31 Useful Sustainable Products To Help You Go Green

31 Useful Sustainable Products To Help You Go Green

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2021-04-07 05:16

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.

1. A silicone straw that folds up and fits into a small carrying case, so you can easily bring them wherever you go and always feel good about helping to save those turtles.

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).

2. A counter compost bin designed to not stand out on your kitchen counter (in both looks and smells) and give you a place to easily store food waste before you take it to compost.

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.

3. A Blueland multi-surface starter set that comes with a reusable cleaning bottle and three tablets. Just fill the bottle with water, add the tablet, and you'll be able to clean all the counters, tile, stone, and wood in your home.

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.

4. Some bamboo utensils to replace the plastic ones that don't even hold up that well anyways.

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.

5. A pair of Ruby Love period sleep shorts — you'll sleep easy knowing that you won't wake up to stains in your bed and without any waste in the morning.

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).

6. Swedish dish cloths that absorb up to 15 times their own weight, so you can use them to clean your whole kitchen in one swoop and then throw them in the dishwasher when you're done.

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).

7. Linen reusable bowl covers made to fit over a variety of sizes of bowls so you can stop using plastic wrap altogether yet keep food fresh for longer.

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).

8. A silicone travel bottle set so you can, once and for all, stop buying the travel size from the drug store. This way is even better because you get to bring the products you use at home with you, ensuring that your routine won't change that much.

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).

9. An AeroGarden so you can grow your own herbs (and even veggies) at home instead of buying wayyyy too many for one person at the store and then wasting more than half when you can't finish them in time before they go bad.

amazon.com

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).

10. Reusable food savers designed to fit over halves of fruit and veggies and cans and cups so you can keep the food you don't use fresher for longer instead of just throwing it away.

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).

11. A rechargeable lighter that will be the last lighter you ever have to buy, because after it stops working, you just charge it, and it's good to go again.

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).

12. A Porter bento box bowl so chic you'll be inspired to make your lunch at home more just so you can bring this in and show it off to your coworkers.

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).

13. Reusable microfiber pads designed to fit your Swiffer WetJet you can just throw in the wash when you're done wet or dry-moping your floor.

amazon.com

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.

14. A biodegradable bento box with four compartments to fit different kinds of food so you can pack a complete lunch *and* feel good about saving money at the same time.

amazon.com

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.

15. A set of reusable two-tone pads with a black side you can use to remove makeup and a white side to help you apply toner and moisturizers. Plus, once they've been used, you can just throw them in the wash, and they'll be ready to go for the next week.

amazon.com

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.

16. A bamboo dish brush to help you scrub your dishes clean, even if you've got some crusted-on gunk that you thought might be stuck forever.

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.

17. Or a biodegradable sponge that works just as hard as the sponge you currently use to give your dishes the deep clean they deserve. Plus, when it's time to replace, you can just stick the old sponge in your compost bin.

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.

18. A LastSwab that might seem a little steep for a single swab but it's the only one you'll ever have to buy again, as you can wash and reuse it whenever you like.

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).

19. A set of glass storage containers you'll feel so much better about microwaving food in. Plus, these may save you from the avalanche that is your Tupperware cabinet.

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.

20. A Wunderbar stain stick made with coconut-based soap to remove any oil, makeup, food, soil or other stains in an eco-friendly way. Just wet the stained area, rub the bar over it, and wash it. Voilà!

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.

21. A pack of dryer balls, because you've been frustrated with your lackluster dryer that really doesn't actually dry your clothes for too long. Stop yelling "You have ONE job" at it and add these to your loads to dry everything in half of the time and never use dryer sheets again.

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.

22. A set of cotton produce bags to take to the grocery store so you can keep your produce fresh and stop using all those plastic bags.

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).

23. A reusable silicone bag with so many uses, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Need to steam vegetables? Check! Freeze fruit for smoothies? Double check! Pack a lunch? Triple check!

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).

24. A Hydro Flask water bottle with TempShield installation that keeps hot drinks hot for six hours and cold drinks cold for 24 hours. That means you can put ice cold water in and still have a refreshing drink when you inevitably forget it on your counter and come home to it hours later, parched.

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).

25. A reusable bag that folds up small to fit in a purse or bag so you can easily pull it out and use it instead of taking a plastic bag from the store.

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).

26. A set of cloth napkins you can totally use every day. Cloth napkins are not just for special occasions. Just think about how many paper napkins you won't have to buy anymore.

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.

27. Natural loofahs to help exfoliate your skin in the shower that can then be composted after they've served their purpose.

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.

28. A pack of beeswax food wraps that'll replace your need for plastic wrap altogether. All you have to do is use the warmth of your hands to mold the wrap over a bowl, container, or food item, and as it cools, it will create a seal to protect it.

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.

29. Laundry detergent made to be nontoxic and biodegradable yet will still work hard to clean your clothes and leave them smelling fresh. Plus, it comes in a container that's compostable and recyclable.

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).

30. A set of silicone stretch lid covers that fit over bowls, cups, glassware, jars, and even fruits and vegetables to keep freshness in and plastic wrap out.

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.

31. Some bamboo towels that'll replace six month's worth of paper towels, so you can keep your home clean, feel good about the impact you have on the environment, *and* never have to worry about using tissues to clean up a spill because you forgot to pick up another roll...again.

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).

Now always remember your four R's:

Tap to play or pause GIF Tap to play or pause GIF

3 Arts Entertainment

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Make your life even tidier. Check out the best all-natural cleaning products for your home, the best bathroom cleaning products, organization products perfect for neat freaks, and, of course, our ultimate guide to cleaning every single room in your house.

……

Read full article on BuzzFeed-Shopping

Lifestyle Home Environment