A study released not too long ago showed that a full 77 percent of Americans want to learn how to live more sustainably. What’s more, 93 percent of people who responded to the survey indicated a general concern for the environment and humanity’s impact on it. We all know the basics, right? Conserve resources. Stop waste. Don’t litter. Compost. Use “green” products. You’ll have to cover the first four on your own, but if you’re looking for more eco-friendly additions to your home, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re looking to replace some of your personal care products, give Nos. 10 and 22 a closer look. Household products on your mind? You’ll want to pay attention to Nos. 16 and 20 (and a lot of others, too). Think you could do better being eco-friendly at work? Nos. 21 and 27 are super cool. Buy them one or buy them all and you’ll be well on your way to promoting a greener household and doing what you can to make it a better planet for all of us.
Nothing but Net
There are pop-up tents and then there are pop-up mosquito tents and the latter is going to be your new summer BFF. Skip the chemicals and sprays and use this tent for home or travel. It’s big enough to fit on top of a king bed or camping mattress and utilizes the finest mesh to protect you from even the tiniest flying critters. It has two openings for easy entrance with fabric that serves as natural insect protection.
Secure the Bag
I started using reusable grocery bags a few years back but admittedly, not for eco-friendly reasons; they’re just convenient. Throw them in your trunk then toss them in your shopping cart and load them up. You can make fewer trips to the car since each of these can hold up to 30 pounds, replacing up to six plastic grocery bags. You’ll get a set of three in one of three colors of your choosing.
What’s in Your Drawers?
If you’re longing for more organization and customization in your kitchen, bath or wardrobe drawers, these eco-friendly bamboo drawer dividers should be your first purchase. Adjustable and expandable, they can be placed vertically or horizontally and can even be stacked in the drawer. Built-in springs keep them in place, and you can choose from three different finishes: Natural, gray and white.
Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow
Whether you’re a back, stomach, or side sleeper, you can rejoice over these pillows, which are filled with a faux-down material and covered with a viscose of eco-friendly bamboo that’s breathable soft, and supportive while you sleep. These cooling pillows are stain-resistant and machine washable, plus they stay firm and fluffy no matter how much moving around you do in the middle of the night.
You Mop and You Don’t Stop
Reusability is one of the major tenants of eco-friendliness so these washable steam mop replacement pads are a good start toward reducing your consumption of “stuff.” You’ll get six replacement pads compatible with a couple of Shark models. The honeycomb mesh lining evenly distributes heat throughout the mop for a deeper clean. What’s left to say except, “Full steam ahead!”
Brush It under the Mat
There’s just something about a charger on the table … and I’m not talking about the kind you attach to your phone. These weave charger plates come in a set of four and are a perfect complement to a number of decorating styles from modern to contemporary to farmhouse. Made from eco-friendly water hyacinth plants, these make truly sustainable home decor that can be used indoors or out.
It’s Wine O’Clock
You’re not a box wine kind of gal (or guy); I get it. But, bear with me because these bag-in-box wine kits might have you rethinking the whole thing. This eco-friendly alternative to heavy and bulky glass bottles keeps wine fresh for weeks after opening (if it lasts that long). You can even use these for homemade wine, cider, water, juice, strip, milk, and cooking oils — the sky’s the limit!
Clothes Bin
In case you haven’t noticed yet, bamboo is pretty eco-friendly. It grows easily, is super strong and durable, and absorbs carbon dioxide while producing oxygen. This laundry hamper is made from natural bamboo slates with a rich espresso finish. Rope handles on the side make for easy carrying and a removable flip-top lid conceals your dirty laundry (literally). Remove the washable liner inside (it has dividers for easy sorting) when it needs a little laundry love of its own.
Guiding Light
Solar lights are the real MVP. They draw from the energy of the sun, conserving it for your own personal light show later on. You don’t even have to turn them off and on since they’ll light up automatically when the sky darkens. These are especially beautiful, too, because they’ll remind you of fireflies buzzing around in a Mason jar. This purchase includes eight sets of lanterns and lights.
Belly Up to the Bar
I don’t know what happened but one day I woke up and shampoo and conditioner bars were all the rage. And, I don’t know if you know this or not, but bars of anything soapy left around water get goopy and gross. This in-shower storage container shields your bars with a self-draining base that’ll extend the life of your shampoo and conditioner. (Yes, it’s made from bamboo!)
Throw in the Towel
Reusable paper towels!? Whoever heard of such voodoo? In a roll just like traditional paper towels, one roll of this eco-friendly alternative is equal to three to six months of single-use paper towel rolls. Each of the sheets can be washed in cold water by hand for 80 to 100 uses of all types, from using them as a napkin to dusting to cleaning out your car.
