Photo: Bee Wrap
The best sustainable household products not only help the environment, but they can also benefit your monthly expenses. There’s a common misconception that eco-friendly products cost more, but it helps to think ahead when budgeting for household supplies. Replacing single-use items like paper towels, straws, and coffee pods will result in significant savings over time.
Pay attention to how much trash you take out each month. The less waste your home produces, the more money you save in the long run. Start improving your results by adding these eco-friendly products to your shopping list.
1. Reusable K-Cups
Photo: amazon.com
While coffee pods are convenient, they contribute to plastic waste and can be expensive to restock. Reusable K-Cups to the rescue. Chosen by our editors as the best reusable coffee pods, they are made from BPA-free plastic and a fine mesh of high-quality stainless steel. They are compatible with most single cup coffee makers and dishwasher safe.
2. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags
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If you’re worried about giving up the convenience of plastic bags, these Stasher reusable food storage bags will help reduce single-use plastic waste while providing a solution to your food storage needs. Perfect for school lunches and on-the-go snacks, the bags don’t leak or smell and are easy to clean in the dishwasher, according to reviewers. We chose these as our best freezer bags because they can withstand varying temperatures.
3. Reusable silicone straws
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Dubbed the best reusable straws by our experts, this set comes with eight colorful silicone straws. What sets them apart from their competitors is their unique “plug-in” design. Each straw pops open (when you snap it on), allowing you to clean the inside without having to maneuver a cleaning brush. Food grade silicone is non-toxic, BPA free and suitable for cold and hot beverages.
4. Swiffer Microfiber Mop Pads
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You may love your Swiffer, but hate the waste it produces and the cost of refills. Replace your disposable cleaning pads with these Swiffer compatible microfiber mop pads to reduce waste and save money. The two included pads can be used wet or dry to pick up dirt, debris and pet hair. Reviewers love that they stay put while sweeping and are easy to wash and dry. These pads are suitable for all common floor types.
5. Wool dryer balls
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Buy these and you can cross dryer sheets and fabric softener off your shopping list. Friendheep’s reusable wool dryer balls lift and separate laundry, helping warm air circulate better, keeping clothes fluffy and soft with less wrinkles and static. You can feel good about this purchase because they are organic, fair trade and biodegradable. What’s more, the adorable sloth face design can just make laundry more fun.
6. Reusable paper towels
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A busy family will easily tear several rolls of paper towels a week. Save money and reduce waste by considering “paperless” towels. These from Earthly Co. feature a soft lemon pattern and are perfect for wiping up light messes or quick countertop cleanup. Reviewers describe them as sturdy and absorbent. Made from cotton flannel, these reusable paper towels are chemical free and food grade.
7. LED bulbs
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If you haven’t already, it’s time to replace your incandescent bulbs with LED versions. Since LED bulbs can last almost a decade, you won’t need to buy new bulbs every year. Not only will you save money on replacement bulbs, but you will also notice a drop in your energy bills. Buy one for every room in the house with this 16-pack from Amazon Basics. Reviewers say the soft white light version contrasts with the harsh lighting that can be characteristic of some LED bulbs.
8. Hydro Flask Reusable Water Bottle
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You probably know that disposable water bottles are now harmful to the environment. Not only do billions end up in landfills every year, but the process of producing bottled water also uses fossil fuels and contributes to global warming. Avoid adding to this waste by using a reusable water bottle at home and on the go. A fan favorite, the Hydro Flask is loved for its durable stainless steel design and efficient insulation. It comes in multiple sizes and colors to suit different preferences.
9. Silicone Baking Mat
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These silicone baking sheets will last you up to 3,000 uses, which is much more durable than single-use parchment paper. BPA-free, food-grade silicone mats are reinforced with fiberglass mesh to withstand temperatures from -40 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be wiped down with warm water or thrown in the dishwasher for cleaning. The set includes two half sheets and a quarter sheet, which roll up for easy storage.
10. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Cloths
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Considered one of our best reusable items from Amazon, these cleaning cloths can save you a lot on replacing paper items. The company claims that one cloth will last longer than 15 rolls of paper towels. Made from natural cotton and wood-based cellulose pulp, they are also 100% biodegradable. Reviewers say they have a sponge-like absorbency that’s perfect for lifting up spills and messes, and they don’t smell bad like some others.
11. Reusable cotton swabs
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This reusable cotton swab from LastSwab comes packaged in a cardboard box that says, “You just saved the planet from up to 1,000 cotton swabs.” It is made of a nylon core with soft medical silicone on each end and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The swab comes with a convenient carry case when not in use.
12. Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
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Replace your cling film and foil with these adorable and practical Bee’s Wrap covers. Perfect for storing food or wrapping sandwiches, these food wraps simply require the warmth of your hand to create a seal. Woven from organic cotton, they are made from sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin. They can be washed in cold water and mild soap and are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
13. Reusable Coffee Filters
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If you prefer a traditional coffee maker to a single-cup machine, you’ll probably go through the filters quickly. Save on refills with this reusable one from Ruoying. Made of stainless steel, the filter’s conical shape is compatible with popular coffee machines from Krups, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and others. It is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
14. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
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Every household should have a set of microfiber cloths. They can easily replace paper products for cleaning, drying hands and wiping up spills. This set of 12 on Amazon is absorbent and soft for streak-free cleaning. Tip: Hand or machine wash separately in cold water to prevent bright colors from running.
15. Google Nest Thermostat
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You may not think of a thermostat as a durable product that can save you money. However, according to Nest, its smart thermostat can save you 12-15% on your energy bills. Rated the best in our entire guide to home thermostats, this programmable thermostat lets you create an energy-saving schedule from anywhere. For even more savings, it refuses when you are away.
The prices listed here are accurate as of the date of publication April 12.
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