23 of the Coolest Ways to Reduce Single-Use Plastic in 2023
Have you been giving single-use plastic the side eye lately? Us, too. The ubiquitous material has found its way into our landfills and oceans, and it's more important now than ever to slow it down. Luckily, more and more brands have become aware of the issue and are not only developing eco-friendly solutions, but are creating products that are modern and, dare we say, straight up cool. We've rounded up the best products that let you keep doin' you, while also doing some serious good for the planet.
Grove Glass Room Spray Bottle & Essential Oil Set ($24)
Keep your home smelling fresher than ever with Grove Collective's glass room spray bottle and refills, which come in scents like eucalyptus, lemon, and more. Using glass bottles eliminates the need for single-use plastic, and are great receptacles for product refills.
HiBAR Volumize Shampoo and Conditioner Set ($27)
Ditch plastic bottles and suds-up your hair with this volumizing bar duo (there's a moisturizing version, too). The fact that these sustainable soap bars are easy to hold earns this product extra points. Skeptical? HiBAR has an average of 4.95-star reviews. When you run out, just refill – there's nothing to throw away or waste here.
Parachute Wool Dryer Balls ($19)
A great alternative to one-use dryer sheets, these round woolen balls soften clothes, reduce drying time, and each one lasts 1,000 loads. Just toss these babies in with your laundry, and notice the difference in feel.
bkr Spiked Sawyer Water Bottle ($42)
It's blue, it's edgy, and it's made of silicone and glass...what's not to love about this water bottle? No more disposable plastic in your future – only fun (and environmentally-friendly!) water bottle bliss.
Uncommon Goods Reusable Travel Flatware ($18)
These easy-to-use utensils fit together to make on-the-go dining easier (and more eco-friendly) than ever. They conveniently fold up into a sanitary carrier that you can toss in your purse or backpack before you leave the house. Keep an extra pair with you at all times for extra points.
Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm Tin ($7)
That's right, this cult-favorite lip balm has been eco-friendly all along thanks to never giving up on its tin packaging. When you run out of this sweet salve, DIY your own formula to fill up the empty tin.
Eco Roots Safety Razor ($40)
Disposable razors are a thing of the past. Plus, they never worked that well, anyways. Elevate your shaving game with this rose gold safety razor that guarantees a smooth swipe.
Dropps Dish Detergent Pods ($25)
We know what you're thinking: "Wait, isn't that plastic?" The answer: nope! Dropps dishwasher pods are made of dissolvable plant enzymes, and clean your dishes, toxin-free.
The MakeUp Eraser Cheetah Print ($20)
The Makeup Eraser has changed the take-the-day-off game. Say goodbye to your disposable makeup wipes! It can even remove waterproof mascara – just add water to the microfiber cloth. One cloth will see a lot of beauty trends come and go, because it lasts three to five years. It's machine-washable so you can keep things bacteria-free.
Myro Start Kit ($25)
You might not think of your deodorant being bad for the planet. Myro has given it a lot of thought for us! Its smart design reduces waste by keeping the same case forever, allowing you to refill the balm as you need it (and recycling it once you're done).
Stasher Reusable Silicone Starter Kit ($94)
When was the last time your snack bag stood up on its own? Or wasn't thrown in the trash later? These made-to-last bags double as pantry storage and on-the-go munchie containers. They are easy to hand-wash with regular dish soap and last a long time. Plastic ziplocs, who?
Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicures ($18)
A manicure that lasts and lasts and lasts is every beauty lover's dream. Static Nails invented just that, with reusable pop-on nails that come in fashion-forward shades and shapes. Don a solid mani or stripes on your nails for a chic look that you know is sustainable.
Euro Cuisine Greek-Style Yogurt Strainer ($26)
Ever since China has stopped accepting America's plastic, most yogurt containers made their way to landfills instead of recycling centers. The solution? Make your own yogurt with this all-in-one maker, strainer, and container.
The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser Refill ($38)
Next time you're out of face cleanser, reach for a refill set to reduce waste. This formula prioritizes skin-friendly antioxidants for better skin and a better planet.
Package Free Tea Tree Charcoal Facial Bar Soap ($12)
Get the benefits of pore-clearing charcoal and acne-fighting tea tree oil with this package-free facial bar soap. The Package Free brand has a wide range of sustainable products that make it easy to swap with less favorable plastic materials.
Blueland The Clean Essentials ($35, was $56)
Blueland has completely rethought home cleaning and care. Never throw out another multi-purpose cleaner or hand soap bottle again — instead, purchase these unbreakable glass bottles and refill them with dissolvable pods that cost just $2 a pop (with packaging that's recyclable and compostable).
SOSHE Ceramide Refillable Lipstick ($26)
Rock a sustainable shade using this refillable lipstick tube! Now you don't have to buy brand-new beauty packaging every time you run out of your favorite lipstick.
Standard Baggu ($14)
This reusable bag is the perfect carry-all for farmer's markets, and makes for a totally on-point vacation bag. The design comes in dozens of different patterns, three sizes to suit your needs, and can be folded and compacted down to fit inside an easy-to-pack pocket. All hot and sustainable girls have a Baggu.
Saalt Menstrual Cup ($29)
Every month, we throw out almost a handful of used tampons and pads. Notice how we said almost? Break the, er, cycle (heheh) and opt for a reusable menstrual cup that safely and effectively collects your flow, month after month. Not only is this pick better for the planet, it's better for your wallet, too. Investing in it up-front makes for less payments for feminine products down the line.
Thinx Super Hiphugger ($35)
Not into menstrual cups, or prefer to have backup on your period? Add Thinx underwear to your top drawer. These undies are designed to absorb your flow without making you feel wet (yes, really). They are available in different levels of absorbency, so your needs are perfectly met.
Almond Cow The Milk Maker ($245)
Before, making your own plant-based milk felt like an ambitious task. Almond Cow has made it simpler than ever with its all-in-one making machine, where you can use any nut or grain as your milk base.
Pattern Standard Straws ($8)
Straws haven't been this fun since we blew bubbles in our milk as kids. These silicone versions come in a rainbow of colors and their own case for easy travel. Bonus: they're temperature proof, so bring on the hot chocolate.
SOSHE G.L.A.M. Refillable Mascara ($28)
Feel better about swiping on your mascara in the morning, thanks to this refillable tube. The fact that this formula is gorgeous and sustainable definitely catches our eyes.
Do you have any tried-and-true sustainable products? Let us know @BritandCo and make sure to check out our Sustainability page for more inspo!
This post has been updated.