30 Eco-Friendly Products That Feel Like An Upgrade, Not A Sacrifice

Buzz Feed

15-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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This isn't charity; it's a life hack.
1. A pack of biodegradable hair ties because they're thick enough and strong enough that you'll actually be sad when you inevitably lose one. Comfort yourself with the fact that they can naturally break down over time, unlike regular plastic-filled ties.
Terra Ties is a small business that's creating a 100% biodegradable alternative to standard hair ties. Made for all genders and ages, these durable bands are made from natural rubber and organic cotton dyed with natural dyes.
Promising review:"My hair is notorious for breaking hair bands. It's over two feet long and extremely thick. I go through name-brand ties on an every-other-day basis. So far, my first one of these bands has lasted four weeks, holding down a legitimate mane. I appreciate the strength as a stay-at-home dad that has to wrestle three children." — Daniel Torres
Get a 27-pack from Amazon for $14.95 (available in three colors).
2. A patented pet hair remover if you're tired of plowing through lint rollers just to keep Fido's shedding at bay. This roller uses bristles, not disposable sticky tape, to catch lint meaning you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"We were wasting a lot of lint rollers to remove our cat's hair as my wife is obsessed with having everything clean. This product is not just saving my money but also it works great on anything — sofas, clothes, bed, etc. Easy to clean up the hair as well. I wished it worked a little better in removing hairs with fewer tries but it does the job when you are persistent. Definitely recommend for any cat lovers out there." — Mohammad Kabir
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two colors).
3. A pack of reusable Swiffer mop pads that's a multitasking purchase you can use again and again for dry or wet cleaning. Sparkling floors and a permanently shorter shopping list? Yes, please!
www.amazon.com
Turbo Microfiber is a small business that launched in 2018 on a mission to create top-quality cleaning accessories to help you get through your to-do list as sustainably and cost-effectively as possible.
Promising review:"I got both kinds, the ones with the wrap-around flaps for the regular green mop, and I got the nonflap ones for the WetJet. They are made of a good quality material, well designed, fit perfectly, and are easy to put on and take off. They stick to the mop very securely; you don't have to worry about them coming off when cleaning, and when done, you just toss them in the washer. I am so happy I started using these. They are saving me loads of money on those wet and dry refill sheets and save the planet as well!" — Phoenix Hinton
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.35.
4. These reusable Swiffer dusters so you can enjoy all the cleaning convenience of the disposable versions while helping the environment and crossing "duster refills" off your shopping list for good.
TS Designs is a Michigan-based Etsy shop that specializes in home products and country, rustic, and vintage-styled gifts and decor.
Psst — the seller notes that this works best with Swiffers with the yellow handle, but also is compatible with the blue handle. You should avoid using fabric softener when washing this duster so it won't lose its static cling.
Promising review:"Great washable duster replacement tops. They vacuum off and wash up easily, and they grab dust and cobwebs every bit as well as the disposable ones I was using. Considering it means putting a bit less into landfills and also saving money in the long run; I only wish I had bought these years ago, sincerely. Also, they shipped very promptly and arrived sooner than expected, so that was a pleasant surprise. Thanks!" — otherlings
Get it from TS Designs on Etsy for $4.99+ (available in 10 colors and multipacks).
5. A volcanic stone face roller because it instantly soaks up excess face oil, even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving you $$$.
Promising review:"I've been using this product for a couple of months now, and it is still working beautifully. I used to run through blotting papers like mad, but this roller has saved my wallet. I'm pretty oily, and still can use the roller maybe 20–25 times without washing it at all. LOVE!" — eden
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
6. A pair of nonstick silicone baking mats for saying "buh-bye" to single-use parchment paper and foil without giving up any of the slick, nonstick benefits.
Promising review:"I started baking with these at Christmas time. They are great! They really save me a lot of money as I haven't needed to buy parchment paper to line my cookie sheets anymore. I use them to roll out sticky doughs, also. I am a fan! They fit a regular-sized cookie sheet very well. They are easy to clean. I wish I would've discovered these sooner!" — Tamara white
Get a pair from Amazon for $12.99.
7. A three-blade all-metal razor that has a pivoting head because, if you frequently shave, you're going to go through LOADS of plastic razors. This one is designed to last you LITERALLY FOREVER, uses recyclable blades, and delivers a silky smooth shave.
Leaf Shave is an eco-minded small biz founded by two Adams who set out to create a better razor that is also better for the environment. Their packaging is 100% plastic-free, and through financing initiatives to offset 100% of the company's CO2e emissions, they've become Climate Neutral certified.
