Here at Hubbell and Hubbell, sustainability is one of our main values. We strive to incorporate green practices not only in our designs but in our everyday lives so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite sustainable products to help guide you towards a greener, healthier lifestyle. The list below is broken down into the different areas of the home – kitchen, bathroom, laundry, etc. – although many of the products have a range of uses. In addition to including information about the materials and lifecycle of each product, we’ve specified where you can purchase each item. While you can purchase these items from many different manufacturers and stores, we’ve decided to feature two stores – one local store here in San Diego and one online store for those who are not local or are unable to shop in person.

Featured local store: Earth Well Refill is a local, family-run store in Kensington, San Diego. They offer package-free shampoo, conditioner, soap, detergent, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. They have a mix of recycled and new glass containers in store for you to fill up on your supplies. Plus, they charge per weight so you only pay for what you need. They also supply sustainable alternatives to everyday products like reusable paper towels, stainless steel lunch boxes, bamboo straws and much more!

Featured online store: Zero Waste Store was founded by life partners who had the goal of making a positive impact on the planet. Their online store is a collective of products ranging across all areas of life from a wide variety of manufacturers. While their main value is the well-being of the earth, they also aim to make a difference in social and ethical issues. Their platform has become a great resource for sustainable information and inspiration.

Kitchen

Cleaning Brushes: These brushes are made from natural, sustainable materials. They work very well, are versatile and look beautiful on your countertop.

Material(s): Handles: wood or bamboo, Bristles: coconut fibers or agave

Use(s): washing dishes, scrubbing fruits & vegetables, general cleaning

End of life: Put the brushes in your compost or bury them in the garden. The metal parts can be recycled.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Reusable Zipper Storage Bags: These bags, made by the company Stasher, are plastic-free and reusable. They have an airtight seal, are very versatile and come in many colors.

Material(s): 100% pure platinum silicone

Use(s): packing lunches, food storage, traveling, general home organization, safe to use in the: microwave, dishwasher, oven, stovetop, fridge & freezer

End of life: These bags have been designed to be reused as much as possible but when you do need to dispose of them, Stasher will take the bags back through their repurposing program.

Health Benefits: non-toxic, hypoallergenic, BPA and BPS free

Buy it: Online from Zero Waste Store

Reusable Produce Bags: These reusable cloth or mesh bags can be used instead of plastic grocery produce bags.

Material(s): these bags are typically made from cotton or recycled fibers

Use(s): at the grocery store, in the fridge to keep produce fresh

End of life: These bags are intended to be used many times and can be machine washed. If the bags are 100% cotton, you can compost them when they are no longer useable.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Bathroom

Bamboo Tooth Brushes: These toothbrushes are plastic free and made from natural, sustainable materials. They are BPA free, 100% organic and work just as well as a plastic toothbrush.

Material(s): Handle: bamboo, Bristles: castor bean oil

End of life: Put the toothbrush in your compost or bury it in the garden.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Silk Floss: This floss is 100% plastic free and compostable but works and feels the same as typical nylon / plastic floss. The silk comes in a refillable glass jar and refills are available.

Material(s): Jar: glass, Floss: silk thread and plant wax (silk is 100% cruelty free and only acquired once the cocoon is empty)

End of life: Refill the glass jar endlessly and put used floss in your compost. The floss will decompose in 60-90 days.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Bamboo Hair Brushes: This brush is plastic free and zero waste. It has a natural look and feel, but functions exactly like a typical plastic hair brush.

Material(s): Brush pins: bamboo, Cushion base: natural rubber, Handle: bamboo, finished with a natural wax

End of life: When properly cared for, this brush can last for decades. It is resistant to water damage, but excessive water exposure should be avoided. Wipe dry if it gets wet.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Exfoliating Soap Bag: This bag is made from natural materials and helps you extend the life of your soap bar while providing exfoliation for your face or body.

Material(s): Agave fiber

End of life: This bag can last for several months and can be composted at the end of its life. To extend its life, hang it in the shower to drain between uses and sanitize it in the washing machine or boiling water every 2-4 months.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Loofah: This loofah is a plastic free, natural alternative to the typical plastic loofahs and sponges. It can be used to exfoliate your skin in the shower, to wash dishes or to clean sinks and tubs.

Material(s): The loofah is a plant similar to a summer squash. The plant is left on the vine to mature completely and then peeled to look like the image to the right.

End of life: Put the loofah in your compost or bury it in the garden. It will decompose in 30 days.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

Safety Razor: These razors are plastic free, reusable and super durable. They can be used for all shaving needs and are just as easy to use as a plastic disposable razor. The razors are sold by many companies and available in different styles and colors.

Material(s): Made from stainless steel, these razors are protected from corrosion.

End of life: The razor handle will last a very long time and the blades can be recycled through several different take-back programs.

Buy it: In-store at Earth Well Refill or online from Zero Waste Store

As we discover new products, we will continue to build this list so that you can come back to it at any time!

Photo credit: All photos shown are from the Zero Waste Store website or Instagram