The BEST Zero Waste Swaps for Beginners in 2026

Written By Emma Dendler

Happy New Year! What a great time to set some eco-themed resolutions and get set on your zero-waste journey. If this is your first day living zero waste, or maybe you’ve been here for a while, you may still find some of these eco swaps and tips helpful for living an eco life.

If you would like more guidance than just this simple list of beginner zero-waste swaps, I highly recommend you check out my Zero Waste in a Year Guide. This guide walks you through daily eco tips for a full 360 days. You can start it January first, sure, but it’s designed to be started any day of the year and complete it as you see fit. We cover one new topic every month, and most of the tips and swaps are free habit changes, so you will do nothing but save money on your low-waste journey.

If you’re still not sure if the Zero Waste in a Year Guide is right for you, watch this video first for more details. Otherwise, you can buy it here with code RESOLUTION10 for 10% off this New Year. Enjoy!

And, also, the truth is, you don’t have to buy anything to be zero waste. I understand many eco swaps can cost a lot of money (but they can save you $1000s per year in return), and not everyone can afford that. That’s okay! You are still welcome in this movement. You are still an environmentalist if you simply care about the state of the planet. Find ways to do zero waste on a budget in this playlist. This list of swaps is for those who want to reduce their waste a bit further by using reusables and want to grow their journey.

Buy one of these, buy none of them, or buy all of them over the course of your zero waste life. I did not buy all of these upfront personally, and you don’t have to either! Do what works for you and your zero-waste home.

Here is more of my advice for beginners before starting your zero waste journey (which includes not throwing away everything to buy sustainable products).

Let’s get into it!

The classics

Reusable water bottle

This is perhaps THE zero-waste swap. I started using a reusable water bottle before I started living zero waste, simply due to how much money it saves! In high school, though, I didn’t worry about durability. Now, it’s my main priority besides the product being actually eco-friendly. That’s why my recommendation is Klean Kanteen. They are truly sustainable with the certifications to back them up. They use recycled materials, and their bottles are designed to last while also keeping your drinks hot or cold. They’re the best-known eco water bottle for a reason! Check them out!

Reusable coffee cup

If you’re a cafe frequenter, you really should get a reusable coffee cup. It reduces so much waste over the long run, and most cafes will give you a discount for bringing your own cup! Yes, even if you recycle the coffee cups, reusing is always better than recycling. You could use a repurposed glass jar or, again, opt for a Klean Kanteen that should last you a lifetime.

Reusable shopping bags

Probably one of our biggest sources of plastic waste as individuals is grocery bags. They’re hard to recycle, so let’s swap for something reusable! There are many brands out there, but truly, I encourage you to just head to the thrift store or ask on your Buy Nothing Group. So many people have more than they will ever actually use. So find some for free!

But if you truly can’t find any second-hand, here are a few brands to support:

Reusable produce bags

To be honest, I don’t use reusable produce bags all that often. I really only do it when I’m buying 4 or more of an item. But for one loose onion, two loose heads of garlic, I just chuck them in my cart. But maybe you find yourself grabbing a plastic produce bag quite frequently, this may be a good swap for you to cut down plastic waste! You can get them just about anywhere, but I highly recommend you get them from a small business such as EarthHero.

Reusable takeout containers

Another swap I really don’t use personally, but if you find yourself taking leftovers home from restaurants frequently, then this may be a good swap for you, too! There are so many options here, from using a plastic container you already have to buying something new made out of silicone or metal, or glass. Some options I suggest are:

Reusable utensils

Maybe you’re getting the theme by now, but just because a zero-waste swap is popular doesn’t mean it will work for you. This is another swap I purchased early on and still use on occasion, but it’s not really a go-to eco swap for me. A free option is to just take an extra set of silverware from your home and keep it in your purse or bag for when the time arises. You could also thrift a cheap set!

But, if you’re looking for a small brand to support, there are some really nice options on EarthHero for reusable utensils to help you reduce waste when you eat out.

Laundry

Dryer balls

The easiest laundry swap is dryer balls, hands down. You simply just chuck these in your dryer, and it will reduce dry time, which saves energy, AND reduces your reliance on dryer sheets, which are made from plastic and non-recyclable. I’ve had the same set for over 6 years. They last FOREVER, and the wool ones can be composted at the end of their lives. But there are vegan options made of silicone, too. You can get both versions on EarthHero.

