Ten Sustainable Alternatives for Common Household Items

11 September 2024 | Admin

Here at Cheeky Wipes we have been all about 'Simple Reusables' since we launched our bestselling reusable wipes kit back in 2008.

Our mission is to reduce single use items and replace them with reusables which can be used over and over again. Not only will that make a difference for the planet but it will save you some money too.

These don't even have to be big changes (although some of the changes below are definitely bigger changes than others). Small changes to your daily habits can still have a big impact and massively reduce your plastic waste.

Here’s a rundown of ten eco friendly alternatives that are better for the environment and great for your wallet too!

Reusable Wipes

If you use baby wipes for anything, you can ditch them for environmentally friendly reusable wipes. You'll save money and help reduce your waste. Not only are they super handy, but they also cut down on waste and pollution. Plus, they’re super absorbent, which means you’ll use fewer, saving money in the long run.

Here at Cheeky our bestselling reusable wipes kit has everything you need to replace disposable baby wipes, with soaking boxes, wipes, out and about bags, soaking solutions and a mesh laundry bag. Priced at £48.99, it pays for itself in 8 to 10 weeks.

Reusable Paper Towels

In addition, you can ditch kitchen paper towels and replace with our fantastic reusable paper towels.

'I bought microfibre wipes to replace kitchen towel & I couldn't be happier with them. They perform exactly as I would want & then straight in the washing machine. Best decision ever.' Trustpilot Review

Reusable Toilet Paper

Yes, it’s a thing! Reusable toilet paper, or family cloth, might sound strange at first, but it's super soft and much kinder to our planet. Give it a try and you might never go back to regular toilet paper!

You just store the reusable cloth wipes in our mucky box, damp and ready to go. They'll leave your bottom super clean!

Then just machine wash your wipes with your next wash load and tumble dry or air dry. Air drying is obviously better for the environment! And remember to avoid fabric softener on ANY reusable wipes as it can impact their absorbency over time.

Reusable Tissues

As hayfever sufferers, we cannot tell you how much of a fantastic swap this is. Cotton flannel wipes are SO much softer on sore or chapped noses. I've always got one somewhere about my person (usually with a dog poo bag!)

Cotton flannel is lovely fine material and just like your favourite PJ's, it gets softer and softer with each use. These also make AMAZING intimate wipes, perfect for wiping on your period or after sex.

Lady wearing period shorts standing against a door. Button says 'shop period pants'

Period Pants

For anyone looking to ditch disposable sanitary products, period pants are a game-changer. They're comfy, reliable, and you just wash and wear them like regular underwear.

They're particularly good for:

youngsters who are just starting their periods
anyone with heavy periods, fibroids or endometriosis, especially when used alongside reusable bamboo pads.
anyone who can't use internal period protection
people who find that disposable pads cause irritation, chafing or thrush

Check our our range of affordable period pants, period shorts and even period thongs where you can get multibuy offers and a free wet bag on many styles.

Reusable Pads

Just like period pants, reusable pads are a fantastic alternative to disposables. They come in different sizes and absorbencies, and they can be worn with normal knickers. Alternatively wear with period pants on heavy days, remove the pad at lunchtime for that fresh knicker feeling in your period pants until you get home.

Reusable Nappies

If you’ve got a little one, reusable nappies, also know as cloth nappies are a must-try. They’re not only better for the earth than disposable nappies but are gentle on baby’s skin and surprisingly easy to use. You can save between £300 and £400 for your first child in nappies by switching to reusables.

Even better, many councils offer FREE reusable nappies to encourage take up. And if your local council doesn't make sure you investigate the National Nappy Incentive Scheme.

Reusable Breast Pads

For breastfeeding mums, reusable breast pads are soft, absorbent, and discreet. They're also WAY more comfortable and eco-friendly than disposable ones.

Reusable Cotton Pads

Perfect for makeup removal and skincare routines, reusable cotton pads and reusable bamboo pads work just like the disposable kind but can be washed and reused.

They're much more gentle on your skin than makeup wipes and again will significantly reduce your waste over time.

Reusable Snack Bags

Last on the list, but certainly not least, reusable snack bags are a super easy replacement for single-use plastic bags. They’re great for packing lunches or storing leftovers and are super easy to clean.

Closing Thoughts

Making the switch to these eco-friendly products can seem a bit daunting, but once you start, you won’t look back. Not only are you helping the planet, but you're also making choices that are often healthier for you and your family. Got questions or need more tips? Drop us a line or check out more posts on our blog:

About the author: Helen Rankin is founder of Cheeky Wipes, the original environmentally sustainable reusable baby wipes kit, founded in 2008. The Cheeky Team pride themselves on helping people make the switch to reusables EASY, with a range of eco friendly products including period pants and cloth sanitary pads. Cheeky Wipes were awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise for their sustainable development goals in 2021.