5 zero-waste accessories to adopt

Only 28% of our waste is recycled. Faced with this, it's time to rethink the way we consume.

According to the statistics, each person in France produces 70 kg of plastic waste a year, 45% of which is household packaging. Only 28% of that waste is recycled. Faced with this alarming picture, it's time to rethink the way we consume. Want a more environmentally friendly lifestyle? Discover 5 zero-waste accessories to adopt!

1 – Reusable food wrap, or Bee Wrap

Looking for an alternative to synthetic food wraps that pollute the environment? Choose beeswax wrap, a reusable food wrap of natural origin. Made from cotton and coated in beeswax, it's the ideal alternative to single-use foil or cling film.

Beeswax wrap is washed in cold or lukewarm water and can be used for many years, provided you look after it. When it's no longer sticky enough, microwave it for a few moments to soften the wax. Want to restore the wax coating? Place the wrap between two sheets of baking paper with wax beads and press a hot iron on it for a few seconds. Leave it to cool before removing the baking paper. Your zero-waste wrap is as good as new!

How do you use beeswax wrap? It's mouldable with heat. Simply warm it gently between your hands before placing it over the container so it takes its shape within moments.

Good to know: this eco-friendly wrap can protect many foods, except for meat, raw fish and cured meats.

2 – Refillable toothbrush

In France, around 300 million toothbrushes are sold every year. Fed up with toothbrushes that end up in the bin after a few uses? Go for a wooden toothbrush with a refillable head — a zero-waste accessory made from recyclable, BPA-free nylon.

3 – Durable sponge

An excellent alternative to disposable synthetic sponges, the washable sponge made from natural fibres is both economical and eco-friendly! Ours is made from cotton (for the soft side), jute (for the scouring side) and natural sponge (for softness and absorbency).

With durable sponges, say goodbye to the harmful microparticles that end up in the environment. That's not all! These zero-waste accessories last far longer than supermarket sponges: each one can be used for 6 months to a year, and once its life in the kitchen is over, it can still be used for various tasks such as cleaning garden furniture, car wheels or bikes. The icing on the cake: they end their service in the compost bin or recycling.

To learn all about synthetic sponges, read this article.

4 – Wooden dish brush

Here's the ideal accessory for washing up. Made from healthy, durable materials, the wooden dish brush is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic sponges and plastic dish brushes. More abrasive than the washable sponge, it lets you clean your most caked-on pans and pots.

Favour brushes made with a wooden handle and 100% natural bristles, like Danika brushes, made from Tampico plant fibres (a variety of agave from Mexico) that give tough, supple bristles — ideal for scrubbing your dishes effectively without scratching them.

Prefer a brush that fits in the palm of your hand? In that case, go for a round wooden brush with a shorter handle. This zero-waste accessory can also be used to clean fruit and vegetables, so you can eat them with their vitamin-rich skin.

5 – Amber glass bottle

Replace your disposable plastic containers with recyclable, reusable glass bottles. Want to keep your products for longer? Choose amber glass bottles with or without a pump, depending on your needs.

Danika offers eco-friendly glass bottles for all your household products.

You now know our 5 favourite zero-waste accessories. All that's left is to adopt them! Which one will you start with?

Want to go further? Discover 9 easy eco-friendly habits to adopt.

FAQ

Why adopt zero-waste accessories?

To reduce plastic waste, cut down on disposable packaging and consume more responsibly. These accessories last longer, are often healthier and save money in the long run.

Which zero-waste accessories should you start with as a beginner?

When starting out, it's best to choose accessories that are simple to use every day: a beeswax wrap to replace cling film, a washable sponge for the kitchen and a glass bottle for household products.

Do zero-waste accessories cost more?

Sometimes, upfront — but as they last far longer than their disposable equivalents, they quickly become economical. A durable sponge or a beeswax wrap can last for months, even years.

Does zero waste take more time?

Most zero-waste accessories simply replace everyday items. The actions stay the same: wash, put away, reuse.

Can you clean properly with zero-waste accessories?

Of course. Natural-fibre brushes scrub very well, washable sponges absorb as much as a conventional sponge, and glass bottles can be filled with homemade or ready-to-use detergents. What changes isn't the performance, but the materials used.

Can you compost zero-waste accessories?

Some, yes, depending on their composition: plant-fibre sponges and brushes with wooden handles and natural bristles break down at the end of their life. You simply need to remove the metal parts (staple or ring) before putting them in the compost.