The 9 Reusable Items That Have Saved Me Hundreds of Dollars
These swaps have also helped me cut down on the amount of plastic I'm using.
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One of my goals for the past few years has been to reduce the amount of waste I'm creating around the house with single-use products. I've stopped buying certain items, like plastic storage bags and cleaning products that come in plastic spray bottles. Instead, I've found reusable items that save money, reduce waste, and truly get the job done.
Many people don't realize just how much they're spending on items like plastic wrap or paper towels. But if you add it up over the course of a year, it can be hundreds of dollars. Opting for a reusable alternative may cost slightly more upfront than the disposable version, but in my experience, these items quickly pay for themselves. Plus, you can often find versions of these eco-friendly items on Amazon or at T.J. Maxx for practically the same price as the disposable versions.
Below, I've shared the reusable items that have easily saved me hundreds of dollars. If you're looking for other sustainable swaps, read up on how to refresh your home without buying anything new and some unexpected things you can easily upcycle to give them a second life.
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When I discovered Swedish dishcloths a few years ago, it seriously changed my life—I tell everyone about them. I rely on these absorbent rags to tackle spills, clean surfaces, wipe floors, and so much more. I use significantly less paper towels. Each cloth lasts so long (I've been using the same one for months). I rinse them under hot water or run them through the dishwasher to keep them fresh.
Sure, it's easy to reach for single-use plastic produce bags at the grocery store, but these reusable mesh bags are much more sustainable. This set includes three different sizes, depending on the fruit or veggie you're buying. I toss them in the washing machine when they get dirty.
I love Grove's cleaning concentrates (they smell great) and refillable glass bottles, which look nice enough to leave out on the counter. I have one for multipurpose, glass, and tub and tile cleaner. Not only are cleaning concentrates in glass bottles more sustainable than buying large plastic packaging, they take up much less space in storage—a must for someone living in a small apartment.
I recently ditched the plastic wrap (I honestly always forgot to buy it anyway). When packing up leftovers, I started reaching for beeswax wraps. They're best for wrapping up veggies (like a cut cucumber or half an avocado), cheeses, or even a sandwich. I just wash them with cold water and they're good as new.
I've tried a lot of reusable straws (silicone, glass, plastic), but metal are my favorite. They're super durable, so they last years—and there's no risk of breaking glass in your beverage.
Another addition to my kitchen since ditching plastic wrap: stretchy silicone lids. They fit directly over bowls and jars, making it easy to refrigerate leftovers. They're also microwave-safe, so I use them to cover food while heating.
As a dog owner, I swear by the ChomChom roller for cleaning hair off the couch, area rugs, armchairs, and my bed. I used to fly through lint rollers until I spotted this reusable roller on TikTok (probably three years ago, at this point).
Glass storage containers are elite, and once you invest in a set, you'll be eager to ditch all of your plastic. In the long run, they last much longer (no sauce stains or cracked corners). I love the size variety of this 24-piece set, because I use the tiny containers for snacks and dressings, and larger ones for leftovers and on-the-go lunches.
For leftovers going in the fridge or pantry, I pretty much always reach for glass containers, but they can be heavy for travel—that's when these reusable silicone bags come in. I love the Stasher bags for packing on-the-go snacks, and they've helped me cut back on plastic storage bags.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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