Last Updated on August 19, 2025

Reusing your items is one of the best things you can do for the environment. As well as simply using what you have!

Before buying new, I’ll borrow from a loved one first. If that doesn’t work, getting it secondhand is second best. And, as a last resort, I’ll buy it new – but support small businesses where applicable. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

There’s already so many items on this planet – and our resources aren’t infinite. Did you know every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today? Considering most items are made from plastic nowadays, we should make the effort to buy less and choose well.

If you’re looking for a list of items that you can reuse over and over again, here’s what I love to use.

This post is divided into sections to make it easier to navigate, so feel free to jump around where you need to. I also tried to link to small businesses whenever possible in place of Amazon. 

kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most wasteful rooms of the home. And I spend a good chunk of time in it whipping up scrappy recipes (check them out in my new book, 101 Tips For a Zero Waste Kitchen)! 

1. reusable water bottle

Almost everyone has a reusable water bottle nowadays, which is great! But I’ve noticed that sometimes people feel pressured to buy these to be trendy (ahem, Stanley cups anyone?).

Now those very Stanley cups are littering thrift stores. My best advice? Stick to what you have.

And if you are in need of a new reusable water bottle, I’ve had my Klean Kanteen for 6 years and couldn’t be happier with it! 

2. tumbler

If you love hitting up cafes for tea or coffee, consider bringing a reusable tumbler with you! I’ve even been known to bring a coffee mug from home in the past if I plan to stay for a bit.

Of course, double check the cafe doesn’t offer their own mugs if you order it to stay. Many small, local cafes will!  

3. french press

I cannot say enough about my French press – yes, it can make coffee. But it also can make loose leaf tea! And we love a versatile, reusable product that eliminates the need for single-use K-cups or plastic tea bags.

4. stasher bags

To replace plastic ziplock bags, I recommend silicone bags that seal shut. Stasher bags are a good option to consider. You can use them in the microwave, freezer, or even the oven.

5. metal lunch box

A metal lunch box totally beats wrapping a sandwich in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They even have tiered ones which are great when you want to pack more than one thing but don’t want the foods touching. You can wash and reuse it for years to come. 

6. snapware

Glass snapware is perfect for storing leftovers, cut produce, and transporting homemade goodies! You don’t have to worry about plastic leaching into your food either. And it can be frozen too, if need be.

7. silicone baking mat

I love lining my pans with a silicone baking mat – I use it in place of parchment paper or tin foil and it works like a charm. Just clean and repeat! Use some baking soda and a wooden scrubber to get off burnt-on grime.

8. silicone covers

Silicone bowl covers work great at covering bowls with leftovers instead of using plastic wrap. I don’t prefer beeswax wraps (though that is another option).

9. long handled wood dish brush

Instead of a sponge, which can get grody very fast, consider switching to a long handle wooden dish brush! Not only will it make cleaning easier, it helps reduce plastic waste.

And, you only have to change out the top part of it periodically – which can be composted. I like to use it in tandem with a dish soap block, but refillable liquid soap is a great option too. 

10. rechargeable candle lighter

Instead of single-use matches, try switching to a reusable candle lighter. You can recharge it, so it can be reused indefinitely! Saves you money in the long run. Pair it with some sustainable, non-toxic candles!

11. cloth napkins

I’m never purchasing single-use napkins again. Reusable cloth napkins save SO much money, and when you’re done, just chuck them in the washing machine! There are so many cute ones you can invest in with a multitude of patterns to fit any vibe.

cleaning

There’s a lot of waste that comes with cleaning (paper towels, wipes, harsh chemicals etc.). But there doesn’t have to be!  

12. reusable cloth towels

Instead of paper towels, try using reusable cloth towels to clean messes. This can be rags (from old t-shirts or sheets) or microfiber cloths.

Just chuck them into the laundry bin when you’re done. And yes – you can use these to clean toilets too! Make sure to keep a color coded system going. 

13. swedish dish cloths

Swedish dish cloths are great for cleaning countertops – and they’re reusable for a long time. Think of them like a reusable paper towel. Just add water, some soap, and you can use them to clean surfaces. Or soak up spills.

They can even be washed (just air dry them). When they reach the end of their life, just cut them up and add them to your compost! 

