1. Bamboo Toothbrushes
At first glance, bamboo toothbrushes seem like the perfect sustainable choice. They’re marketed as biodegradable and natural, and they definitely look more planet-friendly than plastic. But not all bamboo brushes are created equal. Most still use nylon bristles, which aren’t compostable and can take decades to break down. That means you’re still tossing plastic into the landfill every few months.
Plus, to make bamboo more durable, some manufacturers treat it with synthetic chemicals that reduce its ability to break down naturally. If they’re shipped from overseas, the carbon footprint from transportation can negate any benefits of switching to bamboo in the first place. To make a real impact, seek out brands with replaceable heads, minimal packaging, and verified compostable components.
2. Reusable Tote Bags
We all feel a little virtuous carrying a reusable tote to the store, but those trendy canvas bags aren’t always the heroes they seem to be. Studies have shown that cotton tote bags need to be reused 131 times to offset the environmental cost of making just one. That’s because cotton farming is incredibly water-intensive and often involves pesticide use, leading to a high environmental impact.
And here’s the kicker: we often collect these bags like souvenirs. Conferences, events, stores, totes are everywhere, and most end up in closets or, worse, the trash. Some totes also include inks and dyes that make them hard to recycle. The sustainability factor only kicks in when one bag replaces dozens of single-use ones over time. Stick with a few high-quality ones and resist the urge to grab a new tote at every turn.
3. Compostable Coffee Cups
Grabbing your oat milk latte in a compostable cup feels like a win for the planet, but it’s not always what it seems. Most “compostable” cups are only compostable under industrial conditions, not in your backyard bin. If they end up in a landfill, they behave just like regular plastic and don’t break down easily. Cities without access to industrial composting facilities struggle to manage these materials properly, so most still wind up in the trash.
The problem gets worse when you factor in the plastic linings used in many of these cups. These liners can contaminate compost or recycling streams and are often mistaken for biodegradable. The result? More confusion and more waste. If you’re serious about ditching waste, the better bet is to bring your own reusable cup.
4. Biodegradable Trash Bags
Biodegradable trash bags sound like an eco-dream. Throw them away, and they just disappear, right? Not quite. These bags often require specific environmental conditions, like oxygen, moisture, and heat, to break down properly. Most landfills don’t offer these conditions, so they sit there for years, much like regular plastic.
To complicate matters, many bags marketed as biodegradable include chemical additives that fragment the plastic into microplastics rather than fully decomposing it. These tiny particles can seep into soil and waterways, affecting both ecosystems and human health. Without access to industrial composting systems, using these bags may be more harmful than helpful. If you’re looking for greener waste disposal, consider reusable trash liners or composting at home for organic waste.
5. Paper Straws
Paper straws have become a go-to symbol for sustainable sipping. They break down faster than plastic, which feels like a win, but the truth is more complicated. Producing paper straws often involves glues, dyes, and coatings that can make them hard to compost. Plus, some studies have found that many paper straws contain PFAS (forever chemicals) to make them water-resistant. These substances don’t break down in nature and can be harmful to people and wildlife.
While they’re certainly an improvement over plastic straws, they aren’t a perfect solution. If tossed in the trash or used with drinks that have plastic lids, their impact is minimal. And when it comes to taste and durability, paper straws often disappoint. A more sustainable choice is to use washable, reusable straws made from stainless steel, silicone, or glass. They’re easier on the environment and on your drink.