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Sep 17, 2023

36 Sustainable Swaps Under $25 To Make In 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Going green doesn't have to cost a lot of green.

BuzzFeed Staff

Use these again and again, and compost them when you're done since they're made of natural cellulose and cotton.

I genuinely enjoy using Swedish dishcloths way more than I even did paper towels. They're perfect for managing day-to-day messes in the kitchen and they're shockingly absorbent, durable, and long-lasting. The biggest annoyance I had with them is never knowing where to put it when it was drying, but recently I mounted a Command hook behind my sink and used a hole punch to create a little hanging hole. Now my dishcloths stay out of the way when not in use and dry quicker! It was one of the easiest swaps to make that resulted in WAY less trash.

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in 30 styles).

Based in Oregon, Marley's Monsters is an Etsy shop creating colorful zero-waste swaps for everyday paper essentials.

Promising review: "These are awesome! I love being able to use a sponge that I can wash instead of throw away after a couple uses. These are great quality and super cute!" —Lauren Traccarella

Get it from Marley's Monsters on Etsy for $12+ (available in four backing colors and in multi-packs of three).

Launched in 2018, Sqwishful is an Asian-American-, woman-owned small biz with a mission to create useful, effective cleaning products that don't make the world less clean in the process.

Do you remember those washcloths that came all balled up and expanded when you ran them underwater? These sponges work largely the same. I was audibly excited when I ran one of the super-thin cardboard-like sheets under water and watched it almost instantly puff up into a plush sponge. It was genuinely fun. But more importantly, the sponges themselves are larger than average and beefy, meaning they stand up super well to lots of cleaning action, and are better for the planet when it's time to say goodbye! There's nothing not to like.

Get a three-pack from Sqwishful for $8.

These BPA-free plastic cups are designed to work in any Keurig brewer, old or new!

Promising review: "Really like these reusable K-Cups. I hated wasting so much plastic using regular K-Cups and found this to use as an alternative. I have had these for two years and they have held up great! Easily to fill, clean really nicely, and no complaints! And it's great you can put your own coffee in so you're not stuck to certain brands or flavors. Highly recommend if you are trying to be more environmentally friendly." —Amazon Customer

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

I can't, and I won't shut up about my Baggu. It was sort of an impulse purchase in a situation where I needed a bag and I have gotten SO much use out of it ever since. It folds up tiny enough that I can pack it along with my other out-and-about essentials without hogging too much space in my purse. It's massive and holds so much stuff, making it perfect for almost any impromptu shopping excursion. Because of its size, I worried getting the bag folded back into its small carrying pouch would be a struggle. It's surprisingly simple and very forgiving of a poor fold job. The fact that it wipes clean and is safe to machine wash makes it even more versatile. I've been known to lug bags of food scraps to my compost drop-off with it. If I was president, I'd make sure everyone had a Baggu!

Get it from Baggu for $14 (available in 26 styles).

Loosewarp is a Jackson, New Jersey-based Etsy shop supplying all your reusable produce bag needs for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Each set comes with six bags: two small, two medium, and two large.

Promising review: "I love these bags so much! I bought them so I could cut down on plastic and they work great. They have more than enough room for all my produce and are very sturdy. And they are an amazing price! Five stars." —Olivia

Get a six-pack from Loosewarp on Etsy for $12.74.

Terra Ties is a small business that's creating a 100% biodegradable alternative to standard hair ties. Made for all genders and ages, these durable bands are made from natural rubber and organic cotton dyed with natural dyes.

Promising review: "Love, love, LOVE Terra Ties and how long they last. I've always had issues with hair ties either not holding my hair tight enough, or just stretching out after a few uses. I have consistently kept a hair tie around my wrist for 10+ years and these have lasted much longer than any brand I've purchased before. Biodegradable is just an added bonus!!" —Samantha

Get 27-pack from Amazon for $14.95.

