Starter Kits from ~$13
Ditch those dryer sheets in favor of Blueland’s dryer balls that reduce drying time, energy costs, and waste. They’re also a popular and reusable dryer sheet alternative because they help prevent static cling and leave you with softer laundry. A set can replace over ONE THOUSAND plastic-based dryer sheets.
Blueland’s 3-pack of New Zealand wool dryer balls are 100% compostable at end-of-life and sustainably sourced to ensure sheep are well treated and farms never participate in harmful practices like mulesing.
Blueland also offer refillable cleaning products. Either use your own spray bottles, pumps or jars (the ultimate re-use hack) or buy one of Blueland’s stylish containers that you can refill over and over again without sending mountains of packaging to landfill.
Blueland is a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, Cradle2Cradle Certified, prioritizes efficient energy and water usage, and is committed to worker safety and happiness.
Blueland has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review Of Blueland’s Dryer Balls:
“Before sampling Blueland’s version, I had never used dryer balls before, though I’d heard great things. For a little context, I have a combo washer/dryer that dries clothes using a ventless steam function. This is great for convenience and not releasing VOCs into the air like vented dryers do, but the downside is that the dry cycle takes AGES. That’s half the reason I line dry clothes when the weather affords.
But in the winter, the dryer is necessary, so I was so excited to find that these dryer balls reduced my average dry time by about 1/3! Plus, my clothes never come out feeling staticky or starchy even though I haven’t used fabric softeners in years.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Razor
A Reusable Alternative To Single Use Razors
Price Range: $59–$180 (for bundles)
Replacing single use razors, the modern reusable razor is in fact the tried and true design of bygone days. Take a leaf out of Leaf Shave’s book, who create bespoke reusable razors that are anything but antiquated.
Leaf’s one-of-a-kind triple blade razor is the perfect reusable alternative to disposable razors like the Gillette Venus, and it provides a smooth, plastic-free shave of ease and comfort. This pivoting head razor uses three stainless steel blades that you can recycle locally or mail-in through Leaf’s own blade recycling service.
Leaf Shave is a Climate Neutral certified company and they ship plastic-free.
For more, see our guide to reusable razors.
My Personal Review of Leaf’s Leaf Kit:
“I own one of Leaf Shave’s pivoting head razors, and after years of dedicated safety razor use, I found this to be the best reusable razor I’ve tried. The pivoting head is extra gentle and capable of reaching those tricky nooks and crannies. It left my skin feeling smooth and supple, and I’d definitely recommend it for ease of use.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Laundry Detergent Substitute
A Reusable Alternative To Laundry Liquid/Powder
Price Range: $50
SuperBee ensures your clothes are super beaming clean thanks to their Hexawash, the laundry detergent substitute that lasts for more than 300 washes. Simply throw the “miraculous little pouch” sewn from GOTS-certified organic cotton into your washing machine with dirty laundry on a normal wash cycle.
While the up-front cost might sound like a lot for laundry detergent, there will no doubt be some cost savings at the end of its three (ish) year lifespan. 100% organic, and hypoallergenic, this plastic free, silicone free, and 100% home compostable detergent uses magnesium instead of chemicals to clean your clothes.
When the magnesium reacts with water, it creates hydrogen gas and magnesium hydroxide, or an alkaline solution of around pH 10.5. Negative hydroxide ions lessen the surface tension of the water, which makes it easier for oils and dirt to break down and get washed away. If it sounds too good to be true, rest assured that we’ve tested this gizmo and can confirm our clothes come out smelling and looking fresh and clean—with absolutely zero toxins.
At its end-of-life, simply reuse the miracle laundry pouch as fertilizer in your garden and compost the fabric.
Based in Northern Thailand, SuperBee is a Certified B Corp that is committed to ethical business practices and sustainability, by using only organic and ethically sourced ingredients in their plastic-free products—which includes beeswax wraps, toothpaste, and more.
Reusable Food Bags / Storage
Reusable Alternative To Plastic Food Bags & Wrap
Price Range: $10 – $70 (multi-packs)
Tired of tossing plastic bags every day after lunch? Or packing your food in stained plastic containers? Once you build up your stash with Stasher’s reusable bags, you won’t have to.
The brand invented the world’s first airtight (non-plastic) silicone reusable bags, and carries more than twenty different food storage items that are durable, long-lasting, and safe for the freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and oven.
The silicone Stasher uses is made with 100% pure platinum-grade silicone (higher than food-grade silicone), so you’re getting some of the safest food storage free from lead, BPA, BPS, phthalates, and latex.
Stasher’s factory is SA8000-certified, ensuring an ethical supply chain. Since silicone isn’t biodegradable, the brand partners with TerraCycle to responsibly recycle damaged, worn, or unwanted silicone bags free of charge.
My Personal Review of Stasher’s Silicone Food Storage Bags:
“For years, I’ve relied on Stasher bags as a sustainable alternative to Ziploc bags, and I’m a huge fan of the ‘self-sealing’ feature that keeps everything from snacks to sandwiches fresh. What I really appreciate is that these bags are made entirely from silicone, unlike some others that use a mixed-material zipper, which can melt when washed in the dishwasher (I’ve learned that the hard way!). I’ve safely used these bags in the freezer, oven, dishwasher, and even for sous vide cooking without a single issue. I don’t have a microwave, so I can’t vouch for that, but Stasher says it’s microwave-safe.
