10 Affordable Zero Waste Products Under $10
Most of the time, you can find the cheapest zero waste options if you shop second-hand, but this list is about new zero-waste products that you can buy new for under $10 each. The list focuses on price/item, and it doesn't consider the value and the time it lasts, and the amount of waste it avoids over a while.
There are not many zero waste or sustainable products under $10. Many zero waste products cost more upfront, but over time, their price is balanced out by the value and the fact that you can sometimes do it yourself, reuse it many times over time, or buy it second-hand or borrow it.
After doing some research, here are the zero-waste products you can buy for under $10. All prices are in USD dollars.
Soap bars for body wash
A regular soap that comes in minimal packaging that is usually compostable costs around $5 on average. You can find zero waste soap bars at local grocery stores, usually in the healthy section or at the local farmers' market. I suggest you check out your local artisans before spending money at the big stores. Buying local is more sustainable.
A regular soap that comes in minimal packaging that is usually compostable costs around $5 on average. You can find zero waste soap bars at local grocery stores, usually in the healthy section or at the local farmers' market. I suggest you check out your local artisans before spending money at the big stores. Buying local is more sustainable.
What makes a soap zero waste and sustainable?
Many soap bars contain little to no packaging. If the soap comes without packaging or in compostable packaging, the soap is zero waste as no waste ends up in the landfill. If the soap contains natural ingredients and no chemicals, I would call it a sustainable and eco-friendly soap.
Now that you are using bar soaps, you will find that it is hard to use small pieces of soap, that's why you need this soap bag that stores all the small amounts of soap, and it also serves as more scrub. You can buy them individually or in a set of 3 or more for better value.
What makes a soap bag zero waste and sustainable?
A soap bag helps you make the most of leftover pieces of soap from different bars to stretch them further. These bags are made out of Ramie, a natural, linen-like fibre. The pouch itself is 100% biodegradable ensuring your shower experience is leaving no waste behind.
Reusable Straws
I am personally not a big fan of straws in general, but if you enjoy them, you will be happy to know that reusable, zero-waste straws are not expensive at all. You can get ones made of silicone, bamboo, or stainless steel. If you asked me, I would opt for stainless steel because they last forever.
What makes reusable straws zero waste and sustainable?
Reusable straws have a long life cycle since they replace a commonly used single-use item. Since you only really need to buy them once, these straws have a much smaller production carbon footprint as they don’t need to be made in such high quantities. Depending on the material you choose, the most reusable straws are also recyclable.
A bamboo toothbrush is another affordable and accessible zero waste swap you can make in your bathroom. I recommend looking for a bamboo toothbrush with compostable bristles. This way, you do not produce any waste. Did you know that a plastic toothbrush will last in the landfill for around 400 years?
What makes bamboo toothbrushes zero waste and sustainable?
A bamboo toothbrush is 100% biodegradable. To dispose of these properly at the end of its use you can take tweezers to pull out the brush fibers from the head of the brush. Doing so will ensure both materials can decompose in a sustainable way. The bamboo handle is a better choice over plastic since it is one of the fastest-growing sustainable materials out there. Well, and plastic is just the worst.
A natural fibre dish brush will help you avoid putting out more plastic in the landfill and it doesn't cost too much. From my experience, the zero waste dish brush lasts longer, and it doesn't smell as bad as sponges or plastic brushes.
What makes a dish brush zero waste and sustainable?
A natural fibre dish brush is zero waste because it can biodegrade naturally in a relatively short amount of time. The beechwood handle needs to be disposed of similarly to the toothbrush above. Removing the sisal fibre bristles before composting.
A natural dishwashing sponge is an excellent alternative to plastic sponges because, first of all, it will not end in the landfill, and it usually doesn't smell foul easily if cared for it ( aka, do not leave it in stinky water).
What makes dishwashing sponges zero waste and sustainable?
A natural sponge is usually made from loofah plants. The initial sponge is stiff but, when wet, becomes a sponge. The loofah sponges are eco-friendly because they compost at the end of their life. When you are done with them, add them to your compost.
This was the first zero-waste item I bought. The Market bag is super cute and can carry large amounts of things at one time. The bag is made of 100% cotton, holds up to 22 lbs (10kg), and is machine washable.
What makes cotton bags zero waste and sustainable?
Cotton bags will replace your need for plastic single-use bags. It’s important to note a cotton bag is only sustainable if you use it at least 131 times before you discard it.
Reusable Menstrual Pads $3 each
Usually, the reusable menstrual pads come in a package. Looking at the ones I sell in my store, the average price per pad comes around $3. Compared with $12, the cost of regular pads, I would say you are getting a pretty good deal.
I know from experience that reusable pads are not for everyone. I'm not too fond of pads in general. If you are looking for another solution, I strongly recommend period underwear and the menstrual cup.
What makes reusable menstrual pads zero waste and sustainable?
Instead of disposing of a mountain of feminine products every month, these reusable pads will save a ton of waste from the landfill when utilized. Another bonus is that they won’t contain the chemicals mass-produced menstrual pads carry — this is of benefit to your body and also the planet as traditionally sold pads are near impossible to break down.
PATCH Eco-Friendly Bamboo Bandages
I was so impressed by the price point of these eco-friendly bandages. They work best for small burns, blisters, and minor cuts and have guise infused with aloe for extra relief. The packaging for them is also reusable and small cuts, and compostable for on the go.
What makes bamboo bandages zero waste and sustainable?
PATCH Strips are compostable & have tested to break down in the garden soil within weeks. They're latex-free, vegan-friendly & cruelty-free & contain no plastics or toxins. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows much faster than trees, uses less water, produces more oxygen & requires no pesticides or herbicides.
These baking cup liners work great when you begin to transition your eating to less waste-producing habits. These work great for muffins, cupcakes, small snacks, and treats like homemade peanut butter cups. The slippery silicone texture also makes it super easy to remove your baking to enjoy.
What makes reusable silicone baking cups zero waste and sustainable?
Instead of mass-produced and often bleached baking liners, these silicone ones can be used, and reused for years to come. They won’t leach any harmful chemicals into your food or the environment and outlast single-use liners tenfold.
Hey, Claudia here
I am a senior graphic designer, a dog mom, an advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, climate change, and sustainability. My articles are based on personal experience and well researched to give you the best source of information for all things zero-waste.