A model carrying a reusable fabric shopper bag

10 products that can reduce your everyday impact on the environment

If you’re searching for ways to reduce waste and your impact on the planet, start by making simple product swaps in your day-to-day life. From carrying fabric totes to your weekly shop to cleaning your hair with a solid shampoo bar, discover 10 products from our Considered Living edit that will help you live more consciously and encourage simple yet long-lasting lifestyle changes.

1. Fabric shopping bags

Whether you’re doing your weekly shop or just picking up a couple of bits from the corner store, forgo grabbing a plastic bag and use reusable shopping bags instead. Keeping them in your handbag will help you swerve disposable options when you’re out and about, so look for styles made from fabric such as mesh or lightweight canvas. You want something that’s not too heavy and can be folded down to a compact size when not in use.

2. LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs will create less waste than regular halogen or fluorescent bulbs. This is because they have a longer lifespan of anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 hours - around 11.4 years - which reduces the need for regular replacement. They also use less energy, because almost all of the energy required to power them is converted into light, instead of being wasted as heat. A bulb with a cool filament will add an artful touch to your home, too.

3. Makeup remover cloths

Single-use face wipes can clog waterways and create excess waste, so ditch the disposables in favour of reusable and washable face cloths such as this set of three made from an eco-bamboo and cotton mix fabric. Designed to be used as part of a hot cleansing routine, first wash your face with your skincare of choice, then use a cloth to wipe away makeup and daily grime. When you’re done, simply pop in the wash to use again.

4. Solid beauty bars

Reduce plastic waste by switching bottled soaps with solid beauty bars. Try them out with a starter set which includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body scrub, scented with almond and rose. Because they have less packaging, they don’t take up as much room in your bathroom as their liquid counterparts, while their reusable tin makes them a compact option for taking to the gym or on holiday.

5. Fabric gift wrap

Have you heard of furoshiki? They’re traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, used to wrap gifts, food, clothes, and other items. There are many benefits to using square scarves or small cloths as gift wrap - not only do they look beautiful, but they’re also reusable in two different ways. The recipient can either keep the scarf to wear as an accessory or pass it on by using it to wrap up someone else’s gift.

6. Book on planting for bees

Endangered by a reduction of green spaces, you can help your local honeybee population thrive and continue pollinating with this book on planting. Author Sarah Wyndham Lewis offers practical advice on the types of plants to grow, where to plant them, and when they should be planted. If you don’t have a garden, don’t worry, you can help the cause by adding filled plant pots to a window ledge or balcony too.

7. Compact food containers

Whether it’s for wrapping up leftovers, taking to a picnic, or packing your lunchbox for work, swap single-use plastic wrap and convenience food boxes for a reusable lunch box or bag. Try this space-saving silicone option from Stojo. Unlike bulky lunchboxes, it’s collapsible and leak-proof, with a four-clasp lid that comes off for easy cleaning. Use it on the go for homemade lunches and snack foods or as a water bowl for your dog.

8. Repurposable candle pots

Once you’ve burnt a candle, what do you do with the pot? Instead of throwing it away, why not repurpose it? This candle comes in a beautiful ceramic votive that is designed to be cleaned out and reused as a plant pot. No seeds to plant it with? No worries. The candle’s paper packaging is embedded with a wildflower seed mix and printed using vegetable inks. Simply bury the paper in the soil and watch the wildflowers grow.

9. Period cups

Because they’re reusable, period cups reduce the amount of disposable sanitary items used every month. In fact, according to our friends at &SISTERS, using a period cup can help save over 2,000 single-use period products, as well as helping to maintain the natural pH balance of your vagina, and provide a more comfortable option for those with sensitive skin.

10. Reusable coffee filters

Put an end to paper filters and reduce your reliance on convenient-yet-wasteful takeaway coffees with this reusable metal coffee filter. It’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe, made from a fine mesh that collects even the smallest of coffee grounds. Place it over a glass jar or mug and cover your favourite coffee with hot water to steep. You’ll save money on paper filters too, which is sure to make every brew taste better.