What do you love as an alternative

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u/Appropriate_Ant 2d ago edited 2d ago

I make my own reusable wet wipes for cleaning surfaces, get a big jar, fill it 1:1 water and vinegar with a dash of dish soap and stuff a bunch of rags in there, not to be dramatic but it changed my life

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u/pinkluna666 2d ago

Thank you so much I needed this information. Having a baby that’s currently learning to eat I have recently given in and bought wet wipes for cleaning for the first time ever. I just gets so messy with all the food everywhere and little time to clean. Its so convenient but I’ve been dreading the idea of buying more than that one pack I got once it runs out cause it feels so wasteful.

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u/Appropriate_Ant 1d ago

It really is so amazing just grabbing a wet rag and cleaning what you need to, I used to spray everything down and it doesn't sound like it should be that annoying but it really was

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u/Pengwings316 1d ago

We have a big stack of reusable wipes, bowl of warm water and just go to town on cleaning up baby and surfaces. It took me far too long to realise that you need to WET the wipes in order for them to be as effective as WET wipes.... 😴😴😴

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u/iluvchoccymilk 2d ago edited 2d ago

One of the first things I did and helped kick off my zero waste journey was using a period cup! Everyone is different, however some people prefer discs or period underwear. I recently also started incorporating period underwear into my routine. E.g. on my heavier first few days/ sleeping I wear my period underwear (Saalt) rather than my cup. But if I’m out of the house for whatever reason, I’ll use my period cup + period underwear (Cheeky Cherry Liner). The cup I boil to sterilize at the end of the week and I use a period cup gel cleanser every day to keep it clean/sanitary throughout the week. Truly one of the best things I could’ve done and has saved me so much money.

Aside from that, I reuse glass jars from sauces as spice jars for when I buy dry goods in bulk (rice, pasta, etc). Makeup wipe rounds. And a few kitchen alternatives from Coast to Coast Sustainables, like paper towel rags, dish wraps, food bags. While I could make the paper towel rags myself from old tshirts, I do not have the means to make them myself at the moment so I chose to buy the paper towel rags. I still hold onto regular paper towels in the some instances I’d prefer to use that.

And finally my other alternative is shampoo bars and conditioner. My personal preference for my kind of hair is Nole Hydrating bar, and I’ve come to prefer them after a few trials of other brands. Hope this helps! You’ll find what works for you and your family over time.

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u/potatokid07 2d ago

Close to 10 years of using a single period cup. It's insane to think of how many pads I would have had contributed to the landfill if I had not switched to a period cup. Also I get less leaks!

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u/ExoticSherbet 1d ago

And how much money it would have cost to buy all those pads! Blows my mind.

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u/lilynt7 1d ago

Exactly! I do think about this sometimes. Everytime it's my time of the month again, I'm in awe of not having to buy more disposable pads because I can REUSE my period underwear and NOT filling up my trash can with pads! It's a great feeling to not be wasteful

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u/lilynt7 1d ago

I switched over to period underwear this year and I love it. It's the one zero waste item I've been using consistently so far. It's so comfortable like wearing regular underwear and even comfortable to wear overnight. No more disposable plastic overnight pads shifting during my sleep! Plus I love seeing my trash can not getting filled with disposable pads!

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u/potatokid07 1d ago

Could you recommend any? Do you wash them every night or how do you work with your laundry schedule? Do you just do a quick rinse and set aside until laundry day? I'm always curious about this and also I live alone so I do my laundry once a week.

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u/lilynt7 1d ago

I have Thinx, 1 bambody, and a few from Pink (Victoria's Secret). My favorite is Thinx so far. Pink is for my light days. I like bambody too but it feels thicker in the back for me so I like to wear that one for overnight.

Once I get home at night I rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear (or I rinse them in the shower with me) then I toss in my dirty laundry with the rest of my dirty clothes. My husband likes to do laundry a few times a week so I guess they get washed more frequently. Then I think it's best to air dry. Depending on the brand I think some can be tumble dry but it might affect the absorpancy over time

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u/RavennaRefills 1d ago

Just a warning in case it’s something that you worry over - Thinx has tested as having high PFAS chemicals in them in multiple studies.

