Time for another plastic free chat!  Get ready for low waste living tips, everyday plastic free essentials, and easy swaps you can make to minimize your personal impact on the environment.  Who's ready??!

I've shared loads of low waste bathroom and beauty staples, but today I want to shift the focus to more everyday items that are used consistently.  These are things that are picked up on the daily and are part of your routine, meaning that many of these might be things that have to be replaced during your lifetime.  And by swapping from plastics that will stick around forever to something more eco friendly, you can help do your part for the planet!

With more and more "eco" products hitting the market both online and in person, it's more important than ever to be able to trust that what you're buying is more than just marketing.  Sadly lots of plastic free alternatives landing in shops and marketplaces are not sustainably sourced and pose problems of their own.  Knowing the brand, asking questions, and ensuring the product is truly ethical and environmentally friendly is super important, and so today's ten daily staples are all tried, tested, and trusted so you don't have to do as much work!

From kitchenware and bedroom linens to cleaning up and ouchies, I'm covering as much as I can!  I'm hoping this roundup of everyday plastic free essentials helps you or your loved ones on the journey to reduce waste and live greener, and as always I'm up for any questions or further recommendations you might have!

And if you want to learn more about the science and stats behind plastic pollution, let me know.  It's been ages since I did a more in depth deep dive into sustainability issues, so I would be happy to jump in and share all the details if anyone is interested.  In the meantime, enjoy all these fab low waste living ideas and I hope you get some ideas for plastic free goals!

* This post contains affiliate links and some gifted products -- this does not influence my reviews!  No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.

Eco Friendly Hairbands

I may be super attached to my giant hair claws and butterfly clips, but I also love a good hair tie for those days I want my long locks pulled up.  But this everyday staple is often hiding plastic within (and without!), sadly making a common accessory a huge source of pollution because when that band snaps that's the end of it.

Companies market hair elastics as disposable, pricing them cheap and packing them up in teams of 10-50 knowing they will be lost, broken, or borrowed pretty quickly.  Sadly, when it disappears from your wrist that is not the end of it it.  These non-recyclable items end of in landfill at best or in the oceans at worst.  They can be eaten by wildlife, pollute the soil and water, and will be around long after you are gone.  It's pretty grim!  It's estimated that 20,000lbs of plastic from hairbands is dumped each day, and with all the leaps and bounds that have been made in the last several years it is completely unnecessary.

There are many low waste alternatives on the market, including ties made from natural rubber, organic cotton, and other plastic free materials.  One I have been loving lately is the Fair Squared Zero Waste Hairbands, a reasonably priced five pack that is gentle on your hair as well as on the planet.  These are the flat lay style that reduces the pressure on your locks and minimizes any potential damage (something that I'm surprised more people don't talk about!), and I love the simplicity of the design.  They have an classic black outer material made from organic cotton, making them perfect for any outfit, plus are easy to use, comfortable with a good amount of stretch, and are 100% natural as well as vegan and fair trade making them an ethical pick that's hard to resist.

Sustainable Coconut Bowls

Okay, so I know that most bowls are not plastic, but the ones you find on the high street and at mainstream retailers are mass produced and are not concerned about whether or not materials are sourced responsibly.  Did you ever wonder where your kitchenware was made??  Well, choosing brands you can trust will ensure that you always know exactly how and where those products are created!

I recently was introduced to Jungle Culture, and I was immediately impressed by how upfront they are about where their resources come from and who is involved with creating their products.  When I sent a question over about their coconut bowls, I got a fast and very thorough response that left me confident and excited to show support!

Ethically sourced in Bến Tre, Vietnam, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, upcycled from waste materials, and handcrafted by local artists, these Coconut Bowls are by far my favourite kitchen item I own now!  They are such a great size, perfect for my daily vegan yogurt and granola lunch as well as rice, soup, cereal, salad, and anything else you may pop inside a bowl.  I adore the intricate design along the front, and the reclaimed wooden spoons that come with the set are just beautiful!  While the bottom is not cut flat, it still sits solidly on the table and I don't find it wobbling around or anything, and I appreciate how smooth and sleek the overall look is.  Everything about this adds joy to my daily routine, and I feel like my food feels much more special when inside the coconut shell.

