As we look back on 2024, one thing’s for sure: sustainable living isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement reshaping how we live, shop, and think about our impact on the planet. From the urgency of tackling climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels to the devastating effects of microplastic pollution, the call for eco-friendly solutions has never been louder.
Australians are leading the charge, demanding products that match their values of sustainability, local manufacturing, and less waste. Thanks to more bans on single-use plastics reusables are taking centre stage. Add to that, spotlights on the health risks of PFAS, PVC, phthalates and microplastics lurking in everyday items, and it’s clear: we’re all craving safer, cleaner, better alternatives.
That’s where our top picks for sustainable solutions in 2024 come in. These game-changers aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re practical, durable, and designed to rise to the challenges of our times.
Let’s dive into the products that made the biggest splash at Biome this year—smart, effective answers for a world ready to do better.
1. Biome Laundry Liquid Concentrate Bar: Reducing Plastic and Palm Oil
The Problem: Traditional liquid detergents come in bulky plastic bottles filled mostly with water. This creates unnecessary shipping emissions, adds to plastic waste, and depends heavily on palm oil-derived surfactants—both unsustainable and harmful to the planet.
Why This Solution? Enter the game-changing Biome Laundry Liquid Concentrate Bar. Plastic-free, lightweight, and concentrated, this easy-to-use bar eliminates the need for synthetically made ingredients while being biodegradable and Australian-made. Plus, it’s designed to work effectively in cold water, helping you save energy with every load.
One compact bar replaces multiple bottles of traditional liquid detergent, making it the ultimate zero-waste, eco-friendly solution for your laundry routine.
2. Water Filtration: Clean Water Without Single-Use Waste
The Problem: Whether at home or on the go, many people grab single-use plastic water bottles because they’re convenient, or because the local water tastes unpleasant, or they wish to filter out microplastics, PFAS, heavy metals, or bacteria. But this habit creates a mountain of plastic waste, adds to pollution from fossil fuel extraction, and harms the planet in ways we can’t ignore.
Why This Solution? Reusable water filter systems from brands like Larq, Lifestraw, Tappwater, Waters Co, and Doulton Sterasyl offer a smarter way to stay hydrated. These advanced filters tackle contaminants—such as PFAS, microplastics, bacteria, and heavy metals—providing water that's safe and better tasting.
Perfect for both home and travel, these durable water purifiers help you ditch single-use plastic bottles for good, reducing waste and saving resources over time. With sustainable access to clean water, you can hydrate responsibly while making a positive impact on the planet.
3. Solidteknics Pans: The PFAS-Free, Multi-Generational Cookware
The Problem. Non-stick cookware often contains PFAS, "forever chemicals" linked to environmental and health concerns. The surface of Teflon-coated pans also wears out quickly, leading to thousands of non-stick pans going to landfill every day in Australia!
Why This Solution? Solidteknics pans are 100% PFAS-free, crafted from wrought iron or stainless steel, and designed to last more than a lifetime. They develop a natural non-stick surface with use, outperforming conventional pans.
Made in Australia, these pans reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal while delivering exceptional cooking results.
4. Biome CastorGuard: Multi-Purpose, Petroleum-Free Balm
The Problem. Petroleum-based balms are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to environmental harm during production and disposal. Plus, many of us prefer not to rub petroleum ingredients into our skin.
Why This Solution? Biome CastorGuard, made in Brisbane Australia, is a plant-based balm crafted with castor oil, carnauba wax, and coconut oil. It’s a versatile solution for soothing dry skin, lips, and cuticles, and even protecting minor wounds. It comes in a reusable glass jar, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering a clean, green alternative to traditional petroleum-jelly balms.
5. Bar Soap is All You Need: Clean Without Clutter
The Problem. Somewhere along the way, we were convinced that liquid hand soap in plastic bottles was the only way to keep our hands clean. Marketing campaigns even suggested that bar soap might be unhygienic, despite its long history as an effective cleanser. But the truth is, liquid soap contributes significantly to plastic waste and is often filled with synthetic detergents that can harm both our skin and the environment.
Why This Solution? A humble bar of soap is more than adequate for keeping your hands and body clean—and it’s a far better choice for the planet. Our soap bars are palm oil-free, biodegradable, and completely plastic-free, with simple, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and effective at removing dirt and germs.