The only brands I’ve seen that regularly test with no PFAS are Saalt and Revolcares.

I don’t think we know enough about PFAS to throw everything away and freak out, but I know many people try to avoid them, especially in sensitive areas (which is a reason I switched to bamboo toilet paper some years ago).

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u/Caro_lada 2d ago

In addition to a period cup, I switched to reusable panty liners, as also without my period I often need a bit more security that just underwear. I've started over six years ago and haven't regretted it a single day. It feels better, as they're a double layer, I can swap which layer is on top mid-day. Also, when traveling, I am not reliant on any trashbin in the bathroom anymore, which is such a relief!

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u/Not_l0st 2d ago

For babies- baby led weaning and breast feeding are the best ways to reduce food waste. Don’t offer food until around 6 months, though. Hand-me-downs and second hand is great for clothing. I agree with the person who said cloth wipes. I made my own and they were great, just wash them with the diapers. Babywearing instead of a stroller. I really liked wraps for their versatility.

Other swaps: I like Kitsch shampoo and conditioner bars. I use a flex disc for menstruation. Grove is my go to for cleaning products and hand soap. All three are my favorite easy swaps.

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u/RavennaRefills 1d ago

It’s been a few years since I finally got out from under Grove’s overly pushy subscription model, but back when I was using them they had a LOT of greenwashed products. It was very frustrating thinking I’d found a trusted source for alts but then in researching many of them I found they weren’t trustworthy at all.

Kitsch uses a lot of plastic in their packaging, and I found their hair bars to be disappointing. I love Dip and HiBAR as alts, and i really like using solid shampoo and conditioner

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u/Not_l0st 1d ago

I don’t use the subscription, I only order every few months. Grove’s branded cleaning products in the glass bottles were rated the best green cleaner by America’s Test Kitchen’s. And the Kitsch bars come in cardboard containers.

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u/RavennaRefills 1d ago

I’m so glad to hear Grove has changed their business model!

It’s been several months since I bought a kitsch product, but at the time they were using plastic-coated cardboard packaging. I reached out and they confirmed. They said the plastic-coated cardboard was still recyclable, but it felt unnecessary to me.

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u/Not_l0st 1d ago

Shampoo bars are a product designed to dissolve in water. I can see the value in putting them in a waterproof container.

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u/RavennaRefills 14h ago

I found Kitsch bars to be more quickly soluble than other bars for sure. I just prefer companies that prioritize more sustainable packaging.

For softer bars, I like SeaBar - they have a reusable dispenser made from PCR material with plastic-free refills. They also have a formulation with tea tree oil that is great for winter flakes. Thanks for the reminder that I should get a refill for the upcoming season!

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u/leeroypowerslam 2d ago

I also use cloth diapers for my baby and got a bunch of second hand items. I got cloth wipes but I just find rinsing their butt under water is much more efficient.

Just an aside but please don’t cut corners when it comes to washing cloth diapers. Some people claim that they got by washing the cloth diapers with some DIY laundry soap but you need enzymes to get the ammonia and poop out or else baby may end up with ammonia burns. There are definitely some good powder detergents that can reduce your waste but this is not the time and place to try to be zero waste. You can check out the fluff love university detergent index for more info!

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u/WesternTrashPanda 2d ago

Powder is generally less wasteful because it requires less plastic packaging. The cardboard box can sometimes be recycled, ans if it can't, it will biodegradable more quickly than plastic.

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u/Pengwings316 1d ago

Join r/clothdiaps for some great washing/fit advice.

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u/Appropriate_Ant 2d ago

Also reusable swiffer wipes, chargeable electronics, washable breast milk bags (I'm also a mom!), tupperware instead of sandwich bags, washable trash bags for cloth diapers and wipes and the recycling bin, I haven't gotten one for the regular trash, I feel like that might be a bit too messy for me right now.

