This Earth Day, we’re on a mission to make our homes even just a tiny bit more sustainable. One way to help the environment? Try transitioning to more bamboo products in place of traditional cotton products. Bamboo is more environmentally friendly than cotton because it’s more sustainable, uses less water to grow, and grows more quickly. It’s also a superior fabric to cotton in several ways. Bamboo towels can hold much more water than their cotton counterparts and they contain a natural antibacterial compound. Bamboo fabric is generally softer, stronger, and better at sweat-wicking than cotton. All of that, plus, many bamboo products are just as affordable as cotton these days.
But it’s not just about replacing products. Consider also switching to more eco-friendly cleaning products around the home. Or, consider other ways to celebrate Earth Day this year. If it’s possible, donate in a child’s honor to an environmental organization. These organizations are working to protect our planet for generations to come — and as parents, we care even more about the future. Or try some fun ways to get the kids involved.
Another way to help the environment is to transition to more reusable products. And while buying reusable, sustainable products may cost more in the beginning (although a lot of these products are under $3 a pop to begin with), they end up saving the household tons of money in the long run. Imagine never again having to buy costly staples like sandwich bags, plastic wrap, or paper towels — or throwing out a half-used lemon because it’s gone bad. Read on to learn how all of these things are not only possible, but frankly easy.
Hoan Silicone Food Huggers
These food huggers are amazing — they fit tightly on fruits and vegetables like lemons, onions, and cucumbers, preserving them for longer, but they’re also great for resealing open cans. Much better for the planet than plastic wrap.
Hoan Silicone Food Huggers ($14.99 for 4, Amazon)
Suds of Love Laundry Soap
We love this gentle, deodorizing, softening laundry detergent, formulated without harsh chemicals. Order a 2-pound package to start, which comes in an eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable paper tube. Then refill with a bulk 10-pound bag to reduce waste (and save money). It comes with a wooden scoop on request.
Suds of Love Laundry Soap ($20 for 2 pounds, Booda Organics)
Net Market Tote
This cool-looking, reusable tote is great for bringing to the farmers market or the local grocery store. This bag holds about 12 apples, and the netting lets them breathe. It’s made from biodegradable organic cotton, so it won’t end up in a landfill when its useful life is over.
Net Market Tote ($6, Brandless)
Reusable Silicone Baking Cups
These reusable baking cups are made entirely of food-grade silicone, a smart alternative to disposable paper or aluminum baking cups. They can go easily from the oven to the freezer, and are great for healthy omelet egg cups as well as cupcakes. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe.
Reusable Silicone Baking Cups ($13.99 for 24, Amazon)
Bee's Wrap Food Wrap
A way to avoid using costly, eco-unfriendly plastic wrap, this sustainable wrap works for vegetables, fruit, cheese, and bread. Washable and reusable, this organic cotton wrap infused with jojoba oil and beeswax makes a natural seal over food, and washes easily with cool water and mild soap.
Bee’s Wrap Food Wrap ($15.99 for 3, Amazon)
Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
So much better and cheaper than traditional storage bags, which mean basically throwing away money, these silicone food bags come in a variety of sizes, from large storage to small snack bags and sandwich bags. These go in the freezer, the microwave, and they’re dishwasher-safe, too.
Homelux Theory Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags ($32 for 4, Amazon)
Stainless Steel Straws
This set of food-grade stainless steel straws don’t taste metallic, are plastic- and BPA-free, and are dishwasher-safe. They resist rust, scratches, and are easy to clean, with their two long nylon cleaning brushes that can scrub their insides. The pack has enough for everyone in the family.
20 piece Stainless Steel Metal Straws ($12, Amazon)
Reusable Bamboo Towels
These strong, sustainable bamboo towels are far more absorbent and durable than regular paper towels. One roll is the equivalent of 60 conventional paper towel rolls, and fits in a standard paper towel dispenser. Each sheet is machine washable and can be used over 100 times.
Heavy Duty Eco Friendly Machine Washable Reusable Bamboo Towels ($10, Amazon)
Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
Purchase loose produce, like baby lettuce leaves or broccoli florets, in these ultra-lightweight produce bags, then rinse the produce while it’s still in the bag. Way better for the environment than plastic bags, and perfect for the farmers market.
Earthwise Reusable Mesh Produce Bags ($15 for 9, Amazon)
Yitelle Stainless Steel Pour-Over Coffee Cone Dripper
This is so much better than paper filters — the micro mesh funnel is made of stainless steel, which ensures the coffee tastes pure. This filter fits directly over most cups and thermoses, which makes it easy to make coffee directly into a to-go container.
Yitelle Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Cone Dripper ($19, Amazon)
Brita 26-Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle
This BPA-free water bottle filters water directly, so there’s no need to buy endless bottles of water. One water bottle filter can replace 300 regular disposable bottles. This is a simple way to save money while reducing waste.
Brita 26 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle ($23, Amazon)
Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Avocado Savers
For families that absolutely love their avocados (we get it) these avocado-shaped food huggers will help preserve the other half every time — with or without the pit. Reduce food waste by keeping those unused avocado halves green and appetizing! Dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Avocado Savers ($15 for 2, Amazon)
Smart Sheep Reusable Wool Dryer Balls
Synthetic dryer sheets can be bad for our skin and for our clothes dryers, but we love how they remove static cling. The best answer: New Zealand wool dryer balls, which soften and fluff laundry while reducing waste and saving money.
Smart Sheep Reusable Wool Dryer Balls ($16.95 for 6, Amazon)
Refillable Everything Soap
This soap is amazing: it comes in a striking, refillable glass bottle, and can be used for everything from bathing kids and dogs to doing the dishes and washing hands. Stop by the store with the bottle to get a refill or buy one online.
Refillable Everything Soap ($18, Credo)
Stainless Steel Food Containers
Way better than packing disposable plastic bags for either kids or grown-ups who bring a lunch with them, these quality stainless steel containers are rust-resistant, leakproof, and don’t lock in odors. These would be perfect for anyone who tends to break glass or plastic containers.
Stainless Steel Food Containers ($30 for 3, Amazon)
Silicone Stretch Lids
We love that these amazing silicone lids that come in multiple sizes. They’re so much less expensive than replacing Pyrex lids, and they’re infinitely better and more reusable than plastic wrap. They stretch easily and create a perfect seal, and they’re heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Silicone Stretch Lids Huggers Covers ($16, Amazon)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