Plus, they last much longer than a bottle of liquid soap, saving you money and reducing waste. It’s time to ditch the hype and go back to basics—because sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the best.
6. Patch Bandages: PFAS-Free First Aid
The Problem. In 2024 several studies shocked us by revealing the truth of how many everyday items contain PFAS "forever chemicals" (called that due to their persistence in the environment) including band-aids! These chemicals are linked to serious health concerns, such as hormonal disruptions and long-term environmental harm. Conventional sticky plasters also rely on petroleum-based materials.
Why This Solution? Patch Bandages are made from natural bamboo fibre and completely free of PFAS. They are gentle on sensitive skin, while their adhesive provides effective protection without harmful additives. By choosing Patch Bandages, you’re making a healthier choice for all.
7. Solmates Refillable Sunscreen Applicators
The Problem. Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin, but the single-use plastic tubes it often comes in are not. These tubes contribute to the growing plastic waste problem, with billions ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans.
Why This Solution? Solmates doesn’t eliminate all packaging, but it helps reduce the need for repeated purchases of small size tubes and applicators. This durable, refillable sunscreen and lotion applicator made in Australia, allows you to buy larger, more economical options—reducing the overall volume of single-use plastics in your routine.
Solmates is lightweight, mess-free, and perfect for travel, offering a more sustainable and convenient way to transport and apply not just sunscreen, but all creams and lotions.
BTW - parents are commenting that Solmates is a game changer for getting kids to apply sunscreen!
8. Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes: Durable Waste-Free Meal Prep
The Problem. Packing lunches often leads to a lot of throwaway plastic cling wrap, sandwich bags, and single-serve snack packaging. On top of that, lunch boxes made from plastic can contain chemicals like PVC, BPA and phthalates, which may leach into food, and most can't be recycled.
Why This Solution? Stainless steel lunch boxes, like those from Planetbox, offer a waste free alternative. Designed with compartments or paired with multiple containers, they make it easy to pack a variety of snacks and meals without the need for Gladwrap or expensive pre-packaged foods.
And, being made from food-grade stainless steel with minimal parts to break, these lunchboxes are non-toxic and built to last for years. They’re rust-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and incredibly practical for school, work, or picnics.
By choosing stainless steel over plastic, you’re creating a more organised lunch and investing in a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
9. The Biome Dishwash Block & Cellulose Sponge
The Problem. Plastic dishwashing bottles and synthetic sponges contribute to microplastic pollution and waste, and most liquids contain irritating synthetic additives. Additionally, liquid detergents encourage the habit of filling the sink with water and artificial bubbles, which wastes both water and product.
Why This Solution? The Biome Dishwash Block is a long-lasting, palm oil-free bar that cuts through grease naturally without synthetic detergents and fragrances. Paired with the cellulose sponge, which is compostable and made from renewable materials, this duo is tough on messes but kind to your hands and the environment.
Beyond its eco-friendly benefits, the Dishwash Block invites you to rethink your dishwashing routine. Instead of a sink full of sudsy water, simply rub the sponge onto the block and clean your crockery and utensils directly. This method not only saves water but also makes your cleaning process more efficient. Simplicity that makes everyday tasks greener.
10. Swedish Dish Cloths: A Zero-Waste Cleaning Revolution
The Problem: Paper towels, touted as disposable and biodegradable, often contain hidden plastic fibres to make them "strong" and thus contribute to landfill waste. Synthetic sponges and cloths, made from fossil fuel-derived plastics like nylon, shed microplastics into waterways every time they’re used. These single-use and synthetic options create enormous waste and pollution, adding unnecessary strain to the planet.
Why This Solution? Swedish Dish Cloths offer a smarter way to clean. Made from natural cellulose and cotton, they’re 100% plastic-free and fully compostable at the end of their life. Highly absorbent and versatile, they can handle everything from spills to scrubbing with ease. What’s more, they’re reusable and machine washable, lasting through hundreds of uses—months longer than disposable options or synthetic sponges.
A Sustainable 2025 Starts Here
These extraordinary solutions don’t just address environmental problems—they go above and beyond to offer superior performance, durability, and usability compared to the status quo.
By adopting some of these popular sustainable products from last year, you’ll create a more mindful way of living.
And, did we mention, that most of these solutions will in fact save you money?
Let’s make 2025 a year of impactful change!
