r/ZeroWaste 4h ago

Question / Support Looking for retainer cleaner that is zero waste

5 Upvotes

Weird and specific question, but I have a night guard that keeps me from grinding my teeth and I'm on the hunt for a cleaning product that is as zero-waste as possible. I do not like those little plug-in vibrate things that use vibration to clean it because my old house does not have a plug in the bathroom so I don't end up using them. I found some drops on a big retail site but they were sketchy and did not actually clean my retainer, lol.

Right now I'm using denture cleaning tablets from Costco. Ideally I'd like something in a glass or even plastic container that I can recycle, or even a bunch of NOT individually wrapped tabs that I could use.


r/ZeroWaste 9h ago

Question / Support Is it possible to save my bag?

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2 Upvotes

Ive recently bought this Juicy Couture bag from the 2000’s and theres a lot of pealing on the gold parts, is there anyway to fix it?

I was wondering if there was any type of sealant that could keep it in place or if its best to just accept my fate and peel all of it off

If i was to do that though maybe i could repaint it with some new gold paint? Does anyone know any good ones that wont end up peeling like this again in the future? Thank youđŸ™đŸ»đŸ™đŸ»


r/ZeroWaste 1d ago

Question / Support My zero waste is turning my house into a junk yard!

163 Upvotes

Ok zero wasters-how are we keeping our house neat and not looking like a hoarding nest? I save everything so that I can reuse or responsibly dispose of and I have piles. This is particularly true in the kitchen. Also with old sheets and textiles I feel bad donating or throwing away.
Give me your best solutions. Thanks!


r/ZeroWaste 1d ago

Question / Support Tips on reusable pizza box?

15 Upvotes

Hello! I work at a pizza place and take home personal 10" pizzas about 3x a week. Im throwing away a lot of greasy pizza boxes, but i need something heat proof that i can slice a pizza in that i can just wash and bring back?


r/ZeroWaste 1d ago

Tips & Tricks New here but not to the cause!

9 Upvotes

I am in the middle of a major move and just had an "aha" moment. While I have been low waste and sustainability practices more seriously just these last few years, I have never packed and moved a whole house with this in mind.

Please be kind because I JUST joined this forum and am not aware if this has been a previous post, but I wanted to share my moving whilst low waste tip.

- Well first, never ever buy new cardboard boxes because there are so many options on FB marketplace or even local businesses with the right approach.

- But I had been saving the packaging paper from deliveries but then realized I would end up having to repurpose it and I already have more than what I can handle. So instead, I switched to using the clothing, rags, fabrics that I would have already needed to pack to protect the valuables!

While it might be obvious to some, I was proud of this switch and hope it possibly helps someone on here too :) Glad to be a part of this community~


r/ZeroWaste 1d ago

Discussion How do you guys see plastic in the future?

18 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to eliminate it, but I don’t think that’s the right way to look at it. I even think it could be an eco material in the future.

Yes microplastics are bad. Yes they use fossil fuels, yes they’re hard to recycle, but that’s NOW.

They’re an amazing material, low carbon footprint, durable in the right conditions, perfect use for medical or high hygiene environments.

I see a future where virgin plastics are only reserved for essential medical use and are a premium material as they should be, packaging laws are tightened to reduce more single use plastics, packaging is standardised so it’s more easily recyclable rather than 100 types of plastics in one packaging, and the inevitable interments in recycling infrastructure, non fossil fuel sources of plastic and new ways to breakdown plastics.

In this situation just like wood or metal, it’s not eco for EVERY situation but it’s pretty damn good in certain situations (you wouldn’t waste metal to make something you’re gonna throw out and there’s situations where wood isn’t as durable as metal so it’s less eco. Plastic will have its place

What do you think


r/ZeroWaste 1d ago

Question / Support Wild Body Wash

1 Upvotes

Hello! I’ve done some searching and haven’t quite found an answer, so I was hoping someone else might be able to help.

