Affordable & Stylish Zero Waste Swaps!

Written By Samantha Grayer

Just because a product is low waste, or zero waste doesn’t mean is has to be boring and beige. In case you haven’t read, conscious consumers are buying products that are untreated and without dyes. The reason people are making this swap is because synthetic dyes used in food, clothes, and essential products like shampoo can cause side effects. There is a plethora of documentaries and resources discussing the topic online, but I will provide the ones I have read at the end of this post.

Below you will find some common and uncommon zero waste swaps that I would consider fresh and stylish for conscious consumers. Zero waste perfection is overrated, and we must all start somewhere, so start small and build your eco lifestyle one item at a time.

The most known eco tip is to reuse and upcycle old containers in other areas of the home. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and the waste you send to landfills and recycling centers.

Discounts

Package Free Shop-Get $10 off your first purchase.

Grove Collaborative- Get a free gift and receive $10 off your first purchase.

Well.Ca- Get $10 off of a $40 purchase use code: plasticfreejuly21 *new coupon coming soon.

Saje Natural Wellness-Get 10% off your first purchase.

Travel

KeepCup -I purchased the KeepCup from one of my favorite zero waste stores in New York called the Package Free Shop. I personally needed a versatile vessel that could withstand both hot and cold beverages. *(Most people in the zero-waste space would suggest repurposing items around your home before acquiring new ones). I’m not comfortable drinking hot liquids out of plastic given what I now know.

What I like about this KeepCup is that it is made from soda lime and is considered tempered. Why does this matter? Because not all glass is created equal, and some glass may contain lead.

This cup is barista ready(12oz or 16oz) and uses natural untreated cork as a temperature sleeve. I made the conscious decision to purchase the lighter colored lid because when recycled items are being scanned and sorted, darker colored materials are harder to detect. After months of use, I can happily report that there is no discoloration on the lid and the cork sleeve is holding up very well.

*For more information about this KeepCup please visit the Package Free Shop where you can read more about where the cork is sourced and details about product material.

Koffie Straw- I purchased this koffie straw from the Package Free Shop and it has been the perfect addition to my zero waste lifestyle. It can withstand both hot and cold beverages! I especially appreciate it’s updated features: thin, flat and bent. I was delighted to pair this straw with my 16oz KeepCup to accommodate it’s triangle shaped mouth opening.

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Lastra Clip- This might be the coolest accessory for your reusable straw! I purchased this straw clip from ShopEco here in Canada. The Lastra Clip makes it easy to utilize all of my reusable straws made from either glass, metal, or silicone.

This clip has been a vital zero waste swap for me. It allows me to use old tumblers with or without lids. I also love that I don’t have to stabilize the straw every time I drink my beverage.

*When it comes to everyday interactions, I think about germs that are transferred onto surfaces. Finding this straw clip, for me, was like adding an extra layer of cleanliness to my drinking routine. This tool will help anyone who does not like the thought of germs near their mouth. So, to avoid unnecessary straw touching and germs, check out a straw accessory like this.  

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Reusable Flatware and Napkin Set- This stainless-steel flatware set is from Starbucks and it was one of the gifts I recently received for my birthday.  I grab this set every time we leave the house, just in case we need flatware or a straw. *The link will take you to the Starbucks store locator, so you can see if they have a set like this near you.

Kitchen

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Dish Sponge-This natural dish sponge from the clean planet is a great alternative to a natural dish brush. As much as I use our natural zero waste brush, my husband prefers these sponges. *Click here for a discount to the Package Free Shop.

Dish Soap Bar- A few years ago I would have looked right past this zero-waste swap because it seemed less convenient; and who has time to be inconvenienced. Now, when shopping, I find everyday essential products created to reduce waste and it gets me excited. I have not only grown in a greener direction, but I am making a positive impact where I live. I support small businesses with my purchases and am aware of the overall footprint that my family contributes. Dish soap bars have become exceedingly more popular and have broken barriers this year. I am so proud to be where I am right now, it has taken a lot of work to get here.

Start making small changes today because I have found an eco friendly retailer that carries this kitchen bar! The owner of Here. After has the best assortment of kitchen essentials. Go check out her store and let her know Sam from Let Me See The Label sent you.

*For more information about the ingredients used to make this kitchen dish soap bar, head to: all things jill.

Bathroom

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Organic Cotton Rounds- These cotton rounds are the perfect swap for your skincare routine. This may seem like a small step, in the grand scheme of things but overtime they will significantly bring down the waste from single use cotton rounds.

