A Room-By-Room Guide To Sustainable Plastic-Free Product Swaps

Our homes are sacred spaces – most of us live, eat, sleep, and even work within the same four walls day after day. Aside from the physical construction of an apartment building or suburban living space, it’s the contents inside that truly make a house a home. Various decor and furniture choices externally display the personalities of their owners in an artful way. While we tend to give spaces that get extra eye time more care to curate, there are usually hidden corners of our homes that don’t receive the same special treatment.

Bathroom medicine cabinets, laundry rooms, and kitchen garbage cans are usually afterthoughts in the mind of a homeowner even though they're utilized practically every day. I can (rather reluctantly) admit that I typically don’t put too much thought into home necessities. When purchasing items like plastic wrap, dish soap, or garbage bags, I just gravitate to whatever's on sale at the store that week.

However, at the speed that my household goes through these products, I realized that I should be much more intentional about what I'm using. Although single-use plastic is a huge waste, it's often pretty prevalent in our homes. With Earth Day approaching and an overall desire to cultivate a more intentional living space, I’ve turned to plastic-free home products. Join me in creating a more eco-friendly household with the plastic-free swaps for every area of your home below.

The Kitchen

Image via Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS

In my kitchen, I started by swapping out single-use plastic items before tackling plastic products with more longevity. This meant: plastic wrap, sandwich baggies, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies.

Image via Bee's Wrap

The best saran wrap alternative that I found was from Bee’s Wrap. The brand makes rolls ($25) and pre-cut wrap packs (starting at $18) using organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin. With proper care, their pliable wrap can be used for a whole year and can be composted at the end of its lifecycle.

Image via Hold On

For plastic bag replacements, I turned to Hold On. Specializing in plant-based, home-compostable trash and storage bags, I was able to line my large garbage can ($26/40 bags) and enjoy snacks on the go ($15/100 sandwich bags) completely guilt-free.

Image via Blueland

When it came to tackling my dishwashing station, Blueland had me covered. For handwashing, their plant-basedPop-Up Sponge ($12/3 sponges) now has permanent real estate in my kitchen sink. This compostable super sponge arrives flat for easy storage and grows to its full size once wet. The brand also offers a dishwasher set ($25) that comes with a steel “forever tin” to store the original product purchased and future refills.

Image via Chemex

Products that while aren't single use, yet still plastic in composition that resided in my kitchen included my coffee maker, Tupperware, and an assortment of cutting boards. I made the respective swaps to a Chemex ($50) for delicious drip coffee, Caraway’s ceramic Food Storage Set, and this stunning Walnut Cutting Board ($65) from Our Place.

The Bathroom

Image via Diva Plavalaguna / PEXELS

In my bathroom, I went straight to my medicine cabinet to inspect what plastic products I could do without. I was met with countless plastic over-the-counter medicine bottles. I was shocked! How could I keep a product that was meant to improve my health in a casing that is so damaging to the environment?

Image via Cabinet

Thankfully, I was recently introduced to Cabinet. Cabinet is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic from medicine, and does so through their wide offering of OTC medications (starting at $8) and glass medicine bottles ($10). Each medication refill arrives in a compostable pouch for health remedies that you can feel good about.

Image via Makesy

Aside from my kitchen, I probably focus the bulk of my cleaning energy on my bathroom. However, I quickly realized that the way I was keeping this area sterile was very plastic-centric. I go through spray bottles of counter cleaner and disposable wipes at a rapid rate, so it was time to switch to something more sustainable and I’m happy to report that Makesy’s All PurposeCleaner ($45) checks all the boxes. The starter kit comes with a reusable glass spray bottle, a sugarcane alcohol base, fragrance oils to smell, and castile soap to achieve that deep clean.

The Laundry Room

Image via PlanetCare / Unsplash

Last but not least, I ventured into my laundry room. There's a lot of discourse around laundry and microplastics, and I wanted to do my part to reduce my impact as much as possible.

Image via Cozymatic

I replaced my cheap, plastic laundry basket with this beautiful bamboo + cloth alternative from Cozymatic ($65). Not only is it foldable, but I can also wash the bag to keep it from smelling too funky.

Image via Dirty Labs

As for detergent, Dirty Labs makes a powerful 5-in-1 laundry soap ($14) that is packaged in a bottle made from recycled aluminum that can be recycled once again once empty.

