10 Sustainable Products You Only Have to Buy Once

One thing everyone should eventually buy is a good double-walled metal water bottle. Even after years of denting and repeat use, they hold up. The double wall also keeps them insulated, keeping your hots hot and your colds cold. Once you have one you'll wonder how you lived without it.

Photography: Amazon

It's really hard to fault anyone who still uses zip-lock bags. Most of the reusable alternatives are hard to clean, and that's a non-starter when it comes to storing food. Luckily, Stasher has developed these silicone bags. They are dishwasher safe, so they're as easy to reuse as Tupperware.

Photography: Stasher

Remember when we fixed things that were broken instead of throwing them away? LL Bean carries on this proud tradition with their Original Boot. Originally made in 1912, LL Bean offers a repair service, so you can keep your boots for life.

Photography: Instagram/@baizpartyof3

The material of the containers you store food in matters. Glass is popular because of its minimal effect on flavor. It also won't retain the smell of the food that's been stored in it, so you won't need to replace them like plastic ones.

Photography: Amazon

Plastic disposable shopping bags are not an innovation. They're flimsy, they're bad for the environment, and they tend to pile up. A cheap set of reusable shopping bags can last a long time, though, and they provide a little relief to the landfill.

Photography: Amazon

There are few products more iconic and timeless than the Zippo lighter. And since the wicks and flints are replaceable, you only have to replace it if you lose it.

Photography: Vojtech Okenka

For people with disabilities, straws are a necessary evil. But if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, sustainable options are available. The FinalStraw comes in a travel-friendly container and has a brush to keep it clean.

Photography Instagram/@Finalstraw

You have to admire a company that's willing to offer a lifetime warranty for something you wear on your feet. That's something I don't think anyone even thought to ask for, but I'm glad it exists.

Photography: Instagram/@darntoughvermont

If you don't lose pens often, a good metal one is a great investment. You can't help but feel like a boss, writing lists and ideas down with your fancy writing utensil, and you'll save money in the long run.

Photography: Karolina Grabowska