Jules' Top 10 Zero- and Low-Waste Alternatives

This product avoids waste, unlike cling wrap, and really works—just put it over top of leftover containers to keep food fresh, wrap half cut onions with it, and more. It's made from organic cotton infused with sustainably harvested beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, making it sticky enough to be able to use over and over again. 

Once it gets dirty, you can handwash it with soap and water, lay it out to dry, and fold it up to store it. Not only does this help save the planet, but it also saves you money! It's truly a win-win product.

This product is similar to the wrap above but provides more suction. It seals really well, so there's no leakage, and it's really easy to clean up. I recommend using it over Tupperware and bringing it to work. 

Unlike plastic Tupperware lids that crack and only last for a couple of months, these silicone lids last for years. You can wash them in the sink with soap and water and reuse them multiple times! They're also made BPA-free, so you don't have to worry about chemicals leaching into your food.

The classic yellow and green sponge you use to wash dishes is usually full of chemicals and does not biodegrade. This means that it stays around on the planet forever and ends up polluting our oceans. 

Luckily, FEBU's bamboo tools offer a solution! They're natural, biodegradable, and compostable products that work really well (and are pretty cute). 

The bristles are tough on stains and baked-on residue and the handles are really sturdy and make kitchen clean up really easy! They also do not mold and stay fresh-looking and clean-smelling for months. 

I love these because they are non-toxic cleaning supplies that really work and smell amazing! They come in glass bottles and come with glass refills. Once you're about to run out you, just order the refills and are able to refill the glass bottles you already have. 

I wasn't the person who had all of the different cleaning supplies before COVID-19 but wanted to get some to make my house feel as clean as possible without the toxic chemicals, and these are amazing. The essential oils in the sprays also smell so, so good compared to normal cleaning supplies!

First off, these come in minimal, completely plastic-free packaging, which I love. They smell amazing and actually work! The shampoo foams up like normal and the conditioner makes my hair so soft.

They come in a great shape which makes it easy to angle into your hair and are just super cute. They last longer than regular shampoo and conditioner, and you'll feel great that you're not contributing to plastic waste.

They also have different kinds of bars for different hair types, which I feel is pretty rare for shampoo and conditioner bars.

Unlike other toothpaste alternatives, these foam up right when you bite into them and make your mouth feel really clean. It comes in a glass bottle that you keep, and when you run out, you can order refills that come in compostable packaging! 

Simply order, place the new tablets in the glass jar, and throw away the sustainable packaging. Bite also just came out with mouthwash tablets recently. Also in their lineup is a bamboo toothbrush where you just replace the head if you want to cut down on waste in these two categories as well.

There are a million different types of bamboo toothbrushes out, but these are the best ones. The bristles are soft and not abrasive-feeling on teeth. They make your mouth feel really clean. Once you are ready to switch to a new brush, you can take the bristles out with pliers and compost the bamboo brush. 

My favorite way to upcycle these bamboo toothbrushes is to take the bristles out and write on them with a sharpie to label the herbs in my yard—it's cute and environmentally friendly! But make sure to keep them in a dry place or they can mold.

Woohoo!'s deodorant comes in a compostable cardboard tube and you just push up on the bottom to make the deodorant come out. It doesn't cause chafing and is great for sensitive skin. 

After switching to this from a regular Dove deodorant, you will realize that this one lasts longer and keeps you smelling great all day. You only need to apply it once a day and it'll keep you feeling fresh. 

There are a few different scents you can choose from ,and you can even pick between regular or extra strength if you need it! They also come in jars, if you prefer to apply the deodorant that way instead.  

This loofah substitute is one of my favorite items. It's long-lasting and unlike regular loofahs that get moldy in the middle, these stay fresh and clean! The bristles are really soft and gentle on the skin but exfoliate well at the same time. 

Plastic loofahs end up in the ocean, making microplastics which fish then eat. Eventually, those fish end up in our food chain or end up in landfills and never biodegrade! Naturally, this silicone brush is a great substitute that produces less waste.

Regular laundry detergent comes packaged in plastic and is full of random chemicals and fragrances that can be harmful to your skin and body. Dropps has a biodegradable formula that contains natural, non-toxic, and plant-derived ingredients. The packaging is 100% recyclable and compostable and is only 20 cents a load (which is actually cheaper than normal detergents)! 

If you've got some hesitation about purchasing this, thinking that clothes won't come out smelling as great as they do with normal laundry detergent, don't worry! Dropps makes your clothes feel and smell really fresh and clean. 

It's also great knowing that you won't have any residual harmful chemicals leaching into your skin when you wear the clothes you washed. You can buy the detergent in bulk if you are committed to the brand and don't want to deal with a subscription.