#itstartswithonething #pickyouronething
This list is not actively updated. If you have an idea to add let me know!
Any company or product suggestions made are simply a starting point. They are places I’ve shopped personally; and they are mostly locally or Canadian-made. The companies or keywords listed will allow you to search for similar products in your area. I do not benefit in any way, from any company. I purchase every product I use and review.
Plastic Based/Disposable:
Low, or zero-waste alternative
Aluminum foil:
Reusable silicone liner or alternative > Epicure
Balloons:
I have no alternative; even the "biodegradable" balloons are controversial. They are especially dangerous when released into the sky.
Baby wipes:
Reusable, eco-friendly alternatives, repurposed/recycled linens
Bottled water:
Reusable > Stainless steel is ideal, recyclable plastic
Body wash:
Package free bars > Lush, Rocky Mountain Soap Co, ETEE
Christmas tree:
Plantable or potted. If you choose fresh trees, support a local farm. Many stores now sell potted trees you can plant in the spring! There are a ton of sustainable, DIY ideas online as well.
Clothing:
Thrift stores/buy & sells to start, local shops
Coffee:
Make at home, French press, travel mugs for on-the-go
Coffee pods:
Reusable or compostable pods
Cotton rounds (face pads):
Reusable kits for purchase; reusable from repurposed linens
Cotton swabs:
Reusable, compostable
Deli meat:
Slice your own at home; freeze
Diapers:
Reusable cloth, bamboo based
Dish soap:
Refills & concentrates > ETEE
De-scaler:
White vinegar
Drinks:
Glass jar, aluminum cans, water filtration system
Dryer sheets:
Wool dryer balls
Fabric softener:
White vinegar
Facial tissue:
Bamboo, reusable, reusable from repurposed linens
Feminine hygiene:
Menstrual cup or reusable pads
Gifts:
Homemade, baking, canning, experiences
Glass cleaner:
Vinegar, window cloths (i.e. Norwex), save old sprayer to refill, concentrate pods
Greeting cards:
E-Cards, recycled paper
Hand soap:
Refills & concentrates > ETEE
Laundry detergent:
Eco-Strips, concentrates, refills
Lotion:
Find a refill place near you, glass containers
Makeup removal wipes:
Reusable cotton pads and coconut oil, repurposed linens
Meat (Trays):
Local butcher using paper
Paper towel:
Reusable, bamboo, reusable from repurposed linens
Plastic sandwich/freezer bags:
Reusable silicone bags, beeswax wrap
Plastic wrap:
Beeswax wrap, glass/stainless steel containers with lids
Produce (bagged):
Avoid pre-bagged
Produce bags:
Reusable, bring your own, no bag
Razors:
Reusable body, straight razor, just get hairy🤪
Shampoo:
Package free bars > Lush, Rocky Mountain Soap Co, ETEE
Shopping bags:
Reusable cotton totes, reusable bags from recycled material
Sponges (most are plastic):
Biodegradable/compostable > Swedish Dish Cloth, ETEE, Loofah
Straws:
Reusable stainless steel, silicone, no straw
Take-out drinks:
Glass bottle alternative, disposable drink cups are not recyclable
Tampons:
Menstrual cup
Toilet paper:
Bamboo, reusable if you’re brave😃
Toothbrush:
Bamboo/compostable alternative > The Humble Co., ETEE
Toothpaste:
Nelson Naturals, zero-waste toothpaste
Utensils:
Stainless steel, bamboo
Wrapping Paper:
Reusable, recycled newspaper, no wrapping
