Some things in a home are bought again and again: cotton rounds, cotton swabs, plastic wrap, sponges, disposable razors, plastic straws. Each one is cheap, so the habit is easy to miss. This guide is about breaking a few of those loops with things you buy once and wash, rinse or reuse instead.
It is a short list on purpose. We would rather you swap two things you actually use than buy ten you don’t. For each pick we say what it replaces and what it does not fix, so you can decide honestly.
1. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads – 12 Pack ($35.99)
Replaces: disposable cotton rounds. Made of: washable fabric pads. Use them with your cleanser or toner, then put them in the wash and use them again. Twelve pads give you enough to keep a few in rotation while the rest are in the laundry.
Not perfect: they need washing, so they only pay off if they fit into a laundry routine you already have. See the pads →
2. Reusable Silicone Cotton Swab – 2 Pack ($12.79)
Replaces: single-use cotton swabs for makeup and touch-ups. Made of: silicone. Rinse with water and a little soap, then reuse. Small enough for a vanity or travel bag.
Not perfect: they are for external use only. Do not insert them into the ear canal. Silicone is a durable material, but it is not plant-based. See the swabs →
3. Beeswax Food Wraps ($11.99)
Replaces: plastic cling wrap. Made of: beeswax-coated fabric. Cover bowls and wrap sandwiches, cheese, fruit and vegetables, then rinse in cool water and use them again.
Not perfect: use cool water only (heat softens the wax), and they are not the right choice for raw meat. Not vegan, because they use beeswax. See the wraps →
4. Natural Loofah Sponges – 4 Pack ($8.99)
Replaces: plastic scrubbers and sponges. Made of: plant-based loofah. Keep one by the tub and one by the sink and you have made two swaps at once.
Not perfect: this one is not a “buy once forever” item. Like any sponge, a loofah wears out and needs replacing. The difference is what it is made of. See the loofahs →
5. Double Edge Safety Razor with 10 Blades (from $15.32)
Replaces: disposable plastic razors. Made of: metal handle, with 10 platinum-coated stainless steel blades included, each wrapped in wax paper. You keep the handle and change only the blade.
Not perfect: you still buy blades over time, and a safety razor takes a little practice (short strokes, a shallow angle, let the weight of the razor do the work). Handle used blades with care. See the razor →
6. Reusable Carbonized Bamboo Straws (from $12.84)
Replaces: single-use plastic straws. Made of: carbonized bamboo, 21.5 cm long. Choose wide smoothie straws or slim ones in packs of 50 or 100, with an optional cleaning brush set.
Not perfect: a pack of 50 is more than most homes need, so it works best for parties, a big family, or splitting with friends. Rinse them after each use. See the straws →
7. All-Natural Shampoo Bar ($14.99)
Replaces: a plastic shampoo bottle. A 2.6 oz bar, sulfate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free, with no synthetic fragrance. The maker states it lasts 50+ washes.
Not perfect: you still rebuy shampoo, so this swap ends the bottle, not the purchase. Keep it dry between uses so it lasts longer. See the shampoo bar →
Where to start
Pick the one item you throw away most often in your home and swap only that. When the new habit sticks, add the next one. If you are not sure which swaps fit the way you run your home, our free 3-minute Home Strength Quiz suggests a short list for you.
Want to know how we choose what we sell? Read Our Swap Standard. US orders ship free from $70, and you have 30 days to return (see our refund policy).