New Year, New You: Sustainable Alternatives for a Zero-Waste 2025
Published on 1/1/25
Written by Jessica Colla
Ready to make 2025 your most sustainable year yet? I’m thrilled to share this guide of over 50 practical tips and product recommendations for every stage of your zero-waste journey; from beginner swaps to expert-level energy independence. As a professional environmental scientist and marine biologist, all product recommendations are based on my personal experiences—most of them are in my own house right now!
As Anne-Marie Bonneau once said, “We don’t need 20 people doing sustainability perfectly. We need billions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Remember: Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming, you just have to start.
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As we look back on 2024, there is much to celebrate in the realm of ocean conservation. We’ve made remarkable strides globally, like the designation of a new Marine Natural Park at Algarve Reef in Portugal (Oceano Azul Foundation), international efforts to end plastic pollution through the UN’s Global Plastic Pollution Treaty (UN Environment Program), the The Ocean Cleanup organization reported removing over 15 million kilograms (33 million pounds) of marine trash from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (The Ocean Cleanup), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) partnered with ODISEA to develop solutions for protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 (IUCN). These milestones show what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, and governments come together with a shared purpose.
Amidst these successes, challenges like microplastics and climate change still remain pressing, and its difficult not to feel overwhelmed by all the work left to do. BUT THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN! Imagine starting 2025 with a commitment to making meaningful, sustainable changes in your life (not just for the planet, but for your wallet, too!). Each small step, whether it’s swapping out single-use plastics or investing in energy-efficient appliances, contributes to the collective effort to protect our oceans.
In 2025, let’s resolve to amplify our efforts by embracing new habits and products that pave the way for a zero-waste future. Together, we can build a brighter, cleaner future for our oceans while also creating healthier, more affordable lifestyles for ourselves.
Let’s dive in!
Beginner: Taking the First Steps Toward Sustainability
Starting your sustainability journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by focusing on reducing your reliance on single-use plastics. Swapping out disposable items like water bottles, bags, and cutlery for reusable alternatives is a great way to get started. Not only do these changes help decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, but they also save you money in the long run as you replace disposables with durable, long-lasting products.
Simple swaps can make a big impact:
1.Reusable travel cutlery
Every sustainability journey has to start somewhere … so why not start with one of the biggest contributors to single-use plastic waste in the food industry!? I love this cutlery set that ALSO has chopsticks and two straws (AND a straw cleaner!). It’s everything you need, and you can even add a few more items to the pouch, like a giant straw for boba tea or smoothies!
2. Reusable insulated Water Bottle
This Owala water bottle is one of the frequently-utilized sustainable tools in my toolkit! The FreeSip straw technology is like having a Nalgene and a Camelbak all in one. I’ve never advocated so much for a water bottle in my entire life; I bring it up whenever I get the chance … even with total strangers!
3. Reusable Coffee Mug
If you’re like me and often need to take your hot drink on-the-go, then its important to have one that’s well insulated with a RELIABLE lid that closes tight. The Owala coffee cup is the perfect size and fits in my car (and backpack) cupholder.
4. REusable Shopping Bags
When I first started my sustainability journey, I forgot my reusable bags ALL THE TIME! … Lets be honest, I still do sometimes. If you’re anything like me, I benefit from having a bunch of foldable grocery bags. I put them everywhere: my car, my purse, my backpack, my office desk … the list goes on. Now I have no excuse!
5. Reusable Food Storage Containers
Another great way to avoid disposable food containers is to keep various reusable options on hand. Whether you need a collapsible silicone option for unexpected take-away food, a Stasher bag to replace disposable Ziplocs, or a cute beeswax wrap alternative so you never need to rely on Seran again!
6. Reusable Travel Toiletry Containers
The store's travel toiletry section always makes me cringe … so many tiny plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and face wash … which cost almost as much as full-sized bottles! They’re brands you don’t even like, and are trash after just a few uses! Save the planet (and your wallet) by switching to reusable toiletry containers and simply fill them with your own stuff!
Intermediate: Building on the Basics
If you’ve already mastered the basics of sustainability, it’s time to level up by incorporating sustainable household and personal care products into your daily life. This stage focuses on minimizing waste from everyday activities by choosing refillable, reusable, and eco-friendly options. For example, switching to refillable cleaning products and reusable menstrual products not only reduces the amount of single-use packaging in your home but also creates a healthier environment free from harsh chemicals. These choices lead to a more sustainable and budget-friendly lifestyle.
