Going zero waste not only reduces our climate impact but also helps to conserve resources and minimise pollution. While we know switching to a more sustainable lifestyle isn’t something we can achieve overnight, here are 10 products that will help ease you into a new eco-friendly life.

1. Cloth shopping bags
   
   
   
   Next time you go shopping, remember to BYOB – that’s Bring Your Own Bag. Invest in a sturdy cotton or canvas tote bag in your favourite prints to carry your purchases with ease and say no to paper or plastic bags.
   

2. Handkerchiefs and napkins
   
   
   
   They may seem like a relic of the past, but handkerchiefs are a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint. Reduce purchasing packs of plastic-covered tissue papers and make the switch to soft, silky handkerchiefs. At home, use cloth napkins at the dinner table for a greener meal with an added touch of elegance.
   

3. Eco-friendly food storage bags
   
   
   Photo credit: Good Housekeeping
   
   Instead of plastic zipper bags, keep your snacks in re-sealable silicone bags. These food-grade bags aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re also more functional than their plastic counterparts as they are able to withstand higher temperatures, so you can use them in the microwave. Similarly, use stretchable silicone covers instead of cling wrap to cover your dishes.
   

4. Silicone bakeware
   
   
   
   Love spending the weekend baking treats? Get yourself a silicone baking mat and a set of silicone baking cups to make anything from cookies to muffins and cakes. These reusable baking tools are great substitutes for foil and paper products as they are easier to handle and far more resistant to sticking.
   

5. Reusable drinkware
   
   
   
   Cultivating the habit of travelling with your own bottle to  avoid the usage of plastic and reduce disposables. Pick an insulated bottle, like this Thermos® Straw Bottle or Thermos® One-Push Tumblers, to enjoy the bonus of having your drinks stay hot or cold. For your coffee or tea runs, bring a Tumbler Cup or your own Thermos® Mug and you might even get a discount on your drink.  

6. Reusable food containers
   
   
   
   If you’re going out to tabao (takeaway), have the eatery place pack your meal in your container instead of a plastic or Styrofoam box. Keep your meal hot or cold for hours in vacuum-insulated options, like Thermos® Food Jars and Lunch Totes, so you can enjoy the food the way you want them. 

7. Minimalist soap bars
   
   
   
   Go minimalist when it comes to packaging to help reduce waste. This means making the change from bottled shower gels to packaging-free soap bars. Alternatively, get a reusable pump bottle – preferably glass or ceramic – and buy refill packs. 

8. Rechargeable batteries
   
   
   
   You’re already charging all your electronic devices, so why not charge your batteries too? Not only will you be reducing waste, but it’s also a more economical option in the long run. Single-use batteries also carry the risk of corroding and polluting the soil and water if improperly disposed of, which is another reason to steer clear.
   

9. Reusable makeup remover pads
   
   
   Photo credit: Salvage and Stitch
   
   Have you ever thought about how many cotton pads you’re throwing out each day to keep up your beauty routine? Get yourself some washable bamboo cloth pads to swap out one-use pads. Most brands are washing machine-safe, so there’s no need to worry about extra labour.
   
   Alternatively, you can upcycle your used cloth and make your own cotton pads. Here’s how you can do it even without a sewing machine.
   

10. Reusable feminine care products
    
    
    
    Most disposable tampons and pads contain rayon, a synthetic fibre, and plastic, and is then wrapped up in layers of plastic packaging. These non-biodegradable materials all end up in landfills. Thankfully, there are many zero waste alternatives on the market now, including washable reusable cotton pads, washable period panties, and silicone menstrual cups.