5 Eco-Friendly Must Haves for a Zero Waste Life [Beginners]
When I first started my zero waste journey there were really no zero-waste stores around me. So, I turned to Amazon. Not the best but I get it! Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to local sustainable retailers. To be honest, I looked at buying from smaller online stores when I started out but the prices were too high and the shipping fees were astronomical. Amazon can help with the basics. The goal is to set yourself up with reusable essentials so you aren’t continuously spending in the long run — no judgment from me on how you get there. BUT, that is one major reason why I decided to find my own distributors and open my own curated product shop. (so exciting!) You can check it out here but be sure you are signed up for my newsletter for upcoming giveaways and events!
Before I get started with this essential list, I will give you a tip if you do end up shopping on Amazon. Try to curb your excitement a few days and go with standard shipping instead of PRIME 1 or 2 day rushed delivery. These orders have a WAY larger carbon footprint than standard orders.
When I bought these products I was thinking long term. Sustainable solutions to save me waste and money. The products I looked for had to check the following boxes:
Should be non-toxic
Should be affordable
Should last a long time
Should help me produce less waste
Recyclable
Reusable SIlicone Baking Mats
I can not express how happy I am with this purchase. I have used them every day since they arrived — I simply love them!
Made of: FDA-approved silicone and natural glass fibers for even heat transfer
Recyclable: Yes Terracycle
Why I love it?
They are non-stick
They clean fairly well even when I put them in the dishwasher
They are non-toxic (commercial-grade)
I can use it for baking, cooking veggie and meat
They are affordable
Oven-safe up to 480 degrees F
Pro tip: Have two silicone mats: one for veggie and one for meat
Beeswax Wraps
Another great purchase. My husband loves this one more than I do.
Made of: Each wrap is hand-cut from 100% cotton. Made with Beeswax, Food Grade Pine Rosin, and Jojoba oil
Recyclable: Yes
Why I love it?
can be used for multiple purposes: covers, wrapping paper, freezing paper.
easy to clean
eco-friendly
my husband is excited about them
are visually appealing (super cute I must say)
Pro tip: Save the elastic from veggies to help the beeswax stay on a dish instead of a cover.
To cover food or wrap food. The warmth of your hands will soften the wrap and you will be able to seal it. Once the wrap cools again it will maintain its shape around the product or dish.
Reusable Silicone Bags
If you haven’t made the switch to reusable zipper bags yet, what are you waiting for?! Single-use plastics are SO wasteful not to mention expensive! Pick up a few of these and you are good to go for years to come. Easy to wash and reuse.
Made of: Non-toxic and tasteless, safe and environmentally friendly silicone
Recyclable: Yes, with Terracycle
Why I love it?
Resistant to high and low temperatures (-50 ° ~ +250 °)
perfect for refrigerating, freezing, and microwaving.
completely isolated from the internal and external gas flow, good sealing.
I can take my lunch with me without taking too much space
I can recycle them when the time comes
Pro tip: Wash them by hand. They will last longer.
Cotton Kitchen Towels
A good set of kitchen towels can replace paper towels for good. I love this absorbable cotton set!
Made of: 100% cotton
Recyclable: Can be composted
Why I love it?
absorbs liquid really well
are affordable (long term)
have double use (cleaning and napkins)
They are white and I can remove the stains easily with oxyclean
Pro tip: do not use them for big messes. Use rags for spills and other nasty messes.
Plant Based Cleaning Brushes
Cleaning brushes was a no-brainer for me. Not only do I hate disposable sponges and all the plastic waste they cause, but they also aren’t even really that good at getting the job done. These fiber bristles scrub away baked-on food so easily and last so long.
Made of: Sisal & Coconut Fibers with Bamboo Handles
Recyclable: Can be composted
Why I love it?
are eco-friendly
are super cute
cleans well
don’t stink as much as plastic sponges
dry fast
Pro tip: Never leave them in water because the bamboo will split. After you clean them with warm water, spray them with white vinegar, rinse them and let them dry in a sunny spot.
That’s the list! 5 eco-friendly products I ordered from Amazon last year. Each has probably saved me a few bags worth of waste at this point.
REMEMBER- the most sustainable thing you can do is to use the things you already own. Repurpose what you have. If you have the chance, buy local. These recommendations are for people who do not have zero-waste stores around them.
Till next time,
Claudia
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