Everywhere I look these days, plastic is staring back at me. From the bathroom sink to the grocery aisle, it’s become the default material for almost everything we use.
The convenience is undeniable, but so is the problem, single-use plastic is clogging our oceans, harming wildlife, and sticking around for hundreds of years after we’ve tossed it.
What really struck me was how plastic creeps into products that never used to need it in the first place. Toothpaste, chewing gum, even dish soap, items that once came in paper, glass, or natural materials have been quietly replaced by plastic packaging.
That realization pushed me to explore alternatives. And honestly, I was surprised at how many clever, effective, and downright beautiful plastic-free options are already out there.
This guide is not about shaming anyone into a zero-waste lifestyle overnight. It’s about showing you that small, practical swaps exist, and some of them are shockingly easy to make.
I’ve tested many of these myself, and I’ll share where you can find them, what they cost, and a few tips I’ve learned along the way.
Here are my main takeaways from this journey:
- You don’t need to overhaul your whole life; start with one swap and build from there.
- Plastic-free alternatives often last longer and save money in the long run.
- Many of these options feel like upgrades, not sacrifices.
- Change is easier when you know where to look and what to expect.
With that in mind, let’s dive into 15 surprising things you didn’t know you could buy plastic-free: from your bathroom to your kitchen, and even your tech drawer.
1. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
When people picture shampoo, the image is usually a bulky plastic bottle sitting in the shower. But bars are changing that.
A shampoo bar looks like a regular soap bar, but it lathers up in your hair and works just as well, sometimes better.
Conditioner bars are now common too, offering soft, silky results without the bottle.
I like that these bars are TSA-friendly, so I don’t have to worry about liquid rules when traveling.
Brands like Ethique and HiBAR have made these mainstream, and you can even spot them in stores like Target. One bar can replace two to three plastic bottles.
Trueecoliving tip: Keep them on a draining soap dish. If they sit in water, they turn mushy.
2. Toothpaste Tablets
Toothpaste tubes are made from layers of plastic and aluminum that are nearly impossible to recycle. Enter toothpaste tablets.
You simply pop one in your mouth, chew, and brush as normal. They foam up just like regular paste.
I’ve tried Bite and Denttabs, both of which come in refillable glass jars or compostable pouches.
They cost a little more upfront, but a jar lasts longer than you’d think.
Trueecoliving tip: Keep the jar sealed tightly, moisture can make the tabs soften.
3. Chewing Gum
Most people don’t realize it, but conventional gum is basically plastic. It’s made with synthetic rubber that doesn’t biodegrade.
Thankfully, companies like Simply Gum and Glee Gum brought back the old-school method using natural chicle from trees.
The experience is the same, sweet, chewy, and satisfying, but without spitting out plastic into the environment.
These are often packaged in paper boxes, too.
Trueecoliving tip: Keep a small box in your bag. Friends are always surprised when I say, “Yes, this gum is plastic-free.”
4. Dishwasher Detergent Strips
Traditional detergent pods come in dissolvable film that still contains polyvinyl alcohol (a synthetic polymer), and the big plastic jugs are wasteful.
Strips or powder in cardboard boxes are a clever alternative.
Brands like Tru Earth or EcoLiving offer detergent sheets that dissolve in the wash without leaving microplastics behind.
I found they clean dishes just as well as conventional pods, even on greasy pans.
Trueecoliving tip: Store them somewhere dry. Humidity can make the strips stick together.
5. Deodorant in Cardboard or Glass
Most deodorants are packaged in plastic tubes. The plastic-free version comes in compostable cardboard push-up tubes, glass jars with cream, or even crystal alum stones.
I personally like the cardboard stick deodorants, they work like normal, and you push them up with your finger from the bottom.
Brands like Native, Wild, and Meow Meow Tweet all have versions.
Trueecoliving tip: If using a jar cream, give yourself a week to adjust. It feels different to apply but works great.
6. Beeswax Wraps
Plastic cling film is one of the most frustrating single-use plastics. Beeswax wraps solve that.
They’re made from fabric coated in beeswax and resin, so you can mold them over bowls, fruit, or sandwiches.
They’re reusable for months and compostable at the end of life. I’ve used mine for everything from half an avocado to wrapping cheese.
Trueecoliving tip: Warm them slightly with your hands to soften the wax and get a snug seal.
7. Compostable Phone Cases
It feels strange to think of phones and sustainability in the same sentence, but even accessories are shifting.
Plastic phone cases are everywhere, but compostable cases made from flax straw or hemp exist.
