10 plastic-free swaps for your everyday essentials
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Time to read 6 min
Thinking of parting ways with plastic but don’t know where to start? For many of us, going plastic-free can be overwhelming at times – and while it might seem daunting to start, progress over perfection is key.
From regenerative beauty bars to low-waste period care and reusable baking mats, our range of eco-essentials are here to help make mindful choices easy.
Whether you’re looking to support planet-friendly brands that don’t cost the earth or make small but meaningful steps in your sustainability journey, here are ten plastic-free swaps to add to your everyday.
Bathroom
1. Say goodbye to liquid bodywash → Try solid body bars
The Ethique Uplifting Bodywash Bar is a great addition to your beaty ritual. Lasting up to five times the amount of liquid body wash, solid body bars are great for saving on water – and your hard-earned dollar. Nourish and hydrate your skin with a sustainable option that doesn’t cost the earth.
Interested in making more ethical swaps in your clean beauty ritual? Explore this helpful guide: holistic ways to reduce your clean beauty footprint.
Top pick: Ethique Everyday Shine Solid Shampoo For All Hair Types
Ethique Everyday Shine Solid Shampoo for All Hair Types is a nourishing, vitamin-rich shampoo bar that helps leave hair soft, shiny, and healthy-looking. Formulated with vitamin C, vitamin B5, and coconut oil, this concentrated, water-free bar gently cleanses while supporting hydration and manageability. Suitable for all hair types, including colour-treated hair, it's infused with an uplifting pink grapefruit and vanilla scent. Packaged in certified home-compostable materials and made with ethically sourced ingredients, it's an easy way to reduce plastic waste while caring for your hair.
2. Ditch aluminium deodorant → Go for natural deodorant
Not a fan of deodorants that clog your pores? Make the switch to fresher pits with natural deodorant. Healthier for your skin and our planet – and thanks to our strict ingredient standards, our deodorants are free from parabens, antiperspirants, certain types of aluminium, and can’t be in an aerosol can.
Top pick: MooGoo Fresh Cream Deodorant Lemon Myrtle
Stay fresh naturally with MooGoo Fresh Cream Deodorant Lemon Myrtle. This gentle cream deodorant is easy to apply and helps keep odour under control without relying on aluminium salts or harsh ingredients. Formulated with magnesium hydroxide and soothing natural oils, it supports long-lasting freshness while being kind to sensitive skin. Featuring a refreshing lemon myrtle scent and packaged in a recyclable tube, it's an everyday essential for those looking for an effective, skin-friendly deodorant.
3. Skip tampons and pads → Try period underwear
Skip tampons and pads and opt for a zero-waste alternative like period underwear. Great if you’re looking to minimise your consumption of single-use plastic, period underwear can be washed and reused as often as you need it – making it a kind choice for your wallet and our planet.
Top pick: AWWA Eva Hipster Period Brief (Black)
Made from organic, recyclable materials like cotton and elastane, AWWA’s Eva Hipster Period Brief (Black) is leak-proof and super absorbent period underwear for moments you need it most. Holding up to 2 tampons worth of flow, this eco-essential is perfect if you’re menstruating, have a weak bladder or are pregnant.
4. Switch disposable razors → With zero-waste razors
For sustainable shaves that welcome smooth skin, zero-waste razors make a wonderful alternative to disposable razors. Helping reduce waste from landfill - and made with quality materials like brass or stainless steel, it’s a long-lasting (not to mention, beautiful) option in your personal care routine.
Top pick: CaliWoods Reusable Razor
CaliWoods Reusable Razor is a worthwhile eco-swap in your sustainability journey. Made with stainless steel and zinc alloy, it’s a durable option that’s gentle on our planet - and easy to use. What’s more, as part of CaliWoods’ send back recycle program, each reusable razor comes with a blade return envelope – allowing you to return them to CaliWoods where they’ll be appropriately recycled and repurposed.
5. Ditch plastic tongue scrapers → Opt for stainless steel tongue cleaners
Keeping your oral health in check? Don’t skip this important part of your ritual. Whether you’ve tossed out the plastic toothbrush and floss, or you’re just making the first step - tick off your eco-bathroom list with an option that has our planet in mind while keeping bad breath at bay.
