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15 reusable products that help reduce waste
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Every day, we throw away countless items without a second thought - coffee cups, food wrappers, paper towels, and plastic packaging. It all adds up. Globally, we produce over 2 billion tonnes of waste each year, and plastic alone accounts for around 350 million tonnes annually, with less than 10% ever getting recycled. The rest? It ends up in landfills, incinerators, or worse - drifting in our oceans.
Many people have already embraced reusable water bottles and tote bags, but reducing waste goes far beyond the obvious swaps. There are plenty of everyday items - some you might not have even considered - that can replace disposable versions and help cut down on waste without sacrificing convenience. From kitchen essentials to personal care products, the right reusables don’t just help the environment, they often save money and make life easier in the long run.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 reusable products that can help you cut down on waste a
Why reusable products matter
“ Single-use products have become so ingrained in daily life that it’s easy to overlook their impact. From disposable coffee cups and plastic cutlery to food packaging and paper towels, the convenience of throwaway items comes with an environmental cost. Globally, packaging waste accounts for nearly 141 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, making it the largest source of plastic pollution. ”
The environmental impact of single-use products goes beyond landfill waste. The production of disposables consumes huge amounts of natural resources, energy, and water. Manufacturing a single plastic bottle requires three times the amount of water it holds, and plastic production contributes 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Many of these items are used for only a few minutes before being thrown away, yet they stay in the environment for decades or even centuries.
Switching to reusable alternatives is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint. Unlike recycling, which depends on sorting systems and recycling facilities, reusables eliminate waste at the source. A single reusable coffee cup, for example, can replace hundreds of disposable cups each year, while reusable food wraps can prevent thousands of meters of plastic wrap from being discarded over a lifetime.
Beyond environmental benefits, reusable products also save money in the long run. While they might cost a little more up-front, high-quality reusables pay for themselves over time. By switching to cloth towels instead of paper towels, for example, you can reduce your weekly grocery bill. Similarly, a refillable razor eliminates the need for disposable plastic cartridges, cutting costs while also reducing plastic waste.
The shift toward reusables is not just an individual responsibility but also part of a broader movement toward sustainability. As more consumers demand alternatives to single-use products, businesses and policymakers are responding with incentives, bans, and regulations that support waste reduction. The European Union, for example, has already banned certain single-use plastics, and many cities now charge for disposable bags to encourage reusable options.
“ Making the switch to reusables doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach. Small, gradual changes - such as replacing plastic food storage with glass containers or using a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper - can add up to a significant reduction in waste. ”
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Reusable products you might not know about
Most people already have a reusable water bottle and a tote bag lying around, but what about the everyday items we don’t think twice about throwing away? Plastic wrap, paper towels, cotton swabs, and even baking parchment - these small disposables add up fast.
The good news is that there are plenty of reusable alternatives that can replace them without making life any less convenient. Some of these swaps are well-known, while others might surprise you. Either way, they’re simple ways to cut down on waste and save money in the long run.
Collapsible and insulated cups
Reusable coffee cups have become common, but collapsible versions take things a step further. These lightweight silicone cups fold down to fit in your pocket or bag, making them easy to carry anywhere. In the UK alone, 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups are thrown away every year, and fewer than 1 in 400 are actually recycled. Switching to a reusable cup means never having to feel guilty about grabbing a takeaway coffee again.
For those who prefer something sturdier, insulated cups are another great alternative. They keep drinks hot or cold for hours and can replace both disposable coffee cups and single-use plastic water bottles. Many cafés even offer discounts to customers who bring their own cup, making this swap a win-win.
Beeswax and vegan wraps
Plastic wrap is one of those kitchen staples that people don’t really question - until they realise there’s a better option. Beeswax wraps (and plant-based vegan alternatives) are reusable, washable, and mold to containers or food using the warmth of your hands. They work just as well as plastic wrap but last up to a year before needing to be replaced.
The UK alone uses around 1.2 billion metres of plastic wrap every year - enough to circle the Earth 30 times. Reusable wraps are a simple way to cut down on that waste, and they even keep food fresher for longer.