Promising review: "We've been using all sizes of Stasher bags for nearly a year — mostly food-related — and have not had any issues with a single one. We use them to keep crackers, chips, and bread from getting stale after opened; to keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer; pack sandwiches, meds, dog food, or treats; and so many more things. We sous vide in them, heat up food in the microwave in them, put them in the dishwasher, and marinate in them. They don't leak, they don't smell, are easy to close and open, and don't take up much room compared to traditional Tupperware or other food storage. If you put squishy stuff or liquid in there, soaking with baking soda and vinegar for 30 minutes can make sure the crevices don't mold as some reviewers mention. They do cost more than regular plastic baggies and require more work because, obviously, you don't just use them once — make the switch and stop with the single-use plastics." —Maison Leach

Get it from Amazon for $9.70+ (available in six sizes and in a variety of colors).

I started drinking more loose-leaf tea as a way to cut down on the waste of tea bags (It's also more delicious IMO, which doesn't hurt). I settled on a two-pack of these strainers after another, more cutesy strainer ball left me choking back a mouthful of tea leaves when prepping one of my finer rooibos teas. These have been great for close to five(?) years now. I love that they hook onto the mug and come with a little saucer to set the strainer on when it's finished steeping.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (also available in packs of two).

Oteas is a UK-based small biz selling 100% plastic-free tea and tea bags with packaging that is 100% recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. They've got a slew of great third-party certifications for their sustainability efforts, including being a 1% for the Planet member meaning they give 1% of their sales to non-profit groups and organizations working together to better the planet.

Get an Earl Grey 15-pack from Oteas for $6.95 (available in larger quantities and in loose-leaf).

ChomChom Roller is a Massachusetts-based small biz creating an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to sticky lint rollers.

Promising reviews: "I have a multi-pet household, some with long hair some short, and my couch is a magnet for hair! I’ve spent hours with pet vacuum attachments and lint rollers and they all fail. This tool in five minutes cleaned all the hair off with ease! I was so impressed I did the decorative pillows and then moved on to every soft surface in my house! It's really a game-changer!!! You need to be quite aggressive with it or it's just not going to work! My one issue is the button that opens the chamber where the hair and lint collect is exactly where I put my thumb for leverage when using it so the top pops open from time to time. It may be just me and how I’m holding it! I would still buy it again and have been using it every day for a clean couch!" —manypaws

Get one from Amazon for $31.95.

Plus, it includes a mesh laundry bag for easy cleaning!

Promising review: "These cloths are super soft and perfect for removing makeup, cleansing with micellar water, or applying toner. I like these better than washcloths because they are not abrasive at all (don't buy these if you were hoping for a little exfoliation). They are easily washable and nicely absorbent. I go through a lot of cotton squares in my skincare routine, and I wanted to be less wasteful. These are a great solution. I am planning on buying more!" —Steve P

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six color combinations).

I bought one of these cloths after including it in previous posts, subsequently selling myself on it (hazard of the job). It honestly works better than I could've imagined! You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds. I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to wash it constantly. It also washes up shockingly well. I've had it for close to two years and every time it comes out of the washing machine almost entirely stain-free I'm equally shocked.

Get it from Amazon for $13.36+ (available in 14 colors).

Promising review: "I never knew how awful my metal compost bin was until I got this beauty! Easy to open with one hand, the bag stays in place, and it's lightweight. Everything that's wrong with the traditional countertop compost bin, this bin solves. Life-changing." —Emma

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two styles and three colors).

These straws come with two brushes for easy cleaning.

Promising review: "There is always a concern with glass. Is it sharp? Is it too small or too large? I have to say, I was very impressed. The glass straws are about the same size as a 'Golden Arches' straw so the size is just about right. The ends are rolled and polished for smoothness and durability. I can detect no difference in size between the straws — all are uniform and well-made. A very good purchase!" —Ron C

Get an eight-pack (four bent, four straight) from Amazon for $7.99.

