31 Useful Sustainable Products To Help You Go Green
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Food 52
The set includes four straws, four carrying cases, and a cleaning squeegee.
Promising review: "I've had a few sets of reusable straws in the past (metal, glass, even some silicone), and these are by far my favorite! The colors are perfect, the cases are so useful, and I've found they're wide enough for smoothies (which many aren't!)." —Annalee L.
Get the set from Food 52 for $25 or a similar style from Amazon for $5.99 (available in 12 colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "I am fairly new to composting, and I was looking for something to keep my scraps in before taking them outside that wouldn't stink up my kitchen. This bin is absolutely perfect! I don't smell any rotting food ever, even when it's full. It is heavy and sturdy without taking up a lot of counter space. It's really cute, and I love that you can take just the inside bucket out. It's super useful, practical, and adorable!" —Brittany
Get it from Amazon for $33.76.
Blueland
Plus, when you run out, all you have to do is buy the small refill packs, instead of getting a new bottle every time. The cleaner is made without any triclosan, parabens, phosphates, ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, or VOCs.
Promising review: "This is a very effective cleaner. I’ve tried a handful of other 'eco-friendly' cleaners in the past and always get like I was sacrificing on the cleaning power, but not with this one. The bottles very nice and sturdy and the refills are a bargain." —Destinee G.
Get the kit from Blueland for $16.
Amazon
The set includes a spatula, slotted spatula, spoon, slotted spoon, and an angled spatula.
Promising review: "These are my favorite utensils in the kitchen. They seriously made me want to throw out all my others I already had. I'd definitely buy more and recommend them." —florg29
Get a set of five from Amazon for $14.99.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
BTW — Ruby Love is a small Black woman-owned business! The shorts have leak-proof technology and are made in the US.
BuzzFeed Shopping Editor Emma Lord says: "I am a person with an aggressive uterus and an even more aggressive dislike of tampons, so I love these period sleep shorts from Ruby Love — on lighter days you can wear them as is, and on heavier days you can pair them with a pad. It's just nice to have a lil' extra backup, plus if you 'leak' it comes right out of these shorts when you're washing and wringing them out before putting them in the washing machine anyway. TAKE THAT, UTERINE LINING!"
Get the shorts from Ruby Love for $39.99 (available in sizes Juniors–3X).
Amazon
They can also be put in the washing machine!
Promising review: "I originally picked these up to use in lieu of nasty, nasty dishrags that invoke my inner THIS IS NOT CLEAN demon. Since then, I have used them for everything from cleaning the kitchen to wiping up spills. After I use then, I just toss in the wash and they are ready to go again. They are the perfect size and do an excellent job on every task to which I have applied them. They come in a variety of fun prints, and I have yet to wear one out. Paper towel usage has taken a real nosedive, which is a good thing given its relative scarcity at present." —sandra simpson-kraft
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $13.18+ (available in 11 patterns).
We Are Simple Shop / Etsy
BTW — We Are Simple Shop is a small biz based out of Lutsk, Ukraine creating reusable grocery and kitchen goods! These covers are made from 100% linen and can be put in the washer on a gentle cycle.
Promising review: "I got these a few weeks back. They are simple, but still very beautiful. The seller communicates and is very friendly. These are well made and I'm so glad that I'm able to use these and start replacing from buying plastic wrap. Definitely recommend and will be buying more." —Yan
Get it from We Are Simple Shop on Etsy for $5.93+ (available in 14 colors and four sizes or all four sizes as a set).
Amazon
Promising review: "I usually purchase the sample size bottles at the stores instead of going through the hassle of filling up the bottles of product. I decided to try these because of the larger cap size. The shampoo and conditioner poured in easily without any extra spillage on the side. The bottles did not leak on my 2.5-hour flight. The bottles seem to have a set amount that they like to dispense. This was great for me, it prevented me from over-consuming the products." —Rochelle Hagnas
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four color combinations).
The Aerogarden includes an herb seed kit with six pods, including basil, parsley, dill, thyme, basil, and mint and a bottle of natural plant nutrients that will last a full season of growth. Plus, it's super easy to use as it will remind you when to add water and plant food. It automatically turns the lights on and off, so even if you don't have a green thumb, you can grow herbs at home.
Promising review: "The AeroGarden has exceeded my expectations! It really is as easy as I hoped and has been growing so well. I received it as a Christmas gift and set it up right around New Year’s. The little sprouts have grown like crazy in the last week or so. It was pretty much idiot-proof to set up, and I have only had to add plant food once and water twice in the last month. It’s amazing! The light is very bright but it doesn’t bother me because it brightens that corner of my kitchen when it’s on. I am not a big gardener, and even though I can keep an indoor basil plant alive for a few months at a time, I prefer to not have to wonder when or how much to water. I’m planning some recipes to start using the basil, Thai basil, and dill this week because I can tell they need to start being pruned. I seriously am so happy I got this and might even get another one to grow cherry tomatoes and peppers." —WallacEm
Get it from Amazon for $99.97+ (available in black, white, and sage).
