Chances are you've set yourself up with a handful of new goals for 2021 -- whether you consider these aspirations New Year's resolutions or not. And if sustainability plays a part if any of them, you're probably thinking about how you can live a more environmentally conscious life.
Breaking down the environmental impact of every part of your lifestyle can be overwhelming, often leading to a spiral and at a loss for what to do. Add on thoughts of climate change and your carbon footprint, and you're probably starting to feel the uphill battle already. But don't stop now -- there are plenty of ways you can make the journey toward a more sustainable life easier -- from simple changes in your daily habits (such as swapping out your beauty products for more sustainable alternatives) to sustainable products to shop. Of course, even those can be a lot to handle. So if you don't know where to begin, let us give you a starting point.
First things first: If you're thinking about shifting areas of your lifestyle to create a better future for the environment (as well as yourself), you're already on the right track. And now, it's time to make it happen. One of the easiest ways to adjust to greener habits is by reducing your waste. One way to do this is by replacing single-use plastic (like disposable grocery bags and takeout containers) with sturdy, reusable options. Of course, your food-related activities aren't the only place where you can swap your disposable items for reusable or refillable things. This tactic can go toward your household cleaning supplies and beauty routine, as well.
You don't have to do a complete overhaul of your things to be more sustainable in the new year -- cleaning out the toxic products or wasteful packaging is an easy first step. But if you're ready to take your sustainability efforts to the next level, we've pulled together the best eco-friendly products to help you along the way.
From household items like eco-friendly cleaning products and reusable grocery bags to beauty products with reusable packaging, scroll down to see our favorite must-have items to get you on the right foot toward creating a more sustainable living, below.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Baggu
Shopbop
>Baggu
Jazz up your grocery runs (and any other type of errands) with these bright, colorful, and easy-to-pack bags.
$36 AT SHOPBOP
Ecowaare
Amazon
>Ecowaare
Ready to rid the flimsy plastic produce bags from your life? These are the alternatives to use instead.
$10.99 AT AMAZON (REGULARLY $15.99)
Ahyuan
Amazon
>Ahyuan
Whether you're heading to the grocery store, the beach, or the park, these expandable bags will be the thing to hold everything you need.
$10.98 AT AMAZON
Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic
Bee's Wrap
Amazon
>Bee's Wrap
Replace your plastic wrap with these wraps, which are made with beeswax to keep your food tightly sealed and safe.
$18 AT AMAZON
Stasher
Thrive Market
>Stasher
Keep your favorite snacks safe in these reusable, dishwasher safe bags from Stasher.
$11.79 AT THRIVE MARKET (REGULARLY $13.99)
Food Huggers
Food52
>Food Huggers
When you use these silicone caps, which wrap around the cut edges of your food, you can save your storage containers for other items.
$28 AT FOOD52
Home Cleaning Supplies
Blueland
Nordstrom
>Blueland
With Blueland's Clean Suite, you'll get reusable containers and bottles along with tabs to create non-toxic cleaning supplies when mixed with water.
$83 AT NORDSTROM
Swedish Wholesale
Amazon
>Swedish Wholesale
Cut down on your paper towel use with these reusable dishcloths. Use them as sponges for your dishes or to clean up any messes in the kitchen.
$19.95 AT AMAZON (REGULARLY $24.99)
Public Goods
Public Goods
>Public Goods
Instead of using disposable dryer sheets, try these reusable (and surprisingly long-lasting) dryer balls -- which are made with natural wool fibers.
$6.50 AT PUBLIC GOODS
Food & Beverage
SodaStream
Target
>SodaStream
With a SodaStream, you'll be able to make all the carbonated water (and other drinks!) your heart desires. And now that the brand has released a set of Bubly drops, which means you can create flavored seltzer in the comfort of your home -- without the aluminum cans.
FIZZI SPARKLING WATER MAKER - $89.99 AT TARGET
BUBLY LIME DROPS - $5.99 AT TARGET
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods
>Uncommon Goods
Since this telescoping straw comes with its own pocket-friendly case, keeping a reusable straw with you has never been easier.
$20 AT UNCOMMON GOODS
U Konserve
Thrive Market
>U Konserve
Whether you're packing your favorite snacks for a picnic or you want to have a simple, sustainable way to store your veggies, you'll love having this reusable container to have in your arsenal.
$13.49 AT THRIVE MARKET (REGULARLY $16.95)
Bath & Body
By Humankind
Humankind
>By Humankind
This Shower Routine Set from By Humankind includes bar versions of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash -- which means you don't have to worry about any single-use plastic that's typically used in these types of products.
$45 AT BY HUMANKIND
SAALT
Amazon
>SAALT
Ready to ditch the tampons? Opt for a reusable menstrual cup like this one, which is made with extra-soft silicone to keep you comfortable throughout your period.
$28.99 AT AMAZON
Knix
Knix
>Knix
If you're the type of person who prefers pads over tampons but wants to take a more sustainable approach to that time of the month, opt for these reusable, seamless panties. Trust us, you won't feel a thing. And all you have to do to clean them is put them under running water until the water is clear before throwing them into your next laundry cycle.
$23 AT KNIX
Makeup & Skincare
Fenty Beauty
Rihanna's Fenty Skin line features refillable products, like this overnight gel-cream to keep your carbon footprint and beauty waste at a minimum. Buy the product once, and when you've used it all, all you need to do is order a refill. Voila! You have your new (and sustainable) product all over again.
$40 AT FENTY BEAUTY
Croon
Anthropologie
>Croon
These reusable makeup removing pads will keep you from producing excess waste during your beauty routine. Simply throw them into the laundry when they need a wash, and they're good as new!
Humanrace
Noted on the site as the "Three-Minute Facial," Pharrell's skincare line offers simple, clean and easy-to-use products for a glowing complexion. And to make your beauty lineup more sustainable, the brand also offers refills for each of its best-selling products.
$100 AT HUMANRACE (REGULARLY $126)
La Bouche Rouge
Net-A-Porter
>La Bouche Rouge
For the moments when she isn't wearing a face mask, La Bouche Rouge's classic red lipstick will feel like a little luxury. And when she runs out of the perfect shade, she can replace her refillable tube with a new color.
MATTE LIPSTICK REFILL - 70'S AMERICA - $40 AT NET-A-PORTER
REFILLABLE LEATHER CASE - $75 AT NET-A-PORTER
Dieux
Dieux
>Dieux
Any time you want to use these, pop these into the fridge for a few minutes to cool them down. Then, combined with your favorite serum, gel, or cream, stick them to your face for a depuffing session as everything soaks into your skin. Trust us, you'll be getting so much out of these with every use.
$25 AT DIEUX
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