14 Simple Product Swaps to Make Your Home More Green (And More Chic)

Safe to say that this is the most important household essential, so maybe it's time to green up your TP. Bamboo-based Reel paper is a toiled paper subscription service that involves zero plastic wrap (even the tape on the box is without plastic).

Who Gives a Crap also stocks toilet paper and paper towels but their “forest friendly” bamboo tissues are very durable and are wrapped individually in cute printed boxes with no plastic packaging.

Marley's Monsters are made from super absorbent cotton that stick together on a roll to give the illusion and space-saving nature of a roll of paper towels. Just drop into the wash and they’re good as new.

I LOVE CleanCult’s refillable oil-based all purpose cleaner that arrives in a milk carton-type cardboard container. You can buy the bottle they offer, but I personally just refilled an empty spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner I bought years ago and it still works great.

Package Free’s Founder and CEO Lauren Singer created this powder detergent as a need for a simple and chemical-free option for doing laundry. The unscented version only has three ingredients, and pretty much the only things you really need for clean clothes.

I was shocked how much I loved the newly-launched powder dish soap from Blueland. Sprinkle a little on a sponge and the result is shockingly bubbly and leaves a very clean rinse. The silicone shaker is great looking too, but you could easily reuse a large sugar or cheese shaker as well.

Dropps may be known for being leaders in the dissolvable laundry pod revolution, their dishwasher pods are just as strong. Their pods are mailed and stored in a very compact cardboard box—a total space- and plastic-saver.

While I love a bar soap, a foaming handsoap feels a bit better for food handling in the kitchen. Blueland's takes the cake. Buy the glass and recyclable plastic pump dispenser once and refill with the soap tablets that are mailed in a pouch. If you buy the 9-piece refill, the refill tablets work out to a $1.50 each: money saving AND plastic saving!

Microplastics are terrifying. Synthetic sponges are a huge player in shedding them, so sub them out for a natural alternative like these walnut-based scouring pads.

The Wally Shop, dealer of bulk goods was a go-to for me in NYC and now the package-free grocer is country-wide. They send everything in a reusable jar on a deposit that you return (or keep) when you’re ready for a refill. 

Beeswax wraps may seem a little hippie, but they’re so much easier on the planet than clingy plastic wrap. With just an easy wipe down and air dry after using, they’re good to go for another round. I suggest getting a variety of sizes to match anything you’re meant to keep covered.

I mean, this is a game-changer. Once you get one of these sturdy silicone resealable baggies, you’ll never reach for the flimsy go-to’s again.

These biodegradable bamboo bandages are a no-brainer alternative and wonderful for sensitive skin.

Now, I know everyone has their own personal needs but period underwear (scary to say out loud!) has been an utter and true life saver for me. Don’t think about it TOO hard, but just trust me that they work and the maintenance is really no big deal. You will not regret these ones from Ruby Love—period. Ha!