The zero-waste movement is gaining huge momentum, and many people are starting to make zero waste a part of their lifestyle. If you have been thinking about zero waste but don’t know where to start, this blog post has the perfect list for you! We’ve compiled 100 zero-waste essentials that will help you get started on your zero-waste journey. These items range from toothpaste to shampoo and even disposable utensils.
Table of Contents
A reusable water bottle
A zero wastewater bottle is an essential zero waste item. In the U.S., it’s estimated that we use (and discard) at least 167 plastic bottles per person every year–enough to cover a football field with them.
It’s been shown in scientific studies that most bottled water is no more “pure” than tap water and maybe less safe because of chemicals used to produce plastics leaching into the groundwater supply during production or emissions from transporting these heavy items across oceans by truck, train, ship or plane.
One way to reduce this problem is to buy your own zero-waste reusable glass bottle for carrying around filtered drinking water while you’re on the go!
Reusable straws
One of the useful zero waste essentials everybody should buy is a reusable straw if they use plastic ones.
- Straws are 100% recyclable, and all parts of the item can be recycled together.
- We cannot recycle zero waste essentials mixed with other plastics like coffee stirrers or yogurt lids because these materials contaminate recycling machines when getting processed through them.
- Reusable zero waste necessities are also better for our health as there’s no risk of germs from dirty utensils touching our food!
- It might take some time to get used to using your new zero waste essential, but it’ll make such an impact in one simple change!
Reusable cutlery and eating utensils
Reusable cutlery and eating utensils are zero waste essentials for any kitchen. There is a wide variety of these items available at many stores or online and second-hand if you want to take on the zero waste challenge by consuming less plastic and creating fewer trash outputs.
- Stainless steel forks with silicone handles (sets of four)
- Wooden spoons
- Spork: A combination fork/spoon made from stainless steel can be used in hot and cold foods.
- Reusable crapware: These cups come in glass, metal, bamboo, paperboard material, or other compostable materials such * Mason jar glasses – reusable cups made out of recycled mason jars.
Eco-friendly dish soap for washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher
For a healthy environment, eco-friendly dish soap is a zero-waste essential. Eco-friendly dish soaps are free of synthetic fragrances, petroleum byproducts, and artificial colors that may be hazardous to the environment and health.
Dishwashing liquid is another zero waste option for cleaning dishes at home or on the go. Eco-friendly dish soap can also be used in combination with vinegar as an effective eco-friendly alternative to commercial detergents when washing dishes by hand or using your dishwasher.
I recommend buying plant-based (or vegan) products such as Seventh Generation Dish Soap Free Plant-Based Formula, Earth Friendly Products Liquid Laundry Detergent Citrus Orange Blossom OR Ecover ZeroWaste Cleaning Wipes – Lemon Verbena & Basil, which are all zero-waste essentials.
Biodegradable paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper
Biodegradable items like paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper are best for zero waste living because they break down after a certain time. Most traditional items like these take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills.
There are many zero waste options for these three things, so you’ll want to do your research before making the change.
There’s bamboo cotton or sustainable sugar cane in terms of paper products, which will only need about 18 months until they decay in a landfill. Toilet paper is another essential that can be switched out with plantable TP made from old newspapers or tree-free recycled paper rolls. Napkins also come in environmentally friendly varieties such as cornstarch cloths or reusable plastic ones without any packaging.
Bamboo toothbrushes with biodegradable bristles (or use a bamboo toothbrush that is made from recycled plastic)
Bamboo items are an excellent zero waste option because bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. These items are sustainable and can be composted or buried once they have outlived their usefulness.
If you’re looking for zero waste alternatives, consider using products made from natural materials like bamboo or wood that will biodegrade when thrown away at your home’s composting facility.
Alternatively, use a toothbrush with bristles made from recyclable plastic, which typically contains post-consumer recycled material, to help reduce landfill garbage.
It’s also important to replace zero waste essentials as needed so that everything runs smoothly within your household – this includes replacing worn-out batteries with rechargeable wherever possible!
Sturdy, reusable tote bag
A reusable tote bag is one of the zero waste essential items for your zero waste lifestyle. It is a must-have zero waste item to carry goods from store to home, or bring it with you on your next trip wherever you go!
The ZEROZBAG’s unisex Crossbody Tote Bag has been designed as a zero waste essential bag worn across the body (crossbody). It will have all of your essentials: umbrella, water bottle, phone, keys, etc. You may also like this adorable Wishful Whale Lunch Box which comes in four different colors and is made out of 100% recycled materials.
These are just two examples of our favorite zero waste essentials, but there are many more! For instance, if you’re looking for something smaller than reusable shopping.
Stainless steel straws
Stainless steel straws are a zero-waste alternative to plastic straws. They are reusable, durable, and can last for years.
Stainless steel straws come in various colors (such as red, green, or blue), and many have their carrying case that is perfect for lunches!