I know, I know — over $80 for a razor feels pretty steep, but plastic razors really add up over time, and this thing is STURDY. When first trying to eco-swap my shave routine, I tried a regular safety razor because it was a lot cheaper, and I basically bled to death (kidding, but I did cut myself a lot). It works really well for some people, but I had really come to rely on the pivoting head of the plastic razors I learned on. So imagine my pure delight when I finally snagged one of these beauties and could return to shaving without all the cuts and blood. It's really easy to change the blades, and I find myself getting a better shave because I'm not putting off buying another razor like I would before. It really is a great investment that not only keeps plastic razors out of landfills, but all the plastic packaging they come in, too!
Get it from Amazon or Leaf Shave for $89 (available in four colors).
8. A shipment of jumbo recycled toilet paper rolls with no inks, dyes, or scents and made by a company that helps build toilets for those in need (they donate 50% of profits). Each roll is wrapped in recyclable paper, not plastic, and it's sent straight to your home without a trip to the grocery store.
Who Gives a Crap
Subscribe to have jumbo rolls of recycled toilet paper delivered straight to your door every 1–2 months!
Buying toilet paper as an apartment-dweller without a car is the actual worst. It's awkward to carry when you've already got arms loaded up with other groceries, and buying the tiny four-pack of TP is not particularly cost-effective. We're bee using Who Gives A Crap for a couple of years now, and it's been nothing but delightful. It's high-quality TP without any plastic packaging that helps those in need. I doubt your current TP brand can say the same! Plus, the rolls are wrapped in paper with fun prints that are cute enough to display on the back of my toilet. An unnecessary (but appreciated) bonus!
Get 24 rolls from Who Gives a Crap for $38 (also available in a pack of 48; save $10 off your first subscription order).
9. Some plastic-free laundry detergent sheets so you can get the same stain-fighting clean you've come to expect from your detergent without the bulky plastic jugs and messy blue goo.
Kind Laundry launched in the midst of the pandemic on a mission to reduce global plastic waste with their planet-friendly alternative to bulky, traditional laundry detergents.
Why did we ever invent liquid laundry detergent when sheet detergent is just so much better? It feels ridiculous that it's taken so long to make this switch. These squishy sheets are so easy to use, mess-free, and are MUCH easier to store than big ole jugs. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable cardboard, and I still get the same clean I've come to expect from regular grocery store brands.
Get a 60-pack from Amazon for $21.50 (available in unscented and ocean breeze).
10. A beginner-friendly menstrual cup for a one-and-done purchase you'll keep for years that won't fill up your trash or empty your wallet like other period products. Just imagine — no more emergency runs to pick up tampons because your period came early.
The menstrual cup factor that freaked me out the most was the thought of having to get up there and break the seal to take it out. So when I saw the Flex Cup, which is specifically designed to make that process easier, I figured, why not give it a try? This is a purchase I would definitely file under the "life-changing" category. Yes, there is a learning curve, but by my second cycle with the cup, I felt like a pro. Even with the pull tab, taking it out can be a little messy (I tend to just do it in the shower), but it's definitely a more controlled experience than if it wasn't there at all. With my flow, I can leave my cup in for hoouuurrrssss without fear (can't say the same about tampons...), meaning The Flex Cup has made my period less awful. A true feat!
Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (available in two sizes).
11. Some budget-friendly period underwear to make handling Aunt Flo as easy as...well...putting on your underwear. This affordable pair can absorb the equivalent of two tampons, so you can go about your day (or night) without fretting about unexpected leakages. Then just toss them in the wash between cycles!
Some reviewers recommend sizing up! For more info, check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord's full Bambody period underwear review.
Promising review:"I'm so impressed!!! My first time using period underwear, and I was skeptical, but OH MY WORD!!! These are a game changer. Wore them without any other protection on my heaviest days (like two supers in an hour–type heavy) and had no leaks!!! The fit is so nice and comfy, too!! For reference, I'm a curvy 10/12, and the size 10 fit like a glove!" — Kerra
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL, sold individually or as multipacks in various colors).
12. A pack of shockingly absorbent Swedish dishcloths that can easily handle daily messes and are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper towels. They're super sturdy and can be sanitized in the dishwasher or microwave between clean-up jobs, so you know they're not harboring any unwanted germs.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These work so well and are so versatile! I use one to clean my mirrors/glass tops, one to wipe my baby's face after she's done eating, one for countertops and other kitchen surfaces, and one in the bathroom. I ordered them as gifts for my family, and let's just say I come from a family of clean freaks. These are great. Doesn't leave streaks either!" — Danielle
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $14.95 (available in 15 colors/styles).
