Shopping·10 min read

16 Everyday Products That Make Going Green Simple

eco-friendly products to start using
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Amazon, Food52
April 20, 2022

This post was originally published in April 2021 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

You’ve probably heard the word “sustainability” thrown around a lot. Especially in recent years. But we know that figuring out how to reduce waste and choose only eco-friendly products can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you start?

That’s why we’re here. To skimm it all and find products that work. While also being kind to Mother Nature. So you can make small changes to live a greener life (minus all the research). 

leak-proof period underwear to replace tampons and pads
Knix

A leakproof bikini that can replace pads and tampons…

No more money spent on products every time a period rolls around. This pair of underwear is absorbent and can hold up to eight tampons’ worth of liquid. Once you’ve worn them, just toss them in the washing machine. If you’re a bit skeptical, fear not. The material is made from triple-layer technology. The first layer blocks odors and keeps you dry, the second layer traps the liquid, and the third layer covers you from any leaks. Goodbye, unwanted spots on your pants when you stand up. Phew. Psst...check out our recs for more of our fave pairs of period underwear here. ($28, Knix)

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silicone flexible menstrual cup
Intimina

Or a menstrual cup for those who’ve never used one before…

Aka one that’s easy to insert and remove via the little loop at the bottom. It’s durable, flexible, and made from medical-grade silicone. You’ll be covered for up to eight hours, no matter your flow. When you’re not using it, the cup folds flat and can be stored in its protective case. ($21.56, Intimina)

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colorful checkered compostable sponge cloths
Food52

Compostable sponge cloths that can sub in for paper towels…

They’re made from plant fibers and printed with water-based ink. So once they’re worn out, you can compost them and they’ll decompose within six weeks. They’re designed to hold 16 times their weight in water, can last up to 300 uses, and can survive the dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine. ($24.99/set of 10, Food52)

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chewable toothpaste tablets
By Humankind

Toothpaste tablets so you don’t have to deal with tubes…

FDA-approved, these tablets work to power away stains and strengthen enamel. The actual tablets arrive in a compostable pouch, but you can store them in the glass container between refills. No more awkwardly squeezing tubes to get the last bit out. When you’re due for more tablets, you can order your next pack. The toothpaste formula doesn’t contain any preservatives or artificial colors either. ($12+, By Humankind)

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compostable hair ties
Amazon

Compostable hair ties that won’t be a pain to take out…

They’re stretchy, strong, and won’t immediately rip out your hair when you go to take your ponytail down. But best of all? They’re made without plastic. Just natural rubber and cotton. When the hair tie has run its course, you can toss it in the compost. Aka an easy way to make your life a bit more green. ($14.95/27 pack, Amazon)

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makeup eraser cloth that can get rid of makeup with just water
Amazon

MakeUp Eraser pads that only need water to get the job done…

And in just a couple minutes, your face will be free of mascara, foundation, eyeliner, and more. The cloth is double-sided and can be washed and reused. It’s great for sensitive skin since you won’t need to use any solutions. ($17.20+, Amazon)

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produce savers that regulate air flow and keep fruit and veggies fresh for longer
Amazon

A set of containers that’ll keep your produce fresh for more than a few days…

Seriously. Lettuce won’t wilt. Blueberries won’t mold. These containers regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide flow, so they keep your precious produce from spoiling. Plus, the built-in filter never needs to be replaced. For the best results, don’t wash your produce before adding it to the containers. ($26.98/4 pack, Amazon)

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laundry detergent powder
Celsious

A laundry powder that’s gentle on skin, clothes, and the planet…

Nontoxic, fragrance-free, and biodegradable, it’s safe to use on sensitive skin. Plus, the cardboard/steel canister is recyclable and the label is compostable. The powder mixture includes baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap. Laundry day just got even cleaner. ($20, Celsious)

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insulated reusable mug
Amazon

An insulated mug you can refill over and over again…

Now when you go to your local coffee shop, you can hand this over. No more single-use cups. The mug has double-wall vacuum technology. Meaning your beverage will stay hot (or cold) for hours. It’s sweat-proof, rust-free, and won’t shatter if you drop it. ($13.39+, Amazon)

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glass and stainless steel french press for freshly brewed coffee
Amazon

A French press so you can brew a cup of coffee every morning…

Without relying on K-cups. So you can save a bit of cash and reduce waste. It’s simple to use: add your ground beans to the bottom, pour in your hot water, set your timer (we usually wait five minutes), and then press the lever down once it’s ready. The filter works to collect the grinds at the bottom, making sure you have a delicious, smooth pour every single time. Psst...we’ve used this French press before and find it very reliable and sturdy. ($37.99, Amazon)

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tree-free disposable napkins
Hive

Tree-free paper towels that’ll clean up life’s everyday messes…

From greasy fingers to spilled drinks. Except unlike traditional paper towels, these are odor-free and made from bamboo. One sheet can be used up to 30 times. Just handwash and air-dry in between. Bonus: When you’re ready to toss it, it can also be composted. So you can live life without relying on paper products that cause deforestation. Little moves, big impact. ($10.29/30 pack, Hive)

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home cleaning kit with refillable bottles to reduce waste
Blueland

A cleaning kit that uses refillable bottles…

You’ll get a hand soap, bathroom spray, multi-surface cleaner, and a glass + mirror spray. They’re made without phthalates, ammonia, bleach, and parabens. Plus everything is Leaping Bunny Certified (aka cruelty-free). To create the solutions, you just need to fill each bottle with water and drop a tablet in. When you’re running low, you only need to reorder the tablets. The containers can stay, so you’ll save space in your cabinet (and stop throwing out plastic bottles). We've rounded up even more eco-friendly cleaning options here. ($39, Blueland)

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white bidet
Tushy

A bidet that’s self-cleaning and easy to install…

See ya later, toilet paper. This bidet can be set up in under 10 minutes and doesn’t require any electricity or a plumber’s help. You’ll be able to avoid using excess toilet paper, reducing the amount of trees cut down during the production process. If you’re on the fence, this one has over 7,500 five-star reviews. And it’s adjustable. So the strength of the spray is up to you. Feeling clean. ($99, Tushy)

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compostable phone case available in multiple designs
Pela

A phone case that’s compostable…

You graduate phone models pretty quickly. And with every new device comes a new case. So why not switch to one that doesn’t contribute to plastic waste? The cases are made from flax and a plant-based biopolymer that’ll keep your phone and the planet safe. And they fit on most phone models. (Prices vary, Pela)

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reusable food wrap
Hive

Reusable food wrap that’ll keep your leftovers fresh…

Coated in beeswax and organic jojoba oil, Bee’s Wrap is flexible, will wick away moisture, and store your food tightly. Just run under cool water and use a dab of dish soap to clean. It’ll last about a year with regular usage and can be composted once it’s time to replace. From storing sandwiches to avo halves, say ‘see ya later’ to the clingy, tangly plastic wrap. It’s def easy being green. ($42.42/7 pack, Hive)

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reusable food bags
Amazon

Silicone storage bags that’ll replace single-use bags…

Goodbye, plastic. It was (not that) nice knowing ya. Great for food storage, these bags are airtight. And can be put in the freezer or microwave. So pop leftovers inside, pinch them closed, and place in the fridge. If you hate stacking Tupperware, these are for you. You can also use them for carrying snacks while on the go. Road trip, anyone? ($44.97/4 pack, Stasher via Amazon)

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