Silicone baking mats and muffin cups
If you bake often, you probably go through a fair amount of parchment paper and cupcake liners. While they might seem harmless, they add up over time, and many have a non-stick coating that makes them non-recyclable. A reusable silicone baking mat can replace thousands of sheets of parchment paper over its lifetime, while silicone muffin cups eliminate the need for paper cases altogether.
Besides cutting down on waste, these swaps also make baking easier. Nothing sticks, they’re easy to clean, and they save money in the long run.
Stainless steel tea infusers and reusable coffee filters
Tea bags might seem harmless, but many actually contain plastic. Some brands even seal their bags with polypropylene, which means they won’t fully break down in compost. Loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser solves that problem while also improving the quality of your tea.
A recent study found that some tea bags release billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water. Switching to loose-leaf tea with a reusable infuser means you’re not drinking plastic along with your tea.
Similarly, reusable coffee filters made from stainless steel or organic cotton can replace the millions of paper filters that end up in landfills every year. They also eliminate the chemicals found in many bleached paper filters, leading to a cleaner-tasting cup of coffee.
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Reusable ear swabs
Cotton swabs might be small, but they create a surprising amount of waste. Globally, over a billion disposable swabs are thrown away every year, and many contain plastic stems that end up in the ocean. That’s why several countries, including those in the EU, have banned plastic-stemmed swabs entirely.
A reusable ear swab made from medical-grade silicone is a simple swap that can last for years. It works just like a regular cotton swab but can be washed and reused instead of being tossed in the bin after a single use.
Compostable Swedish dishcloths
Paper towels and synthetic sponges contribute to a massive amount of household waste. In the US alone, over 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used every year. Swedish dishcloths, made from a mix of cellulose and cotton, offer a reusable and compostable alternative.
These dishcloths are ultra-absorbent, last for months, and replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels each. When they start to wear out, they can go straight into the compost bin instead of the trash.
Refillable deodorant and makeup containers
The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of waste, with over 120 billion units of packaging produced every year. Most of it is made from mixed plastics that are difficult to recycle. That’s why some brands now offer refillable deodorant cases, lipstick tubes, and foundation bottles. Instead of buying a new container every time, you just replace the inner product.
Supporting brands that offer refillable options helps reduce waste while encouraging more companies to move away from disposable packaging.
Fabric gift wrap (Furoshiki Wrapping Cloths)
Wrapping paper is another big source of waste, especially during the holidays. Most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable because it’s coated with plastic or foil. A reusable alternative? Fabric gift wrap, inspired by the Japanese tradition of furoshiki.
The UK discards 227,000 miles of wrapping paper every Christmas - enough to wrap around the planet nine times. Switching to fabric wrap not only reduces waste but also adds a unique, personal touch to gifts.
Reusable lint rollers
If you have pets or wear a lot of black clothing, you probably go through quite a few lint roller sheets. Each roll contains dozens of sheets that end up in the bin after a single use. A reusable lint roller, made from silicone or fabric, does the same job without generating any waste.
It’s easy to clean, works just as well as disposable versions, and lasts for years. Considering how many disposable lint rollers get thrown away annually, this swap is an easy way to cut down on waste.
Reusable candle holders with wax refills
Candles are a household favorite, but their containers often get tossed out after the wax burns down. Many brands now offer refillable candle holders, where you can purchase wax refills instead of buying an entirely new candle. This cuts down on packaging waste and extends the life of decorative candle jars.
The candle industry generates millions of tons of waste each year from disposable glass jars and packaging. Choosing refillable options supports a more circular system and reduces unnecessary waste.
Reusable silicone zip bags
Many people use plastic sandwich bags for meal prep or storing leftovers. But they’re usually single-use and hard to recycle. Reusable silicone zip bags offer a durable, washable alternative that can last for years. They can be used in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, making them even more versatile than their disposable counterparts. Swapping to silicone bags prevents thousands of plastic bags from being discarded over a lifetime.
