Disappear the Disposables

Disappear the Disposables

October 2026


The Challenge

Replace single-use items with durable alternatives.

Why it matters

Break distructive habbits and save the world, one baggie at a time.

How to participate

  • Keep a few reusable totes in your car for grocery and shopping trips.
  • Replace plastic baggies with silicone bags, glass containers, or reusable cloth bags.
  • Treat yourself to a nice, durable razor and leave the cheap disposables on vacation.
  • Replace paper towels and single-use wipes with microfiber, bamboo, or cotton cloths.
  • Check into period panties and reusable baby diapers.

As Autumn arrives, you're probably settling into back-to-routine rhythms. This month is perfect for one small but meaningful change: swapping disposable items for ones built to last.


This small step is about stopping the cycle of repurchase. There’s no need to throw out all your disposables now. Start with picking just one disposable item you use regularly. When it’s time to restock, simply don’t replace them with more disposables – buy durables.


Why Material Matters

Durability isn't just about longevity—it's about fitting your actual routine. A fancy container you can't clean is worse than a simple one you actually use.

  • Glass: Microwave-safe, won't stain or hold odors, oven-to-table versatile
  • Stainless steel: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, ideal for lunch boxes
  • Food-grade silicone: Flexes from freezer to heat, collapses for compact storage

Ask yourself: Can I put this in the dishwasher? Does it work in my fridge? Will it survive handling by little hands? Those answers determine whether your investment pays off.


Some of the more common single-use disposables are plastic sandwich bags, plastic food wrap, grocery bags, and disposable razors.

Here are some you might not think about: facial rounds and wipes, paper towels and mop pads, coffee pods and K-Cups, and ear plugs.

Reasonable replacement products are now on the market for baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and even toilet paper!


Ok, so maybe switching to this last category isn't a small step, but now you know how far you CAN go!


And yes, durable items are generally more expensive up front than disposables, but they often pay for themselves over a shorter period of time than you'd expect.