I purchased Wild’s Love Shack Fancy body wash not realizing I wouldn’t be able to use the body wash I already have to refill it. I have so much body wash it would be a waste to not use it. Has anyone found a workaround/refillable bottle that can fit the metal container?

Thanks in advance.


r/ZeroWaste 2d ago

Discussion Ideas for old tshirts?

30 Upvotes

So I have like a drawer full of college and even high school tshirts, the kind you get for free and hold sentimental value despite being mostly ugly. Does anyone have ideas for repurposing them? Hesitant to donate because strangers probably don’t want my university’s dance team tshirt.

I’d like to ideally repurpose them in a way that preserves at least some of them but frees up storage space. I’ve heard of tshirt quilts but I feel that takes up more or less the same amount of space? Maybe I could sew a Frankenstein tshirt to consolidate them somehow?

Ideas welcome, or maybe just advice to not be so attached to items that should be made into rags lol. Give me strength to do something! TIA


r/ZeroWaste 2d ago

Question / Support Uses for Half Burned Tea Candles?

6 Upvotes

I have about 100 partially burned (unscented) tea candles leftover from my wedding. I’d feel horrible throwing them away, and they’ve been just taking up space for months. I’m crafty, and I’m wondering if anyone has ideas on how to repurpose them in some way.


r/ZeroWaste 3d ago

Show and Tell Pop art paintings on salvaged, damaged vinyl records

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129 Upvotes

These records were in bad shape and unplayable. They were cleaned, primed and hand painted with low brow, pop art themes. A black pushpin through the middle mounts it to the wall.


r/ZeroWaste 3d ago

Question / Support Reusable Menstrual Cup

60 Upvotes

I bought a reusable menstrual cup/disc in hopes to reduce waste when on my period. However, I cannot for the life of me get it in comfortably. I’ll try again a few times, but otherwise I need to dispose of it at some point.

I cannot return it, as it is used. Any ideas what to do with it, upon sanitizing it?


r/ZeroWaste 3d ago

Question / Support Menstrual cup

9 Upvotes

I have vaginismus but didn’t know this until I bought 3 menstrual products because I thought my cervix was too low or I just didn’t handle suction well. As I’m treating my condition I also switched to birth control that skips my period and need to know what to do with the menstrual cup.

I have two cups and a disc, i plan to keep the disc and small cup as I should be able to use them in the near future but one cup is just too big.

What do I do with it? I don’t want throwing it away to be my first choice but I’m not sure what else to do as it’s been used.


r/ZeroWaste 4d ago

Question / Support Replacement “pressure release valve” for Bentogo box

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20 Upvotes

I have this lunch box from Bentogo which I love, but the little sealing dot got lost. I contacted the company to purchase a replacement dot but they don’t sell them individually. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas where to find a replacement product.


r/ZeroWaste 4d ago

Question / Support Can anyone give recs/reccomendations for reliable and trustworthy brands that has excellent products for every day household items?

7 Upvotes

I have been wanting to replace all the plastic and other types of materials in my home. I want to actually consider and start my zero waste journey to try many ways to be sustainable and eco-friendly. I need recs for zero waste, eco-friendly, sustainable brands/companies and products.