Some people prefer stainless steel over silicone because it’s more rigid, making drinking easier on the jaw.
Tote-able coffee mug or thermos
Coffee mugs or therms can be carried around with you either in your bag or on the go. This little guy is perfect for zero waste travelers. Made of stainless steel and a BPA-free plastic lid, it’s leakproof and portable. Plus, its small size will fit perfectly into any carry-on space!
A coffee mug made entirely out of 18/304 food-grade stainless steel that will keep your drink hot all day long. The handle is insulated, so no need to worry about getting burned but still know exactly when your beverage has gone cold by checking the time marked on the inside lip of this tumbler. These are also dishwasher safe which makes them super easy to clean.
A zero-waste tumbler that is perfect for coffee, tea, or any other hot drink! It’s made of 18/304 food-grade stainless steel and has a wide opening so it can fit ice cubes too. You will know when your beverage is cold by checking the time marked on the inside lip of this tumbler. These are also dishwasher safe which makes them super easy to clean!
Bamboo utensils set (spoon, fork, chopsticks)
Suppose you are conscious of the zero waste movement and want to start with affordable and effective something. In that case, buying a utensil set out of sustainable bamboo fiber will be your best bet. Bamboo’s natural properties make it one of the most durable materials on Earth while also being biodegradable.
Get eating bowls made from recycled paper for those days when you don’t feel like washing dishes.
Recycled papers are manufactured from old newspapers, which have been used as raw material through production processes. These products offer many benefits, such as reducing landfill burden, generating employment opportunities, and using discarded items in nature. Not only do they look great, but they can also withstand wet food better than plastic or other types of containers.
Reusable food containers for leftovers and takeout meals
Reusable food containers for leftovers and takeout meals are zero waste essentials for every home. There are various products to choose from, including glass containers, stainless steel tins, and silicone cups. A zero-waste eater will make sure they always have some form of reusable food container on hand for any situation where leftovers or takeout might arise – especially if the person plans to eat them later that day!
To avoid plastic leaching into your food, opt for high-quality glasses instead. These can be used as storage containers in the fridge once you’ve microwaved your lunch so that it cools down faster during those hot summer days when cold foods just don’t cut it anymore! Plus, there’s a bonus with these types of jars because.
Cutlery set with a bamboo case
Cutlery set with the bamboo case also comes in handy for picnics and eating out. They can be a little pricey, but if you have zero-waste tendencies, it might not matter that much to you!
If the idea of carrying your cutlery along with you is too burdensome, try this zero-waste alternative: use bamboo chopsticks instead of forks or knives when dining at an Asian restaurant.
A reusable produce bag to avoid plastic bags and carrier bags when shopping for groceries
- A set of reusable straws to avoid single-use plastic
- Always carry a zero-waste shopping bag with you when going out so that you can refuse the plastic bags which are handed out at most shops
- Carry your water bottle and buy bottled water in glass bottles instead. Refuse cans or PET bottles, as these cannot be recycled due to their metal content.
- Buy food such as produce, bread, rice, etc., in bulk packages that come without any packaging. You’ll save money too!
Glass food storage containers (with lids) to store leftovers, cut fruit, veggies, etc., in the fridge
You can use glass containers to store zero waste essentials like leftovers, cut fruit, and veggies. Glass containers are a great zero waste alternative for plastic deli containers that get thrown out after one use or metal food canisters that require more energy in production than glass ones.
Why is this zero waste? You need the container once (or as needed), and then you can reuse it indefinitely. And because they’re made of glass, your food doesn’t come into contact with any chemicals from the material (like plastics).
What’s my favorite zero-waste brand for these types of products? I love Eco Jazz! They make beautiful jars in several different shapes and sizes – just what you need when trying to avoid single-use packaging like tin foil wraps.
Reusable napkins made from organic cotton
Napkins that are made from organic cotton are one of the zero-waste essentials for your home. If you have a dog, they will love to play with them and help keep it clean!
Cotton is also easier on our environment than paper products because the chemical processes needed to produce cotton release less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than producing soft drinks or toilet paper made from trees.
Reusable napkins can be used for all sorts of things around your house, like cleaning up spills and wiping down counters before putting away dishes; there’s no need for paper towels anymore when you’re able.
We recommend these bamboo cloths, which are great because they won’t scratch delicate surfaces in your kitchen while being dishwasher safe too!
Summing Up,
Conclusion paragraph: Zero waste living is a lifestyle that means you produce no trash. Sounds like an impossible goal? Well, people who live this way are proving it’s possible to create very little waste if they use reusable water bottles, straws, cutlery, and eating utensils, eco-friendly dish soap for washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher (or wash them with baking soda), biodegradable paper towels and toilet paper, a bamboo toothbrush with biodegradable bristles (or use one made from recycled plastic), stainless steel straws as well as tote-able coffee mugs or thermoses, so your favorite drink never has to go to waste again!
