Plastic sneaks into our lives in so many ways that it’s hard to keep track of every item in our home—that’s why we’re in a plastic waste crisis! We generate about 300 million tons of plastic trash every year. At least 8.8 million tons drift into our oceans, while the rest sit in landfills where it takes hundreds of years to decompose– if at all.
One of the most overlooked sources of plastic in our homes is that of our cleaning products, often packed, wrapped, and shipped in single-use plastic. If you clean your home on a regular basis, you could be creating a significant amount of plastic waste. Investing in eco-friendly cleaning products is one of the simplest steps towards a more sustainable home. Most are made with plant-based ingredients and natural fragrances, which are beneficial for your health and well-being.
Next time you stock up on cleaning supplies, consider these zero waste, sustainable alternatives.
1. Cleancult
When it comes to sustainable cleaning products, Cleancult ticks all the boxes from natural ingredients, recycling packaging to performance.
The brand offers a wide range of household cleaning products including laundry detergent, hand soap, dish soap, and sprays.
Cleancult uses a patented coconut-based formula and a variety of fragrances derived from essential oils like Sweet Honeysuckle, Blue Sage, Orange Zest, and Bamboo Lily.
Their refills are shipped in milk cartons made of 100% recyclable, biodegradable paper.
2. Clean Living
UK-based eco brand, Clean Living, has a zero-waste refillable system that features plant-based mixes to be used with their refill metallic bottles.
Clean living’s ingredients are vegan-friendly and completely free from toxic chemicals that usually come with cleaning products.
Their range includes a glass cleaner, biological all-purpose cleaner, limescale remover, kitchen cleaner, and more.
The refill packs are made of plastic but can be returned to Clean Living for recycling.
3. Mangle & Wringer
If you like cute packaging, Mangle and Wringer give you that and more.
Their simple and effective handmade recipes are made from non-toxic food-grade ingredients and are free from fragrance, dyes, and preservatives.
Pure Laundry Powder is their multi-award-winning best seller made from 100% coconut oil soap and natural minerals.
4. Grove Collaborative
Certified B Corp brand, Grove collaborative takes sustainability and cleanliness seriously. Grove skips harmful chemicals for plant-based ingredients so you can create a healthier, cleaner home while treating the planet with care.
They provide eco-friendly products for washing dishes and hands, including refillable glass soap dispensers, soap refills, and dishwasher detergent packs.
Their Target Grove Co. collection carries exclusive seasonal scents such as citron and white rose, but they also have a fragrance-free option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
5. Blueland
Certified B Corp brand, Grove collaborative takes sustainability and cleanliness seriously. Grove skips harmful chemicals for plant-based ingredients so you can create a healthier, cleaner home while treating the planet with care.
They provide eco-friendly products for washing dishes and hands, including refillable glass soap dispensers, soap refills, and dishwasher detergent packs.
Their Target Grove Co. collection carries exclusive seasonal scents such as citron and white rose, but they also have a fragrance-free option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
6. Supernatural
Supernatural crafts completely non-toxic sustainable cleaning products with therapeutic-grade essential oils. When you buy their starter kit, you’ll receive 4 elegant reusable glass spray bottles and four concentrates for the bathroom, glass, wood, and countertops.
7. No Tox Life
Launched on Earth day in 2014, No tox life has a name that embodies the brand’s mission. They’re known for their vegan dishwashing soap which forms a rich and sudsy lather that’s tough on stubborn grime. The formula is free of dyes and fragrances with added aloe Vera to be gentle on your hands.
Not Tox Life ships completely plastic-free.
8. Dropps
Dropps is an innovative brand that provides “powerful cleaning from nature.”
They pioneered the original laundry detergent pod in 2005 and their current version is one of the best on the market.
Dropps laundry detergent pods consist of stain and odor-fighting plant-based formulas with natural scents such as eucalyptus, orange blossom, and lavender.
The pods dissolve in water within seconds in any type of machine washer.
For packaging, Dropps uses a fully compostable and recyclable cardboard box.
9. Common Good
All common good products are formulated with non-toxic plant-based ingredients and come in plastic or glass packaging. Safe for children, pets, and adults alike, their products are as gentle as they are effective.
They have two scents available; bergamot and lavender to add some zest to your cleaning routine.
You can refill your bottle at any of the brand’s stations worldwide.
10. DIY
Not sure which cleaning product to go with?
There are plenty of simple DIY cleaning recipes you can try out!
The best part is that the ingredients are probably lying around in your pantry. You’ll need the following:
- Spray bottle
- Small funnel
- 1 ½ cups Baking soda
- ½ Castile soap
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar
- 5 to 10 drops of essential oil
Pour the ingredients in the spray bottle through the funnel and fill it up with water. Shake well before use.
Happy cleaning!
