15 Reusable Items That Can Save You Money and Cut Down on Trash

Source: Nelli Syrotynska/Shutterstock

“Going green is too expensive.” 

At The Earthling Co., we hear this a lot. And to be fair, living a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle can be pretty intimidating when you’re on a super-tight budget. But here’s the thing: Adopting more sustainable habits doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. 

On the contrary, making the switch to plastic-free products that can be reused again and again can actually save you money in the long run. Want to green up your life without going in the red? We’ve put together a list of reusable items that promise to make your wallet and the planet happy. 

Best Reusable Items for the Kitchen

In many households, the kitchen is one of the biggest sources of plastic waste. If you’re on the hunt for sustainable kitchen products, here are a few reusable items that will give you the best bang for your buck.

1. Paper Towels – Are you guilty of tearing off a paper towel for literally anything? Consider replacing your traditional paper roll with reusable bamboo paper towels. They’re great for cleaning up small spills and wiping down countertops! An even easier swap? Use the towels you already have. Whether you use your regular kitchen towels or old t-shirts, you can throw them right in the washing machine and use them again!
2. Grocery Bags – With many stores now charging extra for plastic bags, bringing your own reusable tote bag to the grocery can save you money. 
3. Baking Cups – Depending on where you live, paper and foil baking cups can potentially be recycled. But if you want to save money and reduce waste, consider picking up reusable baking cups made from silicone.
4. Sandwich Bags – Want to keep your food safe in an eco-friendly way? Ditch the single-use plastic bags and opt for reusable sandwich bags made from silicone or cloth. 
5. Food Wrap – Yes, it is possible to quit Saran wrap! Reusable beeswax food wrap lasts for a long time and will keep your food fresh.

Best Reusable Items for the Bathroom

The bathroom is another area that tends to generate a lot of waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable bathroom products that can make your bathroom greener. Here are a few that practically pay for themselves:

1. Cotton Rounds – Do you use a lot of cotton rounds in your skincare routine? Swap them for reusable cotton rounds that you can pop in the wash. Your skin and your wallet will be happier for it!
2. Menstrual Cups – Menstrual cups may come with a slight learning curve, but they can literally save you thousands over your lifetime while reducing tons of plastic waste in the process. If menstrual cups aren’t your thing, consider opting for reusable underwear with built-in leak protection (aka, period panties) or reusable pads.
3. Stainless Steel Safety Razor – Unlike plastic razors, a stainless steel safety razor is made to last. And with proper care, the blades should last a long time as well.
4. Bidet – Can’t afford to buy sustainable toilet paper rolls? Skip the stuff altogether and install a bidet in your bathroom. While top-of-the-line bidets can be pricey, you can get a no-fuss model for as low as $30.
5. Cotton Swab – Just so you know, it’s OK to have earwax in your ears. But if it really bothers you, consider swapping your traditional cotton swabs with a reusable cotton swab that helps you reduce waste and save money.

Miscellaneous Reusable Items 

Looking for more ways to reduce waste and save money? Here are a few additional reusable items to help you go green. 

1. Dryer Balls – Unlike dryer sheets, dryer balls aren’t bad for your health or the environment. Plus, they’ll save you money in the long run and come in a wide range of cute designs. 
2. Straws – Iced coffee season is just around the corner, which means plastic straws will soon be everywhere. Swap your plastic straw for a stainless steel version and enjoy your drinks, guilt-free.
3. Coffee Cup – Many coffee places offer small discounts to customers who bring their own coffee cups. Why not take advantage and make your mornings a little greener?
4. Keurig Cups – If you have a Keurig machine in your home or at work, get a couple of reusable K-Cups. You’ll save lots of money on those pricey little pods and rest easy knowing that your java fix isn’t harming the environment.
5. Water Bottle – Yes, bottled water is convenient, but reusable water bottles are stylish and sustainable. Plus, they’ll keep you healthy and hydrated!

Source: Igisheva Maria/Shutterstock

Small Swaps — Big Payoffs

There you have it! We hope that this list helps you take small steps to live more sustainably. By making a few simple swaps, you can save money while doing right by Mother Earth.