Top 18 Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternatives for Everyday Use in 2024

Plastics are a big part of modern life because they’re strong, flexible, durable, long-lasting, and resist corrosion. They’re used in many things, but only 9% of plastic ever gets recycled.

Plastic is everywhere in our lives—from home products to food packaging and cosmetics. We travel in cars, trains, and planes with plastic parts, and we wear clothes made of plastic fibers. Plastic is even in the seats we sit on.

One major problem with plastic bags is that they take forever to break down. When they do break down in the sun, they release harmful chemicals into the soil. Burning plastic bags releases toxic substances into the air, contributing to air pollution.

Since 1950, humans have produced 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic. Of that, 6.3 billion metric tonnes have become waste, and only 9% of that waste has been recycled. Most of the rest ends up in landfills and waterways, harming wildlife and littering beaches. About 40% of all waste is discarded containers and packaging. Our heavy reliance on plastic is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the vast amounts we produce and then discard.

What can we use instead of Plastic?

The solution is to choose eco-friendly products. There are green alternatives for everyday items, and using them can help the environment thrive.

To help you make better choices, we’ve put together a list of 18 sustainable alternatives you can start using today.

The 18 Most Eco-Friendly Substitutes for Everyday Plastic Products:

Finding eco-friendly alternatives to plastic in your daily life is easier than you might think, and it can make a big difference for the environment. It’s time to move away from single-use plastics and choose more sustainable options instead.

1. Bamboo

You’d be surprised at the variety of eco-friendly items made from bamboo. You can find bamboo cutlery, tissues, stationery, serving trays, workout towels, planters, and more! Unlike tree forests, bamboo groves can rejuvenate in just three to five years and grow without pesticides.

Bamboo naturally filters air and water, fights off pathogens, and is incredibly strong. Bamboo products are a fantastic choice for you and the environment because they are biodegradable, easy to grow, and durable. You can find many everyday bamboo alternatives to plastic, and some are available at Green Feels.

Top Bamboo Products from Green Feels:

• Bamboo Reusable Makeup Removal Wipes: Rs 499
• Adult Bamboo Toothbrush: Rs 396
• Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Rs 549
• Bamboo Towels: Rs 699
• Bamboo Straws with Cleaner: Rs 199

2. Upcycled Tyre

Since 2010, the automotive industry has grown rapidly, with a 15 percent increase in production, leading to a massive output of car parts like tires. Thankfully, most rubber products are now designed to be more eco-friendly.

When tires are no longer usable, they’re often recycled into environmentally friendly products instead of being discarded. You can find upcycled tire items like wallets, rubber planters, laptop bags, handcrafted couches, footwear, and more, both online and in stores.

3. Coconut

In 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimated that around 62 million metric tonnes of coconuts were produced globally. Sadly, most of this ends up being burned or dumped in landfills. However, recycling coconuts is quite simple, and they’re a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Almost every part of a coconut can be reused, so very little goes to waste. You can make combs, cutlery, candle holders, bowls, mugs, and more from coconuts. They’re also perfect for creating eco-friendly gift baskets.

Top Coconut Products from Green Feels

• Coconut Bowl with Cutlery – Rs 599
• Coconut Bowl – Rs 499
• Coconut Travel Cutlery – Rs 199

4. Glass

Studies show that making glass from recycled glass cuts water pollution by 50% and air pollution by 20%. Glass bottles and containers are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic ones. They are also safer for storage since they don’t release harmful chemicals into your food. Plus, glass containers look sophisticated and elegant, making them perfect for green business gifts. Switching to glass can make a big difference for the environment.

5. Dung from Cows

Relax, it’s not as gross as it sounds. You wouldn’t know something is made from cow manure unless someone told you. Cow manure is rich in minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s a natural material that breaks down easily, making it a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic. There are many unique and charming cow dung products available, like bangle boxes, utility trays, carry bags, and gift boxes.

6. Paper Made Without Trees

Tree-free paper is usually made from agricultural leftovers like lemongrass, sugarcane, and white cotton rag. These plants grow quickly and don’t harm the environment, which is a big plus.

There are many products made from tree-free paper that don’t require cutting down trees. Some examples include art books, greeting cards, gift bags, desk calendars, and handmade papers.

Also Read: Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life: Guide 2024

7. Repurposed Cloth or Fabric

Repurposing or upcycling is all about creating new items from old fabrics. With fast fashion, many clothes end up as waste.

Instead of tossing them out and adding to the trash in our oceans and landfills, fabrics can be turned into stylish new products like masks, cushion covers, aprons, rakhis, fabric lanterns, purses, and more. Many brands today offer a variety of upcycled products.