14. reusable swiffer pads

If you still have a swiffer pad, don’t toss it. Just get reusable swiffer pads! When yours starts to look grimy, toss it in the wash. No waste needed! If you’re good at sewing, you can probably even make your own.

15. washable duster

I have a plastic-free feather duster I purchased secondhand made from ostrich feathers and a wooden handle. It gets the job done and I don’t need to waste any disposable wipes or paper towels.

16. refillable cleaning products

Instead of buying a new bottle of cleaner every month, why not reuse the same container and just refill it? Many sustainable cleaning companies offer refills that reduce so much plastic waste.

Blueland is a good example of this – nab their spray bottles once, then refill it using their condensed, water-activated refills. Here are some more sustainable cleaning options. And I also love DIY cleaning products too – as long as it’s not laundry detergent! 

bathroom and personal care

The bathroom is an area where a lot of waste gets generated. It’s probably the second most wasteful room in the home after the kitchen.

Makeup, skincare, and haircare products can also be extremely wasteful. Especially if you like to keep up with trends, or get those ‘restock’ videos on your feed.

FYI – those videos aren’t normal and are usually beauty influencers who receive tons of PR (no average person could go through THAT much product, even in one year’s time). 

17. reusable cotton rounds

Instead of disposable cotton rounds, I made my own reusable cotton rounds from scrap fabric! I had a flannel shirt that shrunk and didn’t want to toss it – so I upcycled it instead. I can reuse these cotton rounds over and over, which I love. I use them to remove makeup or apply toner to my skin.

18. bidet attachment

I don’t use toilet paper wrapped in plastic (I’ve switched to Who Gives a Crap), but I barely even need TP because of my bidet! It’s easy to install a bidet on your toilet (yes, they even have ones for renters).

Tushy is one option, but there are many bidet brands out there worth checking out. Bidets can be used to clean more than just number two – they’re great for post-sex and workouts, and that time of the month (ladies, just lean forward a little bit). They’ll keep you clean in so many ways! 

19. refillable soap

Instead of using hand soap you dispose of after it empties, consider switching to a container you can refill. Head to a local refillery (if you have one), or buy from a brand that offers refillable hand soap options.

The same applies to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash soap too! There are several brands that make refillable products you can use in the bathroom. Plaine Products, Public Goods, and Blueland are just a few options to consider. You can also use bar soap. 

20. handkerchiefs

I’ve stopped using tissues and switched over to handkerchiefs instead, which can be washed after use. I fold them in an accordion pattern so when you pull one, it’ll automatically pull the next one out.

I store them in an old porcelain cover box. Many of them are from my grandmother and great grandmother, which is a lovely way of keeping them with me.  

21. reusable period products

In the U.S. alone, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year. Switching to reusable period underwear is a great way to reduce period waste.

I co-founded a period underwear company (Kayaness) with my best friend, Shelby, so I’m a little biased!

But period underwear are wonderful for those irritated by period pads and tampons and want to feel like they’re wearing nothing. Use the discount code kay10 for $10 off your first order!

But reusable pads and menstrual cups are also options for those who prefer extra coverage. Menstrual cups may take some trial and error to find the right fit – but once you do, it will keep for hours! 

22. safety razor

Disposable razors don’t work well and rack up in cash. But when you buy a safety razor, it’s not something you’ll have to replace for years (if ever).

All you’ll need to do is replace the razor blades – but those can be recycled. And honestly, I bought a pack of refills back in 2017 that I’m still using – it will probably last me for several more years, seeing as they don’t have to be replaced frequently. 

23. glass nail file

Most nail files are flimsy and break after a few uses. However, I absolutely love my reusable glass nail file because I can just wash it clean when I’m done and reuse it without worrying it will break!

24. refillable makeup products

There are so many amazing eco makeup brands making a conscious effort to package their products thoughtfully. I am a huge fan of Kjaer Weis and Zao because they are refillable and made using natural ingredients.

parties and events

Parties can create a large amount of waste, from the food to the decor. But with a little planning, you can prevent this (and still have fun!). 

25. reusable plates and cups

Having a stash of plates you keep just for parties is a great idea. Hitting up a thrift shop will deliver affordable results. At the end of the night, ask your friends for help to load up the dishwasher!

