36 Reusable Versions of Things You Use Every Day
Updated: Dec. 15, 2022Every day can be Earth Day when you switch your typically disposable products out for reusable versions. Picking just a few reusable items from our list can help you make an Earth-friendlier impact without much effort at all.
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Reduce, reuse, recycle
That’s the mantra these days. One way to reduce the amount of trash you throw away every day is to swap out single-use items for reusable ones. Many people don’t even realize these products exist. Add these reusable versions of things you use every day to your cart to do your part to save the environment.
Water bottle
You probably already understand how bad single-use water bottles are for the environment, but if you think simply refilling them is helping, hold off. Experts actually say you should never refill a plastic water bottle to safeguard your health. Instead, opt for a stainless steel version like this one by Hydro Flask.
Straws
Using disposable plastic straws made our list of bad Earth habits that need to go. Consider instead using these easy-to-clean stainless steel straws. Tuck one away in your favorite on-the-go bag, desk drawer, nightstand—anywhere you’re likely to find yourself craving a refreshing beverage.
Baking cups
Goodbye greasy, paper baking cup; hello to your new best friend in the kitchen. These colorful, silicone baking cups can handle baking up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and also withstand the freezer and the microwave for all you batch-cookers. They’re non-stick, so you’ll never need to worry about a baking mess (or paper waste) again. You should never throw out these 80 things. Instead, here’s how to reuse them.
Shopping bags
These reusable grocery bag are great for more than just groceries; use them to tote just about anything you pick up while running errands. Every time you use these reusable bags, you’ll know you’ve saved the Earth of one more plastic bag that could end up blowing in the wind or swirling out to sea.
Makeup remover pads
Those over-priced makeup removing wipes not only clog your plumbing lines but also end up in landfills. Opt for a reusable makeup remover mitty like this one from Take My Face Off to remove pore-clogging makeup from your precious skin. Think of the thousand cotton rounds each year you’ll avoid using—and the cash you’ll enjoy saving.
Paper towels
If your pantry is typically stocked with paper goods, consider these reusable paper towels from Bambooee instead. Each roll comes with 20 ultra-absorbent sheets you can machine wash up to 100 times. This means each single sheet can replace several rolls of typical paper. What a storage-saver.
Sun protection
Nobody is arguing the value of using sunscreen when you head outdoors, but all those plastic bottles do add up. If you’re feeling guilty about your carbon footprint or just want to pack a lighter vacation bag, opt for clothes with built-in UPF 50+. No more worrying about when to reapply when you let your clothes do most of the work for you. Just remember to cover exposed areas like your face, neck, hands, and feet.
Menstrual cups
Ordinary pads and tampons end up as landfill, while menstrual cups like the Lily Cup from Intima can be emptied, washed, and reused.
Sandwich bags
Who knew your afternoon pretzels-and-almonds snack could play a small part in saving the planet? Instead of using disposable zipper seal bags, opt for reusable storage bags like these from Envirogen. They’re a cinch to use, wash, and reuse, and are just one of the best Amazon products you’ll use every day.
Chopsticks
Add “no chopsticks, please” to your takeout order, because you’re going to make the world a slightly better place by keeping dishwasher-safe reusable ones on hand from now on. They’re inexpensive, and each household member can pick their favorite color.
Coffee makers with K-cups built-in
K-cup coffee makers are so popular, but the throwaway plastic-cups are not. Some manufacturers offer a reusable K-cup feature already built-in, like this Bella Single Serve Dual Brew Coffee Maker. Use your favorite grinds from local roasters or those rare beans your brother-in-law brought back from his trip to Jamaica. You’ll definitely want to try these unexpected coffee add-ins while you’re at it.
Diapers
Disposable diapers in general stink (pardon the pun!), but these reusable diapers are a good alternative, as your average infant can go through 100s a month. When your kids ask how you saved up for their college fund, here you go.
Dog diapers
Pet parents who are supporting elderly, impaired, or just accident-prone pups will find these reusable doggy diapers a real lifesaver. You’ll want to check out these pet products with nearly perfect Amazon reviews, too.
Napkins
Consider using washable cotton dinner napkins instead of disposable paper ones. You can enjoy eating in style, without much added trouble. Just pop them in the wash with your regular laundry.
Teeth whitening strips
You can stop buying single-use teeth whitening strips. Smile Direct Club Bright On teeth whitening kit features a reusable accelerator light that plugs into your smartphone for power. Brilliant, right? Better yet, the whitening gels are designed to be used multiple times, so you’re cutting down on waste. Here’s what really happens to recycled plastic.
Food wrap
No more struggling with sticky plastic wrap that doesn’t cling to your food; these beeswax wrappers are much easier to use and can last up to a year. A set of nine offers three sheets in each size: small, medium, and large. And the honeycomb print is a cute reminder of the bees that helped make wax paper possible. Discover more household items you didn’t know were reusable.
Coffee cup
On-the-go coffee cups made of recycled paper are still single-use items that end up as landfill. Consider switching to a dishwasher-safe reusable model like this Tervis tumbler that’s good for hot or cold beverages of all kinds.
Food ties
These charming little reusable ties can replace the plastic tags and wire ties on individual serving bags. They’re made of silicone, which means they’re dishwasher safe as well as easy to use.
Incontinence pads
If you can’t make the leap to plastic menstrual cups, or your just looking for a little extra leak protection, WeWarriors makes reusable, washable pads.
Paper plates
Toss the single-use paper plates this barbecue season because ECOlunchbox stainless steel divider trays are the perfect solution. They rinse off easily, are dishwasher-safe, and perfectly portioned. This is what happens when you put the wrong thing in the recycling bin.
Makeup compacts
You don’t have to dispose of makeup compacts every time your favorite eye shadows are used up. Beauty guru Jane Iredale offers a Refillable Compact—you choose what goes into it.
Lint rollers
You can still get all that cat hair off your favorite black pants with this reusable lint roller.
Silverware sets
Stow one of these stainless steel dinnerware sets in your desk drawer at work and you can take a pass on the plastic cutlery from the cafeteria. Rustproof and lightweight, the flatware comes in a carrying case in your choice of color. Don’t miss these facts that’ll make you never want to use plastic again.
Party cups
So long, disposable red party cups! These 16-ounce reusable red cups will make your next game night that much better.
Fake eyelashes
We’re pretty sure almost nobody has stopped to think of all the plastic eyelash extensions floating out somewhere in the universe, but it can’t be good. Earth- and budget-minded beauty lovers can bat their eyelashes knowing Kiss Products Lashes are both reusable and made of natural hair, so even if you lose one or eventually wear them out, they’re biodegradable.
Pet pee pads
If your “pet peeve” is purchasing expensive pee pee pads, rejoice! Now there are reusable ones that you can launder in the wash.
Produce bags
You may be eating clean, but you’re probably being less than green every time you bag your favorite produce in plastic. Opt for reusable produce bags. They’re small, easy to carry in your favorite reusable tote, and some are even designed to help ripen produce faster. You can also feel good about shopping at these 22 big companies that are getting rid of plastic for good.