30 Green Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Common Household Items

According to the EPA, the average single American produces 4.9 pounds of waste per day. Because of this, caring for the environment is more important than ever! Identifying ways to reduce your impact at a household level might seem like a tall order. But switching your common household products in your home can have a more significant impact than you might realize!

Additionally, according to the Reusable Packaging Association, opting to use a product more than once can reduce solid waste by up to 86%. And yes, these eco-friendly alternatives are just as good as the originals. We’ll explore 30 green alternatives to everyday household items that offer practical solutions that benefit the planet. 

Common household items that create the most waste  

Homes create a lot of waste; but which items create the most waste? Here are the most common items: 

1. Plastic Water Bottles 
2. Plastic Bags 
3. Takeout Containers 
4. Coffee Pods 
5. Food Waste Packaging 

What are single-use products?  

Single-use products are items designed for one-time or limited use before disposal. For convenience, manufacturers typically create these items, offering a quick solution to a specific need. Examples include disposable plates, shampoo bottles, plastic water bottles, and packaging materials. Single-use products contribute to the growing issue of environmental waste in landfills and oceans. 

This convenience comes at the expense of environmental sustainability. According to the Ocean Conservatory, there are approximately 171 trillion tons of plastic floating on the ocean’s surface. So why not shift towards more eco-friendly and reusable alternatives to mitigate this waste? Here’s our list of 30 eco-friendly alternatives to common household items:

1. Reusable grocery bags

According to the Center of Biological Diversity, the world uses 5 trillion plastic bags a year. Reusable shopping bags are a great eco-friendly choice compared to single-use ones. Unlike throwaway plastic bags, reusable shopping bags are made to last through multiple uses. On a positive note, reusable bags are budget-friendly, with some options available for less than $2!

2. Cloth napkins 

Cloth napkins emerge as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to their single-use counterparts. Unlike disposable napkins that contribute to excessive waste, you can wash cloth napkins to reuse for later. By incorporating cloth napkins into your daily routines, you’ll invest in a long-lasting and durable solution.

3. Rechargeable batteries

Unlike disposable batteries that often end up in landfills, rechargeable batteries can be used multiple times and can significantly reduce electronic waste. Although rechargeable batteries might cost a bit more upfront, their long-term benefits are clear in reducing environmental impact. 

If you can’t make the switch to rechargeable batteries right away, the E.P.A. cautions that some types of disposable batteries should NOT be thrown away in household garbage cans. Dispose of batteries labeled with lithium, alkaline, or zinc-carbon at designated battery recycling centers.

4. Eco-friendly cleaning products 

Eco-friendly cleaning products offer a sustainable and planet-conscious alternative to their single-use counterparts. Instead of buying store-bought cleaning products that have harmful chemicals and single-use bottles, opt to make your own! By mixing a few home ingredients you have in your home already, making your own eco-friendly cleaning products is a snap. 

Lastly, choosing to reuse plastics to hold your homemade eco-friendly cleaning product can increase your environmental impact!

5. Biodegradable dog poop bags

Biodegradable dog poop bags stand out as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use options. Unlike conventional plastic bags that contribute to pollution, biodegradable dog poop bags are designed to break down naturally over time. As an added tip, dog waste is safe to compost and works well for revegetation and landscaping.

6. Bamboo toothbrushes

Bamboo toothbrushes are crafted from renewable and biodegradable resources. The use of bamboo, a fast-growing plant, ensures a more sustainable production process with minimal environmental impact. In the same way, disposable toothbrushes often end up in oceans and harm wildlife. If you opt for bamboo-crafted toothbrushes, you can help mitigate this threat.

7. Compostable trash bags

Compostable bags are designed to handle organic waste making them suitable to handle kitchen scraps. In the same way, compostable trash bags a made to do just that – compost! Instead of sitting in a landfill and creating more plastic waste, this product lends a hand to the environment by recycling itself into the ground.

8. Reusable water bottle 

Reusable water bottles eliminate the need for single-use plastics in the home. These handy gadgets are made from a wide variety of materials that are better for the planet than plastic. Plus, eco-friendly products like stainless steel bottles keep your water cooler for longer.

9. Plastic-free safety razors

According to Shoreline Shaving, up to 2 billion disposable razors make it into landfills every single year. With plastic-free razors, you won’t have any need for non-reusable razors; all you have to do is replace your blade. On the plus side, safety razors can reduce skin irritation by using less blades than your standard three-blade razor.

10. Water saving showerhead 

According to the E.P.A., the average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing water-saving showerheads. Designers specifically designed these products to save water for your home without losing the comfort of a relaxing cleanse.

11. Reusable straws

Using reusable straws, along with water bottles, is a great way to reduce single-use plastics in your home. As another benefit, switching to reusable straws can save you money in the long run as you won’t need to keep buying disposable straws. Some straw manufactures even make compostable straws that can compost directly in your garden!

12. Programmable thermostats

Programmable thermostats are literally designed to help your home be more energy efficient! With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating and cooling system from anywhere. You can even program your thermostat to set your home at an eco-friendly temperature while you’re away from home. This could save you money on your electricity bill and be better for the planet.

