From the packaging of our foods and personal care products to our utensils when we get take-out or shop online, it seems we can’t get away from creating waste and using plastic. However, reducing our reliance on plastic is an urgent issue. It’s damaging our precious oceans and harming marine life, which in turn affects our own chances of survival on Earth. To do better for ourselves, the planet, and the creatures we share it with, we can begin making improvements by reducing our plastic use. Sure, there is still lots of plastic out there, but the more consumers demand and seek out environmentally friendly products, the more manufacturers will take notice and aim to please.

Even the smallest and simplest changes can make a big impact, and we’d love to help you begin making improvements. That’s why in honor of Earth Day this year, we put together a list of 15 eco-friendly products you should try using. All of these products are available on Amazon and can help you reduce your waste and plastic use, and in general live a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

1. Bamboo Travel Cutlery Set

Source: Bamboo Travel Cutlery Set

Tiny Panda’s Bamboo Travel Cutlery Set comes in a case made of black canvas and the utensils are all made of 100 percent natural bamboo, which is strong, sturdy, durable, and eco-friendly. The set includes a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, straw, and cleaning brush. A bonus in the set is the bamboo toothbrush, as well as a bamboo teaspoon. This eco-friendly cutlery set costs $12.97 and will be helpful in avoiding plastic utensils when eating out or taking lunch to work and school.

Carlos says, “The bamboo cutlery set arrived and it was beyond my expectations. We bought a set for my wife, my two kids, and myself so that we can take it everywhere we go to reduce plastic utensil use. We also bought a set for my mother and father in-law as they travel to Myanmar (Burma) so that they can use their own sets while traveling throughout the country. I highly recommend this item.”

2. Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Source: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Hydro Flask’s Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a great way to avoid buying plastic water bottles while you’re on the go. This reusable bottle has a powder coat to give you a good grip, and it has TempShield insulation which prevents condensation from forming around the bottle. It can keep drinks hot for up to six hours, and drinks cold for up to 24 hours. You can buy it in different sizes: 18 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces, and 64 ounces. The price for an 18-ounce wide mouth black bottle is $29.95.

An Amazon customer says, “This is a great investment for any person who travels, cares about environment or wants to have a cold drink for hours.”

3. Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Source: Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Carrying around a reusable Travel Mug can help you stay eco-conscious when you walk past a coffee shop and get a sudden craving to treat yourself to a nice hot drink. This mug by Contigo can keep drinks hot for up to 7 hours and cold for up to 18 hours. It’s available in 20 colors in three different sizes: 16 ounces, 20 ounces, and 24 ounces. The price varies by size and color, but for reference, the 18 ounce matte black mug costs $16.80.

Shawn says, “This is the best coffee mug I have ever owned. bottom line: lives up to its promise. I actually forgot this mug in my office before a meeting and when I came back for it six hours later the coffee was still STEAMING.”

4. Ball Glass Mason Jars

Source: Ball Glass Mason Jars

Mason Jars are a classic plastic-free storage option. They can be used for food storage, canning, pickling, decoration, and more! You can buy in bulk by buying a set of 12 jars for $18.99.

An Amazon customer says, “we bought these mason jars in place of pint glasses when we moved house merely because glasses (good glasses) are soo expensive. I was skeptical that it might seem a bit hipster/douchey but guests have only commented on how easy they are to drink out of. they’re also handy when all the wine glasses are dirty – you don’t get that with a regular pint glass.”

5. Reusable Cotton Grocery Shopping Tote Bags

Source: Reusable Cotton Grocery Shopping Tote Bags

These Reusable Cotton Tote Bags can be used for grocery shopping to reduce the plastic involved, shopping for other personal items, or even just to carry things. It can be a habit to throw things in a plastic bag and having these around will help prevent that. The price for these 3 tote bags is $12.99.

An Amazon customer says, “These have been so fantastic to use!!!!! They hold more groceries than they look like they would and nice long straps make them easy to carry! Great!”

6. Premium Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

Source: Premium Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

These Premium Reusable Mesh Produce Bags are BPA, lead, and mercury-free. You wouldn’t want to remember your reusable shopping bags only to have to use the plastic produce bags. With reusable mesh bags, you can avoid packaged produce and buy individual fresh produce. This set includes nine mesh bags: 2 small, 5 medium, and 2 extra-large. The price is $16.97.

Lauren says, “I am absolutely in love with these reusable mesh bags! I searched through all the different ones available on Amazon and finally decided on these. I liked the fact that they Donate a portion of each sale, and I also love that they advertise you can throw these directly into the washing machine I clean them. Now down to what really matters. Since purchasing these 2 weeks ago, I haven’t had to throw away any veggies or fruit! I have been able to keep everything fresh for days longer than usual because these bags let the food breathe!! It is also really nice that they come in a variety of sizes with multiple of each size.”

7. Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags

Source: Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags

Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags can help you get rid of resealable plastic bags that may be convenient but are not friendly to the environment. This set of food storage bags is made of food-grade silicone and comes with 3 large bags and 3 small bags. There is one small and large of each of these three colors: clear, green, and red. These are BPA-free and don’t have fillers, coating, phthalates, or poisonous chemicals. The price for this set is $23.36.

