This is our fourth annual Zero Waste March at EarthHero, and we’re ecstatic to celebrate again with our awesome EarthHeroes (that’s you!). If you’re new to the zero waste world, we’re happy you’re here!
The definition of zero waste living is ever-evolving, but primarily it consists of a lifestyle focused on reducing waste and consumption. Living this lifestyle is made a lot easier with the right products to help you succeed – and at EarthHero we’ve got the hookup! We’ve put together some of our favorite zero waste products for you that make great alternatives to your traditional single-use products.
Eating and Drinking On-The-Go
Let’s kick it off with some of our favorite reusable drinkware products for when you’re on the go! Swapping out plastic water bottles for a reusable option is a great place to start at when making the transition to a zero waste lifestyle. In addition to the environmental benefits of cutting out plastic waste, purchasing a reusable bottle can encourage you to drink more water throughout the day since you’ll constantly have it with you! Two of our favorite stainless steel water bottle brand options are Hydro Flask and Klean Kanteen. These come in a variety of different colors and styles – so there’s something for everyone. If the stainless steel look isn’t your groove, shop Love Bottle on our site instead. These sleek bottles made out of recycled glass and gorgeous designs – for those days when you’re out and about, or when you need an easy way to serve water in your home.
The next step to revamping your to-go drinkware is making the switch to reusable straws. For many of us, drinking water or our favorite iced beverages is seemingly impossible without using a straw. Reusable straws are great to take with you on the go, or even just to have around the house. We always recommend buying a few (and in your colors of choice)! Many of our straw options on EarthHero come in a variety of multi-packs, including glass Simply Straws and collapsible options from Final Straw! Both of these brands create high quality zero waste alternatives to plastic straws using recycled glass or stainless steel. As a bonus, check out their super convenient straw covers to add to your collection!
In addition to drinkware, to-go food storage is an essential piece that completes your collection of zero waste on-the-go staples. Whether you’re taking your lunch to school, work, or even meeting a friend for a picnic, having the proper food storage is a necessity to avoid unnecessary food and plastic waste! Get rid of your old plastic bags and upgrade to products like Solo Cube by Ecolunchbox or the Stasher food bags that come in a multitude of shapes and sizes to fit your preferred meal or snack.
Grocery Shopping
Did you know that single-use plastic grocery and produce bags can’t be recycled curbside? More and more grocery stores are starting to move away from plastic bags and encourage their customers to bring their own, or to use paper bags to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills. As this trend continues (and hopefully, becomes the norm!), it’s important to keep trusty reusable grocery and produce bags on hand, in your home and in your car. Switching from using plastic when making your grocery run is an easy and small way to reduce your waste. Check out our EarthHero brand canvas grocery bags, (what can we say, we think they’re pretty cool), or the SLING Chico Bags! Both of these bags can carry up to 40 lbs. of groceries and have strong handles and straps for an easy shopping experience.
Next time you’re making a trip to your local farmer’s market or the produce section, you don’t want to be without a produce bag from Eco-Bags. They’re created from organic cotton and can hold all your fresh fruit and veggies, and can also make an adorable alternative for a purse! If you’re looking for a produce bag with a clasp, we’ve got that too. The colorful variety of produce bags from Bagito are crafted with 100% food safe rPet post-consumer fabrics – and these bags can also be snapped together to buy produce in bulk. For our fresh veggie lovers, we also recommend checking out Vejibag. These cotton bags, USA-made with all natural ingredients, create the ideal balance of a humid environment for your veggies to soak up some moisture while also providing fridge storage.
Composting
Composting is a component of a zero waste lifestyle that’s becoming more attainable as cities realize the benefits it has – to not only the environment, but also to their city infrastructures. To get started, find a local compost drop off or bin swap program, or create your own at home and start reducing your food waste! The first step toward making an at home compost is purchasing a bin— and Full Circle Home has just the one. Shop their Scrap Happy Compost Bin and pair it with the BioBag Kitchen Liner’s and you’re set!
Once you’ve got your compost set up, integrating compostable products into your daily life is the way to go! Alongside their kitchen liners, BioBag also has compostable sandwich and snack bags that are perfect to add to your compost bin when you’re done snacking. If you find yourself tired of using paper or plastic plates, swapping these for a compostable option is an easy switch! Check out World Centric on our site and shop their plates, cups, and silverware to replace your dreary old plasticware.
Personal Care
One of our favorite ways to go zero waste here at EarthHero is through personal care items, from menstrual care (see below for more on that!), to first aid and wellness, and more. These products are some of the main contributors to landfill waste and tend to be produced unethically in mass quantities. Thankfully, we’ve found some amazing brands who want to make a change to that. We want to introduce you to some products that are good for your body and the planet – so check it out and see what works for you!
Beauty + Care
Finding makeup products that are ethically made and work well can sometimes be a challenge – but with our makeup category at EarthHero, we try to make it easy. Elate Cosmetics is a brand dedicated to sustainable forest management, plus their products are vegan and paraben free – with perfect new staples for your makeup bag. Another simple way to spice up your daily routine and go zero waste at home is by swapping out your traditional soaps and lotions for organic and cruelty free options! We recommend starting with our zero waste Beauty + Care category. You’ll also want to see Moon Valley Organics and discover their wide variety of soap and lotion scents that are kind to your skin due to the lack of harsh chemicals. Who doesn’t want to save the earth and smell good at the same time?!
Menstrual Care
For all our ladies out there, this ones for you. Having a zero waste period is another essential step in taking on the zero waste lifestyle. The mainstream single use items can be overpriced and harsh on our bodies and the planet. At EarthHero, we carry great options that can have you on your way to a more comfortable and sustainable period. Menstrual cups are a good route to take when starting to make the switch to zero waste! Next time you’re shopping on our site, check out brands like Saalt and Diva Cup and read up on their reusable menstrual products and see if they’re the right fit for you!
Oral Care
Oral care is such an important step in our daily routines, yet so many of the products needed end up in landfills and can’t be reused. This Zero Waste March, we’re throwing in the towel on single use toothbrushes and toothpastes. To replace your old products, check out the Toothpaste Tablets from Georganics and pick out the flavor you love! If you’re still using a plastic toothbrush, we recommend trying the toothbrushes from Brush with Bamboo instead. These products are affordable and easy on the Earth compared to their alternatives.
We are so excited to see how all you partake in Zero Waste March! This is one of our favorite times of the year here at EarthHero, and we love providing you with the products to make it a success. Shop our zero waste category and let us know how you’re working toward a zero waste lifestyle!
