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Unless you’re living naked under a rock, it’s nearly impossible to maintain a completely zero-waste lifestyle. But small, easy swaps can help create less demand for plastic and lower your carbon footprint, sustainability experts say.
That’s why many are reducing their use of single-use plastics to limit the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, and reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Eco-friendly subscription service Grove previously tapped Emma Roberts to showcase her low-waste lifestyle, and celebrity interior designer Jeremiah Brent created a limited-edition collection of plastic-free home goods for the company. And online grocery store Thrive Market not only uses carbon-neutral shipping on every order, it also saves shoppers up to 30 percent off retail while helping them shop by their values.
Sustainability has also scored a starring role in Hollywood. Los Angeles-based nonprofit Habits of Waste created the “Lights, Camera, Plastic?” campaign to normalize plastic-free products and reusables in movies and TV shows. It has teamed with Mark Ruffalo and tennis star Novak Djokovic to support the cause, while Ted Lasso and Marry Me are among the TV series and films that featured reusable water bottles and lunch containers onscreen. And Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright, Shailene Woodley, Leonardo DiCaprio and Olivia Wilde are among the many A-list environmentalists putting their star power behind initiatives to support Mother Earth.
Looking to be more green? The most sustainable first (and zero-waste) step is to use up your existing products before stocking up on plastic-free alternatives. After you’ve recycled or reused your empties (Terracycle and Nordstrom offer free recycling programs for empty food and beauty containers), consider restocking with some of the best zero-waste swaps from brands and online stores that have earned investors and fans from Hollywood.
From plastic-free grooming and beauty items to zero-waste home cleaning products and reusables, keep reading some of the top eco-conscious upgrades organized by every aspect of your life.
The Best Zero Waste Beauty Swaps
Best Plastic-Free Makeup
Axiology Full Face Set
Celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno (who works with Mindy Kaling, Sadie Sink, Amanda Seyfried and model Quannah Rose) is among those who love Axiology’s plastic-free makeup. Available in light, medium, dark and deep options, the brand’s three-piece Full Face Set contains plastic- and cruelty-free makeup sticks that multi-task (and save room in your beauty bag). Each kit includes a bronzing/contour Shape stick, an eyeshadow/lipstick/blush Color Cream stick and a Tinted Dew highlighter stick. Axiology says its multi-use sticks are made with only 10 ethically sourced ingredients, including organic coconut, avocado, castor, neem and grapeseed oils; elderberry extract; and vitamin E oil. And since they’re solid products, they travel well (no need to count it towards your liquids).
Best zero-waste mascara
Izzy Recyclable Refillable Mascara
You don’t have to cut out your makeup routine when transitioning into a low-waste lifestyle. Available in black or brown, Izzy’s lengthening mascara comes in a refillable and reusable tube and features a vegan and cruelty-free formula that nourishes and softens lashes. To restock, simply subscribe (and save 10 percent off), return the empty tube in the included prepaid reusable shipper and Izzy will send back a new mascara.
Best Plastic-Free Makeup remover
MakeUp Eraser Recycled 7-Day Set
Wipe away the day (and ditch the single-use makeup wipes) with MakeUp Eraser’s colorful Recycled 7-Day set made with upcycled plastic bottles and textiles. It comes with two-in-one reusable and washable cloths that remove makeup on one side and exfoliate skin on the other, plus a laundry/storage bag; other colors and fun prints are available. Plus, buy one, get one item free when you shop by April 26 with code EARTHDAY.
Eu’Genia Everyday Shea Butter
Another favorite of star makeup artist Katey Denno, Eu’Genia’s grapefruit face and body moisturizer comes in a reusable tin and is made of sustainably sourced shea butter. The company also puts 15 percent of profits into an education fund that benefits the children of its shea nut pickers.
Best plastic-free haircare
NOLE Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set
Founded by fashion entrepreneur and former model Alida Boer, newly-launched plastic-free haircare brand Nolé‘s shampoo and conditioner bars are made with sustainably grown batana oil sourced from Honduras, where the ingredient is known as a “miracle” product for addressing hair loss. The company offers a range of plastic-free bars (all vegan and free of sulfates and silicons) for all hair types, colors and concerns, including options for boosting volume and shine and others for frizzy and oily tresses.
Best plastic-free brush
Zero Waste Essentials Mini Bamboo Hair Brush
This plastic-free mini bamboo hair brush is made with natural rubber and resists water damage.
best plastic-free hand lotion
SUPERZERO Solid Hand Treatment for Dry, Rough Hands
Once you’ve used the last drop of your single-use lotion bottles, keep this plastic-free hand balm bar by Superzero on hand to stay moisturized. The brand says one plant-based bar can last as long as a 100-milliliter tube of cream, and the product is formulated with nourishing squalene, ceramides (to strengthen the skin barrier) and bakuchiol (a retinol alternative) to address fine lines and wrinkles.
