Taking care of yourself and your home in an eco-friendly way has become easier than ever in 2024. Here are some of my tips for greening your hygiene and home cleaning routines this year.
Reduce Plastic Waste from Bathroom Essentials
Plastic waste is a huge problem, and the bathroom can be a big source of single-use plastics. Here are some swaps I’m making to cut down on plastic:
-
Toothbrush: Switch to a bamboo toothbrush or one with a replaceable head.
-
Razor: Try a safety razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable plastic razors.
-
Shower pouf: Swap for a natural loofah or silicon scrubby.
-
Cotton pads: Switch to reusable cotton rounds or facial cloths.
-
Q-tips: Try reusable bamboo q-tip alternatives.
-
Floss: There are now plastic-free dental floss options made of silk or other materials.
-
Menstrual products: Consider reusable menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period-proof underwear.
Even small changes like these make a difference over time!
Use Natural, Eco-Friendly Personal Care Products
When it comes to personal care and hygiene, I’m trying to avoid products with lots of synthetic chemicals and packaging waste. Here’s what I’m using now:
-
Shampoo & conditioner: Shampoo bars or bulk shampoo in reusable bottles.
-
Body wash: Bar soap, solid shampoo bars, or bulk body wash.
-
Deodorant: Aluminum-free deodorants that come in glass or cardboard packaging.
-
Skin care: Natural oil blends, balms, and butters in glass jars or tubes.
-
Oral care: Toothpaste tablets, powders, or pastes in glass or metal tubes.
-
Shaving: Safety razor with shaving bar or shaving oil.
Making these swaps helps me avoid plastic waste while using gentle, plant-based ingredients. My skin and hair have never been better!
Make DIY Cleaning Solutions for a Non-Toxic Home
When it comes to cleaning my home, I like to make my own DIY solutions that are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and plastic-free. Here are some of my go-to homemade cleaners:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups hot water
Mix ingredients in a reusable spray bottle. Spray and wipe down surfaces. The vinegar disinfects while the baking soda scrubs.
Glass & Window Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- Few drops natural dish soap
Combine in a reusable spray bottle and use on windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
Wood Furniture Polish
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- Few drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Mix in a glass jar and apply a small amount to wood furniture. Buff with a soft cloth. Leaves a shiny, clean finish!
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree or lemon essential oil
Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and add vinegar slowly. Let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Making my own cleaners saves money, reduces plastic waste from store-bought cleaners, and keeps my home healthy!
Be Mindful of Water and Energy Use
Two other important areas I’m focusing on for green self-care are conserving water and energy. Here are some habits I’m trying to build:
-
Take shorter showers by installing a shower timer.
-
Turn off water when brushing teeth and washing dishes.
-
Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
-
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
-
Unplug devices when not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.
-
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, like LEDs.
-
Open windows to naturally light and ventilate rooms.
-
Lower the thermostat slightly in winter and raise it in summer.
With some mindful changes, I’ve been able to significantly reduce my home’s water and energy footprint. Small steps make a big difference!
Shop Local and Sustainable Household Goods
To round out my green homekeeping, I try to make sustainable purchases when I do need to buy new household items:
-
Seek out plastic-free and natural fiber options for cleaning tools like sponges, mops, and brushes.
-
Look for rechargeable batteries to reduce waste.
-
Purchase upcycled and natural fiber bedding and towels.
-
Choose reusable kitchen items like napkins, food wraps, and straws.
-
Buy refillable hand soap, lotion, laundry detergent, and other cleaning supplies.
-
Support local artisans and green businesses through platforms like Etsy.
-
Check out neighborhood secondhand and vintage shops before buying new.
With some creativity and commitment, greening my self-care and home care habits has been very achievable in 2024. Small daily choices really do make a big collective impact. I encourage you to reflect on how you can “green” your own hygiene and household routines this year!