Amazon
Promising review: "I love these huggers! They work perfectly on my veggies and even bananas. Save time and I'm not using baggies. They're great!" —Molly H.
Get a set of five from Amazon for $12.95 (available in five colors combinations).
The Grommet
This product is made by The USB Lighter Company, which designed the lighter to be able to last forever so it would be a more sustainable solution. You can get up to 300 lights per charge, and the lighter is gas-appliance safe.
Promising review: "We use the lighters mainly for candles and have always bought new ones when the lighter fluid runs out. I know they’re refillable but we don’t keep the fluid around so this is really a novel idea. I love the idea that this can be charged for future use with the charging cord provided. There is no flame so the attraction to children is not there. It does a great job — you just have to hold it near the wick a few seconds longer. Really great item!!!" —Maggie
Get it from The Grommet for $30 (available in four colors) or a similar style from Amazon for $12.97+ (available in five colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "I've stopped using Tupperware for lunches and meal prep. I’ve been waiting for something like this. It looks clean and is highly functional. The fact that you can microwave it and put it in the dishwasher is huge for me." —grubbinseattle
Get it from Amazon for $24.94+ (available in 10 colors and two styles).
Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I hate buying those disposable things and the waste they create, and I am too lazy and grossed out by a traditional mop and bucket of water. I have a dog who loves running in and out her dog door, bringing in dirt on the hardwood/ laminate flooring. These pads are doing great! I can now clean the floor and toss it in the washing machine, and it’s ready to go for the next round. I love that this came with two so I can use the second one right away for a second cleaning or a fresh one for another room or have one clean while the other is washing. How great this is to not have that unnecessary waste of disposable pads. Thanks!" —Naturegirlangie
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.95.
Plus, it's microwave and dishwasher safe.
Promising review: "I love my Edo Box. It holds a substantial amount of food, safe to use in the microwave and just holds great value for me since I bring my lunch to work daily. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to contribute to the environment and use an excellent product!" —Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $22.99.
Promising review: "I have used organic cotton face pads for decades, for toners, micellar water, makeup remover, etc. It always bothered me that I could not find a suitable solution to make this part of my personal care routine less wasteful. These are perfect. Super soft. The black side for mascara and lipstick is brilliant. I use them for everything and no longer throw away or compost all those cotton pads. They also wash easily in the provided mesh bag." —Amazon Customer
Get a 14-pack with a laundry bag from Amazon for $15.99.
Amazon
Promising review: "This is a great dish brush! I've been on the hunt for a while to find something more eco-friendly to replace regular throw-away sponges, and I think this is it. The bristles have held up really well so far, and it cleans very effectively and efficiently, even removing stuck-on food without much effort. It also holds suds well, so a little bit of dish soap goes a long way. Highly recommend!" —Gretchen
Get it from Amazon for $8.
Amazon
Promising review: "These sponges last considerably longer than the average go-to sponge. The scouring pad is great, and holds up really well, even on cast iron. The product doesn't seem to get bogged down with grime nearly as much as in-store sponges. They rinse out well and last a long time. The sustainable materials are an absolute bonus, and I will absolutely be sticking with this product." —Courtney
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6.99.
LastObject
BTW — LastObject is a small biz started to create products that address single-use products. Other than the swab, they also have reusable tissues and cotton rounds.
Promising review: "I love it! It’s great for the environment, and it’s very easy to use and clean. It doesn’t hurt at all, on the contrary — it’s soft. The variety of colors pleased me. I love them all!" —Anna L.
Get it from LastObject for $12 (available in two styles and six colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "I bought these to be a little more eco-friendly. They are terrific. I have been using them for about six weeks now. The seal is great. They were a little tough to close at first but you get the knack. I slide my two hands from the center of the bowl to the ends and move the sides to seal then turn and do the other two ends. They clean very easily. I am hand washing the lids to preserve them. I really love these. Now I need to find a bigger size as well." —Elaine
Get an 18-piece set from Amazon for $29.99.
Celsious
BTW — Celsious is a Black woman-owned laundromat in Brooklyn. The shop is energy efficient, and they also sell eco-friendly garment care products and accessories. this sweater pill remover is made in the US.
Get it from Celsious for $8.
Amazon
Promising review: "These little gems are excellent! I wish I'd bought them sooner. They literally cut the drying time of my laundry in half. I use them with absolutely every dryer load and finish my laundry in record time. For me, this is a time and money-saving, must-have laundry helper. BOTTOM LINE: Buy it." —C. Hawkins
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $12.24.