Plastic Free Soap Dish

If you're anything like me you hate leaving bar soaps directly on the surface as it makes the product go mushy on the bottom plus the sink gets all mucked up over time.  But did you know that choosing the material your holder is made from can make a difference in performance??  Glass and ceramic is easily breakable and often does not contain drainage, plastic is often not recyclable, certain types of wood can swell or warp...  Making the decision is all about preference, price point, and aesthetic, but I definitely recommend opting for a sustainable and durable option!

I have a dish in each bathroom to hold my soap, and I find that it not only helps it last and keeps things clean but it also works to dry out the bar faster so it stays fresh for longer!  Upstairs I have a handmade wooden rack in the bathroom, downstairs there is a ceramic one, and I recently picked up a new plant based one from Poa Poa to keep next to the kitchen sink too.  It's super cute, handmade by artisans in Ghana, and of course 100% natural!

The soap dish is actually made from coconut shells that would otherwise have gone to waste - what a clever way to make use of every part of an ingredient, and I really appreciate the effort.  Poa Poa state that "for every coconut that we use to make the coconut oil that goes in our soaps, we up-cycle the shells, carefully clean them and smooth them by hand to create this wonderful soap dish."  Not only is this super helpful on an everyday basis, but it looks beautiful too!

Plastic Free Kitchen Sponge

Continuing on with the clean spree, I wanted to touch on the issue of sponges.  Those cheap and cheerful looking neon packs you find in supermarkets and high street shops may be wallet friendly, but they are pretty devastating to the planet (not to mention total breeding grounds for bacteria - yuck!!).  

Instead of replacing these plastic products constantly, why not invest in an eco friendly alternative that can be washed time and again AND is actually reflective of your aesthetic??  Cue Marley's Monsters, my favourite brand for fabric reusables!  They make a Washable Sponge that comes in a variety of colours and patterns, all of which are mildew resistant, hypoallergenic, and made to last.  We have two at the moment, a black and a green, and both are fantastic for doing washing up, cleaning the house, and scrubbing the sinks, shower, and tub.  I love the convenient size and that they are machine washable, and of course the designs are super cute too!

While these do contain a polyester netting (to replicate the green scrubby side of those wasteful high street sponges), the rest of the outer part of the product is made from 100% cotton and the inner part is recycled materials.  I usually just pop this inside our Guppyfriend bag when it is time for a wash and run it on the normal cycles - easy as that!

Microplastic Washing Bag Catcher

Speaking of Guppyfriend, that's the next everyday plastic free essential up for discussion!  Did you know that about 60% of material made into clothing is plastic?  And sadly when we wash those fabrics they don't just get clean...  Tiny bits of plastic end up washing down the drain and make their way into the ground, water supplies, and food chain.  It's a shocking and grim truth, and one that needs to be fought against.  Luckily, that's where the Guppyfriend can help!

The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a scientifically approved solution that was developed to capture micro-plastic fibres in the laundry so they won't end up being washed away into rivers and seas while also extending the life of your clothing.  The bag is made from 100% polyamide and can be fully recycled if the user ever chooses to dispose of it, but it is super sturdy so should not have to be replaced for a long long long time.  This bag means you can continue to wear the high street pieces already in your cupboard without fearing that they are contributing to the massive microplastic problem, and you can feel better knowing you are doing your part to ensure fashion does not have a continuing negative impact.  Plus, it is a great conversation starter and may help kickstart a conversation later down the road about sustainable clothing too!

We tend to use this alongside a normal wash, popping the bag in the machine with our non-synthetic fiber clothing so they all get washed at the same time.  However, I must say that this bag sadly seems to mainly cater towards singles/couples who do not having massive loads to do.  The bag comes in one size (50 x 74 cm / 19,7”x 29,1”) and I can't help but notice that if all our clothing was synthetic we would be pushed to do more than our usual single wash each week since it would not all fit inside the bag.  Luckily, the majority of our wardrobes are natural fibers already, but it's worth considering!

Eco Friendly Bandaids / Plasters

Hopefully this is something you do not need too often, but when you do have a whoopsie and need a plaster to patch yourself up then why not choose an eco friendly alternative to those packed full of plastic?  High street brands are made of synthetic materials, primarily plastic, and all of that goes straight to landfill when you peel off the used product.  An easy way to minimize this type of waste is to swap out the stinky smelling bandages for a low waste alternative that uses plant based materials!