13. Or a roll of reusable bamboo towels so you can clean your entire house with a clear conscience. These are 100% machine washable, super absorbent, and one roll offsets up to 60 (!!!) rolls of conventional paper towels.
They're made from organic bamboo, are machine-washable, and are SUPER strong! They can be used ~120+ times~ before discarding (ideally in your compost!).
Life hack — if you're puzzled about how to store your soiled rags between washes, try hanging a lined wet bag on the inside of a cabinet door. This tip is from iHeart Organizing and has been a life-changing tweak to my routine.
Promising review:"Don't let the quantity discourage you. I cut mine in half! One half-sheet takes the life of dozens of sheets of regular paper towels and cloth towels! My regular cotton towels can't compete with one sheet of these bamboo towels! No lint left behind, it doesn't break apart in my hand, and it is as strong as Magic Erasers if you've tried them before! Using them is not gross when you think along the lines of using rags. One sheet has lasted over a week with rinsing with hot water and soap and hang drying. This is a game changer!!!" — Neela921
Get a roll (20 sheets) from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in packs of two and four).
14. A pack of plant-based sponges for making it easy to break up with your regular plastic-based sponge. This biodegradable alternative arrives compressed (for more efficient shipping) and suddenly pops up when exposed to water. Then it's all ready for some zero-waste cleaning action!
Sqwishful is an Asian-American, woman-owned small biz that launched in 2018 with a mission to create useful, effective cleaning products that don't make the world less clean in the process.
Do you remember those washcloths that came all balled up and expanded when you ran them under water? These sponges work largely the same. I was audibly excited when I ran one of the super-thin cardboard-like sheets under water and watched it almost instantly puff up into a plush sponge. It was genuinely fun. But more importantly, the sponges themselves are larger than average and beefy, meaning they stand up super well to lots of cleaning action. And because they aren't made with any plastic or dyes, they are better for the planet when it's time to say goodbye — the sponge and packaging are 100% compostable! There's nothing to not like.
Get a three-pack from The Container Store for $7.99 or Sqwishful for $8.
15. A pair of forever eye masks to turn your favorite serum into a luxe under-eye treatment you can use day after day without all that wasted packaging and money. Between uses, just give the masks a rinse, pat dry, and return them to the included storage tin until next time.
Dieux Skin is a small business that's committed to creating beauty products that are price-transparent, rooted in science, and responsibly sourced.
This product is a great example of the eco-friendly version just being better than the single-use one. Of course, the cost-savings and waste reduction are great perks, but what sets these apart is just how well they stay put. I don't have to lay on my back mummy-style like other eye masks I've tried. With these, I plop 'em on after I shower and can go about the rest of my routine without any slippage. Then, when I'm ready to do my makeup makeup, my skin is plump and prepped for smooth application. I've been using them regularly for 6+ months and have had zero issues with upkeep. After each use, I just rinse them and let them dry in the included tin (open) before closing them up for another session.
You can pair these masks with any eye cream, but if you're in the market for one, check out the brand's refillable eye serum.
Get it from Dieux Skin or Sephora for $25.
16. A set of rechargeable batteries that comes with a smart charging dock so you can continue using the same set of go-juice capsules to power your remotes, gaming controllers, singing kid's toys, and more without making any emergency trips to the store.
www.amazon.com
This set comes with 4 AA batteries, 4 AAA batteries, a charging unit, and a case for each battery set.
Promising review:"With five children and all the technology in the world today, I go through batteries like water. I swear, I'm forever buying batteries, and nowadays, they're expensive. I bought this battery charger. It came with four AAA and four AA batteries. When I tell ya'll this has been a game changer for my family, it seriously has saved me tons of money. I highly recommend buying extra batteries. It comes with eight, but you can buy more batteries on the side, and they're pretty cheap as well. I highly recommend this product 👍" — Jade
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in three other styles).
17. Some cutesy wool dryer balls because on top of their stunning good looks they can do everything a dryer sheet can (on repeat) AND reduce drying times, which is good news for the planet and your energy bill.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Smart Sheep is a small business launched by a mom on a mission to make her laundry routine a little greener. Each one is made using high-quality New Zealand wool and traditional Nepalese felting techniques.
Promising review:"I'm in love with this little wool ball and wish I had found it sooner. I only add one to my dryer and it works perfectly. My clothes came out wrinkle and static-free and are soo soft." — Sunny
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $26.95 (available in four other styles).
