Introduction
The UK has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2050. As individuals, one impactful way we can contribute is by adopting more sustainable cleaning habits. From the products we use to how we do laundry, small changes in our home can make a meaningful difference. In this article, I’ll explore practical solutions for lowering the carbon footprint of cleaning our homes and clothes.
Reducing Energy and Water Use
One of the easiest ways to make cleaning more sustainable is to reduce energy and water consumption. Here are some simple tips:
Washing Clothes
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Heating water accounts for ~90% of a washing machine’s energy use.
- Only run full loads of laundry. This cuts back on the number of loads.
- Air dry clothes instead of using the dryer. Drying racks work well indoors or out.
Washing Dishes
- Hand wash dishes with a basin of water instead of leaving the tap running.
- Only run full loads in the dishwasher and use eco settings. Shorter cycles with cooler water are more efficient.
- Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading into the dishwasher. This saves water.
Cleaning
- Use a bucket of water instead of constantly running the tap when cleaning.
- Let gravity do the work – dry mopping and sweeping prevent extra water use.
- Clean efficiently by working top to bottom in a room to avoid re-cleaning the same areas.
Sustainable Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that are rough on the environment. Here are some better options:
Greener Surface Cleaners
- Look for plant-based ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus. These break down safely.
- Opt for concentrates and refillable spray bottles. This reduces plastic waste.
- Make your own cleaners from simple pantry ingredients. Baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar work great.
Laundry Detergent Considerations
- Seek out plant-based, biodegradable formulas. These are gentler on water systems when rinsed down the drain.
- Look for cruelty-free and fragrance-free options. Artificial fragrances can contain toxins.
- Consider laundry tablets and strips – these condense detergent so less plastic is used for packaging.
Hand Soaps
- Bar soaps have less packaging than liquid hand soap. Seek out bars with plant oils.
- Foaming hand soap refills let you reuse a dispenser. This cuts down on waste.
- DIY foaming hand soap using a few tablespoons of liquid castile soap, water, and optional essential oils.
Reusables Over Disposables
Replacing paper towels, sponges, and other toss-away cleaning tools with reusables can make a significant impact. Here are some swaps to consider:
- Microfiber cloths – These pick up dirt and grease without chemicals and can be washed and reused.
- Swedish dishcloths – Made from cellulose and cotton, these are compostable when they wear out.
- Bamboo paper towels – These are durable and can be composted after use.
- Loofahs and natural sponges – Cost effective and compostable.
Along with using reusables, simply cutting back on how much we use and toss can help lower waste. For example, thinking about whether the floor needs mopping or a surface needs wiping down before doing it.
Sustainable Cleaning Habits
Beyond product swaps, there are lifestyle changes we can make to clean our homes more sustainably:
- Clean less frequently when reasonable. For example, vacuuming 1-2 times a week instead of daily.
- Spot clean messes instead of cleaning everything top to bottom. This saves time and resources.
- Embrace a “good enough” mindset. Having a perfect, spotless home shouldn’t come at an environmental cost.
- Buy concentrates and bulk sizes when possible. This reduces packaging waste over time.
- Make DIY cleaning solutions. This avoids plastic waste and you know exactly what’s in them.
- Compost natural materials like loofahs, Swedish dishcloths, and bamboo paper towels. Keep these out of landfills.
The Impact of Sustainable Cleaning
While it’s easy to think our actions don’t make a difference, collectively sustainable cleaning habits can drive meaningful change. If every household replaced just one bottle of conventional cleaner with a greener option, we’d prevent thousands of tons of plastic waste!
Small steps in our homes can lower carbon footprints and create less waste over time. Plus, going green doesn’t mean compromising on cleanliness – some plant-based solutions actually work better! As consumers, choosing eco-friendly products and efficient practices is an impactful way we can contribute to wider sustainability efforts.
