Quick Tips to Plastic-Free your Bathroom and Laundry
- Switch from liquid soap to bar soap which you can find without packaging. You can also find solid shampoo soap bars.
- Consider simplifying. Do you really need the hand wash, face wash and body wash, or could you use one product for all three? Do you need several different moisturizers? Less products means less packaging. (Hint: Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap is multi-purpose and comes in 100% recycled plastic bottles. Their coconut oil is great and comes in a glass jar.)
- Look for dishwashing liquid and laundry powder in bulk, as well as refills of shampoo and conditioner.
- Use a body brush instead of scrubs with plastic microbeads (yes, many scrubs contain plastic microbeads - see beatthemicrobead.org for more info.)
- Simply use oil to moisturize rather than creams that are oil blended with water in a plastic tub. Olive oil, almond oil and coconut oil are all great.
- Check for recycled post-consumer waste in all plastic bottles and packaging. Many companies use recycled plastic.
- Clean with plain vinegar in a refillable spray bottle. For added disinfectant add essential oils of tea tree, oregano, eucalyptus, or lavender. Vinegar can be diluted or used straight. Use this for floors, counters, mirrors, windows, and all general cleaning.
- Use rags such as old washcloths instead of disposable mop pads or cleaning wipes.
- Get the 4 lb. box of baking soda in the baking section of the store and use that for cleaning, laundry boosting, bathing, and many other uses around the house.
- Use Bon Ami cleanser in the toilet, tub and sinks for non-toxic cleaning without plastic packaging.
- Here is a comprehensive list of plastic-free cleaning products.
- Sign up today to join Plastic Free July!
- Check the Occupy Sonoma County Shopper's Guide for recommended cleaning products. We most highly recommend Dr. Bronner's.