For drinks, obviously you can just use glass cups if it’s a dinner party. But if you know guests will be wandering around and may be drinking alcohol, investing in stainless steel pint cups might be for the best. Another option is asking friends to bring their own reusable tumblers!

26. reusable silicone baking cups

If you’re planning on baking for a gathering, especially muffins or cupcakes, consider investing in reusable silicone baking cups! They will save you money, plus you can just wash them for next time (they’re freezer and dishwasher safe too – a plus!).

27. fabric gift wrap

I love wrapping gifts with furoshiki wrap (aka cloth/fabric). You can thrift pretty scarves, sheets and handkerchiefs you use as wraps but make a second gift!  

But you can also upcycle gift bags and tissue paper, reusing them over and over again. Reusing packaging paper to wrap your gifts is also charming (keep it plastic-free by tying it together using twine).

office and stationary

28. refillable fountain pen

If you work an office job, you probably go through a lot of pens. But switching to a refillable fountain pen will save you money in the long run! I draw the ink from an ink well.

And if you’re worried you might lose it – when you know an item is valuable, you’re going to treat it a lot better. Plus there are lots of carrying cases you can nab for it on the go.  

29. wooden highlighters

Are you constantly highlighting things in college textbooks or in books? Consider switching to wooden highlighters. They don’t bleed through the paper and are completely plastic-free. And yes, reusable, to the last point! They won’t dry out on you either.

30. rechargeable batteries

Switching to rechargeable batteries is such a great way to reduce e-waste, but also saves money in the long run. You won’t constantly be tossing out batteries and can just put them on a charging dock when their juice runs low.

What do you think of these reusable products? Which is your favorite, or what would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

The post 30 Things I Reuse Instead of Buying New appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

30 Things I Reuse Instead of Buying New

Last Updated on August 21, 2025

When you’re shopping for clothing, food, or home goods, you’ve probably seen labels like Fair Trade Certified, GOTS, or B Corp. These eco-labels can feel confusing – what do they all mean, and which ones should you look for if you want to shop more sustainably?

While I don’t believe that every single product needs to pass a perfect ‘eco-friendly’ litmus test, (because that doesn’t exist!) I do think these labels and certificates can help us make better and more informed choices.

This guide breaks down the most common sustainability certifications and what each one represents. Knowing these can help you cut through the greenwashing and support brands that are actually making a difference.

why these eco-friendly labels matter:

Not all “eco-friendly” claims are created equal. Many products use vague language like “natural,” “green,” or “eco,” but those words are often just marketing buzzwords with no real standards behind them. This is where third-party certifications come in. They provide independent verification so you can trust that a product actually meets sustainability benchmarks.

When you understand what these sustainability certifications mean, you gain the tools to:

• Avoid Greenwashing: Certifications act as proof. For example, a T-shirt labeled GOTS Certified Organic Cotton has been verified at every stage of production, unlike one simply marketed as “made with organic cotton,” which could be just a small percentage of the fabric.
• Support Ethical Labor and Farming: Labels like Fair Trade Certified ensure farmers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions, so your purchase directly supports communities around the globe.
• Choose Safer, Cleaner Products: Certifications like OEKO-TEX reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in clothing, bedding, food, and personal care. This matters for your health as much as the planet’s.
• Help Shift Industries Toward Transparency: When more consumers demand certified products, businesses are pressured to adopt measurable sustainability practices. Programs like B Corp and Climate Neutral hold entire companies accountable, not just individual products.
• Make Smarter, Longer-Lasting Purchases: Certified products not always but often have to meet higher durability, sourcing, or repairability standards, which means less waste and better value over time.

In short, these labels give you a way to cut through the noise, shop with confidence, and ensure that your money is going toward businesses truly working for people and the planet.

food & farming certifications

fair trade certified

Guarantees farmers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. Premiums also fund community development projects like schools and healthcare. Commonly seen on coffee, chocolate, and cotton.

usda organic / certified organic

Ensures crops are grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or fertilizers. Organic certification supports soil health, biodiversity, and cleaner ingredients. Found on food, textiles, and personal care.

rainforest alliance certified

Focuses on biodiversity, sustainable land use, and better farmer livelihoods. You’ll see the frog logo on coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, and other agricultural goods.

