Let’s be honest…

Sustainability can feel overwhelming. You start with the best intentions (save the planet! be a better human!), but before you know it, you’re spiraling because you forgot your reusable straw and you’re holding a plastic cup like it’s a crime scene.

I get it. Low-waste living is not about being perfect. It’s about making better choices that fit your life, your budget, and your energy levels. And no, you do not need to sell your car, grow all your own food, or churn your own oat milk to make a difference.

So, here are my favorite low-waste swaps that actually make sense—no guilt trips, no complicated rules, and definitely no pressure to DIY your own deodorant (unless you’re into that)

Reusable Hemp Rounds

You know those makeup wipes that disappear into the trash every single day? Yeah… we don’t do that here.
Reusable cotton rounds are washable, soft, and save you money and waste. Toss them in the wash, reuse them a hundred times, and enjoy the quiet satisfaction of one less thing ending up in a landfill.

Ditch the Dish Soap Bottle, Grab a Dish Block

This one was a game-changer for me.
Those plastic dish soap bottles? They add up fast. A dish block lasts forever (okay, maybe not forever, but definitely longer than you think), cuts grease like a pro, and looks pretty darn cute sitting on your counter.

Plus, no plastic = no guilt.

Soy Wax Candles—Because Breathing Clean Air Is a Vibe

If you’ve ever burned a paraffin candle, you’re not alone. We all did it. But now? We know better.
Our soy wax candles are made with clean-burning wax, natural fragrances, and absolutely zero sketchy chemicals.

Bonus: They smell really good.

Swedish Dishcloths (Aka, The MVP of Cleaning)

Imagine if a sponge and a paper towel had a baby… and that baby was a superhero. That’s a Swedish Dishcloth.
Reusable, machine washable, and compostable when they’ve lived their best life. They save you money on paper towels and keep your kitchen extra cute.

Bamboo Toothbrushes That Don’t Outlive You

Fun fact (or not so fun): Every plastic toothbrush you’ve ever used still exists somewhere on this planet.
Bamboo toothbrushes break down naturally and still keep your smile sparkly. And honestly, they just look better sitting in that cup on your sink.

Soap Saver Bags: Because You Paid For That Soap, Use All Of It

Don’t waste those last bits of your favorite soap bar!
A soap saver bag holds your bar, helps it lather like crazy, and gently exfoliates while you use it. Plus, it extends the life of your soap, which makes your wallet and your skin very happy.

 

Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have To Do It All.

Seriously. The goal here isn’t perfection, it’s progress.
Start with one swap. Then another. Pretty soon, you’ll realize you’re living a low-waste lifestyle without losing your mind (or your paycheck).

And if you need a little help? That’s what Sustainable Soul Rochester is here for. I’m out here testing these products, finding what works, and curating the stuff I actually love—so you don’t have to waste time (or money) on things that don’t.