My motivation for reducing cleaning waste
I decided to embark on a zero waste journey to reduce the amount of cleaning products and their packaging that I was sending to landfills. As I researched sustainability, I realized just how detrimental many cleaning supplies can be to the environment. I felt compelled to find natural, non-toxic alternatives that would allow me to cut down on waste without sacrificing cleanliness.
Evaluating my current cleaning routine
My first step was taking stock of my existing cleaning supplies. I took inventory of the various cleaners, sprays, wipes, and detergents I had under my kitchen and bathroom sinks. The plastic bottles and aerosol cans added up quickly. I also had a stockpile of disposable paper towels, cleansing pads, and more. In total, I gathered over 25 single-use products that generated significant waste with each use.
I paid special attention to ingredients lists, looking for toxic chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances. I was shocked by how many harsh compounds I was exposing myself and my family to on a regular basis. It was clear my cleaning routine needed an eco-friendly overhaul.
Switching to reusable alternatives
The first big change I made was ditching paper towels and disposable wipes. Instead, I purchased reusable microfiber cloths that could clean surfaces with just water. For scrubbing tough messes, I use baking soda combined with a few drops of castile soap.
I also invested in reusable beeswax wrap as an alternative to plastic wrap. Beeswax wrap provides an airtight seal for food storage and can be washed and reused endlessly. This simple swap has allowed me to completely eliminate single-use plastics from my kitchen.
Making my own cleaning products
With my disposables replaced, I turned my focus to making my own DIY cleaning products using natural ingredients. All it takes is a few simple pantry staples like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils.
For an all-purpose cleaner, I mix filtered water, vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils like lavender or tea tree in a reusable spray bottle. For windows and mirrors, a mix of vinegar and water works wonders.
Baking soda combined with castile soap makes an effective scrub for sinks, bathtubs, and other surfaces. I also used hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting and whitening. The options are endless once you understand the cleansing properties of basic kitchen ingredients!
Adopting sustainable habits
Along with swapping products and making my own cleaners, I’ve adopted some key habits to further reduce my cleaning waste:
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I reuse microfiber cloths until they are worn out, extending their lifespan.
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I compost food scraps rather than sending them to the landfill via the garbage disposal.
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I sweep with a broom rather than vacuuming to avoid using disposable bags.
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I use bar soap and shampoo instead of bottled body washes and liquids.
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I air dry dishes and clothing to cut down on paper towel use.
These small tweaks to my cleaning and hygiene routines have made a big difference in the amount of waste I produce.
The impact of going zero waste
After a few months of zero waste living, I am thrilled with the results. I have eliminated almost all single-use plastics from my cleaning regimen. I no longer stockpile half-used bottles of toxic cleaners.
My homemade cleaners work just as well, if not better, than conventional products. And they cost a fraction of the price! By being more mindful about only buying reusable products, I have slashed my household waste.
This journey has shown me that small steps can have a big environmental impact. I plan to continue looking for ways to avoid waste and live more sustainably. My advice for anyone hoping to green their cleaning routine is to start small. Swap one product at a time, and work your way towards zero waste one step at a time.