Top pick: CaliWoods Every Morning Tongue Cleaner
Made with stainless steel and boxed in compostable packaging - this eco-bestie is sure to be a fast favourite. Designed to last longer than its counterpart, it’s a durable option that will be appreciated for years to come. Not to mention, its wide grip makes it easy to handle and clean with.
Laundry
6. Swap liquid detergent → For concentrated laundry bars
Not a fan of the liquid stuff? For a simple and sustainable solution that lasts to washing clothes and sheets, consider adding a laundry bar to your eco-lifestyle. Often packed with natural ingredients – like kaolin clay, which is great for breaking down tough stains, it's a reliable and healthier choice for our planet.
Top pick: Downunder Wash Co Bloody Awesome Laundry Bar
Whether you're travelling, tackling stains on the go, or handwashing delicate items, Downunder Wash Co Bloody Awesome Laundry Bar is a handy laundry essential worth keeping close by. This concentrated laundry bar helps lift dirt and stains from clothing and fabrics while reducing the need for plastic-packaged detergents. Made with biodegradable ingredients and suitable for a wide range of fabrics, it's an effective, low-waste alternative to conventional laundry products that helps leave clothes feeling fresh and clean.
7. Ditch plastic pegs → Try stainless steel pegs
For a durable option that stands the test of time, stainless steel pegs make it easy. If you’re looking for a quality option that strays from rust - and leaves less of a dent in clothing, be sure to give this eco-friendly alternative a go. Compared to plastic pegs, which can wear down easily or break from sun exposure, stainless steel pegs are designed to last – great if you’re looking to cut back on waste or wanting to eliminate plastic from your home.
Top pick: CaliWoods Stainless Steel Pegs
When it comes to quality, CaliWoods Stainless Steel Pegs tick the boxes. Made with marine-grade stainless steel, it’s a reliable and long-lasting choice in your eco-laundry set. Suitable for everyday clothing, bedding or even sealing packets in the kitchen, these multi-purpose superstars are easy to use and look great too.
Kitchen
8. Put down the plastic drink bottles → For reusable drink bottles
If you’re trying to cut back on plastic, reusable drink bottles are a great place to start. From glass to reusable BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, there’s plenty of options to choose from that don't cost the earth. Like many eco-swaps, it’s a durable option that saves on waste – and it’s a healthier choice for you too.
Top pick: Waterdrop All-Purpose Steel Bottle
Whether you're commuting, heading to the gym, or spending the day outdoors, Waterdrop All-Purpose Steel Bottle makes staying hydrated easy. Crafted from durable double-walled stainless steel, this reusable bottle helps keep drinks cold for hours while offering a stylish alternative to single-use plastic bottles. Lightweight, leakproof, and designed for everyday use, it's a practical eco-friendly essential to take wherever the day leads.
9. Swap milk cartons → For DIY nut mylks
For a waste-free alternative to store-bought milk cartons, try DIY nut mylks. Whether you’re wanting to learn something new, cut back on dairy or opposed to throwing tetra-paks in the bin, DIY nut mylks are worth adding to your wellness list. From almonds and cashews – or even oats, give them a go with our Nutritionist-approved DIY mylk recipe.
Top pick: Ceres Organics Whole Cashews
This versatile pantry ingredient has plenty to offer. From raw desserts to homemade sauces – and of course, nut mylk, it’s a must-have for any household. Simply soak 1 cup of cashews in room temp water overnight (or 25 minutes in boiling water), transfer to a blender with 3 cups of water, and drain the liquid through a cheesecloth – into a bottle of your choice. A superb and oh-so delicious addition to your morning cuppa.
10. Ditch single-use baking paper → Go for reusable baking mats
Last but certainly not least – reusable baking mats are worth adding to the list.
For a lasting option that’s durable and zero-waste friendly, this easy eco swap does wonders for our planet. Use them to make cookies, baked salmon, chicken breast... the list goes on!
Top pick: CaliWoods Reusable Baking Mats
Long-lasting baking mats to minimise your household waste? Right this way. Safe to use in your oven (up to 230°C), CaliWoods Reusable Baking Mats are a breeze to clean and are durable enough to last for years to come. They also make a great gift for those into zero-waste – or just getting started on their eco journey. From home-cook to eco-enthusiast, make the switch with this easy must-have.
No matter where you’re at in your sustainability journey, these everyday essentials are here to help. From making small but meaningful changes in your day to discovering new eco-living favourites, make it easy with choices that are great for you, and our planet too.
