Patch plasters are made from bamboo and free from plastic. Made with coconut oil and charcoal (over acrylic) these are more suitable for people with allergies, and used worldwide.
They also contain aloe vera for quicker healing for burns. This company also sells bamboo bandages and body tape, plasters for children and plasters for bites.
Steroplast offers a zero waste kit that’s mostly plastic-free. It meets HSE recommendations and contains items wrapped in medical grade paper in a recycled polypropylene/wood plastic compound box.
Learn First Aid
It helps to always have a good first aid manual to hand, bearing in mind information updates. First Aid Manual is a regularly updated manual from St John’s Ambulance and other experts, with quick tips for over 100 scenarios.
The latest edition includes info for pandemics, terrorist incidents and delivering first aid for patients during a mental health crisis.
- The Children’s Book of First Aid is even better (also for nervous adults) as it’s very simple and clear to understand.
- Act Fast First is an Etsy shop that sells quick and easy laminated book charts for first aid, for both humans and dogs.
- They cover various situations like for children and in the workplace, forest or outdoors. Belovaid offers baby and child first aid prints, for handy reference.
- You can take online courses at NHS (free), Student First Aid (free), Red Cross (free for workplaces) and St John’s Ambulance.
- Mini First Aid and Daisy First Aid also offer courses.
First Aid for Pets
Patch Eco First Aid Kit for Pets Includes a vet-approved first aid booklet. Along with bamboo cleaning pads, bandages and gauze pads, metal tweezers and scissors (and a tick remover but it’s best usually to have vets do this), a safety pouch, eco glove and a refillable tin.
Read The Cat Owner’s Guide to First Aid and The Dog Owner’s Guide to First Aid (both written by an emergency vet).
Pet Safety Crusader has a good book for children, along with books on pet first aid for birds and other creatures. You can also take online courses at
Good First Aid Kit Contents
A zero waste first aid kit can help you care for both people and pets without piling up rubbish. Every year, first aid supplies generate a mountain of plastic and packaging, much of which ends up in landfill.
By switching to long-lasting, reusable products and choosing natural options, it’s possible to treat cuts, bumps, and minor ailments at home while keeping waste to a minimum.
Choose Reusable Cloth Bandages
Traditional plasters and gauze pads are single use and come wrapped in plastic. Reusable cloth bandages made from cotton or bamboo can do the same job. Wash them with hot water and soap after each use.
For pets, soft cotton wraps work well for minor wounds or to cover a dressing. Always keep a few clean, sterilised cloths in your kit for sudden injuries.
Swap Ointment Tubes for Glass Jars
First aid creams often come in plastic or foil tubes. Try beeswax-based balms that come in glass jars. Aloe vera gel is another good option and soothes both people and pets.
Some balms also work well for pets if you check the ingredients for pet safety. Avoid anything with added essential oils or scents for animals.
Use Stainless Steel Tweezers and Scissors
Metal tools last for life and don’t shed plastic. Stainless steel tweezers help remove splinters or ticks, while scissors trim bandages or fur around wounds.
Clean them with alcohol after use. Keep a small, sharp pair for people and an extra one for pets with thick coats.
Make Natural Cleaning Solutions
Skip the plastic bottles of antiseptic. Make your own wound wash by mixing boiled water with a teaspoon of salt. Store it in a glass bottle with a spray top.
Choose Compostable Gloves
Latex or nitrile gloves are convenient but add to waste. Look for compostable or biodegradable gloves made from plant-based materials. These protect your hands when treating wounds and break down much faster in home compost.
Opt for Washable Hot and Cold Packs
Instant cold packs come in plastic and can’t be reused. Instead, fill cloth pouches with rice or flaxseed and store in the freezer for a cold pack. These can mould to sore muscles.
Pick Bar or Soap-Based Cleansers
Hand sanitisers and liquid soaps often come in plastic. Keep a bar of unscented soap in your kit. Bar soap works just as well, is gentle on wounds, and comes with less packaging. Rinse hands well before and after giving first aid.
Store Supplies in a Metal or Wooden Box
Plastic first aid kits crack and degrade over time. Use a sturdy tin, stainless steel container, or wooden box. Label sections for people and pets so you can find what you need quickly. A solid box keeps your kit safe, dry, and ready to go.
Include Natural Remedies for Pets
Check with your vet before using any new remedy, and stick to products that list all their ingredients clearly.
Repurpose Old Textiles for Cleaning Cloths
Cut up old T-shirts or towels to use as wipes or for extra padding. Wash after each use instead of throwing them away. Soft cotton is gentle on pet fur and sensitive skin, too.