A favourite of mine is from Organii, as their boxes of Organic Cotton Patches are super affordable, lightweight, and breathable, plus I really appreciate that they are dermatologically tested.  Don't let the name confuse you - according to Organii, since they do not irradiate or disinfect the product, nor do they test on animals, "under current EU regulations we should not call them plasters. So, we call them patches."  They function in exactly the same way, but are of course a more sustainable and ethical choice than what you'll find in the likes of Boots.

There are two options available, a a medium size that is the standard rectangular plaster and a mixed case that comes with three sizes: large (perfect for scraped knees), medium (the standard version), and one that is just a little bit smaller than the standard.  The only thing missing for me is a small circle size - this addition would make this set ideal for emergency kits and on the go bags.  However, even without this I'm still a big fan of these patches.  Made with an organic cotton backing, organic cotton pad, and vegan friendly adhesive, the patches stick really well while still allowing to skin to breathe and heal.  These are a must in our cupboard, and we never are without!

Plastic Free Cotton Ear Buds

While cleaning out your ears is a pretty controversial topic, with many health practitioners warning against the damage that can be done inadvertently when you try to remove wax yourself, you can't argue that the double ended swabs are found in many people's houses.  I personally find them super useful for hard to reach spots in household chores and also use them to clean the outside of my ears (especially around piercings) so we always have them on hand.  So for those who are keen on Q-tips (cotton ear swabs), reduce your plastic waste by switching over to a more sustainably made version!

We have tried two different brands of organic cotton buds, both of which utilize fast growing bamboo instead of plastic.  The Humble Co created a (cardboard) box unit of 100 pieces which is ideal for anyone who just wants a small and compact set of socially responsible cotton swabs, and I think this is great as a 'refill' of sorts since there is such minimal packaging.  These come in a variety of colours, and while I think the idea of dying cotton for a single use item is a bit silly and wasteful (even if it is natural dye!), I get that this is a fun way to get kids interested in personal hygiene.

Another panda friendly biodegradable choice is Organically Epic who offer Conscious Cotton Buds which come in a (cardboard) pack of 200 and are totally compostable -- you can just pop them "in your garden waste recycling, composter or in with your food waste to get rid of them, skipping the landfill" which is brilliant!  They are made from ethically sourced bamboo and organic cotton, and handle exactly like their plastic counterparts so there is no learning curve or adjustments that need to be made.  I really like that they are just pure and simple (no dyes), plus the container they come is great for storage.  I also find these have a slightly bigger 'bud' so they cover more surface area!  But whatever brand you opt for, you'll be making a swap that will reduce your plastic impact which is a huge plus.

Bamboo Duvet

Did you know most duvets contain plastic fibers?  That's not to mention all the plastic that is involved in transport and packaging!  Globally, over 342 million barrels of oil are used to make polyester each year, and the continued use of this non-renewable resource is just not doing the planet any good.  By switching over to natural materials, particularly plant based ones, you are reducing the demand for synthetic bedding and taking a small stand against the drive for fossil fuels in the textile industry as well as cruelty towards animals.

But what are the options outside of feathers, plastic batting, and wool??

Well, one alternative is bamboo!  This natural resource is hypoallergenic, uninhabitable for dust mites and fungi, and is antibacterial (meaning your linens stay smelling fresh for longer!), making this the perfect choice for those seeking a greener lifestyle as well as those who suffer from allergies and skin conditions.  And I have been lucky enough to have one of these vegan friendly luxurious duvets sent my way to test out thanks to Panda Life!

This London based company creates eco friendly bedding from organic and ethically sourced bamboo, and each of their products is in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning they are free from potentially toxic chemicals.  The Cloud Duvet even comes with a five year guarantee, so you can rest assured that your investment is one that will last!  Not only that, but it is one that provides a cozy sleep without fail.  The super soft fabric is comforting and so dreamy, and I find this offers a weighty feel that helps calm your body and mind and works to ease you into a restful night's sleep.  Yet, despite the weight it is breathable, airy, and offers a in-built temperature control so you are not left feeling too hot or too cold!  It's definitely a swap I am thrilled to have made, and I cannot imagine going back to anything else.