I have used reusable cotton rounds and squares for almost a year now. Both options were handmade and were given to me as a gift. The best place to purchase these zero waste swaps is the eco friendly store called Here. After.

Organic Pantyliner Plus – This reusable body care swap was my first time purchasing an organic cotton panty liner/light day pad from the Package free Shop in New York. The light liner has been easy to use and clean. The untreated 100% organic cotton is very soft and comfortable to wear.

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Jute & Joy Tingle Mint Body Soap- Saje Natural Wellness offers body soap in a soft biodegradable pouch. This jute material can also lightly exfoliate the skin too which is a nice bonus! This body soap is affordable, works great and keeps your skin hydrated all day. *Pro tip: Hang the soap pouch after each use for the best results.

Glass Hand Soap Dispenser- Here is a look at my first sustainable swap in 2018, when I purchased this glass hand soap dispenser from Grove Collaborative. The glass soap dispensers are simple and they will look great in any style of home. I purchased 3 soap dispensers in total, one next to dish soap dispenser in the kitchen and the other two for the bathrooms. I now only purchased hand soap in bulk to cut down on overall waste. I also found a small business where I live that will refill mason jars for me to take home so no plastic here! (*pre-covid)

Laundry

Eco Nuts- These soap nuts work great for delicate and casual loads in cold or warm water. If your laundry load is extra dirty or greasy you should pre-treat stains before washing. Then, combine your pre- treated clothes with hot water to remove tough stains. If you don’t have time or energy for pre-treating, just use hot water with dirtier loads.

I noticed right away that the allergic reactions I had while using toxic detergent was no longer an issue after switching to these soap nuts; so its worth switching. I would recommendation Eco Nuts for anyone with kids, pets, or consumers with allergies.  

Package Free Shop- Package Free is a zero waste store that sells their own laundry detergent. It’s packaged in glass jars, that way you can reuse the same jar and come back to the store to refill the same jar. and or upcycle the jar for something else around your home. I recently purchased their powder detergent this summer and I am very happy with the results. So far this is the only brand of detergent that I have found that uses clean and simple ingredients, which makes this totally #LMSTL approved!

Dryer Balls- I replaced my bounce dryer sheets with these eco friendly nontoxic wool balls. Wool dryer balls are not all created equal, so make sure you buy the untreated ones.

 Here are a few key reasons to make this eco switch:

1.     Wool dryer balls are affordable, because you don’t need to replace them as often as you would a sheet of bounce.

2.     By adding just a few drops of essential oils, your clothes get a wonderful natural scent boost.

3.     Wool dryer balls reduce drying time by creating space to allow clothes to dry faster and evenly.

4.     Wool dryer balls keep your clothes static free (following the recommended number of wool balls per load).   

5.     Wool dryer balls are a great non toxic alternative for an allergy friendly household.

Hair Care

Organic Plastic-Free Hair Ties-I purchased these plastic free hair ties back in September of 2020 from the Package Free Shop. After 6 months of use, these hair ties did not break, stretch out, or leave indents in my hair like traditional hair ties use to. Click this link for $10 off your first purchase.

Lip Care

Vegan Unscented Lip Balm- The Ocean Bottom Soap company sells incredible zero waste products, from lip balm to bath bombs. I must admit that I have spent a good amount of time reading all the labels in this store (pre-covid). During the holiday season (pre-covid) they even hand poured lip balms while I was shopping, so I was able to take home a fresh (still warm) lip balm. If you are looking for lip balm, soap, bath bombs or deodorant that comes package free or in cardboard, then look no further because the Ocean Bottom Soap company has high end products in zero waste packaging.

Cleaning

Package Free Shop- Once again the Package Free Shop has made my life more eco friendly with this zero waste swap! They carry a brand called Marley’s Monsters, that has created a zero waste alternative for a Duster! That’s right lets invest in a washable duster to eliminate single use plastic ones. I purchased this duster this summer and it has been working great for big or small tasks around the house. This reusable duster has been great, it uses a ton of cotton and bamboo layers to grab everything. Give this swap a try, you wont be disappointed.

Shopping

100% Organic Cotton Produce Bag- This organic cotton bag is the perfect zero waste item for all your upcoming trips to the farmer’s market. With just one bag like this you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables without asking for plastic bags at the checkout. You can fit so much into this bag that it’s worth the investment. Use this link Package Free Shop to get $10 off your first purchase.

Samantha Grayer
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