Take the next step with sustainable household and personal care products:
7. Sustainable Tooth Care
After doing “inventory” on my bathroom trash, (and being shocked at the plastic I was using in my dental care routine), I switched to sustainable tooth care products. Now I use natural silk floss instead of plastic (with a refillable glass jar!), plastic-free toothpaste tablets, and an aluminum electric toothbrush with plant-based, recyclable heads. Want to minimize your trash even more? Switch to a rechargeable Waterpik!
8. Ec0-Friendly Hair Care
There are SO MANY hair care products & tools out there. Blink once, and your countertop is covered in dozens of half-used bottles and jars. I don’t pretend that my hair care routine is entirely plastic-free, but I’ve take huge strides recently to minimize it. I LOVE using Ethique’s solid shampoo & conditioner bars (especially when traveling).
9. Plastic-free Razors
Another frustration on my zero-waste journey were the crazy number of disposable razors I went through! The cheap plastic isn’t meant to last, and buying (hundreds of) razors are expensive over time! It was a lose-lose situation; I either skipped shaving to extend the razor’s life and save money, or I shaved regularly and threw away a razor once every few weeks - yikes! Once I switched to this stainless steel safety razor, I could FINALLY breath a huge sigh of relief (on behalf of my wallet).
10. REusable Makeup Remover Rounds
To be honest, I don’t wear makeup regularly in my line of work (a marine biologist who is frequently on/ in/underwater). However, these reusable cloth rounds are perfect for washing my face, removing makeup (or seasalt), and even spoiling myself with at-home facial treatments. The wooden dispenser looks adorable on the bathroom counter, and the laundry bag makes washing so much easier. P.S. - the black ones are better at hiding stains!
11. Sustainable Menstrual Products
Although this can be a big hurdle for some—switching to non-disposable period products like a silicone menstrual cup and period underwear has been a game-changer for me! Not only are they better for the environment by reducing SO MUCH WASTE, but they are also more comfortable and healthier for my body—no harsh chemicals or costly disposable products needed!
12. Eco-Friendly Laundry
My laundry room used to be full of GIANT bottles of detergent, softener, stain removers and bleach. Since I’ve started using sustainable laundry products like wool dryer balls, dehydrated detergent sheets, and solid stain remover sticks, and it’s amazing how much waste I’ve eliminated! (Like, literally 3/4 of the space in my cabinets). These eco-friendly alternatives are gentle on the environment, effective on my clothes, and make me feel good about every load of laundry.
13. Eco-Friendly Dishwashing
Once I figured out how easy it was to transition my laundry room into a sustainable oasis, I knew the logical next step was to tackle my dishes! Switching to a solid dishwashing bar, a bamboo scrub brush, coconut coir dish sponges, and dishwashing detergent tablets has completely transformed my kitchen routine. They cut down on plastic while keeping my dishes just as clean—no brainer!
14. Waste-Free All-Purpose Cleaning
Cleaning your house shouldn’t be wasteful. When I made the switch to products like reusable glass cleaner bottles, concentrated cleaner solution tablets, Swedish dishcloths (soooo absorbent!), and un-paper towels, I knew I was never going back. Besides, look how cute those Swedish dishcloths are!?
15. Sustainable Bathroom ALternatives
Who gives a crap? No literally … that’s the name of the 100% bamboo toilet paper brand. Hehehe, gotta love appropriately-placed toilet humor! But really, my partner gets all the credit for this bidet. To be honest, I was skeptical at first—but now I’m a total convert! If you still need convincing: we got a bidet at the start of the pandemic when everyone was worried about toilet paper. Our new box of WGAC toilet paper (24 rolls) lasted us nearly 11 months when used alongside the bidet!
Advanced: Becoming Energy and Water Efficient
For those who want to deepen their sustainability commitment, focusing on energy and water efficiency is the logical next step. Consider adopting solutions like composting food waste with advanced systems, growing fresh produce at home using hydroponic gardens, and upgrading your home with energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures. These actions not only lower your utility bills but also significantly reduce your household’s environmental footprint. By making these changes, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future while enjoying the benefits of self-sufficiency.
Check out the Energy Star webpage to learn more about energy efficiency and to see an extended list of recommended products, fixtures & appliances!
REMEMBER: As we get further into this list, sustainability transitions from daily-use products to efficient fixtures & appliances, and finally to sustainable habits. For example, if you’re not in a position to buy a new, fancy water-efficient shower head, just focus on reducing your shower times instead. Just think outside the box!