Reusable Cutlery

I've talked about reusable straws a few times in the past, but something I have not touched on enough is the importance of opting for a reusable cutlery set.  While plastic silverware is finally becoming less common, it's still given out by loads of cafes, grab and go shops, and takeaways, and none of these disposable tools are cost effective to recycle meaning many local programs do not accept them.  Their destination is landfill where they will sit and stagnate.  Having your own fork, knife, and spoon available wherever you go can make a real difference over time when it comes to your environmental impact, and it's so simple to make the switch!

I have been loving the gorgeous Reusable Eco-friendly Cutlery Set from Jungle Culture, as I find the reclaimed and upcycled ebony wood just so stunning to look at as well as sturdy to use.  The story behind how they are made is well worth reading, and I really appreciate how transparent the brand is with every aspect of the business - they don't just list materials, they let you know where they came from as well as who is making the products!

"Our eco-friendly dark wood cutlery sets are made using reclaimed and upcycled ebony wood scraps, bought from a furniture manufacturer in Southern Vietnam. Jungle Culture then designed this set in collaboration with the same craftspeople who carve our coconut bowls, making them the perfect coconut cutlery set! // The organic cotton bag that houses our sets was hand sewn by a group of seamstresses in Hoi An, Vietnam. A historical fishing town, famous for high-quality tailor made products."

Jungle Culture's Reusable Eco-friendly Cutlery Set contains six pieces: a fork, spoon, knife, straw, cleaning wand, and carrier pouch.  This on the go kit comes inside a hand-sewn organic cotton pouch, and everything fits snugly inside so you don't have to worry about anything falling out.  It's perfect for taking to work, going on hikes, camping, a long shopping trip, train rides, and more, and I don't feel like I am sacrificing anything at all when using these reusables.  They are practical, stylish, well made, and long lasting, plus easy to wash which is a big plus!

Paperless Towels

Yes, you read that right!  Say goodbye to paper towels, napkins, and cleaning rags and say hello to reusable alternatives!  This isn't actually as new an idea as it first seems if you think about it, as fabric napkins were a staple for a long time and are still present in many fancier restaurants.  But for some reason single use disposables came into fashion and the cloth options slowly disappeared...  This has been really damaging to forests across the world as trees are torn down to be turned into paper products - not something that is at all necessary!  And I'm excited to say that making the swap back to a more sustainable option is super easy and can be pretty affordable!

Marley's Monsters once again poses a solution with their reusable washable pieces, presenting a fab range of UNpaper Towels, Cloth Wipes, and Cloth Napkins that are absolutely adorable as well as really soft.  These durable everyday products are great for wiping up messes, using for table settings, bringing on the go for picnics or lunch breaks, cleaning up baby, and more - seriously, you can use them for whatever you wish!  Each are 100% cotton and 1-ply and I find they are super absorbent, plus they are machine washable which makes things much easier when it comes time to refreshing your used towels, wipes, and napkins.  And the mix of sizes means you're sure to find one that matches your needs!

If you're unsure about which to pick up, do what I did and grab the Sampler Kit!  This comes with 6 cloth wipes, 3 UNpaper towels, and 5 facial rounds (for cleansing your skin, removing makeup, and other beauty tasks!) - they are a random mix of designs so it's a lovely surprise when you open up the box, and I think the number you're given is perfect for testing the waters when it comes to reusable paper products.  And if you fall for them as hard as I did you can then invest in a full set if you are keen on having more available for day to day use!

When it comes to low waste living, having plastic free everyday essentials is key to minimizing your impact.  These simple items all build up over the coarse of a year, so swapping over to reusable, durable, and convenient alternatives will be sure to lessen the waste you are generating.  Plus, once you make using them a habit you'll find it is not as complicated or scary as you might have first thought.  It can be as easy as just changing over your duvet, popping your bar soap on a drainage stand, and throwing synthetic fiber clothing into a bag before turning on the washing machine!

What everyday lifestyle changes have you made recently?  Are you working on any goals at the moment, or are you just starting to think about how to lessen your personal environmental impact?  Either way, I would love to hear from you!  Feel free to share you thoughts, journey, and questions down below in the comments, and let's have a chat about greener living and low waste swaps! xx