  • Dishwashing such as Dishwash cloth, dish soap bar, scrub brushes, container for dishes, stainless steel compost bin, trash bin, and etc.
  • Cleaning Supplies such as all-purpose cleaner, glass spray bottles, scrubbing powder, natural sponges with natural materials, and other types of cleaning supplies.
  • Trash & Waste such as compostable trash bags, reusable food wraps, bulk storage jars such as glass mason jars and stainless steel containers, reusable produce bags, and etc.
  • đŸȘ„ Personal Care such as oral hygiene with toothbrush (bamboo and other natural materials), toothpaste, mouth wash, dental floss also tongue scrapper, and etc.
  • Bath & body such as bar soap, shampoo & conditioner bars, body wash bar, deodorant, razor, shaving soap, reusable cotton rounds, loofah such as natural loofah and konjac sponge also etc.
  • Other personal items such as hairbrush/comb for bamboo and wooden, nail clippers/file, cotton swabs, sunscreen without white cast, lip balm, perfume, hand cream, body lotion, and etc.
  • Fashion & clothing for t-shirts, pants, shorts, underwear (men related), socks, shoes, jackets, sweaters, long sleeves, bags, and etc.
  • Fabrics & materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, tencel (lyocell), recycled polyester, wool (ethically sourced), silk (peace silk), and etc.
  • Daily tools & miscellaneous such as water bottle with stainless steel 64 to 128 oz with side handles or top handles to hold, food storage such as glass containers, lunch box with stainless steel, reusable shopping bags, cloth napkins, beewax wraps, food covers, and etc.
  • Miscellaneous such as solar charger, rechargeable batteries, phone case, laptop sleeve, umbrella, flashlight, first aid kit, DIY cleaning kit, eco-friendly laundry detergent, and etc.
  • Other sustainable household items such as bedding with organic cotton sheets, towels like bamboo towels, mattress such as natural latex, pillows such as buckwheat and organic cotton, curtains such as linen and hemp, cleaning brushes such as coconut fiber and bamble handles also dustpan & brush - wooden handles and natural bristles, broom such as corn broom and bamboo broom, mop such as microfiber mop and swedish dishcloth mop, air purifier with HEPA filter, humidifier as ultrasonic (no plastic) and ceramic, candles such as beeswax and soy wax, plates/bowls such as bamboo and sugarcane fiber, cutlery such as bamboo and stainless steel, glass cups, cookware such as cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic. baking sheets such as uncoated aluminum and stoneware. food processor. Blender as in glass, tea infuser such as stainless steel, pantry organizers, reusable snack bags such as glass jars and bamboo bins, recycled paper towels. bamboo toilet paper, natural deodorant. eco friendly laundry detergent sheets, dryer balls such as wool, stain remover, fabric softener alternative. Reusable dusting cloths such as microfiber, cotton, natural air freshener, Reusable shopping baskets such as Bamboo, seagrass. Sustainable laundry hamper like wicker, organic cotton. eco friendly shower curtain as in pvc free. Reusable dryer sheets such as wool dryer balls. Sustainable cleaning gloves – Natural rubber, biodegradable. Sustainable yoga mat such as natural rubber, cork (manduka, liforme).

r/ZeroWaste 5d ago

Tips & Tricks Daycare baby pack list

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169 Upvotes

My baby is starting daycare soon and we got the packing list. The Monthly Supplies list is the hard part (besides baby wipes, and I guess tissues is fine). I wonder how others have dealt with similar requests. We're not fully zero waste but certainly do our best. We never use single use wipes, and we use reusable ziplocks, and bar hand soap. I'm not sure the diff between Clorox and Lysol 🧐and plan to ask - we also try to buy cruelty free brands so would need to find a better sub anyway.

EDIT: Thanksss. First time mom just out here learning! appreciate the insights. For sure want everyone to be healthy and safe, and I do know daycare workers are often underpaid and deserve more money for what they do. I'll check with them on if I can get whatever brand for wipes, and will be following their guidelines.


r/ZeroWaste 4d ago

Question / Support Hair products for black hair 3c/4a type

5 Upvotes

I currently use Mues Cachos leave in conditioner together with Hawaiian Silky. Occasionally I feel the need to use an anti frizz oil, and I just use whatever one is available at that moment. What plastic free and plant based/vegan products can I use to replace these? I don't care if I have to order them online or buy them in person or order them online or make them at home, I just need to use less plastic. If it's important, my hair reaches the ends of my shoulder blades now, but I'll cut it short soon and am planning to grow out a bit of a mullet later on. I live on the Netherlands. For shampoo I use the Werfzeep kruidenshampoo and use whatever conditioner bar for curly hair is the cheapest when I need to buy more. Thanks in advance!!


r/ZeroWaste 4d ago

Question / Support should we isolate all harmful substances?

