If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the lifestyle changes you’re being asked to make and the many environmental choices you’re faced with - you aren’t alone. The things we took for granted a few years ago, such as buying that favourite pre-packaged product and happily throwing the container into the recycling bin when empty are now causing angst.
We’re learning that not everything we toss into the recycling bin is actually recycled. The majority of it ends up in the landfills, taking up space and polluting our environment. So, in honour of Plastic-free July, we’re going to give you some tips on how to reduce those single-use plastic containers many cleaning products come in, and even a few ideas for re-purposing some of the containers we absolutely must buy.
Multi-Use Commercial Cleaning Products
There are a few very good products on the market that have kept their product lineup minimal and you simply adjust the amount of concentrate required for the different cleaning jobs. At Organic & Clean in Kelowna, our choice is Pink Solution. Originally it had a faint pink colour due to a dye that was used (hence the name) however, in their commitment to an all-natural product, the dye was eliminated. Pink Solution contains only natural, biodegradable and non-toxic solutions. We use Pink Solution - Clean which is a paste and is mixed with water to our desired strength. It can even be used for your laundry, thus reducing the amount of packaging that comes into your home. You can buy spray bottles of your choice and reuse them for years, thereby significantly reducing the number of cleaning products in your home. An added bonus is that you have fewer containers taking up valuable shelf and cabinet space! There’s also a Pink Solution - Scrub, which can handle the tougher, baked on stains or hard water residue.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Not all plastics are created equal. Some are made of a lower-quality plastic and can only be used once, and some contain more harmful chemicals such as BPA. Whenever possible, we recommend buying your cleaning products in larger containers to reduce the number of smaller, single-use plastic bottles in your home. Buy concentrates whenever possible to make that 4-litre cleaning liquid last even longer.
Many companies are now on-board with also striving to reduce packaging, so concentrates are easier to access and can last months when mixed according to the instructions. Go zero-waste completely by saving your old containers and taking them into refill stores to have them filled up.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
We saved the best for last! The options for making your own cleaners are endless and can reduce plastic packaging in your home to almost nothing. There are many bulk stores available to buy your product, and zero-waste stores are popping up at an encouraging rate as well. Take your own glass container with you and use wherever possible to decrease extra packaging.
• Castile Bar Soap is an all-round cleaner which doesn’t require any container at all, and can be used for laundry, mixed with water for liquid dish detergent, used in your dishwasher, and even as a shampoo, face and body wash. Add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil and a small bucket of water for a soothing foot bath. It was originally made from Olive oil in the Castile region of Spain, but can now be made with coconut, castor or hemp oils.
• Baking Soda can be found in any pantry or kitchen and is a versatile and useful cleaner and odour-neutralizing product. Mixed into a paste, its an effective mild abrasive for kitchen appliances and faucets. It can be purchased at a bulk food store so, no plastic required. A small bowl of baking soda placed in your refrigerator will reduce unpleasant odours, and sprinkled on carpets or inside shoes will do the same (always test in an inconspicuous area first).
• Vinegar is an acidic product, also found in most cupboards or pantries, and is very effective on food buildups, soap scum, hard water stains and sticker glue. Those acidic qualities also mean you should not use vinegar on granite, marble or soapstone countertops, kitchen knives, solid wood furniture or some types of metal surfaces. Always test any product on a small surface prior to using. Combined with Baking Soda, the cleaning possibilities are endless!
All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
1/2 C white vinegar
1 Tbsp Castile soap flakes
10 drops Tea Tree oil
2 C water
Combine in reusable spray bottle
Re-purpose Tips:
Cut a hole in the side of a large plastic container and hang in a tree as a bird feeder.
Cut the top off a large plastic container and use for crayons, toys, lego etc.
Cut milk containers in half and use to grow seedlings.
As you can see, it’s pretty easy to use less plastic, and even if you try it for just the month of July, you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste and help your environment. There are a number of added bonuses, such as the beautiful labels you can create for your own matching containers and dispensers, or the reduction of clutter in your home when you realize that bar of Castile soap has so many uses!
Re-purposing the larger containers you have is a great Sunday afternoon project with the kids - get creative and have some fun!