Eco-friendly alternatives to everyday conveniences.

In our effort to save the earth, many of use have turned to recycling and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products that fit into our lifestyle. Cloth napkins replacing paper towels, handmade laundry soap versus chemical laden detergents, and reusable grocery sacks in lieu of plastic grocery bags. However, there’s one thing our busy lifestyles are loathe to let go, and that is the convenience of many throw away products.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Swiffer Sweepers and Wet Jets are in nearly every household I’ve ever been in. Even my mom, who is a hard core recycler, owns a Wet Jet. The pads, however, are anything but earth friendly. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives that let you keep your cleaning tools and kick the guilt.

Canadian Crafter has come up with a very simple knit Swiffer cover for the Swiffer Sweeper. Even if you can’t knit, you can complete this project as the majority of the work is done on a loom. Use it once, then throw it in with your wash for the next time you clean. View the full instructions here.

Instructables even has a solution for your Swiffer Wet Jet made from old t-shirts and a wool blanket. Like the Sweeper pad, this alternative can also be washed and reused. The details are here. (Or buy handmade swiffer covers online.)

You can also refill the Wet Jet Solution container with your own eco-friendly mix. Just check out this how to on removing the cap on the container. Then try mixing up 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar and 2 tsp liquid Castile soap to add to your freshly emptied bottle. You can scent it as desired with a small amount of essential oil if you like.

More useful eco-friendly alternatives.

Here are a few other handmade alternatives to everyday necessities.

1. Instead of zipper bags, enclose your child’s lunch goodies in a Reusable Velcro Seal Snack Bag.

2. Skip the plastic straws, and opt for Bended Reusable Glass Straws made from the same material as Pyrex. (From Straws by Carli.)

3. Paper napkins just get thrown away. Not only are these Linen Napkins pretty, but they can be used over and over. (From Celina Mancurti.)

4. Don’t add more plastic to the landfills. Instead take these Reusable Produce Bags to the grocery with you when you shop. (From Love for Earth.)

5. Don’t waste paper pinning notes to the fridge. Keep track of chores and appointments with this Repurposed Eco-friendly Chalkboard. (From Half Pint Salvage.)

6. Need a catchall for everyday items? This Eco-friendly Repurposed Wool Sweater and Cotton Fabric Bucket is perfect for stashing baby’s toys. (From Loop Loft.)

Naturally Clean Your Home With Grove

If you’re looking for other affordable, convenient and natural ways to clean your home, then you must check out Grove Collaborative! As a member of Grove Collaborative I have been super impressed with their service, natural products, prices and shipping times. Plus their eco-friendly products help to make it easier for families to make the switch to healthy, non-toxic home and personal care products.

Sign up for Grove Collaborative now and receive a free Mrs. Meyer’s Trio + Grove Walnut Scrubber Sponges! You’ll be thrilled discover some of the cleanest and greenest cleaning sets dedicated to making your home healthy and beautiful! I promise you will absolutely LOVE them! Learn more here.

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