demeter biodynamic

Goes beyond organic by certifying biodynamic farming practices, which treat the farm as a living ecosystem. Standards include composting, crop rotation, and biodiversity preservation. Products often include wine, produce, and grains.

msc (marine stewardship council)

Found on seafood products. Ensures fish are caught using sustainable practices that protect marine ecosystems. Certification requires maintaining fish populations and reducing bycatch.

textiles & fashion certifications

gots (global organic textile standard)

Applies to the full textile supply chain, from organic fiber harvesting to finished product. GOTS-certified products are free from toxic chemicals and meet strict labor standards.

oeko-tex® standard 100

Tests textiles for harmful substances, from pesticides to heavy metals. Every component (zippers, thread, buttons) must pass. Widely used for clothing, bedding, and baby products.

fair wear foundation

Focuses on improving labor conditions in garment factories. Fair Wear works directly with brands and suppliers to ensure safe working environments and fair pay.

beauty & personal care certifications

cruelty free / leaping bunny

Ensures that neither the finished product nor its ingredients were tested on animals. Leaping Bunny is considered the gold standard, more rigorous than generic “cruelty-free” claims.

ewg verified

Found on cosmetics, skincare, and cleaning products. Ensures products meet strict ingredient safety standards and avoid harmful chemicals. Helps consumers choose safer, healthier options.

business & corporate responsibility certifications

b corp certified

A company-wide certification measuring environmental impact, worker treatment, community engagement, and governance. Businesses must meet high accountability and transparency standards.

1% for the planet

Brands commit to donating 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits. Purchases directly fund climate action, conservation, and grassroots groups.

climate neutral certified

Requires companies to measure, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions annually. Certification ensures ongoing emissions reductions, not just offsets.

plastic neutral

Brands measure their plastic use and offset it by funding programs that remove an equivalent amount of plastic waste from the environment.

fair for life

Certifies companies across supply chains for both social and environmental responsibility. Covers fair wages, safe working conditions, and ecological practices.

sa8000

A global standard for ethical working conditions. Ensures no child or forced labor, safe workplaces, and fair treatment of workers.

cradle to cradle certified

Assesses circular product design across five categories: material health, product circularity, renewable energy, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Encourages true closed-loop systems.

leed (leadership in energy and environmental design)

The most recognized green building certification. Covers energy efficiency, water use, indoor air quality, and sustainable construction practices.

energy star

Certifies appliances, electronics, and buildings that meet strict energy efficiency standards. Products reduce carbon emissions while saving money on utility bills.

carbon trust / pas 2060

Certifications that measure and verify carbon footprints. PAS 2060 sets standards for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality.

forestry and paper certifications

fsc (forest stewardship council)

Ensures wood, paper, and packaging come from responsibly managed forests. Protects ecosystems and indigenous rights while promoting sustainable forestry.

sfi (sustainable forestry initiative)

Common in North America. Focuses on sustainable forest management, biodiversity, and responsible supply chains. You’ll see it on wood, paper, and packaging.

blue angel (germany)

One of the oldest eco-labels, also applied to wood and furniture. Products must meet strict standards for environmental safety, recyclability, and emissions.

Sustainability certifications aren’t perfect, but they’re one of the best tools we have to separate genuine action from empty marketing. By looking for trusted eco-labels whether it’s Fair Trade on your coffee, GOTS on your clothing, or FSC on your paper products you’re advocating for more transparency.

Each purchase may feel small, but collectively these decisions send a powerful message: consumers want safer products, ethical labor, and businesses that put people and the planet first. The more we support certified brands, the more sustainable practices become the norm rather than the exception.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Certifications: What Labels Like Fair Trade, GOTS & B Corp Really Mean appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Certifications: What Labels Like Fair Trade, GOTS & B Corp Really Mean

Last Updated on September 10, 2025

You’ve probably seen TENCEL on clothing tags before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it good for the environment?

A majority of the clothing online and in malls are made using polyester, aka plastic. While I’m all for using recycled polyester in fabrics that call for it (like athleticwear), I also try to opt for natural fabrics whenever possible.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

That’s because to create virgin polyester, 70 million barrels of oil are used annually, and transforming this oil into polyester fabric releases numerous toxins into the environment.

Plus, polyester pieces shed microplastics into our waterways when washed. Approximately 500,000 polyester microfibers are released from a 6kg wash.