Coast Along
Macramé is all the rage again, which is pretty significant since it dates all the way back to the 15th century. It’s also environmentally friendly, sustainable, plastic-free, and is made using zero waste. This purchase includes four hand-woven macramé coasters in a round shape with adorable fringe. These can also be used as plant pot holders or for any other purpose you’re creative enough to find.
Tub Time
I’m back with more bamboo! This time, it’s in the form of this luxury bathtub tray that can be expanded to fit just about any tub size. The tray itself, which comes in natural, black, brown and white finishes, and has dedicated holders for a tablet or book, smartphone, wine glass and spa accessories like candles, scrubs or soap. Bamboo is water-resistant so it can be wiped down with a damp cloth and is durable to stand the test of time.
Sponge Away
When a brand is named Composty, you can just about guess its products are going to be “green” and environmentally friendly. These non-scratch sponges are made from natural cellulose and are plastic-free and fully compostable (that includes the packaging). These sponges arrive in a compressed size to save space and reduce carbon emissions as a result of delivery. Add water and watch them grow! Speaking of growing, a tree will be planted on your behalf with every purchase.
Cooking Companions
Step away from the plastic! These black cooking utensils are modern in design and crafted with top-grade BPA-free silicone and wood. The six-piece set includes a spatula, slotted spoon, mixing and serving spoon, pancake turner, and soup spoon, giving you everything you need to craft delicious meals at home. These can withstand heat up to 446 degrees and won’t scratch your pots and pans.
Hold the Bag
I suspect one of the places we most over-consume plastic is in the arena of baggies. Available in all shapes and sizes, they fulfill a need so well that we don’t even think about it anymore … until now. These reusable storage bags will replace those single-use baggies with five sandwich bags, three snack bags, and two-gallon bags. Extra thick, they are freezer-safe, leakproof, and have a simple zippered design.
Clean Up Your Act
Do you stop and think about the eco-friendly nature of your cleaning products? I admit I’m guilty of not thinking about it enough, nor what types of toxic chemicals I’m introducing into my home. Yikes. This multisurface cleaner relies on one bottle (forever!) with refills packed in compostable packaging. These have a fresh lemon scent that’s safe for both kids and pets.
Food for Thought
These sleek food storage containers are eco-friendly times two: The base is lead-free glass and the lid is made from natural bamboo. Stack them to save space, use them as coasters, and try them out as cutting boards — they’ll withstand any test. Microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe, these glass containers aren’t limited to the kitchen; use them for office supplies, beauty products, small accessories, and more.
Shipping and Handling
If you do much selling on platforms like Mercari and Poshmark or you simply like to have mailing supplies on hand, opt for these biodegradable shipping bags. Available in five colors in a set of 50, the material used for these bags represents a 60 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional plastics. These have a tamperproof seal, are weather-resistant and utilize water-based ink for an extra dash of environmental love.
None of Your Beeswax
Who knew that bees could do so many things for us? These beeswax wraps are made in part from ethically-harvested beeswax, making them a biodegradable, sustainable, and natural alternative to plastic wraps. You can store everything from sandwiches for lunch to fruit using these, or seal containers in your fridge with these on top. This set includes three sizes of wrappers.
Pen Pusher
I was today years old when I discovered you can buy plastic-free, eco-friendly ink pens and I. am. shook. I’ve always thought of pens as something you just use and then throw away once they start writing streaky. These pens are made from recycled kraft paper, which can be decorated, labeled, and personalized. This purchase includes 24 black pens that are comfy to hold and come in eco-friendly packaging.
Do the Floss
Did you know that even your mouth could be more environmentally friendly? This vegan, biodegradable charcoal dental floss comes flavored with peppermint essential oil in a refillable glass container (with a free refill!). The length of this floss, which also counts candelilla wax among its minimal ingredients, extends for 33 yards. Ten percent of this company’s profits are donated to ocean and environmental conservation.
Bottled Up
Being more environmentally conscious doesn’t mean you have to give up toting your water bottle everywhere. It just means you need one of the 32-oz. glass water bottles, equipped with time markers and a neoprene sleeve. Safe, reusable, and leakproof, this bottle is fridge-safe and BPA-free. The neoprene sleeve protects it from bumps and dings and even has a built-in handle.
In the Laundry
Laundry detergent sheets are one of those things that have me going, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Compatible with front- and top-loading machines, these detergent sheets come in eco-friendly packaging and two scents as well as an unscented version. One sheet equals one average-sized load, which means this 30-count package will last you for quite a while (unless you’re cleaning baseball pants, in which case, Godspeed).
