Useful Zero Waste Products That Actually Help Your Budget

Living a zero waste lifestyle can actually help your budget.

As Americans we generate about 4.4 pounds of trash daily per person and average about 17 pounds per day per family. We only recycle about 1.5 pounds of garbage daily. So the net is 2.9 pounds we throw out every single day. While recycling does help, it is not the answer.

Did you know there are a few simple lifestyle swaps you can make and greatly reduce your average daily waste? Listed below are zero waste products you can start using right now to help reduce your daily waste.  I have started incorporating many of these with all the members of my family. Plus we are saving money using items we don’t have to replenish.

Zero Waste Products

Start with Stainless Steel Straws.  This set is the one I recommend since it comes with a cleaner. You can even pack these when you go out to eat. Many restaurants are not supplying free straws any more. Find out more benefits of metal straws you can’t ignore.

The Yeti cup 20 oz or 30oz. Not only will the Yeti cups keep your drink cold, you can continue to refill them with drinks and not use much ice. They will keep your drink colder for longer and less watered down.

Fill a stainless steel water bottle, like this one, full of filtered water.  Save not only money, but help the environment by not using plastic water bottles. We always fill our water bottles up before we head out on a trip. Then we have our water bottles with us for vacation.

Have you heard of BeesWax Wraps? How does this work? The beeswax and jojoba oil have antibacterial qualities that help to keep your food fresh and allow you to use the Bee’s Wrap again and again. I like this set to get you started, since it has the most variety of sizes of wraps. No need to buy plastic wrap any more.

A French Press will change the way you enjoy coffee forever. We have recently purchased this French Press coffee maker and we love it. If you want the best cup of coffee, you need to purchase one. Plus you use whole beans, so less processing overall. Eliminate K-cups and coffee filters using this.

Bring your own Shopping bags when you go shopping. I get so many free bags all the time. I am sure you don’t need to purchase any but if you do this set will help you get started. So many stores are going to bag free shopping. Kroger brand stores will no longer offer bags by 2025. So get your habit started now.

Use glass Mason Jars for storage. You don’t have to use them for just canning. I recommend getting a few of these sizes Quart, 16 oz Jars, Jelly Jars Set. Not only can you store so many things, but you can also use them to give as gifts like oatmeal cookies in a jar or brownie mix in a jar.

Cloth Napkins This may increase your washing a little, but not much. Try these to get you started. I just throw them in with my towels and let the kids fold them. This is also another way to get them off of devices. These napkins are easily stored in a drawer.

Microfiber cloths for cleaning. Ditch the paper towels and start using microfiber cloths. These are so soft and this is a good set to start you off.

Silicone baking mats use to replace foil in baking. Instead of lining those baking sheets with foil, use silicone baking mats like these you can wash over and over again.

Instead of using paper tissues use handkerchiefs I haven’t done this yet. I do remember my father always would carry a hanky in his pocket all the time.

We started replacing all our bulbs with LED bulbs like these. As one burns out we replace it with an LED bulb. The LED bulbs are said to last for 10 years and prices have started coming way down.

Make your own Body Butter Lotion and additional beauty products. I have many ideas you can use.

Meal planning helps save on groceries and buying more items in the bulk section. Get your meal plan in my store You can meal plan in your bullet journal or learn how to meal plan here.

Plant a garden. We plan tomatoes and cucumbers and zucchini, or grow your own herbs. Here is a list of 10 herbs you can grow indoors in your kitchen.

Make your own cleaners instead of purchasing products at the store. This not only saves money, but lots of extra plastic bottles.

Rechargeable Batteries. We have been doing this for years. Whenever a set runs out we replace with rechargeable batteries. I can’t remember the last time I bought batteries.

Have you ever thought of making your own Homemade Gifts? They make the best gifts because you have put thought and care into making each one.

Do you love tea? Have you ever tried Loose leaf tea? Try this sampler kit  to get started. Like coffee in a French Press, loose leaf tea tastes amazing. You will need a tea strainer, like this one, and some water to make the tea.

How Can You Implement Zero Waste

It all starts with a little change. Zero waste is about changing your mindset on the products you buy and how you live your life. I have already started purchasing many of these zero waste items and I am looking at replacing even more as things as we run out. While I don’t think I could ever go completely zero waste, every little bit helps. I like I am also teaching my kids to reduce their waste so they are aware and living a lifestyle that produces less waste. What are some of these ideas you would be willing to try to reduce your daily waste?