13. Reusable coffee filter

Reusable coffee filters can be used repeatedly, unlike their single-use counterparts. In doing so, you can also eliminate the packaging waste that comes from buying non-reusable filters. The production of paper filters requires resources such as water and energy, as well as the cutting down of trees for pulp. By using reusable filters, you reduce the demand for these resources and help conserve forests and water. 

14. Eco-friendly shampoo and soap bars

More often than not, when people purchase shampoo and soap, they come in wasteful plastic bottles which are harmful to the environment. By opting for bars, you can eliminate the need for wasteful plastic packaging. 

Shampoo and soap can get stuck at the bottom of the bottle. This can lead to waste when users don’t try to get the last bit of product. With soap bars, you can ensure no product goes to waste because of its lack of plastic and the bar’s design!

15. Eco-friendly laundry detergent

Making your own homemade laundry detergent is a great solution to those looking to make their laundry routine a little more eco-friendly. By making your own, you’ll have more control the ingredients in your detergent. You also eliminate the need for big plastic bottles that laundry detergent usually comes in, which can reduce your plastic waste in the long run.

16. Sustainable packaging

Sustainable packaging is made to break down easily and safely in the environment, often being biodegradable or compostable. Many forms of sustainable packaging are made from materials that are easily recyclable or even made from recycled materials.

17. Compostable cutlery

Compostable cutlery is a great earth-friendly alternative to traditional plastic silverware. Designers of this type of cutlery focus on using renewable, plant-based materials such as cornstarch, bamboo, or sugarcane. This material can easily decompose naturally once thrown away. 

18. Reusable paper towels

Reusable paper towels are made from durable materials such as cotton or bamboo and can be washed and reused multiple times. This can significantly reduce the paper waste produced by traditional paper towels. In the same way, reusable paper towels aren’t made from trees, which is better for the environment.

19. Biodegradable toilet paper

Biodegradable toilet paper offers a huge amount of benefits. Choosing this type of toilet paper can prevent the further effects of deforestation. Specifically, if you choose a bamboo alternative, bamboo needs less space to grow than traditional trees. 

It also takes around 37 gallons of water to make just a single roll of toilet paper. By choosing an earth-friendly alternative, you can save on water as well!

20. Reusable storage bags

Opting for reusable storage bags can drastically save you from creating more plastic waste. Reusable plastic bags are an environmentally friendly way to reduce your carbon footprint and can save you money. While they may be more expensive upfront, you’ll save on costs later by not having to continually purchase single-use plastic bags.

21. Beeswax wraps

One of the benefits of using beeswax wraps is that they can keep your food fresher for longer. Because of their design, these wraps are much more breathable than traditional plastic. Some beeswax wraps are also compostable which is a win-win for the environment too! And don’t worry, the production of beeswax wraps doesn’t hurt bees in the process.

22. Wool dryer balls

 Wool dryer balls are an earth-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softener and dryer sheets. Not only are they good for the environment, but wool dryer balls can dry your clothes up to 25% faster. As a bonus, wool dryer balls can be fragrance-free which is great news for those who struggle with allergies.

23. Natural makeup remover

Opting for natural ingredients to remove your makeup is a better choice than standard makeup removers. Traditional makeup removers are a “one and done” product which means you throw them away after one use. Using ingredients like almond oil can be powerful enough to remove even the most stubborn makeup and can create less waste!

24. Eco-friendly deodorant 

Traditional antiperspirants can contain aluminum which can be harmful to your skin. Additionally, some spray deodorants contain aerosols which is harmful to the environment. More eco-friendly deodorants are made from non-toxic materials that are kinder to your skin and the environment.

25. Reusable Q-tips

Like many products in our home, q-tips are often used once. Reusable Q-tips significantly reduce the amount of waste generated from disposable cotton swabs. Traditional cotton swabs require significant resources to produce, including water, cotton, and plastic. Reusable Q-tips are typically made from durable materials such as bamboo. 

26. Eco-friendly paper straws

Paper straws are a much better alternative to plastic straws because of their biodegradable material and aesthetic appeal. Many paper straws are compostable, allowing you to dispose of them in your compost bin where they will break down and contribute to nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

27. Making your own toilet cleaner

By using simple, natural ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, you can create an effective cleaner that avoids the harsh chemicals often found in commercial products. This reduces the risk of exposing your family to toxic substances and minimizes chemical pollution in waterways. 

28. Upcycling/buying secondhand

Buying secondhand or upcycling old products is a great way to give material a second life! Not only will you be reducing waste in landfills, this is a great way to discover something new and get your hands dirty. 

29. Smart outlets

Smart outlets can boost the energy efficiency of your home with a few clever features. Smart plugs can pair directly with your smart home assistant to assess your energy patterns and can adjust to save you money. Even when they’re not in use, devices that are plugged in can still consume energy. Smart outlets can help combat this energy loss by automatically turning off power to devices that are not in use.

30. Earth-Friendly energy 

All the products and energy we use send greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. This reins true for the gas we use to heat our homes. Luckily, some energy providers offer Earth-Friendly Gas plans that aim to make these greenhouse gas emissions smaller. While it’s true these energy plans might not eliminate all gas emissions created from heating your home, Earth-Friendly Gas plans can offset carbon emissions rather than adding more to the atmosphere.