Deepen you’re commitment with energy and water-saving systems:
16. Sustainable Composting & Nutrient Recycling
Composting is a big step into closing your nutrient cycling loop. Use this tumbling composter to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden (and back to your plate—in the form of veggies, of course!). Don’t have a garden or yard? No problem! Check out the Lomi composter - sleek enough for a countertop, small enough to hide away in your pantry. If green waste removal services are an option in your area, a simple composting bin is a perfect start!
17. Aquaponics, Hydroponics & Personal Farming
I LOVE fresh herbs! I swear, I was probably the only college student on the planet that had an Aerogarden with basil & parsley instead of a mini-fridge full of beer. I simply got tired of buying costly herb bundles, only to waste half because I couldn’t use it fast enough (#single). It was the perfect size for my tiny dorm room, and I even produced enough to support my neighbors. Now that I’m an adult (haha, sorta), I’ve got more space for my Farmstand Grow Tower in my backyard garden!
18. Water-Efficient Fixtures & Appliances
If you own your own place, check out water-efficient appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters. (Did you know hand-washing dishes uses more water than an Energy-Star dishwasher?!) Don’t have your own place yet? No problem! Lots of high-pressure, low-flow faucets & shower heads are easily attachable and removable—so you can take them with you on your next move!
19. Energy-Efficient Fixtures & Appliances
Sustainability is a journey full of baby-steps. If this energy-efficiency list appears overwhelming, take a step back and breath! Remember: its more wasteful to replace something that’s still working perfectly fine! HOWEVER, when it is time to replace or add a new appliance to your home, this list is where to start: Energy Star energy-efficient products.
Psssssstttt … a great place to start is with LED light bulbs as they burn out!
Expert: Achieving Zero Waste and Energy Independence
For those who have already embraced a highly sustainable lifestyle (congrats!), achieving zero waste and energy independence is the ultimate goal. This stage involves adopting advanced solutions such as monitoring your energy consumption with smart tools, transitioning to solar power, and committing to reusing and repurposing everything. By taking these steps, you not only achieve self-sufficiency but also set an example for others, demonstrating the profound impact of a fully sustainable lifestyle.
Although I’m still far away from living on an off-grid homestead (#dreams), my colleagues who DO had some great recommendations for you all!
Take advanced steps can help achieve zero waste and energy independence:
20. Renewable Energies
What better way to be energy-efficient than to produce it yourself!? Depending on where you live, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro and even geothermal can keep your home operational—whether you’re reducing your reliance on city electricity, or are going completely off-grid.
(P.S. - this also works for camping trips and RV’s too)
21. Off-Grid & Self-Sustaining Technologies
When endeavoring to reach the zer0-waste goal, completely self-sustaining technologies like rain water collection & filtration, composting toilets and fix-it-yourself tools are essential. If you’re like me and not there yet, don’t fret! Use it as inspiration for things you CAN do in your own home, like recycle grey water for plants, fix things that break instead of tossing them, and hang your clothes out to dry.
22. Monitoring Systems
Last but not least, the final step of the sustainability puzzle is … to keep track of it! There’s tons of cool technology out there that help us keep track of our heating & cooling, our electricity consumption and even water & fuel leaks! Give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far, you seriously deserve it!
Final Thoughts
Committing to sustainability in 2025 is more than just a resolution. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re ready to take bold new steps towards a more sustainable you, each action helps protect the oceans and promote a healthier planet. Remember: Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent choices build momentum, inspire others, and foster a sense of purpose and pride.
Think of 2025 as your chance to explore new habits, discover innovative products, and join a growing community of ocean advocates. Start with manageable goals—maybe switching to a reusable bottle or exploring eco-friendly household products. As these small changes become part of your routine, you’ll naturally feel confident taking bigger steps. Remember, each choice you make builds a foundation for lifelong sustainability, and the rewards are well worth the effort.
Push yourself to try something new, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. The journey toward sustainability is deeply fulfilling, and knowing you’re making strides to protect the ocean and our planet will keep you motivated. Every effort, no matter how small, adds up when multiplied by millions of people like you. Together, we have the power to create cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and a brighter future.
THANK YOU for your commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation! Your choices matter, and your efforts are appreciated more than you know. Let’s make 2025 a landmark year for protecting the planet—one step at a time.
Share your journey, inspire others, and explore our recommended products to start your zero-waste year!
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Start off 2025 on the right foot with eco-friendly alternatives for a zero-waste, sustainable lifestyle! This blog explores simple swaps like reusable cleaning products, zero-waste personal care, and sustainable kitchen essentials to help you reduce waste and protect the planet!