Pela is the most popular brand I’ve tried. They’re flexible, protective, and surprisingly stylish.
When you’re done, they’ll break down in compost instead of living forever in a landfill.
Trueecoliving tip: These cases can feel softer than hard plastic, but they still protect your phone from drops.
8. Paper Tape and Plastic-Free Glue
Most adhesive products hide plastic. Packaging tape, duct tape, and even glue often contain synthetic polymers. But alternatives are making a comeback.
Paper-based water-activated tape (used by big companies like Amazon) is fully recyclable with cardboard. Glue is also available in metal tins or glass jars, made from natural ingredients.
Trueecoliving tip: If you ship parcels, switching to paper tape makes recycling much simpler for whoever receives the box.
9. Dental Floss
That tiny roll of floss is usually plastic thread in a plastic box. Plastic-free floss is available in silk or corn-based fiber, housed in refillable glass jars.
Brands like Georganics and EcoRoots sell them, and I’ve found they work just as well, strong enough not to snap, and they glide smoothly.
Trueecoliving tip: Buy refills in compostable packets, so you never need to buy the jar again.
10. Laundry Detergent Bars or Sheets
Laundry detergent jugs are one of the biggest sources of household plastic waste. The plastic-free fix: detergent sheets or solid bars.
Sheets dissolve instantly in water, and bars can be grated or rubbed directly onto stains. Tru Earth and Blueland are popular names here.
Trueecoliving tip: If you’re skeptical, start with a small pack. I found sheets actually take up less storage space than liquid detergent.
11. Safety Razors and Soap Pucks
Disposable plastic razors pile up quickly. Safety razors, with a metal handle and replaceable steel blades, are a smarter, plastic-free option.
Pair them with a shaving soap puck wrapped in paper, and you’ve eliminated two plastic products at once.
The upfront cost is higher, but blades are dirt cheap compared to cartridge refills.
Trueecoliving tip: Take it slow the first few times with a safety razor. The shave is smoother once you get the hang of it.
12. Compostable Trash Bags
Yes, even trash bags can go plastic-free. Compostable versions are made from cornstarch or plant fibers.
They look and feel like regular bags but break down much faster.
Companies like BioBag and UNNI offer them in different sizes. I use them in my kitchen bin, and they hold up surprisingly well.
Trueecoliving tip: If your waste is very wet, double-bagging helps prevent leaks.
13. Bulk Spices and Dry Goods
This one caught me off guard. Spices and pantry staples almost always come in little plastic containers.
But many stores now sell bulk options, so you can refill glass jars with spices, rice, nuts, or flour.
I’ve found bulk sections in co-ops, Whole Foods, and even some local supermarkets. It feels satisfying to scoop just what I need into my own jars.
Trueecoliving tip: Bring lightweight cotton bags to hold the goods before transferring into glass jars at home.
14. Natural Loofahs and Coconut Scourers
Those colorful dish sponges are plastic-based, shedding microplastics every time you scrub.
Natural loofahs (from the dried gourd) and coconut fiber brushes are tough, long-lasting, and fully compostable.
I use a coconut coir brush for pots and pans, and a loofah for dishes. They don’t smell as quickly as synthetic sponges either.
Trueecoliving tip: Let them dry fully between uses to extend their life.
15. Reusable Coffee Filters and Tea Infusers
Disposable coffee filters are usually bleached paper with plastic lining, and many tea bags also contain hidden plastic.
Switching to reusable stainless steel or cloth filters cuts waste immediately.
I’ve used a metal pour-over filter for years, it makes a rich cup and has saved me dozens of paper packs. For tea, loose leaf in a mesh ball or reusable silicone bag is perfect.
Trueecoliving tip: Rinse the filter right after use to avoid stubborn stains.
Conclusion
Going plastic-free doesn’t mean giving up comfort or convenience. In fact, I’ve found that many of these alternatives feel more enjoyable to use.
Shampoo bars smell amazing, beeswax wraps make my fridge look prettier, and refillable jars of floss feel like small luxuries.
What’s most important is that these swaps add up. If one household trades just a few products each year, the reduction in plastic waste is massive.
And as more of us demand alternatives, companies respond with better and more affordable options.
If you’re wondering where to begin, pick the product that feels easiest to swap. Maybe it’s toothpaste tablets, maybe it’s a phone case.
Start small, try it out, and build momentum. Before you know it, you’ll be the one surprising your friends by saying, “Yes, even gum can be plastic-free.”