I have been blogging mainly about big changes, things that require planning and investment of time to execute. This is partly because large changes are more interesting to me and partly due to my reluctance to blog solely about purchases. Although I don’t mind sharing the gospel of the menstrual cup, I don’t think the zero-waste movement should be focused on what we are buying. It is very important to vote with our dollars, but it is just as important to learn to repurpose, reuse, and do without the endless stuff of modern American life.

However, there are a few zero waste swaps I have made that really are as simple as buying a different product. I decided to make a compilation post looking at seven of these smaller changes that I think have made a difference and also at ways I can improve in the future. Many of these changes are as simple as buying a different item but I think they are worth sharing.

1. Bamboo toothbrushes

I made the switch to bamboo toothbrushes about one year ago and haven’t looked back. They work as well as plastic toothbrushes and cost roughly the same but are more eco-friendly to produce and will biodegrade quickly after we toss them.

With this many people in my household, we go through a lot of toothbrushes so this is an important change. One area I have not been able to make that change in is the choice of toothpaste. We are still using conventional toothpaste in the plastic tube because I cannot find an alternative that contains fluoride. I have lifelong dental issues from not getting enough fluoride as a child and have seen similar in so many patients. I won’t bestow that on my kids.

If you want to use conventional toothpaste for whatever reason without as much waste, Colgate has a recycling program you can learn more about here. And if you know of a fluoride toothpaste with eco-friendly packaging, please let me know in the comments.

2. Hair removal

I am only part hippie. Although I don’t shave or wax on a daily basis, I have to do it occasionally. Au naturel I am hairier than most men – perhaps hairier than most primates.

I now manage a lot of my facial and body hair with simple cloth strips covered with cold wax. However, I still use a razor for hair removal below the waist. This is the last bastion of plastic in my beauty regimen and I need to do better. I don’t like the idea of waxing sensitive areas or places I cannot see well. On the other hand, metal safety razors scare me – although it is probably time to work past that fear.

3. Planning

It would be an understatement to say I love planners. My need to doodle and color combined with endless lists to counteract my naturally airy brain? Yes, please.

I used to be a huge enthusiast for well known planner brands but I gave them up at the end of 2019 when I decided to cut back on plastic. Although I still have a sizeable collection of pens and washi tape to burn through, they are being used in plain recycled paper journals. I do not intend to buy anything plastic or wrapped in plastic in the future for my planning needs, although I will definitely use them all until they are gone.

Which brings me to an interesting question: what eco-friendly supply could replace the fine-point gel pen? I guess I will need to put in some research.

4. Cloth bags for EVERYTHING

Switching to cloth bags for groceries was easy. Replacing other plastic bags felt a bit weird.

When I first switched to cloth bags for produce and bulk goods, I expected the cashiers to judge me. I was willing to take the heat to cut back on endless plastic bags, but there was a moment of reluctance when I loaded my linen wrapped produce onto the WinCo conveyor belt. Instead, I received only positive comments. I guess this is a Seattle privilege, to know you will only get accolades for using a green product that is just not mainstream yet.

Although we now have significantly reduced the amount of plastic in our grocery cart, I still occasionally buy snacks and condiments. We eat a healthy diet but definitely find a little space for the occasional box of Oreos. My children love their condiments so ketchup and mustard find their way into our cupboards as well. I am beginning to look into alternatives, which do exist and look amazing. I’ll make separate posts about them when I finally get the chance to try them out.

5. Coffee and tea at home

I have never spent a lot of money on beverages, but everyone loves the occasional Starbucks drink. I have reluctantly given them up, making a variety of tasty coffee and tea drinks at home. I have even (politely) refused these drinks when people offer to buy them for me, which is like the final frontier of green living.

Zero waste coffee and tea supplies are beautiful and durable. My metal French press and glass pour-over pot bring me so much joy on mornings when I need a smile.

Although I am making my own coffee and tea at home, it’s very much a work in progress. I try to choose fair trade, shade grown products in eco-friendly packaging that are a little better for the environment. However, I don’t always have time to investigate which means I sometimes fall for greenwashing. If you have a favorite brand of coffee or tea that is impeccably ethical, please let me know!

6. Thrifting clothing and shoes

Thrift stores are reopened in Washington state, which means that I can finally go shopping again! I am committed to buying my clothing and shoes from thrift stores from now on. Although there are time constraints, our local thrift stores are full to the brim with cute and cheap options that would otherwise get thrown in the trash.

I also pick up my children’s clothing and shoes from thrift stores when I run into suitable items, but this too is a work in progress. My junior high and high schoolers are difficult to please even at the mall so finding used or ethically made clothing can be a huge challenge. Shoes are similarly hard because teens have a very particular idea of what they want. I plan to look at used clothing websites such as Poshmark for the specific items they need to feel confident and stylish as we begin fall school shopping this month.

7. Cutting the cord

We are always looking for new ways to cut back on electrical usage, from unplugging electronics at night to hanging out laundry. However, the electrical bill doesn’t lie; we still use a great deal of power every month. Ideally we would switch entirely to renewable energy such as solar panels, but apartment living makes this impossible. Although I cannot currently cut my electrical usage to zero, it is definitely the plan once I have a house with a yard.

These seven changes were not worth a post in themselves but I hope they are helpful. All of them are affordable, often cheaper than the alternative, and can make a difference in your carbon footprint. Clearly I have made a lot of progress but still have plenty of improvements in the future.

Read here to find out more about my zero waste projects this year.