Eco laundry detergent

I could talk about all the different kinds of zero-waste laundry detergent for hours…and I have! Check out my full low-waste laundry playlist on YouTube for full reviews of the many brands I’m about to list to see what works best for you. From pods to powder to liquid to sheets, there are so many options depending on your budget, access, and needs. Some brands I love and go back to are:

Ditch Unnecessary Items

As I just hinted at with dryer sheets, there are so many “traditional” products that we use in the laundry room that are just unnecessary. They cost you money and create environmental harm in the process. So just stop buying things like dryer sheets, scent beads, fabric softener, and things like that. You truly just need laundry detergent and maybe dryer balls to get you by.

Cleaning

Reusable rags

The easiest way to clean in a sustainable and budget-friendly way is to simply use rags instead of paper towels! The cost of paper towels truly can add up over the months and years. But it takes water to wash the rags, isn’t that bad? Well, it takes water to grow a tree to turn it into a paper towel, too! If you already have rags, that is the most sustainable swap here.

But if you’re in the market for some, thrift some, or try small business Marley’s Monsters.

Eco All Purpose Cleaner

Honestly, this is really the only cleaner you’ll need! You don’t need a countertop cleaner and a floor cleaner and a bathroom cleaner and a kitchen cleaner…just use a good all-purpose cleaner! You can make some yourself with citrus peels and vinegar, or you can buy some eco options from these brands I keep going back to:

Eco Glass Cleaner

Though the one specialty cleaner I think may come in handy is an eco-friendly glass cleaner. I believe Blueland has one, too, but I’ve been using a refill from Grove for a few years and really enjoy it! Though another one I am currently testing is Ecolosophy.

Pair this with reusable rags to make your windows and mirrors sparkle with less environmental harm!

Reusable Mops

Many mops or mop-adjacent cleaning devices are disposable after just one or a few uses. Things like Swiffer's come to mind. So, opt for reusable to save money! This could look like making or buy a reusable Swiffer cover to use the device you already have or if you’re looking for a new mop, make sure you get one with reusable pads. Use, wash, and repeat!

Broom vs Vacuum

Don’t get me wrong, I still vacuum, but a broom is the more eco-friendly way to go. They’re cheaper to buy and don’t use any electricity to operate! Of course, you can’t broom-sweep carpet, so do what you can for whatever kind of house you live in, but this is a super simple way to reduce some waste!

Food and Beverage

French Press/Espresso Machine

The easiest way to eco-fy your coffee routine is with a French Press! It requires no filter and no plastic, non-recyclable pods. It’s 100% waste-free, especially if you compost the grounds. Extra bonus tip if you get your grounds from a refill store! But that’s not necessary.

I found my beloved French Press (that later broke) on Facebook Marketplace for just $20, making this swap even more eco and affordable.

Though if you’re more into lattes than black coffee, try an espresso machine! These can get pricey, so I again suggest you look secondhand. Around a year ago, I got out secondhand espresso maker on Marketplace, again, I think for around $20. What a steal! And we reduce so much waste making coffee this way (I think I need to make some now…)

Loose Leaf Tea

While you’re at it, eco-fy your tea game, too! This is super simple with some loose-leaf tea and a reusable strainer/steeper. But, honestly, you can just use that new-to-you French Press for your loose-leaf tea, too! Tea Bags may look like paper, but rarely are they 100% paper. And here’s another reminder that reusing is ALWAYS better than disposing of even the most sustainable materials.

Yes, tea bags contain hidden plastic. Here are more items with hidden plastic in them.

Use the Freezer for Food Waste

More of a zero-waste habit than a swap, but I need everyone to know how easy it is to use the freezer to prevent food waste! If you have produce that’s about to go bad or you just simply won’t be using it before it does, chuck it in the freezer! Open can half full of tomato paste? Freezer! Heels of a loaf of bread that you want to save for something else? Freezer! But, to keep those items organized, you may need some help…

With Durbl Bags

I much prefer Durbl bags to Stasher Bags these days. That’s because Stasher is owned by a mega corporation, and shopping small is inherently better for the planet. These reusable silicone bags are great for packing a lunch or snacks, but they’re also incredible for storing stuff in the freezer! I particularly like using them for frozen banana chunks and other frozen fruit I save for smoothies and things like that.

