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Low-Tox, Low-Waste DIY Swaps for an Eco-Friendly Home and Planet


Non-toxic living isn’t just about protecting your health—it’s about honouring the planet, reducing waste, and choosing products and practices that are cruelty-free, sustainable, and conscious.
The good news? You don’t need to buy a whole new set of “eco” products to get started. Often, the most powerful changes begin at home—with what you already have.
Here’s a simple, practical, and waste-conscious guide to creating a healthier space, one kind and creative step at a time.


Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

DIY Citrus Cleaning Spray (No Harsh Chemicals, No Waste)

Why buy single-use plastic bottles of chemical cleaner when you can make your own?
DIY Natural Cleaning Spray
You’ll need:

  • White vinegar (buy in bulk or refill stations if possible)

  • Citrus peels (reused from snacks or cooking)

  • A clean glass jar

  • A spray bottle (reuse one you already have!)

Instructions:

  1. Collect citrus peels in a jar.

  2. Fill the jar with vinegar to cover peels.

  3. Seal and store in a dark cupboard for 1–2 weeks.

  4. Strain, dilute 1:1 with water, and pour into your spray bottle.
    Optional: add a few drops of essential oil (like eucalyptus or tea tree for antibacterial benefits).

Sustainable Tip: Avoid using vinegar on stone surfaces (like marble or granite), as it can damage them.


Creative Low-Waste, Cruelty-Free Swaps Around the Home

  1. Upcycled Cleaning Cloths
    Repurpose old cotton t-shirts or towels as reusable cleaning rags. Wash and reuse instead of single-use wipes or paper towels.


  2. Natural Drain Cleaner
    Keep harsh chemicals out of your pipes and waterways:

  • Pour ½ cup bicarbonate of soda down the drain.

  • Follow with ½ cup vinegar.

  • Let fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.


  1. Homemade Fabric Softener Alternative
    Add ½ cup white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. It softens fabric naturally without synthetic fragrances or residue.
    Bonus: Use dryer balls made from upcycled wool or natural fibre cloths instead of disposable dryer sheets.


Earth-Friendly DIY Extras


Natural Air Freshener Jars
Add 2–3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda to a small jar.
Mix in 5–10 drops of essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or pine).
Cover with breathable fabric and secure with a rubber band.
Place in cupboards, bathrooms, or near bins.


Citrus Firelighters
Save your dried orange peels and use them as natural fire starters for wood burners or fire pits. No chemical lighters, no plastic.


Glass Jar Refills
Repurpose empty jars for:

  • DIY scrubs and masks

  • Toothpaste

  • Bath soaks

  • Spices or pantry items

Label with chalk pens or paper scraps for charm + function.


Cruelty-Free Toothpaste (DIY Option)
A simple, gentle toothpaste without fluoride, microplastics, or animal testing.
You’ll need:

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

  • 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda

  • 2–3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix and store in a small jar. Use a clean bamboo spatula or spoon to apply to your brush.

Sustainable Bonus: Store in a reused spice jar or baby food jar!


Build Conscious Habits Beyond Products

  • Buy less, reuse more: Get creative before tossing. A jar, a box, even a cloth can be repurposed.

  • Shop second-hand first: From kitchenware to storage, buying pre-loved keeps waste out of landfills.

  • Refill when you can: Seek local refill stores or bulk options to reduce packaging.

  • Compost your scraps: Fruit peels, veggie ends, coffee grounds—all valuable for the soil.

  • Choose plant-based & cruelty-free: Opt for ingredients and items that don’t harm animals or ecosystems.

Why It Matters

Every swap you make contributes to a home that supports your health and the planet. You’re reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals, keeping unnecessary plastic out of landfills, and aligning your home with your values of compassion, care, and sustainability.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Low-tox living doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or aesthetic. It’s about intentionality, curiosity, and small steps. You can start with a single citrus peel and end up with a healthier home, clearer air, and a gentler impact on the world.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Honour your values—and enjoy the process of creating a cleaner, kinder space for yourself and others.


Thank you for reading!
Sustainable Reads Team
Follow us on Instagram: @SustainableReads
Location: London, UK

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