Ditch the Paper Towel

Swedish dishcloths make it easy to consciously uncouple from paper towel. Like a hybrid between a kitchen sponge and a tea towel, these Scandi-inspired cloths are a kitchen workhorse because they’re ultra-absorbent and can be used to clean dishes, mop up spills, and more. Plus, they last—Canadian brand Ten and Co.’s sponge cloths have a two- to three-month lifespan and can be machine washed over 200 times. Best of all, instead of going in the trash, you can recycle or compost them just as you would other paper products.

Switch Up Your Scouring Pads

To keep your pots and pans bright and shiny, a good scouring pad is a kitchen-have. But most are made of plastic, which means they’re destined for the landfill. For a more sustainable option, F**k Plastic recommends cloths, loofahs, and brushes made of natural materials, such as wood. They can be composted and they’re milder on dishes, too. This one from Creative Co-Op is made of beechwood and features a genuine leather handle so you can hang it up to dry.

Try Laundry Strips

Instead of clutter-inducing jugs of detergent, try Tru-Earth Eco Strips, which come packaged in small cardboard envelopes. Each strip is loaded with ultra-concentrated, hypoallergenic detergent and is portioned for one load. For bonus eco points, wash your clothes in cold water, hang them to dry, and use wool dryer balls. Not only do dryer balls replace disposable dryer sheets or fabric softener, but they can speed up the drying process, too.

Embrace Homemade Cleaners

Save money and cut down on the amount of plastic packaging in your home with DIY natural cleaning products made from pantry staples, such as vinegar and baking soda. If you love scented products, search for DIY natural cleaner “recipes” with essential oils, like this fresh-smelling sink scrub from Canadian company Vitruvi’s digital magazine Basenotes:

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup solid coconut oil
• 10 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• 10 drops Spruce Essential Oil

Make it:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
3. Sprinkle one or two tablespoons of the mixture to your sink and scrub clean with a cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse with water.
5. Enjoy a sink that is sparkling clean and smells great.

Keep Your House Smelling Fresh, Naturally

Instead of using air freshener packaged in plastic, F**k Plastic suggests alternatives for keeping your home smelling nice—such as candles, incense, or even fresh flowers. You can also diffuse essential oils. And, for a F**k Plastic-approved spa moment, keep eucalyptus branches in your shower. Steam releases their fresh fragrance.

Bonus tip:

Continue to learn more about how your actions impact the planet by reading books like We Are the Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer and An Almost Zero Waste Life by Megean Weldon.