Zero Waste in Canada: Start With These 6 Swaps
Picture the average Canadian kitchen: plastic wrap, single-use cleaning bottles, paper towels, and a bathroom cabinet full of half-empty plastic pump bottles. Going fully zero waste overnight is a fantasy โ but replacing the six highest-volume plastic items is realistic, and Canadian brands have made it easier than ever. Etee ships plastic-free concentrates from Toronto, Pela makes compostable phone cases, and Blueland's tablets eliminate the biggest offender: the cleaning bottle. Here is the shortlist, the honest trade-offs, and the codes that make the switch cheaper.
The Best Zero Waste Products in Canada
Blueland
Best overall pickHousehold cleaning reinvented as tablet concentrates that dissolve in water, eliminating single-use plastic bottles.
Hero product: The Clean Suite starter kit with tablet refills for dish, laundry, glass and all-purpose cleaners
"Reddit users call Blueland the easiest first zero-waste swap because the tablets genuinely clean and take up almost no space. โ Reddit"
Ethique
Solid, plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars, plus skincare concentrates that last and last.
Hero product: Shampoo and conditioner bars plus the Frizz Wrangler, each bar replacing roughly three plastic bottles
"Trustpilot reviewers love that one bar lasts months, which makes the higher upfront price cheaper per wash. โ Trustpilot"
Who Gives A Crap
Toilet paper, tissues and paper towels made from 100% recycled or bamboo materials; 50% of profits build toilets.
Hero product: Bamboo toilet paper and recycled paper towels delivered in plastic-free packaging
"Reviews on Reddit confirm the bamboo paper is soft enough for everyday use and arrives beautifully packaged. โ Reddit"
Pela
Compostable phone cases and sustainable tech accessories that break down in home compost.
Hero product: Compostable phone cases with flax shive compostable shells and raised camera lips
"Pela case owners on Reddit praise the slim profile and the fact the case actually composts at end of life. โ Reddit"
Etee
Toronto-based zero waste brand with plastic-free cleaning concentrates and refillable glass bottles.
Hero product: Refillable glass bottles with plant-based cleaning concentrate drops, shipped in compostable packaging
"Canadian reviewers on Reddit appreciate a local brand that ships refill drops instead of heavy water bottles. โ Reddit"
Grove Collaborative
Subscription service curating over 200 eco-friendly brands for natural home cleaning and personal care.
Hero product: Refillable glass cleaners and bamboo tools curated from 200+ eco brands
"Shoppers on Trustpilot like the curated selection and the refillable glass packaging across the range. โ Trustpilot"
Coupon Codes Table
| Code | Discount | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| ZERO20 | 20% OFF | 2026-10-01 |
| BLUELAND15 | 15% OFF | 2026-10-01 |
| BLUELANDSUB | 15% OFF Subscribe & Save | 2026-10-06 |
| FREESHIP | Free Shipping | 2026-10-01 |
| ETHIQ15 | 15% OFF | 2026-10-01 |
| ETHIQSUB | 10% OFF Subscribe & Save | 2026-10-06 |
| ETHIQSALE | Up to 30% OFF sale | 2026-10-06 |
| GIVE50 | $10 OFF | 2026-10-01 |
| WGACSUB | 30% OFF first delivery | Rolling |
| WGACBUNDLE | 20% OFF bundles | Rolling |
| PELA20 | 20% OFF | 2026-10-01 |
| PELAEMAIL | 10% OFF (email signup) | 2026-10-03 |
| FREESHIP | Free Shipping | 2026-10-01 |
| ETEEBUNDLE | 15% OFF bundles | 2026-10-03 |
| ETEEEMAIL | 10% OFF (email signup) | 2026-10-03 |
| ETEEFREESHIP | Free Shipping $50+ | 2026-10-03 |
| GROVE50 | $10 OFF $50+ | Rolling |
| GROVESUB | 15% OFF Subscribe & Earn | Rolling |
| GROVEFREE | Free Shipping $30+ | Rolling |
How to Save More
- Buy the starter kit, then refills: Blueland's kits include the bottles once, and every refill after that is dramatically cheaper than bottled cleaner.
- Subscribe to essentials: Blueland and Ethique both give 10-15% off recurring refill orders, and Who Gives A Crap gives 30% off your first delivery when you subscribe.
- Bundle household staples: Grove Collaborative gives $10 off a $50+ first order and free shipping over $30, which covers a full cleaning restock.
- Track free shipping thresholds: Etee ships free over $50 and Blueland over a lower threshold โ combine orders with a friend to clear the line once a quarter.
FAQ
Do zero waste products actually save money?
Over time, yes. Blueland's tablet refills cost less per load than bottled cleaners, and Ethique's bars outlast three liquid bottles each. The savings show up in the second purchase, once the starter kit is bought.
Which zero waste swap makes the biggest impact?
Replacing multi-pack plastic cleaning bottles with concentrate refills (Blueland or Etee) and switching paper towels and toilet paper to bamboo or recycled (Who Gives A Crap) removes the highest plastic volume from a typical household.
Are compostable phone cases actually compostable?
Pela cases are certified home-compostable, which means they break down in a backyard compost within months under the right conditions. They still protect the phone first, with drop protection built into the flax shell.
Do these brands ship plastic-free to Canada?
Etee is based in Toronto and ships plastic-free within Canada. Blueland, Ethique, Who Gives A Crap, Pela and Grove Collaborative all ship to Canada; check the shipping threshold for free delivery at checkout.