Stojo is a small biz founded by three New York dads who wanted a better way to get their convenient coffee fix without all the waste. Now they make stylish collapsible essentials in a variety of sizes and colors, including bottles and food storage containers!

Note that the 12-ounce size does not include a straw, but both the 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes do!

This is of the first zero-waste swaps I made and I've never looked back. If you buy to-go coffee – whether you're jet-setting or just grabbing a mid-day pick-me-up — this cup is a must-have. So long as you remember to bring it, it's all the convenience of to-go coffee with none of the waste. It's leakproof and, when you're all done, it collapses down teeny tiny and can be tossed back in your bag. Oh! And it comes with a straw, so all you iced coffee lovers can get in on the action, too.

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in three sizes and in a variety of colors).

Dip is a woman-owned environmental awareness brand creating top-notch hair care that's so good, being plastic-free is just a fun bonus. Products are made locally in the USA and are suitable for ALL hair types.

This is not only my favorite shampoo bar, but my favorite shampoo — period. I am not fussy with my hair, so I tend not to notice subtle differences between shampoo formulas, but even I noticed how much better my hair felt and looked after using this shampoo bar and the corresponding plastic-free conditioner. So soft and SO much less frizzy, even when I let it air dry. Don't be deterred by the price. My partner and I are three months into our first bar and there is still PLENTY of life left, so do yourself a favor and try it yourself!

Get it from Salt + Snow for $24 (available in four scents) or Dip for $24 (available in a travel size and additional scents).

Promising review: "I got the three-pack, one for me and two as gifts to friends who are trying to reduce waste. We all love these lighters because a single charge really does last, we don't have to buy any more disposable lighters for the foreseeable future, and the length is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks. Getting used to how to place the arc on the wick and understanding that there was a safety timeout took me a bit to get used to but wasn't frustrating." —Salim

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in seven colors).

These flexible, tear-resistant mats are oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe!

Promising review: "Ordered these along with some new cookie sheets. They are great! So nice to not have to waste foil or scrap the sheet. Easy to clean and really are nonstick. Wish I discovered these sooner." —Taci Thompson

Get a two-pack from Amazon $14.45.

Promising review: "Much better quality than anticipated! Utensils are sturdy and beautifully polished. I’ve been using these at work for the past few weeks and I love them! No aluminum/metallic taste at all like you would get with cheaper sets...I would buy again!" —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine styles).

Promising review: "Wow, why have I not tried beeswax wrap sooner? I used this as a makeshift lid for my dog's wet canned food and it stays fresher for twice as long as when I was using foil or plastic wrap because those don't have a seal at all. This wrap is amazing, plus it has the added benefit of being eco-friendly. These last a year, so I will never have to waste money buying plastic wrap again :)" —Sarah

Get an assorted three-pack from Amazon for $18 (available in four prints).

Promising review: "I was skeptical, but always hated the waste of plastic brushes. WOW! They have a nice finish, so the wood doesn't 'stick' like you'd expect. The bristles are incredibly soft, as my dentist recommended, and SO fine! It takes less effort to clean between teeth, because the bristles get in deeper, but don't hang up; or shed. They are also quite small, like the nicer brand-name brushes- so you can reach further back. I will be purchasing these again, and again." —Sarah Gibson

Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $8.99.

It also comes in a LastSwab beauty version with a pointed tip for eye makeup removal, which I use all the time to take care of rogue mascara.

Promising review: "OK I admit it's not soft and plushy, but it cleans perfectly and you’re producing less trash considering I use one and so does my whole family daily!!!" —Jannette N. Joly

Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in five colors).

Touchable LINEN is a Ukraine-based small business run by Margarita Mazalova, who creates gorgeous linen home essentials, from bedding to tablecloths.

Promising review: "These are absolutely 100% beautiful. The perfect color, perfect description, perfect quality of linens. I would not hesitate to purchase from here again. The price was very fair...and shipment wasn't long either. Absolutely happy with my purchase. Thank you!" —Tammy

Get a pair from Touchable LINEN on Etsy for $7+ (available in eight sizes and in a variety of colors).

