7 Eco-friendly products you can buy at the supermarket

Having an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Find out which sustainable living items you can get at your regular store without breaking the bank.

More than a trend, adopting a more sustainable lifestyle is a necessity. Unfortunately, some zero waste or environmentally friendly products tend to be more on the pricier side. Because of how they’re created. Leaving some people with the perception that zero waste or environmentally friendly living isn’t available to everyone.

Fortunately, brands are waking up to the problem. Either because they embrace the cause and want to reduce its impact on the planet or because they are aware that if they don’t change… they’ll lose their (once loyal) customers. 

I am not going to say that some cases aren’t pure greenwashing. It happens, every now and then. But it doesn’t mean that all brands are evil and that they are just creating different packages and using certain expressions to get our money. In fact, it is impressive the amount of eco-friendly brands that are making their way into the market these days. 

Even though I am all about supporting local stores and small entrepreneurs, I know that a lot of people that would love to be more sustainable will never set foot on a zero waste store. And by having these products available at their go-to store, they’ll be more likely to make some eco-friendly swaps.

Without further ado, here are 7 environmental friendly products that you can buy next time you go to the store - even if you’re living on a very tight budget.

1- Bags for Life

These really resistant (and quite large) reusable bags cost around 0,50€ to 1 euro. A bargain, considering how long you’ll be able to use these and how versatile they are.

Besides using these to carry my groceries home, they’re been my “life-savers” every time I moved to a different apartment during the past 4 years. Also, I take these with me every time I visit my parents. So I can bring back home all those delicacies that I’ve been craving for months. 

Where can you find it? At the checkout. 

2- Reusable Produce Bags

This was actually one of the best sustainable living investments I’ve ever made. Well, if you can actually call spending 10€ an investment.

Reusable produce bags will allow you to drastically reduce the amount of single-use plastics. This is one of the easiest swaps you can bring into your daily routine. As all you have to do is to take the produce bags with you when you go grocery shopping.

Where can you find it? Most supermarkets have these at the fresh fruit and produce area. Feel free to ask for help if you can’t spot it right away.

3- Bamboo Toothbrush

Great news! You no longer have to go to your zero waste store or place an order online when you need to replace your toothbrush. As this item is already available at most supermarkets and at an affordable price (2 to 4 euros). 

Of course, regular toothbrushes made out of plastic are still the majority but… hey, it’s a start!

Where can you find it? Right next to the regular toothbrushes and toothpastes.

4- Solid Shampoo

It’s still relatively new and there aren’t many options available yet, but you can already buy solid shampoo at most supermarkets. If you live in Spain, I’ve recently spotted these at Alcampo and Carrefour. The price really depends on the brand you pick, but overall… these were cheaper than LUSH shampoo bars.

Where can you find it? At the shampoo isle, next to the more natural formulas.

5- Soap Bar

This one is an oldie but goodie. And one of the easiest swaps you can do if you want to have an eco-friendly lifestyle.

If you can’t make your own soap bars or can’t afford to spend 10 euros on an all-natural handmade soap bar (I know I can’t), especially now that we’re washing our hands more than ever… getting a regular soap bar at the supermarket might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Even though it is possible to buy a soap made with natural ingredients at the supermarket, for some reason, these usually come wrapped in plastic. Which for me is a no-no. As I really want to reduce the amount of single-use plastics at home.

I usually end up buying the brands that only use paper in their packaging and it usually costs me between 0,50€ to 1€. Really affordable, right?

Where can you find it? At the same isle where you usually get your liquid body wash.

6- Reusable Water Bottle

I know, this might be one of the most mentioned items when it comes to eco-friendly living.

Luckily, you can easily find one at the supermarket and at a very affordable price.

Just make sure that it works for you in terms of material and design. Let’s say, if you want a bottle to carry with you on the go… a 250ml or 500ml version will probably suit you best than a 1 litre one. Also, a stainless steel bottle will be more lighter and resistant than one made out of glass.

Where can you find it? In the home supplies isle, probably next to the air tight containers that will also come in handy.

7- Menstrual Cup

Surprised?! So was I. This is one of the most mentioned eco-friendly swaps and that generates more curiosity among women. 

Unfortunately this swap isn’t as easy as using a reusable bag. It takes a little bit of time and patience. But once you get used to it, you’ll feel how life changing it is at so many levels (no waste and it allow you to save money in the long run).  

Where can you find it? In the personal hygiene isle, right next to the sanitary pads (or tampons) that you’ve been using for years.

Feel free to share any other item that you bought at the store and that help you create a more sustainable lifestyle.