Kara says, “I ordered these with hopes of decreasing my Ziploc baggie consumption and am very satisfied with my purchase. I have been using them to refrigerate leftovers and take snacks on the go so the two sizes in this combination pack fit my needs perfectly.”

8. Biodegradable Natural Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrushes

Source: Biodegradable Natural Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrushes

Biodegradable Natural Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrushes can replace the plastic toothbrushes that fill up landfills. The handle of these brushes is made with bamboo, which will never splinter and is water-resistant, and the bristles are soft charcoal. This pack of 8 biodegradable toothbrushes costs $11.99.

9. Stainless Steel Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

Source: Stainless Steel Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

Disposable razors are made of plastic and end up in landfills. With a Safety Razor, you are not only avoiding sending so much plastic to landfills, but you save so much money. You only have to replace the stainless steel blades with safety razors. This razor is durable, comfortable, and will not give you any nicks or cuts. It comes with 5 Swedish stainless steel razor blades and costs $78.31.

An Amazon customer says, “Having several high quality DE razors and having tried many, many razors, blades, brushes, etc. I am very happy with the Rockwell 6S Razor! I love it. Solid stainless, quality in every part, adjustable shaves via the included three various heads.”

10. Simple Being Reusable Cloth Diapers

Source: Simple Being Reusable Cloth Diapers

Simple Being Reusable Cloth Diapers will not only help parents reduce their waste but save them so much money on diapers. These cloth diapers have inner leg gussets for maximum leg protection and snug leg openings with a waterproof cover. They can be washed and dried easily and they come with a free wash bag. Your baby will also stay dry and rash-free because they are so absorbent. The hip snaps are adjustable so that the fit can grow with your baby. There are 5 color sets available: Forest, Space, Geometrics, Under the Sea, and Whimsical. Each set of 6 liners plus a wetbag costs $36.99.

Melinda says, “I am new to cloth diapering. I did a lot of research. It was all overwhelming to be honest. I came across these mainly for the price and cute designs for my son. I started out with just 6 of the diapers because I was unsure how it was all going to work out. The set I purchased, I put to the test!! Literally washed them almost 3 times a day. They washed well and 2 weeks later, they still look brand new.”

11. Lena Menstrual Cup

Source: Lena Menstrual Cup

Reusable menstrual cups are economic because they save women so much money that we’d normally spend on pads and tampons throughout the year. They’re also eco-friendly because pads and tampons end up in landfills. The Lena Menstrual Cup is inserted like a tampon and it collects blood flow, offering complete protection. It can be used for up to 12 consecutive hours and be used during all kinds of activities including dancing, running, swimming, sleeping, etc. It costs $24.90.

Suz says, “Let’s be real. For the price of this cup ($24.90) I can get about a 6 month supply of tampons (maybe). This cup will last for quite a while, it’s reusable, and it’s eco-friendly. This is such a money saver.”

12. Washable & Reusable Unpaper Towel

Source: Washable & Reusable Unpaper Towel

With Washable and Reusable Unpaper Towels, you can reduce waste and save money. Replace disposable napkins with these ‘unpaper’ towels that are quick-drying and extra absorbent. They’re made of organic super soft unbleached cotton and sustainable bamboo alternative. A pack of 10 costs $19.95.

An Amazon customer says, “We’re trying to be more mindful of our waste. I’ve tried quite a few paper towel alternatives, but these are by far the best! They are durable, the perfect size, they don’t get stinky (the last ones I tried smelled very sour after a few uses), once they get a little gross just throw them in the washing machine, and you can’t beat the price for the amount of towels you get. I highly recommend.”

13. OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin

Source: OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin

Composting reduces landfill waste and dependence on fossil fuels, and it’s great for the environment. If you’d like to get started, you can begin with a small compost bin like this OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin. The convenient size and design of this one make it great for counter-top use. The interior walls prevent foods and liquids from building up and it has a rotating handle making for easy transport. It costs $19.99.

Pete says, “This compost bin is comparatively affordable, virtually unbreakable, and addresses issues you wouldn’t necessarily even think of until you used a lesser product for some time.”

14. Tilevo Tea Infuser

Source: Tilevo Tea Infuser

You can avoid wasting tea bags and the plastic involved by buying loose tea and brewing it in an infuser like this Tilevo Tea Infuser. It’s reusable and made with non-toxic, food-grade silicone. These infusers come in a set of a turquoise and green dinosaur—how cute is that? The price for this set is $16.95.

Emily says, “I tried out my tea infusers for the first time this morning and I like them very much! I like how the two pieces snap together, unlike traditional tea infusers, because it allows for less tea leaves escaping into the tea.”

15. Reusable K Cups

Source: Reusable K Cups

Anyone with a Keurig machine can attest to the amount of plastic that is thrown out as a result of the amount of K cups used. However, you can reduce your waste by using Reusable K Cups. This set brings four stainless steel mesh, reusable K cups. Reduce your carbon footprint with this simple solution to some of your plastic waste. The price for this set of 4 is $9.95.

Weldon says, “A great idea for the environmentally-conscious! And buying coffee in bags is far cheaper than k-cups. These work very well.”

We hope these products help you embark on a journey of reducing your waste and cutting down your carbon footprint. For more tips, check out 10 Ways to Adopt a Zero Waste Lifestyle and Follow These 5 Tips and Live Waste-Free Nearly Every Day.

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!