Amazon
This set includes five small, five medium, and five large bags that are washable.
Promising review: "I bought these in an effort to reduce my disposable plastic usage. They are awesome! The cashier could scan my items right through the bag. I keep them in my car with my cloth grocery bags so they are easy to grab for shopping." —Lori S
Get a set of fifteen from Amazon for $10.99 (available in two colors and three size variations).
Amazon
Plus, they're dishwasher and microwave safe!
Promising review: "Well, these are amazing. I didn't expect them to be. I'm trying to replace disposable items in my home with more sustainable/eco-responsible items. I ordered these just to try. I did not expect to love them as much as I do. They are thick and sturdy. The top is easy to close, and it stays closed. Cleaning is a breeze because the opening is big enough to get your scrubber in there and really get it clean. A+++" —Grasshopper
Get one from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in 10 sizes and in 13 colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "I was skeptical, but now I'm a believer. I put ice cubes in this, closed the lid, and left it in my hot car that was in the sun all day. When I got in the car after 8 hours, most of the ice cubes were still there! Some of the ice had melted, the water was ice cold and delicious! Holds up if dropped, not flimsy material (be careful not to crack the top if dropped.. It's made of plastic). I think I need to buy a larger water bottle now." —M. Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in three sizes and 17 colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "I keep this bag in my purse, so I am ready at all times to use this instead of getting a store plastic bag. I love that it is washable. Get one to reduce plastic bags in our environment! I highly recommend it!!" —Sharon Heiligman
Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 46 colors and patterns).
Anthropologie
Promising review: "These are amazing cloth napkins (to the extent napkins can be amazing). We use these daily for our family of four, so I love that they are all different colors. They do not need to be ironed and look great right out of the dryer. They are either not easily stained or do not show stains—unclear which because they still look great after two years of near-constant use. I will probably get more." —MMDC
Get a set of six from Anthropologie for $32 (available in two styles) or get a similar set of six from Amazon for $19.25.
Amazon
Plus, they come in plastic-free packaging that is recyclable and biodegradable.
Promising review: "These make me feel like an eco-friendly kween!! They're a good investment. They do what they have to do. My skin felt soft after I used them, so that's a plus." —April
Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.49.
Amazon
Promising review: "This is such an incredible product for the kitchen. What a great product. It's so easy to use. I love that this is reusable, and the quality is so good. I imagine I’ll be using it for a long time. The wax seals right to my containers and blocks odors and keeps my leftovers fresh." —Jennie
Get a set of three from Amazon for $18.99.
Read one BuzzFeeder's full review of the beeswax food wrap here.
PUR Home
BTW — Pur Home is a Black woman-owned company focused on environmentally-friendly cleaning and home products. This laundry detergent is scented with essential oils and is safe for families, pets, and the earth.
Promising review: "I switched to using nontoxic products several years ago. I’ve tried sooo many different natural laundry detergents/soaps and none of them were ever satisfactory. They smelled great in the bottle but my clothes always had a weird smell, and they never felt clean. I gave up trying to find one that worked but my sensitive skin has flared up a lot from using commercial detergent, so when I stumbled upon this brand, I was doubtful that it would work but this stuff is AMAZING!! It leaves my clothes smelling super fresh, and it actually cleans them! Highly recommend especially if you suffer from extremely sensitive skin!!! 💚" —Kendra C.
Get it from PUR Home for $18.95 (available in three scents).
Amazon
Promising review: "This is truly an amazing replacement for plastic wrap or other covers that are not eco-friendly! And it saves you money in the long run! You can throw them in the fridge/freezer/microwave because they are made out of the most kitchen/earth-friendly material...silicone! Plus, they're easy to clean, easy to use, and durable as hell!" —Tammy Cardona-Zambeis
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $11.99.
Amazon
...not talking from experience, not at all.
All you have to do when you're done using one is throw it in the wash!
Promising review: "I clean for a living, so using these on the job as well as my home makes life much easier, and I can feel better about not being so wasteful. I use them for drying my hands, cleaning the countertops, and as a reusable Swiffer pad for floors. What I do is mark each one with a Sharpie. My first initial for hands and face at home, 'C' for cleaning counters and 'F' for floor. What I love about these the most is they dry a lot quicker than regular towels and washing them is super easy. Dirt and grime tends to just rinse right out. Even on the mop pads. It's incredible. Now I don't have to waste money buying the Swiffer refills. These are different to use but it's worth figuring out what works for you!! A must buy for eco-friendly cleaning!" —Joyce
Get a roll of 20 sheets from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as two rolls).
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3 Arts Entertainment
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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