My Ultimate Eco-friendly Kit

When it comes to sustainable living, there no one-size-fits-all solution. Besides our commitment to save the planet, we all have different needs and lifestyles. That’s why an eco-friendly kit must be something personal and created exclusively for you.

Why? I’ve already talked a bit about it here, and all those perfectly curated kits that we see on social media. Even though they’re absolutely gorgeous and have useful items, you probably won’t use some of those on a regular basis. And that’s perfectly fine. 

These are my sustainable living essentials. The items that I use over and over, and that I would repurchase if I lost them for any reason.

Reusable Bags 

From tote bags to bags for life (those giant branded bags available at most supermarkets). I just can’t picture shopping without these. 

Light, versatile, long-lasting, and affordable, these are the perfect companions if you want to reduce waste. Also, Tote bags fit easily into any purse or your coat’s pocket.

Almost three years ago I bought my very first produce bag kit and it was one of my best investments to date. Affordable, light, easy to incorporate into my grocery shopping routine and it allowed me to save a lot of single-use plastic. 

Cotton Rounds

Such an easy swap, yet an impactful one.

I’ve started by purchasing a single one and my small collection grew from there. These are pretty easy to find these days - from sustainable to well-known makeup brands.

My favorites? The ones I buy in bulk from unPacked Shop, followed by these from Mind The Trash.

These are perfect for your skincare routine. However, if you’re also into makeup, a small makeup removal towel might just do the trick. 

You can wash it with water and a soap bar (the one you have in your bathroom is perfectly fine) right after using it. Hang I somewhere in your bathroom and you can re-use it the very next day.

This way, you don’t need one for every single day of the week.

Coffee Capsules

I am a coffee lover since I was… two. I know, I know. But there isn’t much I can do about it, now that I am almost 35.

I’ve been using reusable coffee capsules (Dolce Gusto coffee maker) for almost three years now and it was one of my very best sustainable decisions ever.

I use the stainless steel ones from Waycap and I couldn’t be happier. Besides helping the environment, it allowed me to save a lot of money. As ground coffee bags last longer and are way cheaper than store-bought capsules.

I’ve just purchased my second set. Because the filter part was already a bit dodgy after so many uses. Yes, you can find cheaper alternatives on Amazon (made of plastic) but I don’t think these will be as long-lasting as the stainless steel ones.

24 Bottles Travel Tumbler 

I’ve tried a few others in the past and it was a recipe for disaster.

The one from 24 Bottles is reliable, long-lasting, leak-proof and it keeps your drink temperature (whether it is hot or cold) for hours.

Yes, it isn’t cheap but it’s worth every cent. Especially when you compare it with other coffee tumblers in the market (like KeepCup), that have a similar price but aren’t totally leak-free.

Besides using mine for hot beverages, I usually take it with me when I go hiking (cold water, of course). But it can also be used to store food, yogurt, smoothies, or soup - in case you need to take food to go and don’t have the “right” container for it.

Shampoo & Soap Bars

It’s all about going back to the good old days.

Even though I was a bit skeptical at first, these were some of the very best eco-friendly decisions I ever made.

Besides having long and wavy hair, looks healthier and shinier since I started using shampoo bars - thanks to its more natural formulas. And yes, it looks just as clean.

My favorites? The ones from SOLITO, Mind The Trash, and Lush. 

Also, going back to soap bars was easier than I thought. As I don’t have any bulk store nearby, I get mine from my local supermarket. And yes, in case you’re wondering, it’s possible to find some plastic-free alternatives there.

In case you’re looking for something natural, handmade, and utterly adorable, you might want to take a look at these from The Singular Olivia. 

Glass Jars

Versatile, long-lasting, easy to clean, and easy to find at anyone’s cupboard.

Instead of spending my money on beautiful Maison jars, I keep the ones from previous supermarket purchases - like tomato sauce, honey, and jam. Giving these a second life, and a new purpose, once these get empty.

At the moment, I store my reusable cotton rounds in an old Nutella jar. Yeah, I know… you just need to be practical and a bit creative.

Need some ideas? Use glass jars to store food leftovers, soup, ingredients, nuts, candy, take food to the office, put flowers, pens, makeup brushes…

Food Huggers

Forget clingfilm, Food Huggers will do the same work for you (over and over) and without paying the toll on the planet.

These are really good for when you have produce leftovers. Like half a tomato, onion, lemon…

Super easy to use and long-lasting. The best part? You can even find these at Ikea.

What about you? What are your ultimate eco-friendly essentials? Feel free to reach me on Instagram.