9 Reusable Home Goods That Save You Money and Reduce Waste

We spend a lot of time restocking on single-use home goods. It's where most of our daily routines stack up a hefty environmental impact. Single-use, as we well know, is the law of the land in the contemporary home, but it’s a law that ought to be broken. Reusability means you ultimately spend less and the environment fares better, so let’s look at a few reusable swaps you can make to help save your budget and the planet. Easy, practical, cost-saving, and sustainable.

1. Reusable Paper Towels

Traditional paper towels are a staple in many households, but their single-use nature contributes to deforestation and ongoing expenses. Reusable alternatives, such as those made from bamboo or cotton flannel, offer a sustainable solution. These cloths are machine washable and can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for constant repurchasing. Over a year, switching to reusable paper towels can save a household a few hundred dollars, depending on usage patterns. Papaya Reusables is an excellent option for these.

2. Silicone Food Storage Bags

Yes, plastic sandwich bags are convenient, but they also significantly contribute to plastic waste. With microplastics showing up in quite literally everywhere you can think of these days, that’s an issue. Silicone food storage bags are a durable alternative, suitable for storing leftovers, snacks, and even liquids. They are dishwasher-safe and can withstand a range of temperatures, making them versatile for various kitchen needs. Investing in a set of silicone bags can replace hundreds of disposable plastic bags annually, leading to both environmental benefits and cost saving. We recommend W&P as a good place to start looking.

3. Reusable Coffee Filters

Single-use coffee filters and pods generate considerable waste and recurring costs. Reusable coffee filters, made from stainless steel or cloth, offer an easy and sustainable alternative. They are compatible with various coffee makers and can be easily cleaned after each use. Over time, this switch reduces landfill waste while cutting down on the regular expense disposable filters entail.

4. Beeswax Food Wraps

Plastic wrap is and has long been the go-to for food storage. Sadly, this is another totally unnecessary contributor to the global plastic crisis. We suggest beeswax food wraps in their place. They’re crafted from organic cotton infused with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil, which makes them a great reusable and biodegradable alternative. They mold easily around food items and containers, keeping food fresh without the environmental toll of plastic wrap. With proper care, beeswax wraps can last up to a year, replacing the need for disposable wraps and saving money in the long run. Superbee makes great, long-lasting beeswax wraps you can check out here.

5. Reusable Water Bottles

Regularly stocking up on bottled water is costly and environmentally detrimental. Investing in a high-quality reusable water bottle encourages the use of tap water, which is significantly less expensive and reduces plastic waste. Over a year, this simple switch can lead to pretty substantial savings along with a much-appreciated decrease in single-use plastic consumption.

6. Cloth Napkins

Paper napkins are another single-use item most of us tack onto our household expenses and waste. Cloth napkins, made from materials like cotton or linen, are washable and reusable, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective option. Need we also explain how they just make every meal a bit more elegant? This one is a no-brainer for us, and cloth napkins are available everywhere. Try to opt for low-impact, sustainably sourced fabrics if possible.

7. Reusable Shopping Bags

Plastic shopping bags are used once and discarded, and if you’ve been following us for any amount of time, you’ll understand our ongoing beef with single-use culture. Reusable shopping bags, which ideally are made from more durable materials like canvas or recycled plastics, can be used repeatedly for grocery trips and anywhere else.

Some retailers even offer discounts for customers who bring their own bags, which is a small but appreciated financial incentive to switch from plastic. Other than that, single-use bags don’t often incur any costs on the consumer, which means technically, they shouldn’t be on this list. But given the fact that it’s difficult to step out of the house these days without finding totes for sale, and the severity of the plastic crisis, we think they’re worth mentioning regardless. So, if you haven’t made the switch already, just bring your own bag and ditch the plastic.

8. Rechargeable Batteries

There are so many things in our homes that run on batteries. And if you’re like us, you’re reminded every time you watch a pack slide across the scanner that they’re pricier than we like to imagine. Constantly purchasing disposables adds up for our wallets and the ever-benevolent planet that nurtures and sustains us all. Rechargeable batteries can be used multiple times, reducing the frequency of replacements and the volume of battery waste. Over time, this switch can lead to significant cost savings and a reduction in hazardous waste. 

9. Wool Dryer Balls

Single-use dryer sheets are laden with synthetic chemicals. They’re bad for you and perhaps even worse for the planet. Wool dryer balls are a natural alternative that can be reused for hundreds of loads. They help to reduce drying time, soften clothes, and eliminate the need for those chemically-corrupt dryer sheets, which leads to energy savings, recurrent cost savings, and an environmentally healthier laundry routine. Green Llama is our current go-to for wool dryer balls, which you can check out here. 

Transitioning to reusability really is easier and more cost-effective than it’s often made out to be. None of these mean we’re living the perfect zero-waste life, but they certainly lighten the load on our bodies, our wallets, and our precious, precious planet, which is in and of itself too wonderful not to explore. Small, practical approaches foster something important within us. They teach us to be mindful of our impact and to reorient our thinking towards sustainability in the little details of our day-to-day (and hey, that's no small feat). Over time, it’s the small stuff that adds up to something big. So, consider exploring these options in addition to whatever else you might find in your routines where reusability makes more sense. If you're looking for more sustainable brands that help save money and the planet, be sure to check out our Directory for full ratings and evaluation deep dives.