As a self-proclaimed sustainability nerd, I’ve been on a mission to eliminate plastic from my life, one product at a time. And when it comes to cleaning, let me tell you – I’ve tried it all. From the latest eco-friendly brands to good old-fashioned DIY solutions, I’ve been on a quest to find the cleaning tools that are not only effective, but also kind to the planet.
Laundry Detergent Reinvented
Let’s start with the big one – laundry detergent. I used to dutifully buy those giant plastic jugs from the grocery store, thinking I was at least making an effort by trying to recycle them. But then I learned the harsh truth – most plastic doesn’t actually get recycled anyway. Cue the face-palm.
Thankfully, a whole new wave of plastic-free laundry brands have completely revolutionized the way I do my wash. Dropps and TruEarth are two of my top picks. Dropps offers a wide range of laundry and dish pods, all packaged in compostable cardboard. And the best part? They actually work just as well as the conventional stuff.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about that mysterious PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) that coats the pods? Well, I dove deep into the research on this one, and the jury is still out on whether it’s truly problematic for the environment. Some say it biodegrades, others argue it doesn’t. Honestly, it’s enough to make your head spin. But here’s my take: even if PVA isn’t perfect, it’s still lightyears ahead of lugging home those massive plastic jugs.
As for TruEarth, their laundry strips are a genius invention. These paper-thin sheets of detergent are incredibly concentrated, which means significantly less packaging to ship around. Plus, you can tear them in half to use exactly the right amount – no more wasting product. I’m sold!
Dish Soap That Doesn’t Cost the Earth
Moving on to the kitchen, I’ve also been on the hunt for plastic-free dish soap. Blueland and Cleancult both offer some great options, with Blueland’s dissolvable tablets being a particular standout. Just pop one in a reusable bottle, add water, and voila – you’ve got a batch of fresh, effective dish soap.
Now, I will say that I’ve had a bit of an issue with Blueland’s acrylic bottles cracking on me. But hey, at least I’m not contributing to the plastic problem every time I need a refill. And Cleancult’s bottles, while a little drippy, are definitely sturdier.
When it comes to dishwasher tabs, the playing field is pretty level. Blueland, Cleancult, and Dropps all make versions that work just as well as the mainstream brands. The main difference? No plastic packaging in sight.
Cleaning Sprays with a Conscience
For all-purpose cleaners and window sprays, I’ve been seriously impressed by both Blueland and Cleancult. Their formulas are tough on dirt but gentle on the environment. The only downside? Blueland’s bottles have a tendency to crack, as I mentioned before.
One brand that’s really caught my eye is The Earthling Co. Their solid dish soap in an aluminum tin is about as low-waste as it gets. And their replaceable dish brushes mean you never have to throw the whole thing away. Talk about a game-changer!
The Laundry Lineup
When it comes to laundry, I’ve tried a few different plastic-free options, and I have to say, TruEarth is my clear favorite. Their concentrated laundry strips are just so darn convenient. Plus, they come in compostable packaging, unlike some of the pod systems that still use PVA.
But I do keep a stash of Dropps on hand for those tough stains. I just snip open a pod and use the liquid directly on the problem area. Works like a charm!
And let’s not forget about fabric softener and dryer sheets. Dropps has some great plastic-free options there too. Plus, wool dryer balls from Cleancult are a fantastic alternative to those wasteful single-use sheets.
Microplastics and the Washing Machine
Speaking of laundry, we can’t ignore the issue of microplastics. Every time we wash our clothes, especially those made from synthetic fabrics, tiny plastic fibers break off and get flushed down the drain. And you know where those end up? Yep, in our waterways and oceans.
That’s why I’m a big fan of the Guppy Friend washing bag. It’s designed to catch those pesky microplastics before they can escape into the environment. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but I figure it’s a worthy investment in the long run.
And for an even simpler solution, there’s the Cora Ball. You just toss this little guy in the wash, and it helps trap those microfibers. It’s not as effective as the Guppy Friend, but it’s a heck of a lot easier to use.
Sustainable Savings
Now, I know what you’re thinking – all of these eco-friendly cleaning products must be crazy expensive, right? Well, not necessarily. In fact, many of them actually save you money in the long run.
Take Dropps, for example. Their subscription model means you can snag those laundry pods for as little as 40 cents each. And with TruEarth, the concentrated formula means you use way less product per load, making it a budget-friendly option.
Plus, when you factor in the environmental cost of those plastic jugs and bottles, the choice becomes even cleaner. (Pun intended!)
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, my journey towards a plastic-free cleaning routine has been eye-opening, to say the least. But I’ve discovered that it’s not as daunting as it might seem. With brands like Dropps, TruEarth, Blueland, Cleancult, and The Earthling Co., you can ditch the plastic without sacrificing cleaning power or convenience.
And let’s be real, even if some of these solutions aren’t perfect, they’re lightyears ahead of what we’ve been doing in the past. Because every little step we take towards a more sustainable future makes a difference.
So, my fellow cleaning enthusiasts, I encourage you to explore these plastic-free options. Your wallet and the planet will thank you. And who knows, you might just fall in love with them as much as I have.
Adam Cleaning Services provides professional cleaning services in London, ensuring a spotless and eco-friendly environment for their clients.