Lets not forget microfibers of plastic have been found in almost every part of the human body, including our feces, lungs, blood and even placentas. Reducing microplastic exposure can be as simple as utilizing natural fabrics in our clothes.

TENCEL is a brand of Lyocell and Modal fibers, both of which are quite similar, but slightly different. Here’s everything you need to know about TENCEL clothing and which sustainable brands are using it.

is tencel synthetic or natural?

TENCEL is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural wood pulp (cellulose), transformed into fiber using chemical solvents. The chemical processing is what makes Tencel semi-synthetic.

There are two kinds of TENCEL: Lyocell and Modal which have slightly different processing procedures – but both are made from cellulose.

Here’s a glimpse at them:

TENCEL Lyocell

Made with an innovative closed-loop process that results in little waste (more than 99.8% of solvent is recovered!). Wood pulp is dissolved and the solution is pumped through spinnerets to form a filament that is cut into staple fibers which are washed, dried, opened and pressed into bales.

TENCEL Modal

Similar to viscose rayon, but with less waste. Made with resource-efficient technology with high recovery rates of chemicals. Cellulose in Modal processing needs to be chemically altered before it’s dissolved, filtered, spun and cut into staple fibers.

Both TENCEL lyocell and modal fibers are sourced from controlled or certified forests meeting FSC or PEFC standards.  

is tencel a good fabric for clothing?

TENCEL is a good fabric for clothing in place of conventional cotton, silk, or virgin polyester due to its versatility.

TENCEL Lyocell is a great replacement for conventional cotton or silk because its soft to the touch. It’s also more resistant to piling than cotton.

TENCEL Modal is a great alternative to virgin polyester fabrics in activewear due to its breathable and absorbent nature.

Both TENCEL Lyocell and Modal are also a good fabric for the environment. As long as they’re not combined with synthetic fabrics (like polyester), they are certified biodegradable and compostable.

Just be mindful that modal and lyocell made outside of Lenzing AG may not be as eco-conscious, because they don’t have to meet rigorous standards. Modal or Lyocell without the TENCEL certification is likely made in factories not being transparent with their practices both socially and environmentally.

what are the disadvantages of tencel fabric? 

There aren’t many disadvantages of TENCEL fabric, but there are a few that stand out. Here are some to consider:

• Compared to cotton, TENCEL can be expensive

• Unless certified from TENCEL, it’s impossible to know if the wood needed for lyocell or modal is sustainably harvested or crafted

• It is a chemical-heavy process, but if getting from a TENCEL certified brand, it has a significantly lower environmental impact than generic modal

does tencel shrink in the dryer?

Yes, TENCEL lyocell can shrink in the dryer but you can reduce this by simply caring for it properly. Modal is less likely to shrink, but to minimize the chance, wash both lyocell and modal in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry whenever possible.  

If you must tumble dry, do it on a low heat setting and remove the items while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.

where can I buy tencel clothing? 

There are several sustainable brands that sell TENCEL clothing. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information. 

1. toad & co

• Men and women’s clothing for everyday and outdoor use
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell and Modal
• Takeback program for old clothes (from any brand)
• Member of The Renewal Workshop, repairs and resells old Toad clothes
• LimeLoop partner, reusable shipping—made from recycled billboards

2. reformation

• Women’s clothing
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell
• Packaging is made from recycled or compostable materials
• RefRecycling take back program

3. armed angels

• Women and men’s clothing
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell
• Carbon offsets
• Fair trade company
• Supports biomass projects in India to reduce emissions

4. tentree

• Women and men’s clothing
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell
• 10 trees planted with every order
• Ethical manufacturing
• Responsible packaging
• B Corporation
• Carbon neutral certified

5. organic basics

• Women + men’s clothing
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell
• All workers treated with respect, earn living wages, + have a safe working environment
• 1% for the Planet member

6. whimsy and row

• Women’s clothing
• Sustainable materials, including TENCEL Lyocell and Modal
• Limited quantities, produced locally
• Recycle every scrap of material in their production process
• Carbon neutral

What are your favorite TENCEL clothing brands? List them in the comments below!

The post Is Tencel Clothing Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Is Tencel Clothing Sustainable?