Think about all the products you use to scrub your home. Now consider the amount of waste that can come from those products: packaging that can’t be recycled and single-use paper towels that get tossed in the trash. You may be cringing at how much plastic you currently use.
Going green sounds more intense than it is. With just a few small swaps, you can greatly reduce the amount you throw out. It’s time to rummage through your cleaning supply cabinet. Plant-based products are better for the environment, yes, but they’re also better for the health of everyone living in your home. It’s 2021 and we’re all about reducing, reusing, and recycling.
A selection of brandless cleaning products that focus big-time on ingredients…
Take away popular brand names and what you have left are top-notch ingredients that’ll keep your house sparkling. Each product is cruelty-free, refillable, and Green Seal Certified. Which means that items are sustainable and meet the highest standard of care. ($3+, Brandless)
A laundry powder that’s gentle on skin, clothes, and the planet…
It’s non-toxic, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. It’s safe to use on sensitive skin, and the cardboard/steel canister is recyclable. Not to mention, the label is compostable. The powder mixture includes baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap. Laundry day just got even cleaner. ($20, Celsious)
Bamboo toilet paper that’s soft and sustainable…
Bamboo grows fast. And absorbs carbon dioxide quickly. So it replenishes itself and can help with deforestation (less trees cut down for toilet paper, the better). This toilet paper is made from 100% bamboo and doesn’t use any chlorine or chlorine dioxide during production. It’s also biodegradable and safe for septic tanks. One roll has 300 sheets and comes in recyclable packaging. If you wanna cut down on your toilet paper use overall, consider a bidet. Your butt can thank us later. ($69/36 rolls, Tushy)
A reusable sponge made from linen and cotton…
One side has a softer linen for delicate items, while the other side is made from a more durable linen for scrubbing. And when the sponge gets a bit stinky, just toss it in the laundry. You can air dry it or pop it in the dryer on low heat. ($4.99+, Desearth on Etsy)
A set of compostable sponge cloths to replace paper towels…
Made from plant fibers, these sponges can hold 16 times their weight in water. When you’re done using, just wring them out and let ‘em dry. You can also throw one in the washing machine, microwave, or dishwasher to revive it. Add to cart. ($29/set of 10, Food52)
A set of compostable trash bags to house your food scraps…
These bags can neutralize odors and will compost quickly in municipal composting facilities. They can hold over two gallons of scraps, too. PSA: composting is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint this year. It’s a low-effort entry to the world of sustainability that won’t feel overwhelming. ($5.89, Target)
A dish soap made from plant-based ingredients…
It’ll cut through grime and grease. But without the use of fragrances, dyes, or phosphates. All the packaging is made with 86% post-consumer recyclable material, and is 97% recyclable itself. No waste left behind. ($19.14/set of 6, Amazon)
A hand soap blended with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential oils…
It’s hypoallergenic, non-drying, and sustainably produced. Aka, the facilities that make it are carbon neutral, water neutral, and powered by 100% renewable energy. ($19.74+, Amazon)
A dishwasher detergent pod that won’t call for a pre-wash…
It’ll make your glassware sparkle, and remove caked-on food from bakeware. Ingredients are mineral-based and free from dyes or fragrances. Packaging is compostable, and you won’t need to worry about measuring out the perfect amount. Toss a pod in and presto — clean dinnerware. ($25/64 pods, Dropps)
A pet stain and odor remover that’s powerful and efficient…
Its natural formula packs a punch, and has plant-based enzymes that work hard. So you’ll be able to use less product per accident. Which means one bottle will last about 10 times longer than your average product. Formulas are made by Ph.D. chemists, and are hypoallergenic. Puppy approved. ($13.59, Puracy)
A cleaning kit for anyone who is overwhelmed with options…
You’ll get a multi-surface cleaner, a bathroom cleaner, and a glass/mirror cleaner. You’ll get shatterproof, reusable bottles, too. So once you purchase, you’ll just need to replenish with tablets. The tablets can be combined with water to create more solution, so you won’t need to keep buying bottle after bottle. ($29, Blueland)
A doggie bag that’s better for the environment…
These are leak-proof and odor-proof. And are made with recycled cardboard cores. And recyclable packaging. So make sure to carry them every time you take your pet out. Because you never know when they’re gonna decide to go. You never know. ($6.39/8 rolls, Amazon)
A mop sweeper pad to replace disposable ones…
Made from thick and textured chenille cotton, these pads can be used wet or dry to mop floors and dust household items. Once you’re done, toss in the laundry. No more one-and-done pads. The future is reusable. ($18, Juniper Seed Mercantile)
A reed diffuser to keep your space smelling fresh…
Goodbye, plug-ins. Hello, apothecary-inspired amber glass bottles with rattan reeds that’ll fill your home with delicious scents. Just set it out and forget it. You can choose from scents like amber and moss, black fig, or sandalwood rose. ($18+, P.F. Candle Co.)
PS: These are editorially selected, but if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return. PPS: If something’s out of stock, oops, it was there when we published. And we apologize for any shipping delays due to COVID-19. Thanks.
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