Less waste, less guilt, and no crunchy lifestyle required.
You don’t have to be zero-waste or suddenly turn into a mason-jar-carrying minimalist to reduce trash. The truth is, most of us are surrounded by single-use stuff we don’t even think about—until we realize how fast it adds up. Living more sustainably doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It means doing what you can, when you can, and figuring out what swaps actually work for your life.
That might mean trading a plastic-wrapped product for something reusable. Or ditching a one-and-done habit for something that saves money and waste over time. The good news? A lot of eco-friendly changes are surprisingly low effort. And once you start making them, they get easier and way more satisfying. If you’re looking to waste less without sacrificing convenience or comfort, here are some easy swaps that feel good and make a difference—without making you feel like you’re giving something up.
1. Switch from liquid soap to bar soap and skip the plastic bottles.
Liquid soap seems convenient, but it’s usually packaged in single-use plastic that piles up fast. Bar soap, on the other hand, comes with minimal—or zero—packaging and lasts just as long. As highlighted by the Washington Post, liquid soaps require five times more energy to produce and nearly 20 times more energy for packaging than bar soaps.
If you’re picky about scents or textures, there are tons of handmade and natural bar soaps that feel super luxurious without the waste. And you don’t have to sacrifice hygiene—bar soap is just as effective at cleaning as the stuff in the pump. Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder why you ever paid extra for a watered-down version in a plastic bottle. It’s one of those swaps that takes zero effort but instantly cuts down on your bathroom trash.
2. Ditch paper towels for reusable cloths that actually last.
Paper towels feel like a kitchen essential—until you realize how fast they run out and how much waste they create. Swapping them out for washable cloths, like microfiber, old t-shirts, or dedicated “unpaper” towels, cuts down on trash and saves you money in the long run. According to Cecilia Nowell for The Guardian, switching to reusable cloths can significantly reduce environmental impact and provide cost savings over time.
You can toss them in with your laundry, they’re way more absorbent, and they don’t shred when things get messy. Keep a small basket on the counter for used ones and grab clean cloths just like you would napkins. You don’t have to ban paper towels completely—just use them for true mess emergencies. Everything else? A reusable cloth handles it better, with less waste and way less guilt.
3. Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic.
This one’s simple but powerful. Single-use plastic water bottles are everywhere—and they’re one of the easiest things to phase out. A solid, reusable bottle cuts your plastic use dramatically, keeps your drink colder (or hotter), and saves you money over time. Per Marta Young for Clean Water Action, avoiding disposable plastic bottles can save individuals approximately $260 per year, as Americans spend about $5 weekly on bottled water.
There are so many options now, from sleek stainless steel to collapsible silicone bottles that fit in your bag. Most even come with insulation and built-in straws if that’s your thing. Keep one at your desk, in your car, or in your gym bag.
Once it becomes part of your routine, you’ll barely notice the difference—except when your recycling bin is way less full. And bonus: you’ll probably drink more water just because it’s always with you.
4. Bring your own shopping bags and skip the stash of plastic ones.
You probably already have a drawer full of crumpled plastic bags from past grocery runs. The fix? Keep a few reusable bags in your car, backpack, or near the door so you don’t forget them. They’re sturdier, hold way more, and save you from bag fees in cities that charge for plastic. You don’t need to buy a fancy set—thrifted totes, old backpacks, or even a sturdy canvas bag do the job. And once you’re used to carrying them, it just becomes second nature.
Pro tip: stash a compact, foldable one in your everyday bag so you’re covered even on surprise shopping trips. You’ll cut down on plastic waste, save space at home, and feel like a pro every time you say “I brought my own.”
5. Trade plastic wrap for reusable beeswax or silicone covers.
Cling wrap might seem harmless, but it’s one of those sneaky waste-makers that adds up fast—and it’s basically impossible to recycle. Beeswax wraps or silicone lids do the same job, but without the landfill guilt. They mold to bowls, wrap around sandwiches, and even fold over half-used veggies.
Beeswax wraps feel almost like fabric and stick with the warmth of your hands. Silicone lids stretch right over containers and last forever. Both options are washable and reusable, which means way less trash and way fewer late-night runs to restock plastic wrap. You don’t have to toss everything at once—just start replacing it when you run out. Once you try it, you’ll realize how easy it is to make the switch stick.
6. Choose bulk and refill stations over single-use packaging.
Those individually wrapped snacks, shampoos, and detergents? Super convenient—but also super wasteful. More stores are offering bulk bins or refill stations where you can bring your own containers and stock up on dry goods, oils, soaps, and more. It cuts out all that unnecessary packaging and lets you buy only what you need.