Paper Hanger
When you need to buy more hangers, don’t turn to plastic — give cardboard hangers a try. I know what you’re thinking, “Cardboard is flimsy so it’ll never work!” This review disputes that: “Exactly what I was looking for. Sturdy cardboard … I will purchase more. Great that you can recycle, less plastic in the landfill.” This purchase includes 50 hangers.
Take Out the Trash
If you have to throw things away (and you do), why not depend on a plant-based trash bag to do your dirty work? These 13-gallon trash bags have a reinforced bottom, hand-friendly handles, and super-strong material to keep everything contained. These bags are made from sugar cane (instead of fossil fuels) and are puncture- and leak-proof. Buy it in quantities of 45 or 90.
Quiet as a Mouse
Of all the products I read about while compiling this list, this bamboo wireless mouse is the coolest. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s made from natural biodegradable bamboo with a glossy finish and solid construction. This mouse is compatible with most versions of Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and has a comfortable feel that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Blow This Popsicle Stand
It’s practically summer popsicle season and I’ve never met one I didn’t like. This stainless steel popsicle mold is a break from plastic and makes six paddle-style pops. This fast-freeze mold is easy-to-use and clean and will last for a very long time. To loosen a frozen treat, simply hold the mold in your hand for a moment or run it under warm water briefly. You can even fill (or refill) one mold at a time.
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
I don’t like buying K-Cups. Not so much due to the excessive amounts of plastic but more so due to the price. Ground coffee (or even whole bean that you grind yourself) is significantly less expensive. This reusable K-Cup pod coffee filter will let you keep buying the bagged coffee while still using your beloved Keurig. This filter is compatible with a wide range of machines and accommodates two brew sizes with two marked fill lines.
Have a (Dryer) Ball
My wool dryer balls are nowhere near as cute as these bee-themed dryer balls but I’m not bitter. Ahem. These balls are all the good things: Organic, fair trade, hypoallergenic, baby-safe, and chemical-free. And, oh yeah, they’re biodegradable and useable for 1,000-plus loads. These dryer balls actually support fair trade by supporting the Nepalese women who handcraft them in ethical working conditions.
Bomb Squad
When you have your mind set on bath bombs, you sometimes forget to scope out the ingredient list. You don’t have to worry about this 24-pack of bath bombs because they’re full of organic and natural ingredients like grapeseed oil, shea and cocoa butters, and coconut oil. These come in six different colors and fragrances including scents with rose, mint, lavender, lemon, and milk.
The Last Straw
Straws have been the subject of a lot of controversy as of late with coffee shops and restaurants already moving to alternative products like paper straws, metal straws, and even edible straws (my favorite). This four-pack of reusable metal straws comes with a portable case so “have straw, will travel.” Non-toxic, rustproof, and shatterproof, these are wide enough to accommodate everything from your favorite coffee drink to boba tea.
Pack Your Bags
If you’re moving to reusable grocery bags, why not go all-in and try these mesh produce bags? (You can’t put plastic produce bags in your reusable bags, c’mon.) These produce bags are reusable and washable while being eco-friendly with strong fabric hems and pop-locks and drawstrings. With five different colors, you can even color-code your shopping trip. Just stash them in your trunk with your reusable bags for grocery trips.
Bargain Bin
Do you compost? I know, it conjures up images of people who live off the land, don’t shave, and eat things like seaweed paper. You can easily compost even if you live in an apartment with this OXO compost bin. Its convenient size and design are great for countertop use with a lid that flips down to lock in odors. A contoured bottom and removable lid make emptying a breeze.
Pad Down
Don’t skip over this product just because you’re beyond the breastfeeding stage (or never went there to begin with). These round, washable, and reusable pads are great for nursing moms but they have a host of other uses, too, like removing makeup. This purchase includes 14 pads to get you through a week (hopefully) if you are nursing and bags for both carrying and washing.
Clean Your Plate
Are you a wheat straw plate clubber? (That’s like a clean plate clubber but in a more eco-friendly sense.) This set of wheat straw plates comes in both small and large sizes and is lightweight, sturdy and durable. The unbreakable, cut-resistant construction features smooth edges and is both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. I love the colors here, which would blend nicely with my Fiestaware.
Cold Shower
Even if you aren’t interested in turning your entire home into an eco-friendly dwelling, we could all be happier with a smaller water bill. One of the ways to achieve that is with a low-flow showerhead. This one in polished chrome comes in three different sizes with 84 individual nozzles and three distinct spray settings. Low-flow showerheads don’t sacrifice water pressure but can reduce your water consumption by up to 40 percent.