Zero Waste Alternatives – 10 Tips for Beginners

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There are so many zero waste alternatives that it can be daunting to start thinking about it. But fear not. This helpful guide will show you the best alterative products for someone new to the zero waste lifestyle. These are meant to be easy switches and the list is by no means exhaustive. If you found any other easy switches comment below the blog article please!

The Best Zero Waste Alternatives

The list below features the best ideas that I have incorporated early on and ideas I have collected from friends. These are really easy to do and you will find you will become more motivated the more of the alternatives you try. If you have tried other easy switches let me know I am always keen to learn more about other zero waste alternatives.

1. Soap bars

Once your liquid soap dispensers run out why not consider switching to a soap bar? We switched already in the bathroom and it looks stylish and neat. We are saving so much in plastic packaging since the switch! If you are unsure how to store your soap bars consider a nice porcellan or wooden soap bar holder. I bought mine from holiday trips to Hungary and Marrakesh. They are handmade and ensure there is a personal touch in our bathroom.

2. Shampoo Bars

Shampoo bars are little less straight-forward then soap bars but well worth it! You may have to experiment with a few and find one that works for you. Your hair may take some time to get used to shampoo bars so remember there will be a transition period. There are even alternatives where you don’t need any shampoo and just rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar or baking soda to control the build-up of dandruff. But maybe that is the next step. 🙂

3. Bamboo Toothbrush

My friends swear by bamboo toothbrushes. I’m still using up my supply of toothbrushes I had purchased before switching to a more zero waste lifestyle.

Talk to your dentist if you have worries and see what they recommend.

4. Beeswax Wrappers

These beeswax wrappers are great if you want to store your food without using cling film. You can either purchase them or make them yourself. There are vegan options as well if you would rather not want to use beeswax.

5. Reusable Travel Thermos Bottle

A travel termos bottle is my constant travel compangion. Whether I go to work or on a holiday I will always take one with me. This way I can take some hot tea with me when it is cold or have some cold water during the summer. It is also very easy to refill in many places. Here in the UK, there are more and more public water sources but you can also usually ask in a cafe or shop and they will refill it for you.

6. Reusable Keep Cup

A Keep Cup is great for people who like to buy their coffee on the go. If you ever felt bad about the amount of non-reusable coffee cups you are using consider to switch. There are wonderful stylish glass ones or an alternative are reusable bamboo keep cups. If storage is an issue there are also foldable ones.

In addtion, I also have a stainless steel tumbler which keeps my drinks cool in the summer and hot in the colder months.

7. Metal Foodbox

If you take your food with you to work a metal foodbox may be just the right thing for you. I love preparing my food at the weeekend and then take it to work or when I am out and about.

8. Reusable Bag

You can either use a cotton bag that you’ve purchases or try your hand at making one on your own. My mom has made this super handy bag for me with is great for produce shopping. Love this zero waste alternative!

9. Washing Detergent

Pick an ecological one that comes in a cardboard box if you can. Alternatively you can try your hand at making your own. For a few months now we are using a horsechestnut washing liquid. We collected a small amount in autumn last year. Of course we made sure not to collect everything so there were some for the animals left. I actually did several trips to different areas to ensure I only ever took a few in each location. Then dry them and use as needed.

10. Bulk Food Shops

These seem to crop up more and more and if you have one nearby check it out. These shops not only have the most basic food items but are stocked with great zero waste alternatives to explore. You will have to bring the containers with you. However, some of the shops have a container exchange so people who have too many can drop them off at the shop. They are really well stocked these days and most shop owners are keen to hear what you are looking for and will try to stock it if there is enough demand.

Do you have any other suggestions for easy zero waste alternatives? Comment below and I will include them in the overview.