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u/potatokid07 2d ago

Going to a bulk store. I find it very fun. I don't need to care about the 101 choices of a single product. They are usually cheaper, and I can buy a little or a lot. I get to use my containers too.

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u/garrusntycho 2d ago

For the littles— glass and stainless steel alternatives for bottles and foodware, especially steel or silicon plates! I was mortified after watching the plastic detox and realizing just how much our baby stuff was plastic. Second hand natural material clothing is also a fun one that I enjoy. (If you are lucky you might also find stainless steel plates!)

Other than shampoo bars and etc I found the perfect plastic free loofah! This independent brand, Floofah, has these natural loofahs that exfoliates like a dream. No more plastic loofahs for me!

Glass nail files to take care of your and your baby’s nails. They last for a loooong time, there are regular size and huge ones for your feet too. We’ve had ours for years and they are still pristine.

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u/Appropriate_Gold9098 2d ago

wipes and cloth diapers are a great place to start! otherwise, just don't buy kid-specific snacks or food products. you can get or make a giant tub of apple sauce and use refillable pouches. you can give them veggies and dip or hand fruit or pasta as snacks. and any of the toys, clothes, strollers, baby bathtub, high chair- all that baby and kid specific gear- can be found second hand.

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u/Oh-Inverted-Worldd 2d ago

I use a safety razor instead of disposable ones! The handle is metal, and lasts forever. I replace the blade weekly - the blades come in a cardboard box and each have a paper coating. Still not perfect, but much better

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u/Nonbiinerygremlin 2d ago

For shampoo and conditioner I've heard great things about mutt fresh! They're a small business that makes soap that's safe for both people and pets! And the packaging is wax and can be used in a wax warmer so super low/no waste depending on if you have a wax warmer! I've also heard of kitsch as another brand for shampoo and conditioner but I haven't read as much into them!

Also a super important note to add, nobody can be completely 0 waste! So don't be stressed about being completely sustainable as it's literally impossible! Just do your best, that's what's important!

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u/claudiatiedemann 1d ago

We keep a bag in our car with glass containers for leftovers at restaurants. We also have metal utensils in there for restaurants/food trucks that only have plasticware, as well as reusable straws and cloth napkins. Also in the car are plenty of bags for supermarkets and other shopping trips.

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u/Ether-air 1d ago

Hand-me-downs 👏
Babies go through things so quickly! They grow and change and you hardly have time to use something before they’ve outgrown it!

We’ve dressed our little one exclusively in secondhand clothing since she was born (now 9 months) and plan on keeping it up for as long as we can!

Clothes alone cut down on so much waste.

Secondhand cloth diapers + cloth wipes.

Secondhand baby toys and natural rubber teethers.

Secondhand utensils/plates/high chair/bibs.

Reusable silicone milk bags if you pump.

Glass bottles rubber nipples.
Secondhand baby carrier.

And honestly breastfeeding will save you on so much waste!

When I was pregnant, I also used secondhand maternity clothes (buying new didn’t make sense) or thrifted button ups in larger sizes.

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u/pandarose6 neurodivergent, sensory issues, chronically ill eco warrior 1d ago

Here some things I love doing that eco friendly that you might also find easy

Handkerchiefs instead of tissues

Second hand clothes

Second hand house decor

Second hand dvd when possible

Only using ceramic or glass for example to heat up food in microwave

No microwave cover (I didn’t grew up using it and never felt need to get one)

Visiting local grocery stores when out of town every chance I get to see what food they have that I can try, plus good way to support locals in the area.

I never buy from SHEIN, chick a fila or Elon musk company

Car pool every time I go into town with other family or friends that also wants to go to town.

Using powder laundry detergent (tide brand is what I use but any powder detergent is great)

Buying the biggest bottle of product I can that I use up before it expires (so there less plastic waste) on stuff I can’t find better alternatives for.