I was SO pleased to see Thinx doing a diffusion line with Target. The price of the original Thinx kept me from purchasing a pair for a long time. It's a risk to spend 30-something bucks on something that might not work for you! I ended up getting my first pair of Thinx for $17 on sale — and that's the exact sweet spot that they've achieved at full price with this diffusion line. So much more accessible, especially if you're trying to stock up on multiple pairs. I feel no real difference between these and my regular Thinx. They're comfy, I've had no leakages (I generally have a light to moderate flow), they wick moisture relatively well, and wash up like a dream. I have two pairs and they've become holy grail staples in my period routine. Combined with my Flex Cup, I now have a zero-waste system that actually makes my entire period experience better than when I was using pads and tampons, which makes me very very happy.

Between each wear, just toss your Thinx in the wash on cold (skip the bleach and softener) then line dry!

Get it from Target for $17 (available in sizes XS–4X and in black and gray).

Promising reviews: "Great for shaving women's legs! I bought this to go with my new safety razor. Smells great, works up a great lather with just some water and rub either between your hands or directly on your legs. Highly recommend!" —Sadie M

"I have very sensitive skin and have used this in place of traditional shaving cream. Every canned shaving cream I have tried leaves my face very dry and razor-burned but I feel that this product is more rich and moisturizing. I would recommend this to people who struggle with canned shaving cream drying out their face and those with a strong tendency for razor burn." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in unscented and fresh scent).

This set comes with a reusable glass vial and a free refill. When you run out, there are more floss refills available.

Promising review: "Just tried for the first time and loved it on many fronts: eco-friendly, clever/practical/aesthetically pleasing design, and most importantly the quality of the floss is far superior to drugstore AND boutique brands that I've tried before. I'm very particular since I've got closely-spaced teeth and need floss that won't shred. This floss is strong and it glides easily between teeth without shredding. Totally worth a few extra bucks!" —Lee

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

Turbo Mops is a small business that launched in 2018 on a mission to create top-quality cleaning accessories to help you get through your to-do list as sustainably and cost-effective as possible.

Promising review: "I got both kinds, the ones with the wrap around flaps for the regular green mop and I got the nonflap ones for the WetJet. They are made of a good quality material, well designed, fit perfectly, and are easy to put on and take off. They stick to the mop very securely, you don't have to worry about them coming off when cleaning, and when done you just toss them in the washer. I am so happy I started using these. They are saving me loads of money on those wet and dry refill sheets and saves the planet as well!" —Phoenix Hinton

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.99.

I've been looking for a plastic-free lotion that wasn't a thick body butter for what seems like forever. So when I saw this, I was so excited to try it. Fortunately, it didn't disappoint! I use it as a hand cream in our bathroom, and it creates a light, creamy lotion with a pleasant (but not overpowering) scent. It's perfect for refilling pump bottles you already own!

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two scents).

Huppy is an Asian-owned small biz creating plastic-free toothpaste tablets out of sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients. Everything is vegan and GMO and cruelty-free. Best of all? Huppy donates 2% of revenue to fund sustainability initiatives!

I was familiar with other brands making plastic-free tabs, but hadn't found one that felt adequately cost-efficient — until now! I love how zero-waste the process is with Huppy. You get a forever tin (pick from blue or blush) and then buy refills that come in compostable pouches. The whole chewing thing can be weird at first (my boyfriend found it aggressively minty; I just think they taste like Altoids) but both of us got used to it quickly. With water, the tabs foam up pretty instantly, and after that, it's just a normal teeth-brushing experience. In fact, I'm actually finding that not dealing with drippy toothpaste and tiny screw-on caps is actually pretty delightful. A cleaner process both in and out of my mouth.