18. Or a pack of four cactus-shaped dryer balls since they're also superbly adorable and durable as heck. You can reuse these in the dryer up to 5,000 times, which is basically forever.
Promising review:"These are the only dryer balls I've found that actually made me not need fabric softener sheets. It cuts down on static, and I don't find pet fur clinging to my clothes when I pull them out of the dryer." — Tianhui Fan
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four styles and larger pack sizes).
19. A spacious reusable shopping bag made from recycled ripstop that folds up tiny enough to keep in a purse or backpack so you're always prepared to say no to the inevitable "Do you need a bag?" question.
I can't, and I won't shut up about my Baggu!!!! It was sort of an impulse purchase in a situation where I needed a bag, and I have gotten SO much use out of it ever since. It folds up tiny enough that I can pack it along with my other out-and-about essentials without hogging too much space in my purse — I bring it EVERYWHERE! It's massive and holds so much stuff, making it perfect for almost any impromptu shopping excursion. Because of its size, I worried getting the bag folded back into its small carrying pouch would be a struggle. It's surprisingly simple and very forgiving of a poor fold job. The fact that it wipes clean and is safe to machine wash makes it even more versatile. I've been known to lug bags of food scraps to my compost drop-off with it. If I were president, I'd make sure everyone had a Baggu!!!!!
Get it from Baggu for $14 (available in 38 colors/prints).
20. A dye-free Egyptian shower loofah if you're looking at your mildewy-smelling synthetic one thinking "There's gotta be a better option." You're right! And it looks like this generously sized, biodegradable alternative.
www.amazon.com
Standard synthetic loofahs are made from plastic netting. That's obviously not great for the environment. These sustainable loofahs are organically farmed in Egypt, and they're BPA-free, too.
Promising review:"Great natural alternative to cheap, plastic substitutes! The initial shape is (as indicated in the packaging) temporary as the sponge puffs up within the first shower or bath. In fact, I didn't require the suggested pre-soak. Although the sponge is — by default — a bit more abrasive than a cheap plastic loofah, I was able to gently scrub my 2-year-old's body with no problem! But the best benefit was the fact that the product could be used for far longer than a plastic loofah without getting that foul, mildew smell and dingy texture. We will never go back to plastic again! Overall, excellent purchase that has great results and is cleaner and environmentally responsible!" — Jazz E.
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $18.99.
21. A rechargeable electric lighter that's windproof, splash-proof, portable, and just overall very nice to look at. No more empty plastic lighters in the trash with this around!
Promising review:"I got the three-pack, one for me and two as gifts to friends who are trying to reduce waste. We all love these lighters because a single charge really does last, we don't have to buy any more disposable lighters for the foreseeable future, and the length is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks. Getting used to how to place the arc on the wick and understanding that there was a safety timeout took me a bit to get used to but wasn't frustrating." — Salim
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in nine colors).
22. A makeup erasing cloth so you can gently — but effectively — remove makeup with just a little bit of water. Plus, it's reusable! Once it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash. Makeup wipes, who?
I bought one of these cloths after including it in previous posts, subsequently selling myself on it (hazard of the job). It honestly works better than I could've imagined! You really do just need to dampen it with water to have your makeup melting off in seconds. I think this is a great zero-waste option for people (like me) who don't wear a ton of makeup on the day-to-day, because you can get a lot of uses from this cloth without needing to wash it constantly. It also washes up shockingly well. I've had it for close to three years and every time it comes out of the washing machine almost entirely stain-free I'm equally shocked.
Get it from Amazon for $15.97+ (available in 16 colors).
23. A plastic-free food wrap made from biodegradable cotton and beeswax that, unlike plastic wrap, can be reused for up to a year before needing to be replaced. Just rinse it with cool water between uses!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow, why have I not tried beeswax wrap sooner? I used this as a makeshift lid for my dog's wet canned food and it stays fresher for twice as long as when I was using foil or plastic wrap because those don't have a seal at all. This wrap is amazing, plus it has the added benefit of being eco-friendly. These last a year, so I will never have to waste money buying plastic wrap again :)" — Sarah
Get an assorted three-pack from Amazon for $16.99 (available in six prints).
24. Plus, a set of silicone food savers to help preserve your produce when the recipe only calls for half a lime. Now you can easily save the other half without turning to plastic wrap only to have it get all weird and hard in your fridge, anyway.
Amazon
Food Huggers is a woman-owned small biz founded by two friends trying to cut down on both food and plastic waste in the kitchen.