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Header image via Makesy


When I moved into my first home, I noticed an interesting trend: my guests kept gifting me cleaning supplies. I turned to my BFF and asked, "Should I be offended?" After all, I’d always thought of myself as tidy and organized — but deep cleaning? That wasn’t exactly my thing.

Granted, I was going through a major life change and cleaning my home wasn't a top priority, but I clearly got the hint. During a recent visit, my mom shared a few game-changing tips for cleaning my washing machine and dishwasher (spoiler: all you need is vinegar!). Since then, I've picked up more tricks to tackle the tub, oven, and beyond.

So, here’s a comprehensive cleaning guide to help you kick off the holidays and 2025 with a clean slate and home!

Monthly: Clean Your Washing Machine

Rachel Claire

There's this common misconception that washing machines are always clean just by running loads of laundry. I learned the hard way, not true. Over time, detergent residues, fabric softener, and minerals from the water build up in your washing machine, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Yuck! To keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh and truly clean, a monthly deep clean is a must.

How to Clean It: Once a month, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of distilled white vinegar. This will help break down any buildup inside the drum, as well as eliminate any bacteria. For front-loading machines, don’t forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door where mold loves to hide. I just did this and it was frankly, gross, but so satisfying in the end. Wipe it down with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it air dry.

Monthly: Clean Your Dishwasher

cottonbro studio

You and your partner may argue over how you load the dishes, but have either of you actually cleaned it? Dishwashers, like washing machines, build up icky grime over time from food particles and soap scum, causing a stink and making your dishwasher work less well. A quick monthly clean can keep it in top shape.

How to Clean It: Pour a cup of vinegar inside and run a hot water cycle with no dishes. Afterward, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another cycle. This combo will help remove lingering smells and make your dishwasher sparkle.

Biannually: Clean Your Oven

Liliana Drew

If you're not using your oven for big meals all the time, twice a year is usually enough cleaning it will need (whew!). Otherwise, every few months will do the trick. Cleaning off all that baked-on grease and food residue with a biannual clean will keep it working more efficiently and ready for your next festive feast.

How to Clean It: Create a thick paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the inside of the oven, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit overnight, and then wipe away the grime. Finish by spraying a little vinegar to tackle any remaining residue. You can also try a store-bought oven cleaner that works in minutes like Easy-Off.

Every 3 Months: Clean Hard To Reach Places

Shutterstock

Sometimes, it’s the places we don’t see that need the most attention: under the fridge, behind the couch, and in vents. A thorough dusting every three months will keep allergens at bay.

How to Clean: If you don't already have a robot vacuum, use a standup vacuum with a hose attachment or a microfiber cloth to reach these spots. For vents, remove covers and gently wash them in warm, soapy water. Replace disposable filters every three months too.

Weekly: Tub and Shower

Kaboompics.com

My least favorite room to clean: bathrooms, which tend to build up mold and mildew quickly due to all the moisture. A quick weekly clean can prevent buildup, while a monthly deep clean will ensure everything stays sparkling and germ-free.

How to Clean: I recently discovered Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover for my shower glass doors and it works great. For your tub and shower, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar as a natural scrub. Spray the surfaces with vinegar, sprinkle baking soda over them, and scrub with a brush or simply use your favorite all-purpose cleaner like Method or Meyers. Rinse well. Also, keep a squeegee in your shower to reduce buildup over time.

Weekly: Bed Sheets

Tatiana Syrikova

There's nothing better than climbing into your bed with freshly cleaned sheets. You should wash your bed sheets once a week, or every two weeks at most. If you sweat a lot in your sleep or suffer from major allergies, try to clean more often than that.

How to Clean: When washing your sheets, use a paraben-free and dye-free detergent like Seventh Generation or Arm & Hammer Free & Clear, especially if you have sensitive skin and wash your pillowcases and bed sheets at the same time to keep dirt at bay.

Seasonally: Windows

Nathan Fertig

Cleaning your windows every fall and spring can make a huge difference in brightening your home with more natural light and help you enjoy a better view. You won't regret it!

How to Clean: Use your favorite glass cleaner or put a few drops of dish soap in a warm bucket of water. First, wipe the frames with a dry cloth or a brush to remove dust and debris. Then using a sponge, start from the top and work down to lift off dirt, fingerprints, and grime. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish, and a clean microfiber cloth (to prevent lint) to dry any remaining water droplets around the edges.

