Evaluate your current cleaning products
The first step to reducing your cleaning packaging waste is to take a look at the products you currently use and see where there is room for improvement.
Some questions to ask:
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Which cleaning products come in plastic bottles or other single-use packaging? Could I switch to reusable or recyclable packaging instead?
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Which products are sold in bulk or concentrated formulas that require less packaging overall?
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Which brands use excessive or unnecessary packaging? Are there similar products with more eco-friendly packaging I could buy instead?
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Are there any cleaning products I use that come in #single-use pouches or pods? Could I buy a larger reusable dispenser and refill it instead?
Taking stock of what you already have and use will help identify problem areas and products to potentially replace. The goal is to find ways to reduce plastic and other hard-to-recycle packaging.
Switch to reusable containers
One of the easiest ways to cut down on cleaning packaging waste is to purchase cleaning concentrates and fill up reusable containers instead of buying pre-mixed cleaners in disposable bottles.
Here are some tips:
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Look for concentrated cleaning formulas that you can dilute yourself before use. These often come in cardboard cartons or metal tins with less packaging.
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Buy large reusable bottles and label them for different purposes – bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, floor cleaner, etc.
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Use glass spray bottles that can be refilled over and over. Add your own reusable washable label if needed.
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Repurpose containers – yogurt tubs, jars, buckets, etc make great reusable storage for cleaning supplies.
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Use bar soap and reusable rags/sponges instead of liquid hand soap or disposable wipes.
Mixing your own cleaners and reusing containers helps eliminate waste while also saving money!
Look for plastic-free alternatives
Many cleaning products come encased entirely in plastic – from bottles to scrubby sponges and more. Seek out plastic-free alternatives when possible:
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Choose paper towel rolls or reusable rags/cloths over disposable wipes.
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Try natural cleaning tools like wood scrub brushes, coconut coir sponges, loofahs, etc.
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Use bars or tablets – for dish soap, laundry detergent, surface cleaners. Less plastic!
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Buy powder cleaners packaged in cardboard over liquid cleaners in plastic.
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Use reusable mop heads instead of disposable swiffer-style mops.
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Opt for cleaning tools with wooden handles rather than plastic handles when possible.
While it may take some hunting to find plastic-free cleaning products, they do exist! Seek out small eco-friendly brands online or make your own. Every bit of avoided plastic helps.
Make your own cleaning products
One of the best ways to dramatically reduce your cleaning packaging waste is to make DIY cleaners using simple natural ingredients:
All-purpose cleaner:
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional for smell)
- Reuse spray bottle
Window/glass cleaner:
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
- Dash of lemon juice or vodka (evaporates streak-free)
- Reuse spray bottle
Scrubbing cleaner:
- Baking soda
- Water to form paste
- Small reusable container
Storage:
- Repurpose glass jars, containers
- Label contents
Making your own cleaning products prevents purchasing cleaners in disposable bottles and also saves money. And it’s easy to do!
Focus on reusing containers and natural ingredients – vinegar, water, lemon, baking soda, etc. A little trial and error will allow you to perfect homemade cleaners that work for your needs.
Be mindful when shopping
When shopping for cleaning supplies, be mindful of packaging and choose accordingly:
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Favor cardboard, glass, metal packaging over plastic when possible.
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Look for concentrated formulas that use less packaging for more cleanings.
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Avoid single-use pods – they create extra plastic waste.
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Buy in bulk to reduce overall packaging – refill smaller reusable containers at home.
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Seek out plastic-free or ocean-friendly brands that use recyclable materials and minimal packaging.
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Bring your own reusable containers and bags when shopping to avoid extras.
Reading labels and asking questions can help make more eco-friendly choices. And don’t forget to properly recycle eligible packaging – check guidelines in your area.
Reuse and repurpose empties
Instead of tossing empty cleaning containers in the trash, get creative about reusing or repurposing them first:
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Refill and reuse empty spray bottles, jugs, buckets, etc for homemade cleaners.
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Use empty bulk containers to organize tools like brushes, sponges, gloves.
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Repurpose attractive glass bottles as vases or storage jars.
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Recycle hard plastic containers through Terracycle programs if available in your area.
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Donate old reusable bottles and containers to local charities or community centers.
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Use empty metal tins to store hardware supplies like nails or screws in the garage.
With a little creativity, you can often find new uses for empty cleaning product packaging and keep it out of the trash.
Support zero-waste companies
Support brands and companies that align with zero-waste values by:
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Choosing sustainable small businesses with eco-friendly practices.
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Buying cleaning supplies from local zero-waste stores in your community.
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Supporting companies that use carbon-neutral shipping like Offset or EcoEnclose.
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Finding brands that allow product refills by mail to cut down on packaging.
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Supporting B-Corp certified businesses with ethical and eco-standards.
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Backing companies with plastic reduction goals and initiatives in place.
With our purchasing power, we can drive change by shifting demand towards low-waste products and companies. Seek out and support purpose-driven brands.
Reducing cleaning packaging waste takes a few small habit changes. But by rethinking products, reusing containers, and supporting ethical brands, our actions collectively make an impact. Focus on small steps to lighten your environmental footprint over time.
