The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Making your daily routine more eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent swaps that make the most significant difference. In Egypt, an increasing number of local brands and stores are offering low-waste alternatives that replace single-use plastics and non-biodegradable products with more sustainable options. Here are a few easy swaps you can start with and where to shop for them locally.

1. Bamboo Toothbrushes from Ole Nutrients

Plastic toothbrushes can take up to 500 years to decompose, and billions end up in landfills each year. Bamboo toothbrushes, on the other hand, are biodegradable and just as effective for oral care. For example, Ole Nutrients offers eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes along with other natural wellness products.

2. Reusable Shopping Bags from Up-Fuse

Instead of using plastic bags for groceries or takeaways, switch to reusable fabric totes or foldable bags. They’re durable, washable, and can be used for years. Up-Fuse is known for upcycled bags made from plastic bags and other materials.

3. Stainless Steel or Bamboo Straws from Kind Market

Plastic straws are among the top ocean pollutants. Stainless steel and bamboo versions are reusable, easy to clean, and portable. Kind Market is a sustainable lifestyle concept store offering bamboo and stainless steel straw sets, along with a variety of eco-friendly household and personal care products.

4. Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars from Norshek

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate the need for plastic bottles while also lasting longer than liquid ones. Norshek produces low-waste personal care items, including solid shampoo bars packaged in paper-based containers and liquid shampoos and conditioners packed in biodegradable polymer bottles to reduce plastic waste.

5. Recycled Pencil Cases and Notebooks from Banlastic

School and office supplies are everyday essentials, but they often come wrapped in plastic or made from virgin materials. Banlastic Egypt, a leading anti-plastic initiative based in Egypt, creates recycled pencil cases and notebooks from upcycled and eco-friendly materials. These products are not only practical and stylish but also help raise awareness about sustainable consumption.