Reduce waste in your cleaning and self-care routines. Here are some ideas to include fewer products and avoid packaging. You can also use non-toxic ingredients for general cleaning to protect the health of your home.
DIY cleaning products
Simplify your cleaning products to fewer specific cleaners. You might already have most of what is needed around the house to DIY.
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Washing soda
- White vinegar
- Drain snake
- Pumice stone
Here are some easy green cleaning recipes for an all-purpose cleaner, carpet cleaner, floor cleaner, and unclogging and deodorizing drains. You can find this and other specialty recipes here: Green cleaning recipes (PDF)
All-purpose green cleaner
Use this cleaner to remove grease and grime from hard surfaces such as countertops, appliances, sinks, and tubs. Spot-test cleaner on a small area before using.
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 ½ tsp. non-antibacterial liquid dish soap
- Water
In a 16 oz. spray bottle, add the vinegar and fill with water. Add dish soap last. Add lemon juice if desired.
Carpet cleaner
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid soap
- White absorbent towels/cloth
- Warm water
Mix vinegar and soap together in a bowl. Absorb as much moisture as you can from the stained area with towels, rinse area with warm water and apply vinegar and soap solution, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse a towel with clean water and blot dry.
Floor cleaner (including wood)
This one is simple, and it works.
- White vinegar
- Water
Mix ½ cup of white vinegar per gallon of water. Use a cloth or mop to wipe the floor.
Unclog and deodorize drains
Try before calling the plumber. You can do this.
- 6 oz box baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Drain snake
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in and around the drain opening. Follow with a cup of white vinegar. Finish by flushing with very hot water. Use drain snake to remove remaining clogs. Repeat if needed.
Homemade beauty products
Simple swaps, a little creativity, and intentional bulk purchasing can help you try out the recipes here. There are also many products you use in the kitchen, such as olive or coconut oils, that can serve another purpose in your skin routine.
Below are recipes for:
- Beeswax lotion
- Shaving cream
- Hair care alternatives
Beeswax lotion
Ingredients
- 1 c. olive oil
- ½ c. coconut oil
- ½ c. beeswax pellets
- ½ t. Vitamin E oil (approx. 5 capsules’ worth) (optional, preservative)
- 20 drops essential oil of your choice (optional, for fragrance)
Supplies
- Pint-sized jar
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups
Directions
Place olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax pellets in a pint-sized mason jar. Create a double boiler by placing the jar inside of a small saucepan and filling it up with water until it reaches an inch from the top of the jar.
Make sure not to get any water into the jar. Heat over medium low and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let your mixture cool to room temperature, stirring every 15 minutes until it is cooled. Optional: stir in Vitamin E and essential oils at this point.
Hair care alternatives
Shampoo
Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and add water to make a loose paste (wetter than toothpaste but not liquid). Massage into scalp like you would use shampoo. Rinse. Note that the baking soda paste will not form suds like regular shampoo.
Conditioner
Fill a spray bottle with one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water. Shake each time before use. Spray over hair after shampooing and let sit for a bit, then rinse out. Coconut oil or olive oil can be used in place of gels and conditioners as well to smooth hair, reduce frizz, and add shine.
Place a couple of drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and run fingers through your hair. If you’re using solid coconut oil, use your fingers to scoop up a tiny amount and rub between your hands to melt it. Experiment to find the right amount; you can easily overdo it.
Dry shampoo
Some people use “dry shampoo” to keep their hair looking fresh between washes. Try using cornstarch or arrowroot powder in place of dry shampoos, which often come in non-recyclable or aerosol containers. Dab some starch onto your fingertips and apply to your scalp to absorb excess oils.
For dark hair, mix in a bit of cocoa powder or apply straight to your hair. If you use too much, brush your hair or rub it out with a towel. You can store your dry shampoo in a sealable container that you keep in the bathroom.
You do you
Remember, you do you. Try out some or all of these recipes and see if they can fit into your new low-waste routine.