Kaboompics.com

Here's to a happy, healthy clean home! My last two tips: Bring in air-purifying plants to naturally clean your indoor air and pretty up your home. And for pots and pans that still show burnt marks, I found a sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friend with a nice scrub does the trick!

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The Wicked moviepress tour has been a truly beautiful thing to witness. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo have cried in almost every interview because of how much they love their characters and each other, and it seems like working on this project really did heal something in them. So, after the sincerity of their interviews, I was really taken aback when I learned Dax Shepard had Cynthia Erivo on his Armchair Expert podcast...and chose to ask her about going to the bathroom?

Keep reading for what Dax Shepard had to say and, like me, wonder why he asked it in the first place.

On an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, Dax Shepard asked Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo if her famously long nails make it difficult to wipe when she goes to the bathroom. “I knew you would ask that,” Cynthia responds, saying “no one’s afraid” to ask such an intimate question.

“My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside,” she says. “You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”

When he asked if she was annoyed or offended by the question, Cynthia admits she's "annoyed by it."

“I'm, like, 'Come on, guys,' ” she says. “But I get it, but it's also, like, ‘I'm a functioning adult, and I've never walked around smelling like, you know…'"

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The actress has proved she's nothing if not honest this fall, going viral for saying "thank goodness" the actresses who auditioned with her for Glinda didn't land the role and for vocalizinghow much a fan edit of the Wicked movie poster offended her (she later admitted she should have texted her friends instead of posting on social media).

Now, this question was very weird to me for a few reasons. Not only does it have nothing to do with the film, but Dax asking Cynthia about her bathroom habits gives me a similar feeling to the one I got watching that male interviewer ask Scarlett Johansson about her underwear during Avengers: Age of Ultron press. Just...what is the reason? Plus, the fact Cynthia has also been vocal about how much she values her nails as a part of Black culture only makes the question (and the fact the nails feel like, no pun intended, the butt of the joke) weirder.

"Here’s the thing," Cynthia tells Dax before switching topics. "There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping." Get 'em girl!

What did you think about this Armchair Expert interview with Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Latest Wicked: Part Two News!

Like it or not, ‘tis the season to start thinking about the holidays. ‘Tis a stressful season, too, but don’t let the hustle and bustle of it all get you down. Whether you’re already formulating family plans or researching the best gifts to give, the best way to lean into this time of year (and not resist the holiday cheer) is by decorating your place to be as merry and bright as possible.

I know what you may be thinking: it’s still quite early to kickstart the festive mindset. And trust me – I’ve always been anti-early holiday decorating, but Anthropologie’s most recent holiday collection has persuaded me otherwise. They’re selling tons of timeless pieces to help you get a jump on the season, and my favorite part is that many of them can be used year after year. Single-use decor is overrated – heirlooms are where it's at.

From cozy Christmas doormats to candle holders I’m actually excited to spend money on, I scrolled through all of Anthro’s offerings to find 11 festive faves that’ll also sway you to start setting up early this year.

The best Anthropologie holiday decor pieces for 2024:

Anthropologie

Confetti Glass Tree

I love anything with retro flair, and these confetti glass trees have definitely earned a spot on my mantle! I also really appreciate that they span beyond your classic red and green Christmas decorations, adding a subtle pop of color via pinks, blues, and yellows. They're shoppable in 3 colors so you can snag a perfectly complete set!

Anthropologie

Embroidered Stars Velvet Runner

For all the family dinners and parties to come this season, this cozy cotton-velvet table runner sets any food and drink spread up for success. You get a little bit of holiday charm from the embroidered gold starts without it being overly Christmas-y, so you could even use it in the dining room once the holidays have wrapped up.

Anthropologie

Poplar Tree Wall Hanging

This wall hanging is such a unique piece that you can customize based on each year's ornament collection. I definitely will be snagging this to curate my very own (and highly curated) ornament art installation. It's also a wonderful small space-friendly hack to hang up if you don't have space for a traditional tree!

Anthropologie

Lou Benesch x Anthropologie Stargazer Zodiac Ornament

Astrology fans, rise up! These eye-catching ornaments come in all 12 signs – which can be great for your own tree, or as a thoughtful personalized gift for any zodiac lover in your life. I just absolutely love the cozy touch of the velvet ribbon!

