There are many everyday household items that are not sustainable, but have compostable alternatives that are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
The compostable alternatives are better for the environment, and using them can help reduce your carbon footprint.
More importantly, switching to biodegradable and compostable alternatives – especially from products that are traditionally plastic – can help reduce the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills and takes thousands of years to decompose.
Here is our list of 10 compostable household items that will help you live a bit more sustainably.
Resealable Snack Bags
Forget about using those single-use plastic bags to pack up a handful of nuts or snacks for your kids or work lunches.
These compostable resealable snack bags are a much more environmentally-conscious alternative that you can easily dispose of in your compost bin.
Kitchen Dish Sponges
It can be easy to go through a few kitchen sponges a week if you're using them frequently! Which is why it's important to switch to a sustainable alternative when you can.
And these compostable and biodegradable alternatives will also add a touch of design to your kitchen compared to those neon yellow and green disposable options.
Single-Serve Coffee Cups
If you're still using plastic K-cups for your morning brew, it's time to switch to an environmentally-friendly alternative.
These compostable filters are the ideal solution to use alongside a reusable K-cup.
Laundry Detergent Sheets
You might be saying to yourself, 'but isn't all laundry detergent biodegradable'? Sure – but the packaging it comes in isn't.
Compare the carbon footprint of these biodegradable laundry sheets that come in paper packaging to a case full of liquid detergent that is packaged in plastic bottles and shipped, requiring more fuel due to its heavy weight.
Bandages
Yes, even Band-Aids now have a more eco-friendly alternative. Although not the biggest concern on an environmentalist's mind, it's good to make the switch to more sustainable alternatives – no matter how big or small!
Compostable Cling Wrap
Most households have a roll of cling wrap in their drawer, and use it for everything from covering plates of leftovers to wrapping full meals.
Switch to a compostable alternative of this plastic wrap and you'll be happy knowing that your single-use cling wrap isn't sitting in a landfill for many years to come!
Trash Bags
Only the most ambitious environmentalists can avoid producing any trash – and so for those of us who still find the need to bring a bag out to the curb every week, these biodegradable trash bags are the best option available.
But just remember – even though the bag biodegrades, doesn't mean its contents will!
Dishcloths
If you're a fan of using dish cloths around the kitchen, these biodegradable alternatives will be a great substitute for your next shopping trip. You'll be able to wipe up any mess and keep your kitchen clean, while getting more use out of it than a standard paper towel or pre-moistened wet wipe!
Food Storage Containers
Compostable food storage containers are an especially fine option if you find yourself eating your food outdoors. Whether you're hiking, camping, or out on the water, it's a good idea to reduce how much waste you're producing, and these eco-friendly storage containers with lids will go a long way to ensuring you keep a light footprint.
Cutlery
While it's obviously not a good idea to replace your existing metal cutlery with disposable alternatives, these are the perfect solution for summer get-togethers when you would otherwise need to buy plastic forks, knives and spoons. Round out the picnic with some biodegradable plates and you'll impress your guests with your sustainability credentials!