But for liquids…

And Souper Cubes

Try Souper Cubes! These silicone cubes are reusable and can store solids or liquids easily. From meal prepping soup to preserving extra pesto and homemade broth, I use these for so many things. They are essential in my food waste prevention game. Check them out!

Almond Cow

If you’re big on plant milk, try an Almond Cow to prevent waste! Most milk cartons are not recyclable. The Almond Cow allows you to make any plant milk you want at home, from almond milk to oat milk to hemp seed milk. You can even make your own coffee creamer in there! Yes, it’s pricey. You can buy one, sure, or look secondhand, but you can also make your own nut milk in a blender. Though that can be a bit messier, it’s something you already own. Whatever works for you!

Reusable plates, bowls, utensils, etc

People outside the US will say I’m exaggerating, but so many Americans use disposable plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. To save waste and save SO much money over the long run, opt for reusable plates…also known as regular dining ware. Dust off your ceramic plates and bowls and glass cups and get to reusing! If you have a dishwasher, this can save you time and water. If not, learn how to wash dishes effectively by hand. I promise, the money saved alone will convince you to stick with this!

Self-Care and Hygiene

Eco Makeup

Makeup girlies, this is for you! Of course, use what you already have first; it’s the most sustainable thing to do! But, when you’re in the market for new products, look for things in sustainable packaging, refillable packaging, and items that are recyclable and cruelty-free. These criteria greatly reduce the item’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

Some brands I use and love are:

Reusable Period Products

I put this broadly because everyone and every body is different! Here is a quick overview of all of the different eco-period products. From menstrual cups to reusable pads to period underwear, there is truly a zero-waste period swap for everyone. You just have to use what works for you!

Reusable Tissues

I know, they may seem gross, but I’ve been using them since my early zero-waste days, and maybe you will, too! This is another swap I tried so quickly due to how much money (and waste) it can save. And I’ve almost always just made them myself with t-shirt scraps. Just cut soft fabric scraps into a square, and that’s it! No sewing required. Though I do love Boaty, if you want to buy some premade.

Bamboo Toothbrush

A classic eco swap is a bamboo toothbrush! They’re easy to use, and the body is fully compostable. Just be sure to remove the plastic bristles if it has them. For me, it did take some getting used to since it’s a new texture and shape, but otherwise it’s gone smoothly for me! I’ve heard some folks have experience molding on their bamboo, but I can’t say I’ve had that experience, even living in super humid climates. Just be sure to store it upright in an area with good air flow!

Eco Toothpaste

Pair it with some eco toothpaste to really eco-fy your oral hygiene! As with period products, this is not a one-size-works-for-all category. I’m not going to suggest just one product here. It depends on your needs and preferences! I personally hate toothpaste tabs (no, I don’t want your recommendations, I’m sure I tried it and wasted my money on it, and I won’t do it again), and that’s okay. Maybe that’s your preference! It’s okay that we don’t all like the same things. That’s why there are so many great swaps on the market! My recommendations are:

Eco Toilet Paper

Another super easy swap to make is toilet paper. It requires no learning curve to simply opt for a brand that makes it in a sustainable way. I prefer recycled toilet paper because it supports the recycling industry, but bamboo is also a better option than tree-based toilet paper. Here are some brands I love:

Bidet

Another swap that many may not associate with zero-waste beginners, but this was one of my first zero-waste swaps! Perhaps it was because I was living in Japan at the time, so I was used to them, but this is a swap I encourage everyone to try. It prevents the use of so much toilet paper, and it’s much more hygienic! I truly cannot go back to a life without a bidet. When I have to go somewhere without one, it’s a sad day. I love both Tushy and Whisper bidets!

Refillable Bathroom Essentials

Perhaps my favorite zero-waste brand of all time, Plaine Products. They will eco-fy your entire bathroom. They have soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body oil, face wash, and so much more to choose from! Good riddance to all those plastic bottles and hello to metal bottles that you send back to Plaine Products to refill. I did a full interview with them here. They’re super easy to use and send back and a great way to reduce waste. Check them out!

There are certainly more brands and sustainable swaps to choose from so let me know if you’d like me to make another list for beginner zero wasters!

For now, check out this YouTube playlist.

Best of luck on your eco journey. Let me know if you have any questions! As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)

Emma

Emma Dendler
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Eco-Centered New Years Resolutions for 2026