Anthropologie

Espresso Martini Cocktail Glass Ornament

Is the season ever merry and bright without an espresso martini? Year after year, this drink graces my family's bar around the holidays. This glass ornament is the perfect "spirited" touch for the season that doesn't require a huge monetary commitment, and with the right care, it can last you a lifetime.

Anthropologie

Chunky Knit Holiday Icon Stocking

You're never too old for stocking stuffers – I prefer mine packed with candy. The chunky wool knit of this adorable, bow-adorned stocking has a vintage feel that'll fit right in with any interior.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more of our holiday faves, from decor to gifting!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I literally can't believe I'm writing this, but after a year of keeping up with all the biggest and best 2024 movies, I'm here with a final installment: December movies! This year has had some truly remarkable flicks (Challengers! Wicked! The Fall Guy!) and we're truly going out with a bang. While you're keeping up with all the best December TV shows coming out, here are the best December movies coming next month.

Keep reading for all the new December movies to add to your watchlist in 2024.

Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024

A24

Remember that Y2K crisis at the turn of the millennium? This December movie, which follows two high school juniors who crash a New Year's Eve party, reimagines it as a full-blown disaster — blood, guts, and all.

Y2K stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, and Fred Durst.

Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Netflix

Get a new look at one of the most famous women in the world when Mary drops on Netflix next month. This movie will give you a whole new look at the titular heroine's life — from being forced into hiding to running for her life, all to protect her baby son from a murderous king.

Mary stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.

Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024

Searchlight Pictures

Another December movie that will have you looking at motherhood differently is Nightb—ch, which follows Amy Adams character's life as she becomes a mother...and becomes convinced she's also turning into a dog.

Nightb—ch stars Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper.

F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024

Lionsgate

We all know dating apps can be a really horrifying experience, but when true-crime lover Eva starts to believe one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer," she finds herself in a life-or-death situation.

F Marry Kill stars Lucy Hale, Samer Salem, Virginia Gardner, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Brooke Nevin, and Bethany Brown.

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

If you're still singing "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter, then this December movie (er, holiday special) is for you. Not only will the popstar perform tunes from her fruitcake EP, but she'll be joined by special guests as well!

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter stars, you guessed it, Sabrina Carpenter.

Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024

Pablo Larraín/Netflix

Angelina Jolie's newest film follows iconic performer Maria Callas. After a glamorous, albeit difficult, public life, Maria moves to Paris for some quiet — and must confront her identity, her past, and her future in the process.

Maria stars Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13

Jay Maidment/Sony

Despite the fact it's coming out around the holidays, Aaron Taylor Johnson's new December movie is not for kids. The flick follows the titular Kraven as he morphs from the son of a gangster to the brutal and fearsome villain comic fans know so well.

Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Russell Crowe.

Carry On — On Netflix December 13

Netflix

One TSA agent is in for a less-than-jolly holiday when he's blackmailed by a traveler hoping to bring a very dangerous package into the airport on Christmas Eve.

Carry On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sofia Carson.

Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20

Walt Disney Pictures

Not only is this Lion King sequel giving us a brand new look at a classic story, but it also marks Blue Ivy Carter's acting debut! The movie tells the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub and how a run-in with royal heir Taka changed everything.

Mufasa: The Lion King stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Blue Ivy Carter.

Babygirl — In Theaters December 25

A24

Nicole Kidman's new December movie will add some spice to your holiday, thanks to an affair with her character's much-younger employee. Is it getting hot in here?

Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25

Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures

If you're still laughing about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, then you'll definitely want to show up to see this flick, which stars our favorite Timmy as Bob Dylan during his historical move from folk to rock'n'roll.

A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, and Nick Offerman.

Let us know which December movie you're most excited for on Instagram!

Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect StrangersA Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her newest movie Babygirl comes from A24, and the steamy drama is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Babygirl — and to watch the HOT new trailer!

What is the plot of Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy meets a young intern named Samuel, and feels immediately drawn to him, the two begin a torrid affair.

And filming scenes with Harry Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

When is the Babygirl release date?

A24

Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but you can watch the movie in theaters December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

A24

Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me raggedm" Kidman says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

A24

"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we could be guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

There were SO many moments that made our jaws drop here:

  • The thumb in the mouth
  • The pink skirt moment
  • NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.