Cleaning your home is an essential task, but it can generate a lot of waste from disposable wipes, paper towels, plastic bottles and more. Here are some simple zero waste swaps and eco-friendly practices to reduce your environmental impact while keeping your home sparkling clean.
Use Reusable Cleaning Cloths Instead of Paper Towels
Paper towels are incredibly wasteful and end up in landfills. Switch to reusable cloths and rags instead. Old t-shirts or towels work great. Have designated cloths for different tasks like dusting, windows, counters, floors, etc. Wash regularly. This simple swap eliminates so much waste over time. Bonus: reusable cloths are often more effective at cleaning than flimsy paper products.
Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Solutions
Store-bought cleaners come in plastic bottles and contain harsh chemicals. Make your own natural cleaning solutions with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap and lemon. You likely already have these items at home. Mix different combinations in reusable spray bottles. They work just as well, are cheaper and better for your health and the planet.
Some effective recipes to try:
- All-purpose cleaner – mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water
- Bathroom cleaner – mix baking soda and Castile soap into a paste
- Glass cleaner – mix 2 parts vinegar, 1 part water
Use Reusable Mop Pads and Cloth Napkins
Disposable mop pads and napkins are other sneaky sources of waste. Instead, use reusable mop pads that can be washed repeatedly. Swap paper napkins for cloth napkins and wash them with your regular laundry. This cuts down on waste and saves you money in the long run.
Buy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
Many cleaning tools like sponges and scrubs are made of plastic and get tossed after just a few uses. Seek out sustainable options. Try natural loofahs, coconut fiber scrubs, bamboo dish brushes and other plastic-free tools. They’re compostable at the end of their life. Or look for durable, long-lasting versions designed to be used for months or years, not just weeks.
Use Baking Soda as a Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Baking soda is a non-toxic cleaner that tackles grime in so many ways. It deodorizes, scours, polishes and absorbs odors. Baking soda combined with vinegar also makes an excellent bubbly cleaner for bathtubs and sinks. Sprinkle it on surfaces before spraying the vinegar. The reaction scrubs away buildup. Baking soda is endlessly reusable for cleaning, so just keep it in a jar.
Compost When Possible
When using real cloths instead of paper towels, you’ll still have some waste like bits of food waste and dust. Set up a small compost bin (indoor or outdoor) and toss compostable waste there instead of the trash. This reduces your overall waste footprint. It’s a small way to avoid sending food scraps or dirty compostable rags to the landfill.
Making a few zero waste swaps when you clean takes little effort but makes a big impact over time. Reusing durable products prevents waste, while eco-friendly ingredients like vinegar and baking soda get the job done without harmful chemicals. A few changes can reduce your weekly waste dramatically.