Promising review:"This product is very easy to clean and I was surprised that it actually worked on a cut tomato! I was afraid that it would squish the tomato since the product is rather thick, but it worked beautifully. I will be using the other sizes as they are needed, but one thing I do really like is that storage for these 'keepers' takes so little room in my cabinets!" — DHW698
Get a five-piece set from Amazon for $16.99 (available in five color combos).
25. A solid serum bar because it's the ultimate blend of Earth-friendly ingredients and packaging. This multitasking product can wipe your medicine cabinet clean, replacing EIGHT products in your skincare routine without compromising on results.
Dew Mighty is a WOC-owned small biz founded by Tiffany who, after 15 years in the beauty industry, set out on a mission to create un-bottled slow beauty using undiluted ingredients effective for all skin types. The brand is a member for the Plastic Pollution Coalition and offsets 100% of their carbon output.
This serum bar really is designed to do it all. Depending on what you use, this can replace toner, face mists, eye creams, lip balm, vitamin C and other skin serums, moisturizers, and even after-sun care!
I'm fully obsessed with this solid serum bar. No plastic is always a big win for me, but beyond that it's just a darn good product. It's the only change I've made to my skincare routine as of late, and this has single-handedly taken care of stubborn texture on my jawline that has been there since…forever? I love the mess-free application of swiping it along my cheeks, and I highly recommend snagging the little reusable tin to store it. And if you're a bit sticker-shocked by the price — don't worry — one bar is a full two-month supply.
This brand also makes an incredible TSA-friendly cleanser (head to #25) that I use both at home and on the road.
Get it from Dew Mighty for $45.
26. A wild sage and vetiver shampoo bar if you're looking to cut single-use plastics from your haircare routine without sacrificing on the color-safe, nourishing quality you've come to know and love from salon brands.
Dip is a woman-owned environmental awareness brand creating top-notch hair care that's so good that being plastic-free is just a fun bonus. Products are made locally in the USA and are suitable for ALL hair types.
This is not only my favorite shampoo bar but my favorite shampoo — period. I am not fussy with my hair, so I tend not to notice subtle differences between shampoo formulas, but even I noticed how much better my hair felt and looked after using this shampoo bar and the corresponding plastic-free conditioner. So soft and SO much less frizzy, even when I let it air dry. Don't be deterred by the price. My partner and I are three months into our first bar, and there is still PLENTY of life left, so do yourself a favor and try it yourself!
Get it from Dip for $24 (available in a travel size and additional scents).
27. A pack of party cups made from infinitely recyclable aluminum so your next shindig retains all the ease of disposable cups with none of the landfill waste! Plus, aluminum will keep that ice-cold beer even colder for longer.
Promising review:"Sooo much better than the Solo cups. I know they say that these are recyclable, and I will do that eventually, but I plan to reuse them for now. Saving money and the planet in the long run." — erik
Get a 30-pack from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles).
28. A pack of liquid hand soap refills in easy-to-recycle paper-based cartons to avoid buying pre-packaged plastic pumps every time you run out. These refills make it easy to reduce waste while enjoying the swoon-worthy aesthetics of a reusable decorative dispenser.
www.amazon.com
Cleancult is a small business creating a low-waste solution for household essentials like dish and hand soap that come in carton packaging that's broadly curbside recyclable. Plus, they carbon offset all their shipments!
Promising review:"This liquid hand soap lives up to its billing. It is the softest, most gentle liquid hand soap I have ever used. It comes in easy to use 'milk carton' containers, which are very easy to pour into your bathroom décor liquid soap dispenser. I have a dispenser full of Cleancult liquid soap at every sink in my house. The best!!!" — CAROLANNE SMART
Get it from Amazon for $8.15 (available in larger multipacks).
29. A multi-stream Keurig reusable K-Cup you can fill with any ground coffee so you can save loads of money (and plastic) without giving up the single-cup convenience. Worried about cleaning it? Don't be! It's dishwasher-safe!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Note: You'll need to take the "pod holder" out of your machine before you put this in, and reviewers advise that you carefully read the directions to make sure you're popping and locking everything correctly.
Promising review:"I just bought my first ever Keurig (their smallest, slimmest version) but wanted to be able to use my own refillable pods for cost, taste, and less plastic waste. I was thrilled to see that Keurig now makes them — and these truly DO adapt to fit every model they currently offer. Their instructions were simple, and I've had no problems at all. They seal great, and the taste is wonderful, along with my own grounds. Using these, I feel assured I won't damage my machine in any way, and they will work as they should. Great product!" — Lit Fanatic
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.