Cocokind Reusable Facial Rounds
Made from bamboo and organic cotton, Cocokind’s reusable facial rounds are great for cleansing or applying makeup and skincare. They come in a set of 14 with a mesh laundry bag.
best plastic-free face wash
Evolvetogether Travel Coconut Powder Face Wash
The dissolvable packaging and instant foaming texture are two reasons why we always keep Evolvetogether’s travel-friendly powdered face wash packets in our toiletry bag. We also love the naturally exfoliating and hydrating formula that contains tapioca starch, hydrogenated castor oil, magnesium carbonate and the powder of coconut shells (a natural resource that often gets burned and wasted), and the low carbon footprint required to create the biodegradable product.
Best plastic-free multi-purpose balm
PĀPR Cosmetics The Everything Stick
PĀPR Cosmetics’ multi-purpose Everything Stick can be used on lips, elbows, eyes and anywhere else on the body that could use hydration. Made with vitamin E oil, shea and cacao butters, marula and rosehip oils and other eco-safe ingredients, this balm helps to protect the skin and fight acne. The paper packaging is fully biodegradable — simply cut it up and throw it in the trash or your compost bin.
Best plastic-free dry shampoo
Lulu Organics All Natural Dry Shampoo and Hair Powder
You’ll feel like an Old Hollywood star when you freshen up your tresses with Lulu Organics’ dry shampoo, which comes in a vintage-inspired recyclable cardboard container (though it’s worth pointing out that the lid is plastic). This four-ounce bottle delivers up to 500 “washes,” and the talc-, paraben- and cruelty-free powder helps to soak up oil on all types of hair colors and textures. It’s available in six scents and an unscented option.
The Best Zero Waste Grooming and Personal Care Swaps
Best Refillable deodorant
Bite Refillable Deodorant
Jason Momoa once professed his love for Bite’s toothpaste bits, and the California-based company (founded by former surfing teacher Lindsay McCormick) has also made a foray into plastic-free body products. The brand makes one of the best zero-waste deodorants that come in refillable and recyclable packaging, and you won’t mind leaving the sleek and chic stainless steel container out on the bathroom counter, either.
best plastic-free razor
Oui the People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
Oui the People’s stainless steel razor saves you from buying plastic shaving cartridges that can’t be recycled. The single blade gives a close shave and helps to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn, and the used blades can be safely disposed at local sharps collection programs, pharmacies or recycling centers.
Best zero-waste q-tip alternative
LastSwab Reusable Cotton Swab
We swear it’s not as gross as it sounds. LastSwab’s reusable swab takes the place of cotton ones — up to 1,000 of them, according to the brand. Made of sturdy nylon and flexible medical-grade silicone, the product can be used to clean ears, wipe off makeup and more.
Best zero-waste toothpaste
SuperBee Dentos Toothpaste Tablets
Great for traveling, SuperBee’s Dentos fluoride-free toothpaste (available in 150- to 500-count packs) are tablets that you simply pop into your mouth, chew until it foams up and brush as usual. They come in a spearmint flavor an come in reusable, plastic-free packaging.
Best zero-waste shaving soap
Viking Revolution Shaving Soap for Men
Viking Revolution’s four-pack of shaving soaps helps men kick their canned cream habit. Designed to be used with a shaving bowl and brush, these soap pucks deliver a rich lather for easy wet shaving and come in four scents.
The Best Zero Waste Food and Kitchen Products
Best Dish Cleaning Kit
Zero Waste Outlet 6-Piece Sink Kit
Once you’ve used up your existing sponges and plastic cleaning brushes, make the switch with this plastic-free sink kit. It includes a palm scrubber brush, a long handle pot brush, two-sided compostable sponges (made of loofah plants and wood-derived cellulose), a cup or bottle brush and a bamboo soap dish. Brushes are made of wood and sisal bristles, and used ones can be composted or put into the grown to break down naturally.
Best Plant Milk Maker
Almond Cow Milk Maker Starter Set — Earth Day Bundle
Almond Cow’s Milk Maker makes it a cinch to make your own plant-based milks. The device can make nut milks, creamers, soups, cocktails and more, and you can use cashews, almonds, oats, coconut shreds and other ingredients to whip up tasty foods. The company is offering a special Earth Day bundle that comes with a $30 eGift card and exclusive recipes.
Best kitchen storage reusables
W&P Clean Kitchen Storage Set
Whether you’re packing your lunch, storing leftovers or need a reusable to-go container when you’re traveling, W&P’s Clean Kitchen Storage Set includes stylish and safe options for your food. Everything is microwave- and dishwasher-safe and comes in stylish colors; choose from 8-, 13- and 20-piece sets that include Seal Tight Glass Bowls, Stand-Up Bags and Reusable Stretch Lids.
