Reusable Water Bottles

Alternatives to plastic water bottles have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, and for all the right reasons, since they are the perfect alternative to plastic water bottles. Refilling this bottle will be cheaper in the long run and prevent plastic—a substance that can never completely break down—from polluting our oceans. Most plastic bottles contain harmful chemicals that can damage the health of both humans and sea creatures, so reusable water bottles like Hydro Flasks and S’well bottles are not only safer, but can be decorated to add some fun to your daily ensemble. These reusable bottles can also keep your beverage cool or hot for up to 12 hours and their price ranges from $10 to $60, depending on the brand and size.

Recycled Clothing

Looking for new clothes can be wasteful, but you can turn shopping into a more sustainable activity while trying out new alternative clothing with friends. Clothing brands like Recover Brands and Patagonia have made a more eco-friendly way to shop while encouraging a more sustainable approach to reduce waste. Recover Brands produces clothing using purely recycled material and has eliminated uses of unnatural dyes, while Patagonia encourages its customers to buy less products and instead renovate old clothing.

Stainless Steel Straws

Instead of sucking the life out of the environment, consider switching out plastic straws for sustainable stainless steel ones. These lightweight metal straws will not only add style and elegance to your drink, but they will also save wildlife in the process. These affordable stainless steel straws are dishwasher-safe and come in an array of colors. At around $1 for one, you can buy them at Target or Walmart or online on Amazon.

Mason Jars

From meal prepping to storage containers, mason jars are a cute and inexpensive alternative to plastic containers for easy recipes like overnight oats, smoothie or fruits. At $12 for a dozen at Target, these versatile glass jars are conveniently portable and lightweight. This sustainable option is better for your health too, eliminating the harsh chemicals that come with styrofoam and plastic containers.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Discarding or littering plastic bags was a norm for our society until they were outlawed in certain states, including California. To break the cycle and alleviate the burden on our landfills, consider switching to a reusable tote bag to help spice up your outfit the next time you make a grocery trip.