With apologies to Kermit the Frog, it’s not exactly easy being green — but it is getting easier. Wasteful but oh-so-convenient household staples like paper towels, plastic baggies and dryer sheets may seem tricky to forgo, but the reality is that you’ve got more options than ever. That’s because the market for sustainable products continues to expand, and they’re getting less expensive, according to New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business.
Curious? You could switch out those paper towels for ultra-absorbent Swedish dishcloths, or your pricey coffee pods for a reusable filter that’ll let you brew a less expensive cup of joe without the side of plastic. Check out those eco-friendly swaps and more.
Quick Overview
Paper towels
Sure, some packages of paper towels trumpet the fact that they’re made from recycled materials, but that’s only half the story. The fibers in those towels are probably too short to make them a candidate for recycling once again — and that’s only possible if those fibers are clean to begin with, not saturated in ketchup, cooking oil or cat puke. Less wasteful, and a lot cheaper? Reusable alternatives that can be tossed in the washing machine, not the trash.
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Single-use coffee pods
It’s hard to resists the convenience of a pod coffee maker (and we’ve put ’em all to the test — check out our picks for the best Keurig and best Nespresso machines). “The moment you start shopping for a single-serve coffee maker, you’ll find that every brand touts sustainability,” notes Yahoo Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. “The bottom line, though, is that using coffee pods creates waste.” That said, both Keurig and Nespresso have made efforts to be more eco-friendly: You can recycle K-Cups and Nespresso pods. An even better option? Try a reusable filter that you fill with your own coffee grounds. It can save you a pretty penny in the long run too.
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Parchment paper and aluminum foil
Who doesn’t love these kitchen helpers for mess-free baking? The problem, of course, is that they’re wadded up and pitched in the trash after every use. Foil is technically recyclable, but like paper towels, once it’s contaminated by food waste — that is, crusted over with the cheese from your leftover pizza or coated in cooking oil — that’s no longer the case. Parchment paper has a silicone coating that may earmark it for the landfill.
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Sticky lint rollers
Ah, the agony of the pet parent: That sleek black outfit will no longer be sleek (or black!) if you brush up against any household surface. You might be armed with lint rollers that trap hairs with sticky disposable sheets, but be honest — it probably takes you half the roll to be presentable again, to say nothing of de-fuzzing your hair-covered couch. Plus, the sheets aren’t easily recycled because sticker-like adhesive coatings can contaminate other recyclables and even damage equipment.
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Dryer sheets
Like many of the items on this list, dryer sheets are one-and-done purchases that head to the trash heap after they leave your clothes scented and static-free. And for some allergy-prone shoppers, the fragrances and other ingredients in them are of equal concern.
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Plastic baggies
I’m sure I’m not the only one who cringes when they think of all the single-use plastic baggies they tossed in school cafeteria trash cans as a kid. And while these baggies can be recycled through certain plastic-film specialty programs, that means investigating options beyond your curbside bin. An easier solution? Buying reusable bags made of heavy-duty plastic or silicone, many of which can even be cleaned in the dishwasher.
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Household cleaners
If you’re picking up standard bottles of household cleaner at your local big-box store or grocery, we have good news: The plastic used in those bottles is typically recyclable. Still, it takes energy to recycle them, and you could free up space in your recycling bin and potentially save a little cash by ditching those bottles entirely. How? Mix your own cleaner and stick to the same container long-term, a task made easier with buys like the ones below.
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Plastic wrap
I’ve never been a fan of plastic wrap, despite its convenience (sorry, Ina Garten!). It’s almost impossible to tear correctly, and half the time, it sticks to itself instead of whatever container you’re trying to cover. And don’t get me started on painful nicks I’ve sustained from those serrated box edges. Adding yet another layer to my disdain: It’s tricky to recycle — it requires specialized equipment that your curbside program probably doesn’t have. This is one common product I’m all too glad to replace (wink, nudge).
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Plastic water bottles
This one’s a bit of a no-brainer, but it bears repeating: There’s very little reason to swig your water from single-use plastic bottles in this day and age. Despite their recyclable nature, 85% of them are trashed and they can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, according to a report by the United Nations. And why deprive yourself of the chance to get the latest trendy water bottle, like an editor-approved Stanley or Owala?
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Disposable mop pads and dusters
It’s hard to deny the appeal of a Swiffer. Once one of those pads is covered in dirt, crumbs, hair and dust, tossing it in the trash seems like an obvious next step (worth noting: Swiffer does participate in a free recycling program for its pads, though it’ll take some effort on your part). But there are other lightweight mops and dusters that trade in the single-use refills for reusable microfiber — just toss ’em in the wash when you’re done.
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Alkaline batteries
Confession: I have an entire laundry room cabinet devoted to various sizes of alkaline batteries, plus a freezer bag full of spent batteries that I’ll get around to recycling … er, some day. While the EPA says standard alkalines can go in the trash, the agency recommends sending them to a battery recycler, as they can leach small amounts of material over time. Why not invest in some rechargeables instead?
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Traditional wrapping paper
What’s traditional wrapping paper, you ask? Probably what you’ve been using for years, assuming you’re buying rolls of the stuff from your local big-box store. But it’s not all easily recyclable. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, “if you can scrunch it up and it stays in a tight ball, it is paper-based and can be recycled. Other types made from foil or plastic wrap, or if it’s covered in glitter, should be reused.” So in general, the plainer the better — kraft paper is typically a good bet, but there are other eco-friendly options.
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