The Best Zero Waste Home Cleaning Products
Best cleaning kit overall
Blueland Clean Essentials Kit
Cut out the need to recycle plastic spray bottles and use Blueland’s Clean Essentials Kit instead. We like the ease of dropping the plastic-free tablets into the reusable bottles, adding water and watching our cleaning solution bubble up right before our eyes. This starter set comes with four containers, foaming hand soap and multi-purpose, bathroom and glass and mirror cleaners (all packaged in compostable paper), and you can save 10 percent off refills when you subscribe every one, two, three or four months. (Justin Timberlake and Adrian Grenier are among the brand’s Hollywood investors, and Drew Barrymore has said she loves the products.)
Best cleaning pod subscription service
Dropps Laundry Stain & Odor Detergent Pods
We’ve been Dropps subscribers for years, thanks to their plastic-free and compostable packaging and variety of plant-based home cleaning offerings. We’re fans of their laundry and dish detergent pods, which we’ve found to leave dishes and clothing as clean as the big-name brands. The company offers a range of scents such as lavender eucalyptus, orange blossom and a citrus-pine blend, plus an unscented option, and we like that you can customize your subscription based on frequency and quantity. Deliveries are 100 percent carbon neutral through Dropps’ partnership with Clearloop, and the company also works with the ocean conservancy organization Oceana to help keep the sea clean. That’s a win-win in our green book.
Most affordable cleaning cloths
Amazon Aware All Purpose Cleaning Cloths, 8 Count
Part of Amazon’s carbon-neutral Aware collection (which comprises clothing, skincare and home essentials), these reusable absorbent cleaning cloths measure 13 by 15 inches, and are lightweight yet surprisingly absorbent. The textured fabric is similar to microfiber material, making picking up dirt easy without leaving streaks on glass and other surfaces.
Best Concentrated Cleaners
Grove Co. Floor Cleaner Concentrate
Already have your own spray bottles? Add Grove’s plant-based floor clear cleaner concentrate to 16 ounces of water for a plastic-free solution to leaving your home spic and span. We like that the glass and aluminum mini bottles are recyclable, and we’ve found that the concentrates work well in our robot mop/vacuum. The company has plenty of other plastic-free cleaning concentrates, including for glass, showers, tub and tile, kitchen and multi-purpose.
best compostable trash bags
Public Goods Compostable Trash Bags
In our experience, compostable trash bags don’t always hold up to their 100 percent plastic counterparts — but it’s still a worthy alternative to single-use options. For those smaller loads, Public Goods’ compostable three-gallon trash bags work well for our household and gives us peace of mind that the plant-based material will break down without harming the planet. (The company says regular plastic bags may take up to 1,000 years to degrade.)
They’re different than biodegradable bags, which often contain polyethylene that breaks down into microplastics.
Best DIY Cleaner Kit
Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner Starter Kit
For a non-toxic bleach alternative that you can make yourself, Force of Nature’s unique cleaning kit uses a just-add-water process to create a multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on glass, soap scum, rugs, odors and more. The recyclable capsules contain hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide, which are activated in the electrolyzer when mixed with water. The Green Seal-certified company helps cut down on waste with its reusable spray bottles; they’re also cruelty-free and carbon neutral-certified by Leaping Bunny and ClimatePartner, respectively.
Best Dryer Balls
Package Free Shop Dryer Balls
One of the best zero-waste online stores, Package Free Shop offers cleaning products, home goods, grooming essentials and more products that help you lower your environmental impact. Instead of single-use laundry sheets throw these 100 percent wool dryer balls in the laundry to reduce static, wrinkles and drying time. (Laundry sheets contain plastic substrate that breaks down into microplastics, and chemical softeners that may irritate sensitive skin.)
The Best Zero Waste Travel Products
S’well Stainless Steel Traveler
S’well’s reusable water bottles have been seen in Marry Me and Silicone Valley, and the brand’s 40-ounce stainless steel Traveler is great for anyone who wants to keep their drinks hot for 20 hours or cold for 2.5 days. We like that the wide mouth makes it easier to bring to coffee shops that let you use a personal cup. The brand also offers smaller sizes, including a 16-oz. Traveler.
Best travel containers
Cadence Skincare Set
Woman-founded brand Cadence repurposes waste from single-use plastic and silicone bottles into its genius honeycomb-shaped magnetic capsules, making it easier to travel with your favorite skincare, medication and other essentials. We love how they snap together easily and that the entire product is recyclable, and you can choose from small, medium and large sizes. Customize each capsule with labeled or non-labeled Tiles that attach right onto the caps, or go with pre-labeled sets such as the 3-piece Skincare Set. Plus, everything on Cadence’s website is 20 percent off for a limited time with code EARTH20.
Best travel to-go box
STOJO Collapsible Silicone Sandwich Box
Save Mother Earth and precious space with Stojo’s collapsible sandwich box, which is made of recyclable silicone and available in several colors. It’s great for packing lunches for school or work, traveling and camping, and the reusable container is safe for hot and cold foods. (Complete your reusables collection and grab the brand’s cups, bottles and bowls in matching hues, too.)
