Seep (plastic-free cloths, sponges and rubber gloves)
Conventional cleaning cloths and sponges (like those green nylon scrubbers) contain nylon (plastic). So each time you rinse them under water, they release microplastics which go down the drains and out to sea. They break down into microplastics and get accidentally ingested by marine wildlife. Most are also packed in plastic.
There’s no need, as a small investment in some plastic-free quality alternatives, means you can clean and scrub just as well, do no harm to the planet, and then wash the items again and again. Then at end of use, just bin to safely biodegrade back to the earth.
- Choose unscented cleaning products and washing-up liquids for pregnancy/nursing (or around babies/pets including cleaning bowls). Citrus oils in are toxic to pets, even if rinse and dried on surfaces and floors.
- Replace chlorine bleach with natural oxygen bleach to remove tea/coffee cup stains. Never mix any kind of bleach with acid (lemon or cleaning vinegar) as it causes toxic gas.
Seep plastic-free cleaning cloths (use as dusters)
These dusters don’t leach microplastics in machines, unlike most. You can use them dry as dusters, or wet for general cleaning.
Seep plastic-free sponges and scourers
Seep is the top brand to choose. It offers a great selection of sponges, against without leaching microplastics down sinks and in to the sea. You can even pop these in the washing machine without harm.
Use them to replace those nylon green-topped sponges, sold in plastic packaging.
The eco pop-up sponges are easily sent through the letterbox. Then just run under water to turn into a thick and effective cleaning sponge.
A bamboo washing-up brush
This bamboo washing-up brush has bristles made from sisal (a type of cactus) to tackle grease and grime, without scratching dishes. At end of use, just pop in the compost bin (or bin) to naturally break down, with no harm to the planet.
Seep Fair trade rubber gloves (plastic-free)
Seep rubber cleaning gloves are good quality and made with natural rubber, but unlike most brands, sold in cardboard. They have textured fingers to grip items.
Designed with soft lining for extra comfort, each pack includes 3 packs of gloves which should last you a long time. Made ethically in Sri Lanka, choose from small, medium or large sizes (rinse with water after use, dry out between uses, and store away from sunlight (to prevent mould).
The natural rubber is sourced from trees by tapping (like maple syrup, this does not require trees to be chopped down). So does not contribute to deforestation. And this company also donates to reforestation projects, to offset the carbon from shipping the rubber.
Avoid for latex allergies. Use a separate pair for dishwashing, than cleaning. At end of use, cut them up (to speed up biodegradation) and pop in your bin!
Where to recycle cleaning products
If you have some toxic products that you no longer wish to use, don’t pour them down the sink, as this can harm waterways. You can recycle empty containers with household waste. With bottles still containing product, your council should be able to collect via the hazardous waste department. The fact that this is where they should be taken, is good reason to switch to a more natural brand!
