“Zero waste does not literally mean zero waste,” explains Nancy Landrum, Professor of Sustainability Management at Loyola University Chicago. “Instead, it means sending zero waste to the landfill. It means keeping products in use as long as you can instead of discarding them.” In fact, a lot of the best zero waste products are ones you already have at home such as pasta or yogurt jars. For products you do need to purchase, Landrum recommends looking for items that meet the following requirements: “Ideally, the best zero waste products are those made without the use of toxic materials, products that have lifetime warranties or that can be returned to the company, products made with renewable energy or renewable resources instead of fossil fuels, and products that can be disassembled and recycled.” Zero waste products we’ve tested and loved include the BeeGreen Basic Reusable Grocery Bags, Five Two Compostable Sponge Cleaning Cloths, and Blueland The Clean Essentials. Read on for the best zero waste products to help you live more sustainably. This vacuum-insulated bottle is ideal for carrying around both hot and cold drinks. Its triple-layer design keeps your beverage insulated for longer while also preventing condensation from forming on the outside. It fits in most car cup holders and has a mouth large enough for ice cubes. Dimensions: 10.4 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 11 ounces | Material: 18/8 food-grade stainless steel | Colors: Dozens of colors and patterns Dimensions: 8.5 and 10.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: 18/8 food-grade stainless steel | Colors: Silver, black, gold, rainbow, rose gold Dimensions: 29.5 x 23 x 23.5 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Material: BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic | Color: Black Once you’re finished using it, the material can be composted. Some find that these seals aren’t as tight as plastic wrap, so it may take you a little more time to create a tight seal with Bee’s Wrap. Dimensions: 7 x 8, 10 x 11, and 13 x 14 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Organic cotton and beeswax | Colors: 10 patterns Dimensions: 7.5 x 7 x 1 inches | Weight: 2.7 ounces | Material: Food-grade silicone | Colors: Dozens of colors and patterns Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.6 ounces | Material: Ripstop polyester | Colors: 15 colors and pattern combinations Dimensions: 23.75 x 31.5 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Material: Plant starch | Color: Green Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 and 12 x 15 inches | Weight: 0.9 and 1.1 ounces | Material: Organic cotton | Color: White Dimensions: 6.75 x 8 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Cellulose and cotton | Colors: Mixed assortment Dimensions: 3.25 inches | Weight: 0.2 pounds | Material: Bamboo and hemp | Color: Natural Dimensions: 7.25 x 2.75 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Material: Glass bottle and plastic-free refill tablets | Scents: Iris Agave, Perrine Lemon, Lavender Eucalyptus Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 9 grams | Material: Mineral-based ingredients | Scents: Unscented or lemon Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 1 ounce | Material: Glass bottles and plant-based ingredients | Scents: Free & clear, orange & rosemary, apple & pear blossom, or lavender & thyme Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Material: Glass jar | Flavors: Fresh mint, mint charcoal, or berry twist Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: 3 ounces | Material: Plant-derived ingredients | Scents: Sweet sandalwood, vanilla coconut, citrus sun, simple fresh, cool breeze, wild vanilla, unscented
Quality Materials
If you are buying a new product to help you to eliminate waste and excess, be mindful of choosing quality materials that are durable, natural, recyclable, and/or compostable. When buying new, look for natural materials like hardwood, bamboo, linen, cork, hemp, mycelium, and other materials that can be recycled or better yet, composted. This will help to create a truly circular economy and a future built around regenerative materials rather than man-made substances like plastic and polyester that will end up in a landfill.
Environmental Cost Per Use
People trying to cut down on buying too many clothes are often advised to evaluate a purchase based on how often they will realistically wear it, a cost per wear equation that helps deter frivolous purchases and encourages spending on quality everyday items. You can use a similar strategy when considering zero waste products. Try to determine whether or not you will really use something, and how often, before bringing it into your home. It still takes energy and resources to make a recyclable shopping bag, so be sure that your closet isn’t full of canvas tote bags that never get used before you spring for a new one.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce, and she does her part to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle by composting, patronizing sustainable brands, and upcycling as much as possible in her home. While researching products for this article, she spoke with Nancy Landrum, Professor of Sustainability Management at Loyola University Chicago, for insights on what to look for in zero waste products and how to make zero waste swaps. She also personally uses and loves several items included on this list, such as the Hiware Metal Straws and Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate. “First, repair—don’t replace—items. Second, donate items to charities, thrift stores, friends and family, teachers and artists, etc. Third, when the product can no longer be used, refurbish it with new parts or components, updated software, etc. Fourth and last option is to recycle the item when it is beyond use. If you recycle at any point before this, you are wasting resources on a perfectly good item.” Another approach would be to set individual goals, like reducing single-use plastics, and analyze each room in the house to identify the offenders. In the kitchen, you might decide to eliminate plastic wrap, plastic zip storage bags, plastic straws, or cutlery. Make a plan for replacing these items once they are used up, whether that means using what you already have or finding greener alternatives. Start with the low-hanging fruit, and over time you can slowly eliminate all of the waste in your home with a systematic approach.
