15 Easy Plastic-Free Swaps for Everyday Living

Cutting down on plastic doesn’t have to be extreme. In fact, many of the most effective sustainability habits start with one simple switch at a time. Whether you're packing lunches, doing laundry, or cleaning up the kitchen, there’s almost always a plastic-free alternative that works just as well—if not better.

Here are 15 plastic-free swaps you can make today, room by room, habit by habit.

1. Reusable Tote Bags for Grocery Shopping

Skip the plastic at checkout. Keep a few fabric or foldable totes in your car or backpack so you’re always ready for a store run.

2. Stainless Steel or Glass Water Bottles

Ditch the single-use plastic bottles. A refillable water bottle keeps you hydrated and waste-free—plus, it looks way cooler.

3. Compostable Trash Liners

Lining your compost bin or small trash can? Use certified compostable bags like Owlpack Yucksack Bags instead of plastic liners.

4. Bar Soap Instead of Bottled Soap

Most liquid soaps come in plastic. Try a bar of soap wrapped in paper or sold package-free—it lasts longer and skips the plastic entirely.

5. Bamboo Toothbrushes

Over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year. Bamboo toothbrushes have compostable handles and feel just as great to use.

6. Safety Razors Instead of Disposables

Tired of throwing away plastic razors? A stainless steel safety razor is long-lasting, effective, and completely plastic-free.

7. Cloth Produce Bags

No more grabbing those thin plastic produce bags. Keep a few mesh or cotton bags on hand for fruits, veggies, and bulk items.

8. Refillable Cleaning Bottles

Choose refill pods or concentrate-based cleaning kits and add water at home—no more tossing plastic bottles after each use.

9. Glass or Stainless Steel Food Storage

Upgrade your leftovers game. Glass containers or metal tins are sturdier than plastic, and you’ll never worry about staining or warping.

10. Wooden Dish Brushes

Scrub without waste. Replace plastic scrubbers with wooden brushes or loofah sponges—they work great and compost when worn out.

11. Beeswax Wraps for Food Storage

Wrap snacks, cheese, or cut produce in beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap. They’re reusable, breathable, and smell amazing.

12. Bulk Bin Shopping

Many stores now offer bulk bins for grains, snacks, and spices. Bring your own containers or bags and skip the plastic packaging.

13. Silicone Baking Mats

Reusable baking mats replace parchment paper and foil. Non-stick, easy to clean, and perfect for cookies, veggies, or roasting.

14. Reusable Coffee Cups

On the go? Bring your own mug. Many cafés will gladly fill it—and some even give discounts for helping reduce cup waste.

15. Cloth Napkins Instead of Paper Towels

Keep a small stack of washable cloth napkins for meals or cleaning up spills. One swap, a lot less waste.

Final Thought: Small Swaps, Big Impact

You don’t have to go zero-waste overnight. Just pick a few plastic-free swaps that fit your lifestyle and go from there. Over time, these small habits build toward a more sustainable, conscious way of living.

And if you’re looking to start with composting, Owlpack’s Yucksack Bags make it simple, clean, and truly plastic-free.