Laundry detergent sheets and refillable cleaning products
Traditional laundry detergents often come in bulky plastic bottles, many of which don’t get recycled. Laundry detergent sheets on the other hand dissolve in water, removing the need for plastic packaging altogether. They work just as well as liquid or powder detergents but are far more lightweight and eco-friendly.
Similarly, many household cleaning products now come in refillable glass or aluminum bottles, with cleaning tablets or concentrated solutions that mix with water. Switching to a refillable cleaning system eliminates unnecessary waste without compromising on effectiveness.
Reusable cloth produce bags
Even people who bring their own shopping bags often forget about the thin plastic produce bags used for fruits and vegetables. These flimsy bags are rarely recycled and add up quickly. Switching to reusable mesh or cotton produce bags eliminates the need for single-use plastic at the grocery store.
Plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter found in oceans and waterways, with over 100,000 marine animals killed each year from plastic entanglement. Bringing reusable produce bags is an easy way to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste.
Reusable travel-sized toiletry bottles
Frequent travelers know the struggle of single-use hotel toiletries and travel-sized shampoo bottles. Instead of buying mini versions of everything, reusable silicone toiletry bottles allow you to refill with your favorite products without waste. Choosing refillable travel bottles reduces personal waste and ensures that products aren’t thrown away after a single use.
Refillable dental floss and silk floss alternatives
Traditional floss is made from nylon or Teflon-coated plastic, which doesn’t break down in landfills. Every year, millions of plastic floss containers and floss strands contribute to unnecessary waste.
Refillable floss dispensers offer a waste-free alternative, allowing you to replace only the floss spool instead of tossing out an entire plastic container. Many sustainable floss brands now offer biodegradable silk floss or plant-based corn fiber floss, which naturally decomposes instead of lingering in the environment. It’s a simple change that helps reduce landfill buildup without sacrificing effectiveness.
How to incorporate reusable products into daily life
Switching to reusable products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, simple changes add up over time, and the easiest swaps are the ones that fit naturally into your routine.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Start with simple changes | Carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and tote bag eliminates waste without much effort. Swapping plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or using silicone lids instead of foil are easy alternatives that quickly become second nature. |
| Make reusables convenient | Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car or a collapsible coffee cup in your bag helps ensure they’re always available. Refillable cleaning products and personal care items work best when they’re set up as part of a routine. |
| Focus on durability | High-quality materials like stainless steel, glass, and silicone last longer and prevent waste more effectively than low-quality reusables that need frequent replacing. |
| Proper care extends lifespan | Most reusable items can be washed with hot soapy water or placed in the dishwasher. Fabric-based reusables like beeswax wraps or Swedish dishcloths should be hand-washed and air-dried. |
| Progress matters more than perfection | The goal isn’t to eliminate all disposables overnight but to reduce waste where possible. Even a few reusable swaps can prevent thousands of single-use items from being thrown away over time. |
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How Greenly can help your company
At Greenly, we help businesses take meaningful steps toward sustainability by providing comprehensive carbon management solutions that go beyond simple waste reduction. While switching to reusable products is an important step for individuals, companies need a structured approach to measuring, managing, and reducing their overall environmental impact.
How Greenly helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint
- Accurate Carbon Accounting: Our platform allows businesses to track their emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, identifying key areas where waste and resource consumption can be minimised.
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management: We help companies assess their supply chain emissions, including packaging and product lifecycle impacts, to transition toward more circular business models.
- Custom Decarbonisation Strategies: Greenly helps create tailored action plans to help businesses implement sustainable alternatives, from waste reduction initiatives to product redesigns that prioritise reusability.
- Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: With stricter regulations on sustainability reporting, we help businesses stay ahead by ensuring they meet evolving environmental standards.
Reducing waste is just one part of the sustainability puzzle. Whether you're a company looking to implement circular economy principles or seeking to improve your carbon footprint tracking, Greenly provides the tools and expertise to make sustainability actionable.
Interested in learning how Greenly can support your business? Get in touch today to start your journey toward a more sustainable future.
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