Start small: bring a few jars or bags to the store for nuts, grains, or coffee. Refill your dish soap instead of buying a new bottle every time. And if your area doesn’t have a refill station yet, keep an eye out—more are popping up everywhere. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and way more satisfying than chucking another plastic bottle the moment it’s empty.
7. Switch to shampoo and conditioner bars that cut the bottle waste.
Those plastic bottles in your shower? They’re a major source of waste—and they usually contain more water than product. Shampoo and conditioner bars last just as long, take up less space, and skip the plastic altogether. Most work into a great lather and are packed with nourishing ingredients, just like their bottled counterparts.
There’s a bit of trial and error to find one that suits your hair, but once you do, it’s a game-changer. They’re great for travel (no liquid restrictions!), and most come in compostable or minimal packaging. Many brands even offer bar samplers to help you find your match. One tiny bar = multiple plastic bottles kept out of landfills—and your hair won’t know the difference.
8. Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones at meals.
Paper napkins might seem small, but over time they really pile up—especially if you’re using a few every day. Swapping them for cloth napkins is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” changes. They look nicer, feel better, and last for years. Plus, you can toss them in with your regular laundry, so they’re just as easy to maintain as dish towels.
You don’t need anything fancy—grab a few secondhand ones or cut up old pillowcases or shirts. Use them casually, fold them once and move on. No need to iron unless you’re feeling fancy.
Keep a small stack in a drawer or basket on the table, and you’ll never go back to tearing off flimsy paper ones again. Bonus: it makes even takeout dinners feel a little more intentional.
9. Opt for a safety razor instead of disposable plastic ones.
If you shave regularly, you’ve probably thrown away dozens—maybe hundreds—of plastic razors or cartridges over the years. Switching to a safety razor may sound old-school, but it’s actually one of the most elegant low-waste upgrades out there. The handle is built to last, and the metal blades are recyclable and way cheaper over time.
There’s a bit of a learning curve (you’ll want to go slow at first), but the shave is smoother, the blades stay sharper longer, and you skip the overpriced, overpackaged replacements. Plus, they look great in your bathroom—sleek and minimal. It’s a small switch that ends up saving a lot of plastic and cash over the years.
10. Skip the plastic produce bags and bring your own lightweight ones.
You know those little plastic bags you grab for apples, spinach, or a few lemons? Most of them get tossed the second you get home. Instead, bring your own set of mesh or cloth produce bags—they’re lightweight, washable, and way sturdier than those flimsy single-use ones.
You can buy a set or even sew your own if you’re crafty. Keep a few with your reusable grocery bags so you don’t forget. Most stores are totally fine with them, and they let your fruits and veggies breathe better in the fridge. It’s such a simple shift that you barely notice—except when you realize how much less trash you’re bringing home every week.
11. Make the switch to compostable toothbrushes or electric ones with replaceable heads.
Toothbrushes are one of those things we use every single day—and toss every few months without thinking. Most of them are plastic, non-recyclable, and end up in landfills forever. But there are better options now.
Bamboo toothbrushes are compostable, stylish, and just as effective as plastic ones. If you prefer electric brushing, go for a model with a reusable base and replaceable heads to cut down on waste.
Neither swap affects your routine, but they both seriously reduce the number of toothbrushes piling up in your trash. And with so many brands offering sustainable oral care (including toothpaste tablets and plastic-free floss), it’s easier than ever to green your bathroom habits without sacrificing clean teeth or convenience.
12. Use cloth pads, period underwear, or a menstrual cup instead of disposables.
Menstrual products are a huge source of waste—pads and tampons come wrapped in layers of plastic, used for a few hours, and then tossed. But the reusable options? They’re surprisingly comfortable, way more cost-effective, and way better for the planet. Menstrual cups can last up to 10 years. Period underwear and cloth pads are washable, discreet, and great for overnight or backup.
It takes a little experimenting to find what works for your body and flow, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner. You create less waste, save hundreds of dollars over time, and never get caught off guard without supplies again. And no, you don’t have to go full-reusable—every swap counts.
13. Start composting your food scraps—even if you don’t have a yard.
Food waste in landfills doesn’t just take up space—it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home, and you don’t need a giant backyard to do it. There are countertop bins, worm composters, community drop-offs, and even city-run compost services in many areas.
Even just composting fruit peels, veggie scraps, and coffee grounds makes a difference. If you’re not ready to go all in, try freezing your scraps and dropping them off weekly at a local site. It’s cleaner than you think, way more satisfying than tossing it all in the trash, and it helps turn waste into something regenerative. Plus, no more funky-smelling garbage cans.