8 Everyday Items I've Stopped Buying for More Eco-Friendly Alternatives

From plastic wrap to makeup wipes, these sustainable swaps have helped me save money and reduce waste.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The author shares how she has replaced several common household items, like plastic storage bags, disposable lint rollers, and paper towels, with more eco-friendly alternatives in order to be more sustainable and save money. She discusses the benefits of switching to reusable options such as glass food containers, washable makeup remover cloths, and Swedish dish towels.

Why it matters

The article highlights how small changes in everyday consumption habits can have a significant impact on reducing waste and being more environmentally conscious. As overconsumption of single-use products has become the norm, the author's experience shows that making intentional choices to invest in reusable items can lead to long-term cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

The details

The author has replaced several common household items with more eco-friendly alternatives. She no longer uses plastic storage bags, opting instead for reusable glass containers and silicone lids. She has also stopped buying plastic wrap, replacing it with beeswax wrap and silicone lids. For cleaning products, she uses refillable glass bottles with concentrated cleaners rather than disposable spray bottles. The author has also swapped out disposable lint rollers for reusable options, and has cut back on paper towel usage by relying on Swedish dish towels. Additionally, she prefers glass food storage containers over plastic, and uses laundry sheets instead of bottled detergent. Finally, she has replaced makeup wipes with a reusable makeup remover cloth.

  • In the last few years, the author has committed to replacing everyday items with more eco-friendly alternatives.

The players

Alyssa Gautieri

The author of the article, who is the senior gifts editor at Good Housekeeping magazine.

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What they’re saying

“Small changes, like ditching plastic wrap for beeswax wrap or reducing paper towel usage, have made a major difference in my daily routine. Not only are my habits more sustainable, I'm also spending less money.”

— Alyssa Gautieri, Senior Gifts Editor (Good Housekeeping)

The takeaway

The author's experience shows that making intentional choices to invest in reusable, eco-friendly alternatives for common household items can lead to long-term cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle, without significantly impacting daily routines.