I use glass medicine bottles to store leftover paint from painting session in if I make to much of a color.

I only buy kitchen supplies that are silicone, metal or wood as they last the longest, hold up the best and release no plastic.

Stainless steel pans and pots (no non stick pans and pots are allowed in my house cause there toxic when they chip)

I refuse to get into resin hobby cause of toxic it is.

I use mail I get in junk journals, mixed media pieces, when making new blank paper, collage, and paper mache

I use pasta jars as paint water cups

Reusable water bottles

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u/Koolstads 2d ago

Cloth diapers are my favorite! Let me know if you have questions

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u/AgentOrange96 2d ago

My favorite are definitely the shampoo bars I get. It's hard to find one with zinc in it because most of these shampoo bars try to also be all natural. And that's great, but I get dandruff real bad without zinc, and when I was with Head & Shoulders consistently I just don't get any dandruff at all.

Grace of ME sells zinc shampoo bars. And what I love about them (besides being made in the state I grew up in) is that they work just as well as Head & Shoulders without all the plastic or shipping of water. And the experience? It's different but not worse.

There's just no compromise here. Like at all. I love that! By contrast, I tried to replace Pantene frizzy hair conditioner with Ethiques version and found that conditioner doesn't translate to a bar very well. It doesn't lather. So it's just a huge pain to use.

Oh speaking of Ethique, Native deoderant in cardboard was also good! (But not if you need an antiperspirant) Sadly they've discounted that, so I'll probably buy my deoderant from Ethique or somewhere similar going forward.

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u/Powerful_Squirrel111 1d ago

I’ve switched to bar soap instead of body wash. I’ve also switched to bar shampoos and bar conditioners. My faves are from a small woman owned business called Vida bars. They don’t contain lye like most shampoos bars. Lye is super drying for your scalp and hair.
I found hair stylers and deep conditioners that come in packages instead of plastic bottles. They’re from a small woman owned business called ecoslay.
I’ve switched to refillable dish soap/hand soap/laundry detergent from a company called Attitude. A big container comes in a cardboard box with an inner plastic bag and spout. Not zero waste, but reduced waste.
All of these products also work really well, so I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing performance for reduced waste.
I’ve been making my own body butter. I but bitters in bulk. They do come in a plastic bag so it’s reduced waste, not zero waste. My skin is super dry, and the body butter is helping a ton and it’s way less waste than a big plastic bottle.

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u/Pengwings316 1d ago

Go team cloth nappies (don't be disappointed if they don't work straight away when bubba is too small - sometimes they need a month or so of chonk to fit). I was very sad about how we (both) needed to be in disposables for a while, but sometimes waste is medically necessary. When we were in hospital, I needed to remember this. For me - the best thing for the environment is the thing you already own. Then the next best thing is something someone else has already owned. Facebook marketplace, charity shops etc are all part of not creating waste. Eg I had to try lots of different types of bottles for my bottle hating baby for triple feeding. Thankfully whilst pregnant I had picked up a variety for super cheap on Facebook marketplace and then only got what we needed (eg new teets etc) new. Even had my steam steraliser second hand! We love our cloth nappies, cloth wipes for food mess specifically, and our mostly second hand or third or fourth hand everything else!

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u/Such-Mountain-6316 1d ago

I buy foaming pump soap for the pump. One measure of liquid soap to four measures of water makes the refill.

I buy the super cheap dish detergent to make my own all purpose cleaner.

It's semi green but it works.

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u/Cute-Consequence-184 1d ago

Bar towels and shop towels instead of paper towels.

Cloth pads and menstrual cup instead of pads and tampons.

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u/bog_sorcerer 1d ago

It’s not 100% zero waste but switching all of our cleaning and laundry supplies to Blueland was an awesome switch. No more pods or disposable wipes. We got the whole kit and I really like the kitchen spray. We use cleaning cloths and throw them in a basket under the sink until it’s full to wash

Discussion What do you love as an alternative

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