20 Reusable Versions of Things You Use Every Day
Updated: Jun. 11, 2019
Every day can be Earth Day when you switch your typically disposable products out for reusable versions.
Switch out your water bottle
You probably already understand how bad single-use water bottles are for the environment, but if you’re refilling them thinking you’re helping, guess again. Instead, opt for a stainless steel version like this one by Hydro Flask. Read on to learn how many plastic water bottles Canadians consume each year.
We’ll sip to this
Using disposable plastic straws are horrible for the environment, which is exactly why loading up on a pack of easy-to-clean stainless steel straws is a much better idea. Pack one in each of your favourite on-the-go bags, desk drawers, and other places you’re likely to find yourself craving an iced coffee.
Skip the plastic shopping bags
Throw your groceries in, the spoils of your errands, or just about anything else in a reusable grocery bag, and know you’ve saved the Earth of yet another plastic bag blowing in the wind.
Free up some pantry space as a bonus
If your pantry is typically stocked with paper goods, consider these reusable paper towels from Bambooee your shelf space saviour. Each roll comes with 20 ultra-absorbent sheets you can machine wash up to 100 times. That means each single sheet can replace several rolls of typical paper.
Less medicine cabinet clutter
Nobody is arguing the value of using a strong sunscreen when you head out, but eventually, all those bottles add up. If you’re prone to feeling guilty about your carbon footprint or just want to pack lighter vacation bags, opt for clothes with built-in UPF 50+, like swimwear from Coolibar. You’ll use less lotion and energy worrying about when to reapply if your clothes do most of the work for you. Just remember to cover your face, neck, hands, feet, and other areas that aren’t beneath your super cool new swimwear.
Even menstrual products can be reused
The regular pads and tampons we’re all used to seeing at the drugstore can’t be reused, however, menstrual cups like the DivaCup or Lily Cup from Intima are designed to collect fluids to empty, wash, and reuse. Learn everything you need to know about using a menstrual cup.
Your snacks can save the planet
Who knew your afternoon pretzels-and-almonds habit 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.
This is sweet
Parents of young children know how much waste (and money) comes out of buying disposable juice boxes. Reusable juice boxes exist, though, and they make any juice, water, or other beverage instantly better for the planet.
Even K-cups come in a reusable format
If you already have a standard Keurig coffee maker, there’s no reason to swap out your favourite morning appliance. Just grab a pack of GoodCups reusable K-cups that allows you to fill, filter, and brew any coffee your heart is set on, and save the planet in the process. Cheers! Plus, don’t miss these 7 beauty uses for coffee grounds.
This doesn’t stink
Well, diapers in general stink, but these reusable diapers are a good alternative to the hundreds of disposable diapers normal infants go through each month.
Even reusable dog diapers exist
We’re 100 percent serious, even though you’re probably under the impression we’re joking. For human best friends trying to support elderly, impaired, or accident-prone pups, these reusable doggy diapers can be a real lifesaver.
Refill your coffee cup
Even if your on-the-go coffee cups come from recycled paper, they’re still single-use items that clutter landfills. Consider switching to a dishwasher-safe Tervis tumbler that’s good for hot or cold beverages of all kinds.
Forget paper plates
There’s no reason to worry about the impact and expense of single-use paper plates this barbecue season because ECOlunchbox stainless steel divider trays are the perfect solution to all the times you’d want to use paper. Bring them to the park, let clumsy kids use them, or use them at the office. They rinse off easily, are dishwasher-safe, and perfectly portioned.
Dryer sheets are a thing of the past
Skip the dryer sheets and opt for reusable wool dryer balls. They’re affordable, add gentle softening and fluff to your laundry, and you can even add a drop or two of essential oils to add fresh, mild scents to each load.
Reusable pouches will change your apple sauce game
If you’re known to go through dozens of those deliciously easy fruit puree packets, know that reusable versions exist. Pack your smoothies, DIY apple sauce, or just about anything else for an eco-friendlier way to snack.
Keep those black clothes black
You can still get all that cat hair off your favourite black pants with this reusable lint roller.
Why didn’t we think of this?
Have you ever stopped to think about how much food wrap you’ve gone through in your life? Store your leftovers more thoughtfully next time with these reusable silicone lids. They stretch, wash clean in a cinch, and will cut down on waste.
Looks pretty good to us
We’re pretty sure nobody ever stopped to think about all those plastic eyelash extensions floating around out there. Aside from them being less than natural looking, they’re designed for single-use, which makes it hard for budget-minded beauty lovers to partake in anything eco-friendly. You can bat your eyelashes knowing Kiss Products Lashes are both reusable and made of natural hair, so even if you lose them or wear them out, they’re biodegradable. These eco-conscious brands are worth some recognition as well.
Speaking of bathroom habits
Even those expensive pet pee pads you’ve been dropping serious cash on come in a reusable version. We just hope you have access to a washing machine.
All that and a bag of… apples
Seriously, every time you head to the grocery store to focus on eating clean, you’re probably being less than green when you bag your favourite produce. Skip the plastic and opt for reusable produce bags. They’re small, easy to carry in your favourite reusable tote, and some are even designed to help ripen produce faster. Next, read up on 50 facts that will make you stop using plastic.
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