The Cool Down's Cofounder on How to Make Your Home a Bit More Sustainable

An easy, quick way to reduce your plastic exposure is to trade your plastic Tupperware for glass storage containers. I swear by this set, which has a size for everything — from last night’s leftovers to sauces and the odd lemon wedge. Even better: These are refrigerator-, freezer-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe. ($48.83/18-piece set, Walmart)

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a flashlight with dead batteries. These long-lasting, rechargeable batteries solve that problem, while also keeping harmful single-use batteries out of landfills. Plus, they end up saving you money in the long run since each battery replaces 1,000 disposable batteries. I love this starter kit, but you can also buy them individually. ($89.99, Pale Blue)

Ditch that unwieldy laundry jug for this plastic-free, nontoxic, EWG-verified liquid laundry alternative that comes in a recyclable aluminum container. The detergent’s advanced enzyme formula stands up to my kids’ grass stains — and leaves their clothes smelling fresh (or unscented, if you’re into that). Don’t forget to wash on cold and save up to $250 a year. ($39, Dirty Labs)

Did you know that using your dishwasher instead of hand-washing your dishes can save you time, money, and a ton of water? Plus, you’ll be able to reclaim some of that precious storage space under your sink with these powerful and compact dishwasher tabs, which do the job without the bulky container or any plastic packaging. My family uses these and loves them. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Dryer sheets are frequently made with plastic, chemicals, and overpowering fragrances — and I can’t say they really work beyond getting caught in my long-sleeve tees. Dryer balls will fluff your clothes faster, and each one is good for over 1,000 loads. These little guys bring me joy every time I turn on my dryer. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Reducing exposure to toxins in your home can have a huge effect on your health — and it turns out many of the toxins we’re exposed to exist in our cleaning products. This starter kit will replace all your household cleaners and hand soap in one fell swoop — and I can confirm they last forever. ($75, Branch Basics)

Traditional multipurpose wipes come in huge plastic containers and are filled with chemicals. These are the first refillable, biodegradable, plant–based, nontoxic wipes that can be used for literally anything. Plus, they’re super stylish. I love using these in my home, and we’re using them in our school’s classrooms, too. ($48.99, Biom)

Protect the forests and your bum by choosing bamboo or recycled paper toilet paper (unless you’re ready to go all the way and commit to the bidet). My favorites are Reel, Who Gives a Crap, and Amazon’s Aware brand, which is made of 100% bamboo and feels soft while still being FSC-certified and fragrance-free. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

My family hasn’t ditched all our paper towels, but 99% of the time we use these 100% biodegradable cloths. You could save about $135 in paper towels each year if you swapped out paper towels for these dishcloths, and, if just a quarter of Americans followed suit, we could save over 27 million trees. When they get soggy, just throw them in the dishwasher or washing machine for an easy refresh. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I love this perfectly sized stainless steel container for sandwiches. It’s a few dollars more than a plastic alternative, but I’ve used it every single day in my kids’ lunchboxes so I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

It took my husband a while to let go of our plastic garbage bags, but once we tried these, there was no going back. These compostable, plant-based kitchen bags leave less plastic in the landfill, and they don’t burst open like other sustainable bags, this I can promise you. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)