8. Jute

Jute is quickly becoming a popular eco-friendly alternative to plastic, and it even outshines cotton as an environmentally sound fiber. Jute plants can remove about 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air and produce 11 tonnes of oxygen per hectare.

Jute grows without the need for insecticides or pesticides, making it even better for the environment. It’s known for its strength, durability, and affordability. Jute is a sustainable material that fully biodegrades, can be recycled, and reused. Popular jute products include sling bags, table runners, gift envelopes, pouches, and notebooks.

9. Cork

Cork is not only recyclable and biodegradable, but it’s also very eco-friendly. Here’s a great reason to buy cork products: after cork is harvested from the tree bark, the tree absorbs three to five times more carbon dioxide, helping us breathe easier. That’s a strong argument for switching to cork items.

You can find a variety of unique cork products like wallets, passport holders, yoga mats, and more. Plus, cork oak forests are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. They support several endangered species, including the Iberian Imperial Eagle, the Iberian Lynx, and the Barbary Deer.

Top Cork Products from Green Feels

• Cork Yoga Brick: Rs 899
• Cork Mat: Rs 2,855
• Cork Coasters: Rs 299

10. Wheat straw

Wheat is one of the most common crops grown in India, and it creates a huge amount of waste. For those who don’t know, wheat straw is the leftover stalks after the grains are harvested.

Wheat straw is a great biodegradable alternative to plastic. You can find a lot of durable and convenient cutlery made from wheat straw, perfect for events and parties.

11. Natural Fiber

Natural fiber composites are great alternatives for tackling pollution and the problem of non-biodegradable materials. Many industries, especially the automotive sector, are showing a lot of interest in using these eco-friendly materials in their products.

12. Recycled Paper

Our handmade notebooks come in a pack of five and are made from recycled paper.

The growing demand for paper products is a major cause of deforestation. We use paper daily, so why not recycle it instead of making more? Recycling paper is simple and helps reduce the environmental impact of cutting down trees.

Reusing materials is one of the best ways to protect our environment. For example, recycled paper can be turned into new handmade papers, gift wrapping paper, and paper towels. Cardboard boxes can be recycled into new cardboard, paper bags, and other packaging materials.

Top Recycled Paper Products from Green Feels

• Recycled Paper Postcards: Rs 300
• Hard Bound Journal Set: Rs 550
• Affirmation Journal: Rs 920

13. Organic Cotton

Unlike synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic, which can harm the environment by releasing toxic compounds when washed or worn, organic cotton doesn’t release micro-plastics. It’s a much more eco-friendly choice.

14. Stainless steel

Stainless steel is quickly becoming a popular replacement for plastic. This durable metal is great for single-use cups, kitchen storage, lunch boxes, and more.

Here are some top stainless steel products from Green Feels:

• Stainless Steel Straws: Rs 299
• Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner: Rs 225

15. Products Made From Beeswax and Soywax:

Beeswax wrap is a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic cling wrap and aluminum foil. You can find beeswax wrap at most grocery stores, and it’s perfect for wrapping presents without creating waste since it decomposes in landfills. Beeswax is used to make many items, and soy wax is another excellent option because it breaks down naturally. Buying soy wax candles is a simple way to help preserve the environment.

Here are the top beeswax products from Green Feels:

• Orange Truffle Lip Balm – Rs 600
• Organic Vegan Lip Balm – Rs 200
• Coco Vanilla Natural Face Cream – Rs 1,799

16. Wood

Wood is a unique biopolymer, often called bioplastic, because it looks and works like regular plastic. However, unlike petroleum-based plastics, wood-based materials are biodegradable and much better for the environment.

Top Wood Products from Green Feels:

• Neem Wood Comb – Rs 129
• Wooden Copper Bottle – Rs 1850
• Tic Tac Toe Wooden Game – Rs 599

17. Coir

Coir is a truly eco-friendly material, so using it won’t harm the environment at all. It’s not just a by-product of the coconut industry; coir has its own unique and valuable properties.

Top Coir Products from Green Feels

• Coir Pan Brush – Rs 150
• Coir Vegetable Brush – Rs 99
• Coir Dust Removal Brush – Rs 190

18. Cardboard

Cardboard is much better for the environment than plastic because it breaks down faster. Plus, you can reuse and recycle cardboard boxes easily at almost any recycling center. Another great thing about cardboard is that the edges can bend, so you can collapse the boxes when you’re not using them, saving space. Right now, cardboard is one of the most sustainable, easy-to-find, and cost-effective packaging options out there.