When it comes to saving money, switching to reusable products is a simple way to keep money in your wallet. There are so many things in our lives that we buy again and again, and the unfortunate truth is that we’re probably wasting money in the process.
Reusable items can help you use less plastic, skip unnecessary grocery store trips, and, most importantly, save money. Redditors recently shared their favorite reusable products and tips, citing everything from fountain pens to ditching cling wrap. Here are nine options for more durable, reusable items.Silicone Sponges
$8.99 for a three-pack from Amazon
If you go through a lot of sponges, this seems like an easy choice. These won’t scratch your pans, and they can get tossed right into the dishwasher, making them far easier to clean than a standard sponge.
Double Edge Safety Razors
$69.99 from Henson Shaving
“Double Edge Safety Razor and 100 pack of blades,” says user u/willbot858. “You will have it for 5 years at least before buying new blades. And the razor will last a lifetime.” Several other Redditors voiced their agreement, many specifically praising Henson.
Glass Straws
$6.99 for a 12-pack from Amazon
Stainless steel straws are quite durable and generally affordable, but they are also harsh on your mouth and can accumulate bacteria easily. Glass straws are durable and resistant to scratches, and their ability to stay cool in a hot beverage is a big bonus.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that one user said they use uncooked “big tube noodles” as straws. “Sometimes I eat the noodles after finishing the drink,” they added, which feels like one of those commercials where people spill their embarrassing secrets to Jake from State Farm.
Dryer Balls
$9.49 for a three-pack from Target
I honestly didn’t even know these were a thing. Dryer sheets go pretty quickly, and I’ll most certainly be giving some wool reusable alternatives a look.
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Water Bottles
$40 from Yeti
This is an obvious one, but there’s really no world where any of us should be buying plastic water bottles and drinking them at home. Insulated water bottles like Hydro Flask and Yeti are usually worth the investment, and when paired with a Brita pitcher, your need to buy drinking water can come to an end.
Related: Forget Hydro Flask: Here’s Why Nalgene Still Makes the Best Water Bottles
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Cling Wrap Alternatives
Prices vary from Amazon
“Instead of plastic cling wrap, I just put a plate (right side up) over my bowls,” says one Redditor. “Or a bowl (upside down) over my plates.”
Silicone storage bags are another solid method for this, and can heartily cut down your need for cling wrap and Ziplock bags.
Related: I Tried Stasher Bags. Are They Worth It?
Reusable Grocery Bags
$21.99 for a four-pack from Amazon
Reusable bags have been on the eco-friendly scene for a while now, and they’re one of the easiest ways to use less plastic in our lives. Keep a few reusable shopping bags in your car and you’ll be set.
Otterbox Phone Cases
$26.99 from Walmart
A tough phone case can save you a whole lot of money in damage protection, and Otterbox seems to remain the undisputed champion of the screen-protecting world. A few Redditors chimed in to reflect that, with one mentioning how their phone got dropped into the middle of a mosh pit: “I picked it up after the show and the phone was 100% fine. Screen wasn’t even cracked.”
Quick shout out to my current phone case, made by Peel. I drop my phone about six times an hour, and it’s never gotten so much as a scratch. I recently dropped my phone down two flights of metal stairs (I am very good to my possessions) and it was fine. Peel doesn’t boast any significant durability, but the one I have seems to be indestructible.
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Darn Tough Socks
$24.26 from Amazon
These socks have an “unconditional lifetime guarantee” and if that’s not enough of a reason to give something a chance, I don’t know what is. “20+ bucks for a single pair of socks grated against my inner cheapskate,” one user says, “But I am a believer.” I go through a fair amount of socks; I’ll definitely try these out.