Get it from Huppy for $12+ (available in two sizes, two tin colors, and four flavors; subscribe and save 33%).

This toothpaste even includes a metal key to ensure you're getting every last ounce of paste out. The tubes are lined with a food-grade, non-BPA liner to prevent the toothpaste from touching the metal.

Promising review: "Absolutely love this toothpaste. I bought it since it is the closest to a zero-waste toothpaste tube available, with the cap being the only plastic part. The key is very helpful to get the remaining toothpaste out. The taste of this toothpaste is great as well. I also don't have any trouble using the metal tube. Wish this item was shipped completely zero waste, though the plastic cushions in the box from Amazon's shipping were recyclable. Giving the product 5 stars for its eco-consciousness and excellent functioning." —Kittykatykat

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in two flavors).

Each set is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe and can be used in a muffin tin or free-standing — no need for grease or nonstick spray!

Promising review: "Love that this takes up almost no space. It is a great alternative to a traditional muffin pan! The colors are so cute, and I also love that it doesn't create all the paper waste. Would definitely buy again!" —medici28

Get 12-pack from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes).

This dripper is carefully engineered to fit most branded coffee carafes including the 6, 8, and 10 cup Chemex Coffee Makers and Hario V60 02 and 03 drippers. To clean, just dump out the coffee grounds and rinse it under warm water. It's also recommended that every two weeks or so, you descale the filter by soaking it with white distilled vinegar and warm water for an extra good clean.

Promising review: "Love this! We purchased a Chemex to minimize the amount of plastics or additional waste associated with making coffee. Also, due to the pandemic, we find we make a lot more coffee at home, which means we go through more filters — this solved our filter waste issue! We now don't worry about a ridiculous amount of paper filters being tossed out and also the way this filters is fantastic. It fits perfectly, is easy to wash, and makes for a great lid to keep the coffee warm. Would 100% recommend to others!" —Jaycob Simpson

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three finishes).

Standard synthetic loofahs are made from plastic netting. That's obviously not great for the environment. These sustainable loofahs are organically farmed in Egypt, and they're BPA-free, too.

Promising review: "Great natural alternative to cheap, plastic substitutes! The initial shape is (as indicated in the packaging) temporary as the sponge puffs up within the first shower or bath. In fact, I didn't require the suggested pre-soak. Although the sponge is — by default — a bit more abrasive than a cheap plastic loofah, I was able to gently scrub my two-year-old's body with no problem! But the best benefit was the fact that the product can be used for far longer than a plastic loofah without getting that foul, mildew smell and dingy texture. We will never go back to plastic again! Overall, excellent purchase that has great results, is cleaner, and environmentally responsible!" —Jazz E.

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $17.97.

This might just be the holy grail of natural deodorant. It's so so SO much more affordable than a lot of other eco-friendly and natural products on the market, and it really works! I have had my fair share of issues with natural deodorants, from painful rashes to just plain stank. This has saved me from all of that — truly life changing. I even got my boyfriend to start using it! As far as odor protection goes, I think it works just as well (if not better) than the drug store brand I was using for most of my life until recently. The only con is the packaging does start to break down with repeated use. The edges of the paper can start to flake off, but that doesn't really detract at all from the user experience and is a small price to pay for the Earth-friendly joys of no plastic. Like any solid, paper-packaged deodorant you need to hold it in your hands for 10ish seconds to soften it before applying. If you do that, it'll be a silky-smooth 10/10 experience.

Get it from Target for $6.99 (available in additional scents).

Coli & Me is an Etsy shop run by Tida who handmakes premium home goods and jewelry. Currently, Coli & Me is only offering their high-quality, pesticide-free, humanely raised, and sourced wool dryer balls.

Promising review: "These are AMAZING and I am officially obsessed with how much more efficient my dryer is now. These dryer balls are high quality and the drawstring bag makes storage convenient and cute!" —amd609

Get a pack of six from Coli & Me on Etsy for $19.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.