Your first ten zero-waste swaps
Start with the items you throw away weekly. These deliver the biggest waste reduction for the least effort.
TL;DR
Top pick for zero-waste beginners: Vitamin C Chewed Toothpaste Bits by Bite (96/100 ethics). Also worth a look: The Reusable Paper Towels (24-Sheet Pack), Ethique Eco-Friendly Mint & Ginger Shampoo Bar, Ethique Body Wash Bar.
What to prioritise
- Use up what you own first — replacing working items early is its own waste.
- Swap the weekly bin items before the yearly ones.
- One good reusable beats five mediocre ones.
- 1
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganPETA Approved+1 more4.5 (18,000)A revolutionary zero-waste alternative to traditional toothpaste. These dehydrated tablets eliminate the need for plastic tubes while providing essential dental care ingredients like Nano-Hydroxyapatite.
- 2
ExcellentB Corp1% for the Planet4.9 (850)A woman-owned, small-batch textile brand from Oregon producing 'UNpaper' towels that eliminate single-use kitchen waste. These are handmade from 100% cotton flannel with high transparency.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (8,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free solid shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and a focus on water conservation.
- 4
ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeFair Trade+2 more4.6 (4,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free body cleanser bar that replaces three bottles of liquid soap and uses regenerative fair-trade ingredients.
- 5
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet4.5 (18,500)A zero-waste, plastic-free solution for hair and body, specifically curated for the minimalist traveler looking to bypass liquid restrictions.
- 6
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (6,400)A plastic-free, highly concentrated shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and carbon-neutral shipping.
- 7
ExcellentVeganPETA Approved1% for the Planet4.4 (850)A zero-waste oral care system consisting of fluoride-free tablets in a refillable glass jar, featuring ingredients sourced from ethical Eastern European partners.
- 8
ExcellentB CorpEcocertVegan4.9 (1,240)A comprehensive, high-tech refill system from a French B Corp, eliminating single-use plastics across all home cleaning categories.
- 9
ExcellentCradle to CradleB CorpLeaping BunnyEPA Safer Choice+1 more4.7 (12,450)An innovative, plastic-free cleaning system utilizing effervescent tablets and reusable glass-and-silicone bottles to eliminate single-use waste.
- 10
ExcellentB CorpMADE SAFELeaping Bunny1% for the Planet4.7 (842)An ultra-concentrated, plastic-free dish soap bar that eliminates single-use bottles while maintaining high performance against grease using 100% biodegradable ingredients.
- 11
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreePETA ApprovedLeaping Bunny4.8 (3,200)A zero-waste hero for the kitchen, this ultra-concentrated vegan soap bar replaces up to three plastic bottles of liquid detergent.
- 12
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,500)The gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
- 13
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,000)The gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
- 14
ExcellentRegenerative OrganicFair TradeUSDA OrganicNon-GMO+2 more4.8 (12,450)The gold standard for ethical food production, this coconut oil uses regenerative organic practices and fair trade labor to set a benchmark for corporate responsibility.
- 15
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 more4.9 (24,000)The gold standard of ethical cleaning; a multi-use, highly concentrated liquid soap made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients.
- 16ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (5,200)
A zero-waste, plastic-free shampoo bar equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo, utilizing fair-trade cocoa butter and peppermint oil.
- 17
ExcellentB CorpGOTS Certified1% for the Planet4.9 (89)A UK-based, women-owned B Corp offering the highest ethical standard in menstrual care. This bulk 'Sisterhood' bundle features GOTS organic cotton tampons and pads with RSPO-segregated inputs, ensuring zero deforestation.
- 18
ExcellentB CorpVegan1% for the Planet4.8 (850)A 100% plastic-free, carbon-neutral glass bottle made in Germany, featuring stunning artist-designed motifs and a swing-top closure.
- 19
ExcellentVeganCradle to CradleFSC Certified4.8 (340)An innovative, mushroom-based countertop composting solution that arrives as a 'living' kit, allowing you to grow your own bin from mycelium and agricultural waste.
- 20
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeIndigenous Owned4.9 (310)A powerful multi-surface cleaner featuring traditional indigenous botanicals, packaged in a refillable glass system to eliminate single-use plastics.
- 21
ExcellentRegenerative OrganicFair TradeB CorpVegan+1 more4.8 (850)A gold standard in ethical confectionery, using regenerative farming to combat climate change while ensuring living wages for cocoa farmers.
- 22
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeLeaping BunnyUSDA Organic+1 more4.8 (14,200)An industry gold standard for ethical home care, this ultra-concentrated soap uses organic oils and fair-trade ingredients for a versatile, biodegradable cleaning solution.
- 23
ExcellentLeaping BunnyEWG VerifiedFair TradeCruelty-Free+2 more4.7 (850)A gold-standard ethical cleanser featuring fair-trade tea tree oil and regenerative organic ingredients in 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.
- 24
ExcellentEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyEcologo4.6 (840)A 100% natural, plant-based cleaner that achieves the highest safety ratings for human health while remaining effective on grease and grime.
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Frequently asked questions
Where should I start with zero waste?+
Audit one week of bin contents. Whatever appears most often — usually food packaging, wipes or bottles — is your first swap.
Is zero waste actually achievable?+
Not literally for most households. Aim for a large, sustained reduction rather than a perfect jar of annual waste.