10 Zero Waste Hand Bag Essentials
10 Zero Waste Hand Bag Essentials for On-the-Go Sustainability
So you’ve slashed into the trash your household produces. (That’s great!) But what about when you’re out + about? Are you conscious of garbage when you’re on-the-go? Do you carry zero waste essentials in your hand bag?
The truth is this: Strategic handbags go a *long way* toward low-waste or zero-waste living. It’s easier than it sounds, too: I carry everything I need for eating out, doing errands + shopping spontaneously in my medium-sized shoulder bag.
Below, I divulge the 10 essential items I keep with me at all times to ensure I adhere to zero-waste living while on-the-go.
A small sidenote: I, for one, do not like lugging around a heavy bag full of clanking mason jars and to-go containers; that’s why I mention some products that I use + love where appropriate. (Please remember, however, that the most eco-friendly option is always to use what you already have!)
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Here are the 10 zero waste hand bag essentials for low-waste living:
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Items 1 + 2: A reusable water bottle + a reusable mug
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Did you know? Humans trash one million water bottles every minute.
I’m fairly rough with my handbag (as in, I throw it around a lot). I don’t drink out of plastic; glass is too fragile for my liking.
My favorite reusable water bottle is made of stainless steel: I keep a Klean Kanteen in my purse at all times.
I also carry a hum-drum stainless steel coffee mug during my morning errands. I brew my coffee at home + take it with me when I head out (I’m a slow sipper). If on the off-chance I head somewhere + order a coffee or other warm beverage my mug is ready for reuse.
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Item 3: Two handkerchiefs in a pouch
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I keep two neatly folded handkerchiefs in a handmade cotton pouch. The pouch doubles as transport for soiled handkerchiefs, too: Thanks to the pouch, used handkerchiefs don’t find themselves floating willy-nilly all over my handbag.
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Item 4: A Bento box
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I used to carry around a lidded glass bowl for food purchases on-the-go, but it was too heavy, too bulky + then there’s the very real possibility of it breaking.
So I switched over to a 3-in-1 stainless steel Bento box. I chose a brand that offers two Bento boxes that fit seamlessly inside each other. They’re durable, light, + easy to use; they’re super cute, too.
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Item 5: Silverware wrapped in a napkin
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I could have bought silverware in a handy-dandy roll up case (there are a lot of great sellers on Etsy!), but I had extra silverware lying around my kitchen. So I rolled up 2 forks + 2 spoons in a cloth napkin, tied the bundle with a piece of ribbon + shoved it into one of the pouches within my bag.
Now – when I’m out + find myself hungry – I have silverware at the ready. No need for the flimsy plastic stuff!
FYI: If your handbag is small, you can purchase foldable, lightweight camping utensils for very cheap, too.
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Item 6: Cell phone in a responsible case
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Instead of upgrading my smart phone the second a newer version hits the market, I try to hold onto my technology as long as possible. I truly believe my Pela case has extended the life of my phone in ways that protect it from daily wear + tear.
Pela cases are compostable: That’s because they’re made of plant fibers instead of plastic. If you’re wondering whether Pela cases sacrifice protection for sustainability, the answer is no.
The next time I upgrade my phone, I will absolutely dress it in another Pela case.
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Item 7: Reusable diaper in a drawstring bag
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My youngest daughter is at that stage where she is still in diapers but doesn’t soil them often. As such, I no longer need to carry around a diaper bag.
I mostly cloth diaper at home; I try my darndest to use reusable diapers on the go, too. That’s why I carry a single cloth diaper in a drawstring fabric bag. The bag doubles as transport for the soiled diaper after I change her.
I also keep rags in this bag for wiping her tush. (By the way, these rags were made from her old clothes that were too stained to donate.)
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Item 8: Menstrual cup
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Nattassja Cassinerio convinced me to try a menstrual cup + I haven’t looked back.
I’ve had great luck with Diva Cups. I have two: one stays home; one stays in my handbag, just in case.
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Item 9: Snacks
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I do snacks differently.
I refuse to buy individually-wrapped foods (examples: Snack packs. Granola bars. Raisins in miniature boxes). Instead, I buy snacks in bulk + separate into snack-sized portions at home for the entire week.
What makes this possible? WeanGreen containers. They’re small; they’re glass; they’re seemingly indestructible. I grab a few pre-filled snack jars from the cupboard, pop ’em in my handbag + we’re off.
Easy peasy.
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Item 10: Crayons in an Altoid tin
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Here’s a secret: Crayons fit perfectly in a repurposed mint tin.
I cut up pieces of scrap paper in fancy shapes + put them inside the tin, too, so my daughters have something to scribble on when they get antsy.
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What zero waste hand bag essentials do you recommend? Inspire others in the comments below!
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