Staff picks: Brands against single-use plastic
The Ridwell team knows that small changes make a big impact on plastic waste—our community has saved more than 8 million pounds of plastic from landfills so far.
While we’re proud to help people recycle hard-to-recycle materials, we also love finding ways to avoid bringing plastic home in the first place.
Along the way, folks on the Ridwell team have discovered favorite brands and products that use zero or less plastic, and now we’re sharing our staff picks with you!
Bonus for Ridwell members! You received limited-time discount codes for each brand via email on July 18. (If you don’t see the email, get in touch at help@ridwell.com.)
DEW MIGHTY
Plastic-free, waterless skincare
Staff product pick from Colleen: Dynamic Duo Bloom Essential Starter Kit
“Dew Mighty has changed the way I view skincare, and introduced me to the term ‘skinimalism,’ which encourages a few, simple products. Dew’s Bloom Solid Serum Bar replaces several products (toner, mist, vitamin c, primer moisturizer, after shave treatment, and even aloe for sunburns). Dew’s Lucid face wash paired with the solid Bloom Bar is the perfect, simple routine. I’ll never go back!”
With just a few products, DEW MIGHTY gives you everything you need for clean, glowing skin—and nothing you don’t, including plastic packaging!
They craft every product with carefully chosen ingredients that serve several purposes, replacing multiple skincare steps. Each one is made with refills in mind, featuring attractive, buy-once containers to reuse. Their website even provides product instructions for different skin types.
DEW MIGHTY says: “Materials matter. We don't create packaging that will go to landfills or cause pollution. Inventing planet healthy products and conserving precious resources is our passion.”
Plaine Products
Plastic-free bath and body products
Staff product pick from Colleen: Rosemary Mint Vanilla Shampoo
“I tried to like solid shampoo and conditioner bars but they really just didn’t work for my hair type. I was THRILLED to have found Plaine Products a few years ago, which leaves my hair clean, shiny, and healthy. The Rosemary Mint Vanilla Shampoo + Conditioner duo will always be staples in my home. ”
The Plaine Products range is designed to keep your hair and body clean and fresh in your everyday life (gallon sizes) and on the road (travel sizes).
All of their products come in aluminum bottles with pumps sold separately. When you use the last drop of a product, swap your pump to a new bottle and return the empty bottle to them to use again.
Plus, you get to choose your scent for every product!
Who Gives A Crap
Plastic-free toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and more
Staff product pick from Liz: Premium 100% bamboo toilet paper
“I switched to Who Gives A Crap because it’s good for the planet, I can get it on a subscription, and it’s so cutely packaged in patterned paper instead of plastic. You can even keep the paper for wrapping small gifts. Stacking these rolls up in my linen closet makes me feel good!”
Who Gives A Crap avoids plastic and fights deforestation while producing high-quality everyday household items. They also bring the fun with witty sayings and lively patterns.
Their toilet paper and other paper products are made of bamboo or 100% post-consumer recycled paper—and packaged in paper, too. Taking it a step further, they donate 50% of profits to clean water initiatives
Who Gives A Crap says: “Killing trees, destroying forests, ruining ecosystems just to wipe your bum? It doesn’t make sense to us. That’s why we’re so passionate about using sustainable materials like recycled paper or bamboo to make our TP.”
Good Time
Plastic-free shower bars
Staff product pick from Liz: Moisturizing Shave Bar
“I’m new to shower bars and I’m thrilled to report that this shave bar works well with my sensitive skin, lathering up nicely. It has a soft beachy scent I love, too. I found VERY few options for plastic-free shave products, so I’m extra-excited that I found this one.”
Good Time eliminates the need for liquids in the shower and features incredible signature fragrances that feel luxurious every day.
They make shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser, body cleanser, and shave moisturizer all in bar form. Along with Who Gives A Crap, they donate 50% of profits to support clean water initiatives.
Good Time says: “We know how easy it is to use plastic, so we wanted to make it just as easy not to use it. And the best place to start? The shower. Enter our hair and body bars. We’re plastic-free and here for a good time.”
Hello Joyous
Sustainable beauty products
Staff product pick from Yasmeen: Dry shampoo
“Can’t go anywhere without my Hello Joyous dry shampoo! Especially during the summer time when I’m traveling and sweating more - this is a simple addition to my simple care routine that I feel good about using!”
Hello Joyous offers an uncomplicated line of plant-powered body, face, and hair care products, and opt for paper and glass packaging
They prioritize function over fillers, with 100% waterless products with no synthetic preservatives—and packaging that can be easily reused or recycled.
They make functional wellness teas, too!
Hello Joyous says: “We are on a mission to help you find more joy in the everyday with organic, plant-powered beauty products and wellness teas that support your well-being, make you feel good and are kind to the planet.”
Zero Waste Store
Reusable product swaps
Staff product pick from Liz: Zero Waste Sponge Cloth
“These Swedish dish cloths have become my go-to for washing dishes and wiping down all the surfaces in my home. They work great, and it helps that they come in such fun patterns! Just one of many awesome plastic-free finds at Zero Waste Store.”
Zero Waste Store makes it very convenient to choose more sustainable products for every part of your life at home, whether you’re 100% committed to a zero waste lifestyle or just starting to incorporate more planet-friendly essentials into your routine
In addition to creating products in their own lines—ZWS Essentials and Suds & Eco—they curate picks from other sustainability focused brands. Plus, they share tons of lifestyle tips via their blog and newsletter.
Zero Waste Store says: “At Zero Waste Store, you can shop for all your reusable swaps in confidence, knowing that your purchase–and the package it comes in–will arrive at your doorstep plastic-free!”