One tip: be sure to allow the inside of the bags to dry completely after washing to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Menstrual Products
Reusable Alternative To Tampons: Saalt’s Menstrual Cups & Discs
Price Range: $48-$82 (multi-pack)
Turned off by tampons that become part of 12 billion tons of annual period waste? Saalt’s reusable items prove periods can be lower-waste. Because who wants toxic petroleum-based products near their lady bits when Aunt Flo arrives for her monthly visit?
Saalt’s reusable menstrual cups and discs are made of medical-grade silicon, and are guaranteed to last more than a decade. Designed with a comfortable fit, these reusable period cups are good to go for twelve hours at a time, making your period a distant memory even if you’re riding a raging crimson wave.
We recommend the Saalt Soft Cup, which is their softest, most flexible and supple design yet.
Certified B Corp Saalt commits 2% of their yearly revenue to period care in regions with the most need, plus they help fund a variety of initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability. They now also sell reusable period underwear.
Reusable Alternative To Single Use Pads
Price Range: $15–$25
We don’t know the last time you checked prices in the menstrual hygiene aisle, but reusable menstrual pads can save you upwards of $150/year!
We may never be fully glad to be “on the rag” per se, but GladRags helps with their reusable menstrual products. Available as a pantyliner, thong pad, regular pad, and overnight pad, each 100% organic cotton pad features a three-part design for your favorite underwear that can accommodate their absorbent inserts according to your flow.
Plus, they’re guaranteed to last at least five years. Translation: literally thousands of disposables being saved from our landfills and hundreds of dollars saved in your bank account annually.
Oregon-based GladRags is a independently woman-owned business that makes everything by hand in-house in the USA, while everything is shipped worldwide in recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable packaging.
My Personal Review of GladRag’s Reusable Pads:
“I’ve been a loyal user of period panties for a while, so I didn’t think I’d be swayed by pads again. But when the chance came to try GladRag’s reusable pads, I gave them a go. They do feel a little bulkier than I’m used to, and I can notice them more than my period underwear, but they are a major step up from disposable pads. If you’re someone who prefers pads, I’d say these are as comfortable as they come.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Food Wraps
Reusable Alternative To Plastic Wrap
Price Range: $24–$43
Canadian sustainable living brand etee offers the best reusable kitchen items with their wide range of reusable beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap, along with other waste-free food storage items like sandwich bags and waxed canvas lunch bags or reusable produce bags.
Every etee beeswax food wrap is made from organic cotton muslin that is dyed with low-impact dyes in a rainbow of bright colors.
The cotton is then coated in a natural concoction of certified organic beeswax, coniferous tree resin, soy wax, organic jojoba oil, and organic cinnamon and clove essential oils.
etee bases itself out of Toronto, Canada where many of its items are handmade in a renewable energy powered lab and factory. Their packaging is entirely plastic-free down to their cellulose tape.
For more ideas, see our guide to beeswax wraps and how to wash them.
My Personal Review Of etee’s Wraps:
“My kitchen is stocked with etee’s variety pack of wraps, which comes with three sizes of bold and fun-colored wraps. I find that the small wrap is excellent for wrapping halves of fruit, the medium is ideal for covering bowls, and the large size wraps sandwiches perfectly. They work just as well as any others I’ve tested, but what makes these stand out from others is the added organic cinnamon and clove essential oils, which add just a hint of scent and some added antimicrobial power. I promise they won’t make your tuna sandwich taste like pumpkin pie!
These wraps are also simple to use (in part thanks to a solid seal that keeps our snacks fresh all day) and simple to clean; just pop them in cold water and wash them with a mild dish soap. Pro tip: Avoid hot water since it may melt the wax.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Reusable Cotton Rounds
Reusable Alternative to Cotton Rounds
Price Range: $20 for 20
We like to save face and save the planet simultaneously—which is why reusable cotton rounds are hot on our reusable products list.
So if you’re wondering, “What are examples of reusable products for the bathroom?”, ZWS Essentials’ 2-ply OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified organic cotton flannel facial rounds are a case in point.
Simply hand-wash with warm water after each use, and toss in your washing machine once per week. Items can be tumble dried on low, but we prefer to lay ours flat to dry since they don’t become any less soft after washing.
If you’re in need of added exfoliating power, ZWS Essentials’ 100% compostable loofah facial disks are a welcome addition to your reusable collections.
ZWS Essentials is the in-house brand of a popular zero waste online store, which is appropriately titled ZeroWasteStore.com.
My Personal Review of ZeroWasteStore.com’s Facial Rounds:
“After trying these myself, I have to agree with web reviews calling them some of the best cotton rounds for makeup removal, applying toner, stubborn eye makeup, removing dirt, removing nail polish, and exfoliating skin. The 2-ply organic cotton flannel is soft enough for sensitive skin types while still being sturdy enough to really lift off impurities. I don’t wear makeup that often, but fortunately, these rounds have a million other uses around my house, from taking off nail polish to cleaning cuts.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
I draw the line at reusable toilet paper.
Agree it’s a bit of a leap!