Overhauling your entire life to be more eco-friendly and conscious can be a really overwhelming task. When you’ve lived one way your whole life and are now trying to make a change, you may be thinking, “Where do I even start?” At times like these, when it’s hard to know what to do, it seems easier to just do nothing at all. That mindset ends here.

Just starting somewhere is so doable and so powerful. Even just making one of these changes can make huge positive impact on the environment and reduce the waste you create. Plus, because these products are reusable, you’ll start saving money on disposables that you have to buy over and over. Extra bonus: So many of them are super cute!

Read on for guidance, then let us know how it goes — and share any additions of your own in the comments!

In the kitchen…

Silicone Straws (Amazon, $11 for a 10-pack)

Plastic straws are particularly bad for the environment and wildlife. They can get lodged in sea turtles’ nostrils! Opting for silicone instead is a super easy and fun alternative. They come in a variety of cool colors, they’re dishwasher safe and fun to bite on as you slurp your smoothie. Because they’re soft (rather than being made from glass or metal), they’re safe for kids to use, too.

Beeswax Food Wraps (Amazon, $18 for a set of 3)

You can say goodbye to plastic wrap and tinfoil, thanks to these beeswax wrappers. Wrap up leftover sliced veggies or a whole plate of food. Beeswax wrappers are actually known to keep food fresher longer than plastic wrap, too. To clean, wash them in cold water then hang or lay flat to dry. When the wrappers have reached the end of their life, they’re 100% compostable.

Reusable Paper Towels (Package Free Shop, $20 for a 6-pack)

I have to admit, this is one of the hardest things for me to replace. I go through paper towels like nobody’s business — for every spill and to dry dishes and vegetables. These reusable paper towels seem like the perfect way to make the change. They’re just as light, yet even more absorbent. They’re supposed to last forever but when you’re done, they’re also 100% compostable.

Glass Storage Jars (Amazon, $23 for a 3-pack with chalk labels)

Store any homemade dressings, pastas, cereals and baking ingredients right in these jars. You can also bring them directly to a store that sells products in bulk, like nuts or tea, as to not waste any plastic bags over there. The lids are leak-proof and the labels can be used over and over by just wiping off and re-naming.

Sponge-Replacement Cloths (Amazon, $8 for a 4-pack)

These cloths are reusable and super functional. They can be used to replace paper towels and are strong enough to use as a sponge replacement. The cloth is 100% biodegradable and washing machine-safe. They can also be cleaned in a microwave to remove any bacteria or funky smells.

In the bathroom…

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars (Package Free Shop, $24 for the set)

No bottles? Yes, you heard that right. To use these bars, just rub each one on your head like you would a bar of soap. Then continue massaging into your scalp. The best part is you don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. These bars come in so many different varieties like hydrator, detoxifier or balancer so you can get the right type for your hair needs. Use until they’re done! If you need to dispose of them earlier, they’re 100% compostable.

Reusable Cotton Wipes and Pads (Package Free Shop, $22 for a 12-pack) 

I’ve used makeup remover wipes for as long as I’ve been wearing makeup. They’re the perfect first step to take the product off before following up with a cleanse. But, naturally, they’re pretty wasteful. Using this organic cotton cloth with a makeup remover is a really good way to swap out that step. You can machine wash them to clean.

Reusable Spray Bottle (Package Free Shop, $14 each)

Having your own glass spray bottle means not having to consistently pick up plastic ones from the store (which are also full of chemicals). Of course, the bottle is reusable, but the coolest part is that there is a recipe on the side to make your own natural cleaner with items you probably already have in the house. It’ll be nontoxic and safer for use in all areas of your home.

Natural Wool Dryer Balls (Amazon, $8 for a 6-pack)

These are about to become the heroes of your laundry process. They reduce drying time, wrinkles, and static and soften clothes naturally while keeping harmful chemicals off your clothes that dryer sheets can bring. Dryer sheets can also reduce absorbency over time, which is crazy to think about, considering we put them in with towels and the like. When not in use, you can display them or have the kids roll them around.

Plastic-Free Deodorant Stick (Package Free Shop, $14)

It’s crazy to think about how much plastic is everywhere. Deodorant is one of the last things I thought of initially, yet it’s so easy to swap out. Not only is this deodorant in a paper tube so it’s compostable, it actually smells amazing and works! There are many different scents and the reviews are glowing — real users promise it does the trick.

On the go…

Stojo Collapsible Coffee Cup, (Amazon, $20 for a 16-oz cup)

I just got one of these and it’s safe to say I’m obsessed. I use it for both coffee and water depending on what I’m taking on the go. Because of the straw, you can use it for both hot and cold drinks. It washes super easily and when you’re done drinking, you can collapse it for easy transport back home! Plus, it comes in so many cute colors so there’s an option for everyone.

Water Bottle (Amazon, $30)

This one isn’t a secret at this point, but it’s a good reminder — especially during the summer months when it’s easy to go through tons of plastic bottles while you’re out. This S’well bottle (or any similar brand) keeps drinks ice cold for 41 HOURS so you can get a major refresh even after you’re out in the sun for a while.

Bamboo Cutlery Set (Amazon, $10 for an entire set)

This is one of the latest additions to my sustainable stash. I always feel horrible every time I go out with plastic cutlery that will just get thrown right away. This bamboo cutlery is easy and light to take on the go, so simple to clean and even more fun to eat with! At only $10 for the whole set, you’ll make your money back from all that plastic in no time.

String Bag (Package Free Shop, $20)

Putting produce in those small plastic bags is such an afterthought, but when I do think about it, it’s crazy how wasteful those bags are, since I take the fruits and veggies out right when I get home. Remembering to bring a couple of these string bags instead will eliminate all that waste instantly. Plus, you can use them for any other carrying needs you have!

Reusable Food Storage Bags (Amazon, $50 for a 4-pack*)

Whether you’re storing something in the freezer or fridge or sending your child to school with snacks, these bags will become your new go-tos. They keep the food tightly sealed and fresh, come in a variety of sizes and colors and are dishwasher safe. *NOTE: The Stasher ones are dishwasher safe, so they’re a bit pricier, as you can see. You can find cheaper varieties but they’re hand-wash only.