Not every zero waste swap is a good one. Some sound great in theory, but turn out to be wildly inconvenient in practice (pretty much any DIY product).
After nearly a decade of low waste living, I’ve tried a lot and quietly abandoned a fair few. These are the swaps I won't be making—and the habits I’m never going back to.
But some swaps have stuck. The ones that made life easier, not harder. That saved waste, saved money, and, most importantly, actually worked.
There are tons of zero waste swaps out there, but which ones stick really depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you want recommendations that actually make a difference—from someone who’s tried them all—here’s what works.
These are the zero waste swaps worth trying, and why they’re still part of my routine years later.
Zero Waste Swaps That Work
Eating Plants
I didn’t go vegan for zero waste reasons, but it’s definitely helped. Eating more plant-based meals is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental footprint—way more than reusing cups or ditching plastic straws. Even swapping a few meals a week makes a huge difference. It cuts down on packaging, food waste, and emissions. Plus, it’s affordable, healthy, and surprisingly easy.
Thrifting Everything
With so much unwanted stuff in the world, buying new is rarely necessary. If there’s one thing I learned from my year of shopping second-hand, it’s this: if you want it, you can thrift it— and for way less. Clothes, homeware, books, gifts… anything. Thrifting cuts waste and costs, while easing the demand for new stuff. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and way more fun than buying new.
Bulk Buying Online
Refill shops are a great idea but not always practical. When my local one shut down, I stopped trekking across town with empty jars and switched to bulk buying online instead. When it comes to non-perishable items you'll always need, like shampoo, conditioner, cleaning products, and toilet rolls, bulk buying just makes sense. And you can do that online instead of in person to save time as well as money.
Reusable Bags
When I do have to go shopping in person, reusable bags are great. But I haven’t bought one in years. Everyone has a stash of tote bags, drawstring pouches, or a stash of plastic bags that have accumulated over the years. It’s really just about remembering to take them with you, which isn't exactly difficult. I keep one in my coat pocket, another by the door, and a few in the car so I’m always ready. Zero waste without spending a penny.
Recycled Jars
Wax wraps sound great in theory, but anyone who’s tried them knows they can be pretty useless and they only work for very specific things. Glass jars and reusable containers are a far better option. They’re easy to come by—just save jars from jams, preserves, or pickles—and perfect for everything from leftovers and chopped veggies to salad dressings and snacks. Practical, versatile, and way more reliable.
Reusable Coffee Filters
It might seem like a tiny swap, but using reusable coffee filters makes a surprisingly big difference. It’s not just about tossing that little paper filter every day—it’s the packaging, the trips to the store, or the emissions from ordering replacements online. Switching to a metal coffee filter for my Aeropress has removed the unnecessary waste from my morning brew. It’s simple, saves money, and cuts down on all that extra plastic and paper clutter.
Reusable Bottle and Cup
Reusable water bottles and cups have become the zero waste accessory everyone talks about (almost to the point of being a joke). But they are still one of the simplest, most effective swaps out there. I’ve tried a bunch, and the ones that are awkward to carry, tricky to clean, or difficult to fit in a bag didn't last. The one that stuck was my Kinto tumblers—sleek, leak-proof, and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Silicone Baking Mats
Reusable baking mats are one of the most underrated kitchen swaps that make a big difference. No more tearing off endless sheets of foil or parchment that just end up in the bin. Silicone mats save money in the long run and cut down on waste big time. They’re non-stick, super easy to clean, and durable enough to last for years. They also make cooking tricky things, like perfectly crispy tofu, so much easier and tastier.
Bar Soap
Bar soap is one of the easiest zero waste swaps to make and one of the best. It’s convenient, effective, and cheap. It’s simple, effective, and affordable. It also lasts way longer than bottled soap and doesn’t come wrapped in plastic. There’s plenty of choice too, from affordable unscented drugstore bars to beautifully scented options from independent makers.
Washable Cotton Pads
Swapping disposable cotton pads for reusable ones was a game changer. I use washable cotton rounds or a flannel for removing makeup and cleansing. They’re soft, easy to wash, and way better for the planet (and my skin). A small swap with a big impact.
Refillable Makeup
Finding truly low waste beauty products is tricky. Many that claim to be zero waste still come with packaging, and vegan-friendly options can be even harder to track down. Over time, I’ve settled on a low waste routine that works for me: a refillable makeup compact paired with carefully chosen disposable products from affordable, cruelty-free brands. It’s a balanced approach that cuts waste without sacrificing convenience or ethics.
Recyclable Gift Wrap
So much gift wrap is coated in glitter or plastic. It looks pretty but can’t be recycled—and that’s a hard pass. These days, I wrap gifts in recyclable kraft paper, old maps, or newspaper (which honestly looks quite charming with some twine). It’s low effort, low waste, and still feels special.
For me, the biggest change wasn’t buying new “eco” products. It was getting rid of what I don’t need and cutting back on how much I use. Sometimes that means choosing items that aren’t the absolute most sustainable, but because they last longer and get replaced less often, the impact shrinks.
Zero waste living isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding swaps that make life easier, not harder. The best changes come from making do with what you already have. Start small, keep it simple, and focus on progress, not perfection.