Where to Start with Reusables: 13 Essentials for Low-Waste Living

So when it comes to combating plastic waste, it’s important to find convenient, reliable products that can be reused instead. Ahead, we’re talking reusable essentials, starting with the easiest swaps.

What are reusables?

Not all zero-waste swaps are reusables. For instance, toothpaste tabs are single-use, while still being zero-waste, while compostable cling-wrap will ultimately go back to the earth instead of reused. In this blog, we’re focusing on household products that are meant to be used over and over again. These items are durable, washable, and built to last to save you the single-use plastic cycle.

Start with your trash

Everyone’s lifestyle is different, so the best way to find out which reusable products will have the most impact in your daily life is to check out what you’re tossing the most.

Literally check out what’s in your garbage and recycling to see what could be reduced. Maybe there are a lot of paper towels, berry containers, makeup rounds, or plastic baggies.

Just by refilling at re_ grocery, you can eliminate common grocery store offenders like pasta boxes and other single-use packaging. But we also have reusables that will help you reduce daily waste in other areas of life.

Check out what’s in your garbage and recycling to see what could be reduced

Work up from what’s easy

Once you’re aware of your trash make-up, start with what’s easiest to accomplish. For instance, nowadays it’s easy now to have a water bottle you take everywhere—even most airports have fill stations so you don’t have to buy plastic bottles. Then work your way up to things you may have less control over in your daily choices.

Once you make the switch to reusable sandwich baggies, bentos, food wrap, and other food storage, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner

Reusable essentials for low-waste living

We’ve organized the following reusables from easy starter swaps that are just as effective, to more “advanced” swaps that might take a little extra planning. Everyone’s different, but if you’re looking for a place to start, here are some ideas:

1. Water bottles and tumblers

It’s no secret that Americans like to stay hydrated at all times! With so many good reusable bottle options, this is one of the easiest swaps, and as a bonus, eliminating plastic is safer for your health, too. If you buy coffee out regularly, also consider a reusable coffee cup, and if you like to drink with a straw, stash a reusable straw in your bag or car for easy access.

2. Grocery bags

Reusable grocery bags are a great place to start when it comes to reducing your weekly plastic use. We have a variety, from cotton produce bags, to our market tote with pockets to keep containers from clinking, to easy bags to throw around your shoulder for lighter hauls. Your weekly grocery order is also a great time to stock up on any re_ jars you may need for easy food shopping and storage.

3. Reusable razor

Have you ever tried a reusable razor? We’re putting this close to the top of the list because there’s virtually no difference from the disposable kind except they’re built to last a lifetime. Leaf also has a great razor blade recycling program and a warranty where you can send in your razor to be repaired free of charge.

With so many good reusable bottle options, this is one of the easiest swaps

4. Food storage containers

Once you make the switch to reusable sandwich baggies, bentos, food wrap, and other food storage, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Swap zip-lock style sandwich bags for reusable silicone bags in all different sizes—they’re washable, durable, and perfect for freezing or even cooking with.

To replace plastic cling wrap, try beeswax wrap or silicone food covers. We also have a variety of food-grade stainless steel containers for storing leftovers or packing lunches.

5. Reusable cleaning supplies

Paper towels haven’t been around for that long in the scheme of things, and this is a type of waste that can really add up fast. Use Swedish dish cloths just as you would with the disposable kind, except wring it out, throw it in the washer, and reuse it.

Ditch plastic cleaning bottles for the glass reusable kind to enhance your cleaning experience, and read other no-waste cleaning hacks here.

If you’re grabbing takeout from a restaurant or food truck, bring along a sandwich container and ask them to use it.

6. Zero-waste coffee and tea methods

For many of us, coffee or tea is a non-negotiable daily habit, and that means it’s a great opportunity for a reusable swap like a filter or tea strainer. We’ve written a complete guide to low-waste brewing methods here for all your loose leaf tea, matcha, and coffee preparations!

Swap zip-lock style sandwich bags for reusable silicone bags in all different sizes

7. Wool dryer balls

Revamping your laundry routine? Pick up some reusable wool dryer balls to go with your laundry detergent refills. Not only are they a safe, natural alternative to dryer sheets, but they can be reused thousands of times and even help shorten drying time as another sustainable plus. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your wool dryer balls to make your clothes smell fresh.

8. Menstrual products

Studies show that tampons may pose a health risk, so swapping to a reusable menstrual cup, organic cloth pads, or a mix is a great way to cut down on toxins and disposable waste at the same time. Once you start, you’ll never go back!

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your wool dryer balls to make your clothes smell fresh

9. To-go containers/takeout

If you eat out often, it can be difficult to avoid single-use plastic, and this really adds up in the garbage. To reduce takeout waste, have a utensil set stored in your glove box or office desk and be sure to specify “no utensils” on your delivery app. If you’re grabbing takeout from a restaurant or food truck, bring along a sandwich container and ask them to use it.

Medicines are one of the hardest things to find plastic-free, and those plastic pill cases and bottles can really add up in the bin

10. Produce plastic

Grocery store produce that comes with unnecessary plastic wrap, plastic cartons or plastic stickers can be one of the harder things to avoid. Luckily, when you shop at any of our re_ locations, you’ll find fresh produce hand-selected from the farmers market, without any single-use plastic.

11. Cheese, fish and meat

Plastic-wrapped cheese, fish, and meat are another tricky-to-avoid source of plastic waste. Next time you shop, head to the cheese counter, butcher or deli with your reusable food containers on hand and ask them to zero the scale. This one takes some planning but is so worth it in the end.

Next time you shop, head to the cheese counter, butcher or deli with your reusable food containers on hand and ask them to zero the scale

To eat even more sustainably, limit meat where possible. Looking to avoid the plastic tofu tubs? We’ve got you covered with our plastic-free tofu fresh from re_.

12. Home carbonation

Here’s another advanced one. You started off with reusable water bottles, tumblers, and straws for all your still water, but what about when you want something carbonated? Try our home CO2 cylinder system, and when it’s time to replace it, simply bring it in to re_ ti swap out for an exchange cylinder.

13. Your medicine cabinet

Medicines are one of the hardest things to find plastic-free, and those plastic pill cases and bottles can really add up in the bin. To cover some of your basic needs, try our allergy relief, cold & flu, and pain & fever reducer refills from Cabinet Health.

Don’t stop there—repair!

Finally, to make all your reusable products last you a lifetime, or at least as long as possible, a little care goes a long way. Make sure to read the care guidelines on products, review warranty info as some brands will offer repairs, and store everything safely so you can get the most use out of your items.

We hope this guide to reusables was helpful for your sustainable journey, whether you’re new to reusable essentials or looking for advanced swaps. Now that you have your reusables taken care of, head to re_ grocery to fill up on your recurring needs, from bath and body refills to fresh produce.