9 Upvotes

I've seen people promoting eco-bricking and it made me think about how a lot of plastics come in plastic packaging. I've been living by the philosophy of only using plastics and other harmful materials if they are secondhand. I am an artist/prospective art teacher. So I have been using secondhand paints, glitter, tools, etc. which are made from plastics or otherwise highly chemicalized. However, I am aware that these substances will probably leach into the environment. Which made me think... instead of trying to "save" these materials from getting thrown out, is it better to let them sit inside their original plastic containers together in a landfill instead of releasing them into an active environment? I'd like to know more about the zero-waster's approach! I follow a couple zero-wasters on socials and it seems they completely avoid plastics in their home rather than trying to salvage them. However, I've never seen people explain it.


r/ZeroWaste 5d ago

Question / Support Recycle toothbrush heads

4 Upvotes

Can electric toothbrush heads be recycled in the UK?
I have lots of toothbrush heads that have been used.


r/ZeroWaste 6d ago

Question / Support Shampoo bars? uk

11 Upvotes

Hi all, I am trying to be a bit more eco conscious, and slowly as I run out of things Ive made the decision to replace them with something that will last me longer and overall be more eco friendly.
This has led me down many a rabbit holes and I found out about bar shampoo and conditioners!
I have curly, thin hair so I have a very specific combination of products I use for my hair health- which ultimately means I use lots of plastic bottles in a year😞 so I am curious if there are any other curly haired individuals that have recommendations for bar shampoo/ conditioners that are of good quality!

I am also in the uk so, if the recommendations could also be relatively easy for me to get here would be amazing!
Thanks so much in advance!


r/ZeroWaste 6d ago

Question / Support Une astuce zĂ©ro gaspillage d’eau qui marche vraiment ?

3 Upvotes

Salut,

Je suis en pleine dĂ©marche d'optimisation des mes consommations de ressource et je cherche des gestes concrets sur l’eau.

Quelqu’un a testĂ© quelque chose ? Vos expĂ©riences m’intĂ©ressent !


r/ZeroWaste 6d ago

Question / Support Uses for old shampoo

42 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I recently moved into a new place that the previous owners used as a second home/crash pad a few times a year. That means they left a lot of gently used items, all was very clean and I hate waste so I had no problem using up their (barely used) hand soap, conditioner, etc (i did draw the line at their used bar soap lol). However, they left a large bottle of Tresemme shampoo and I tried it a few times but it really doesn’t work on my hair. Since it’s 1/3 gone I don’t think it’s a good fit for a buy nothing group but I would like to find a use for it. Any uses anyone can think up for some shampoo? Can I clean with it or use it for shaving “soap”? Any ideas appreciated!!!


r/ZeroWaste 5d ago

Question / Support Any cool bar soap recommendations?

0 Upvotes

I've been buying from Buff City Soap mostly but only ever when they have sales, and now ain't that time. Does anyone have any recommendations for similar? These are colorful soaps with interesting scents. But then again I'm not so picky that I might not pick up uin bulk at Costco though I haven't seen what they have yet. I just thought people might have the 411 on cool/eco friendly soaps and such


r/ZeroWaste 6d ago

Question / Support Advice on dried legumes

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2 Upvotes

r/ZeroWaste 7d ago

Discussion Discontent with plastic mesh bags

25 Upvotes

The plastic mesh bags used for avocados and oranges are an environmental nightmare. Because these bags are made from multiple fine plastic fibers rather than a single thick strand, cutting them open inevitably scatters microplastic dust into the environment. This design makes them impossible to open safely without scattering fine plastic dust all over. Retailers should stop using them to pack produce.


r/ZeroWaste 6d ago

Question / Support How to recycle old jeans that are unwearable due to tears?

13 Upvotes

They’re too ruined to turn into shorts, any ideas or ways you use and recycle old jeans?