DIY Zero-Waste Air Freshener

Looking for a simple, affordable, and zero-waste way to freshen up your home? This DIY air freshener is a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought sprays that often come in plastic packaging and contain harmful chemicals. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a refreshing, chemical-free air freshener that will leave your home smelling amazing. Plus, all the ingredients can be sourced from Wasteless Pantry, making it even more sustainable!

DIY Air Freshener Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 cup of water (filtered or distilled)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus, lemon)

Instructions:

Prepare the Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla provides a warm, soothing base for your air freshener.
Add Essential Oils
Next, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. You can choose scents like lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for freshness, or citrus oils like lemon or orange for a vibrant and energizing fragrance. Adjust the number of drops based on how strong you want the scent to be.
Transfer to a Spray Bottle
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Be sure to choose a reusable glass spray bottle to keep your air freshener zero-waste. You can easily find these bottles at Wasteless Pantry or repurpose one you already have.
Shake and Freshen Up
Before each use, shake the bottle well to ensure the oils and water are mixed. Then, spray your DIY air freshener in any room to instantly freshen up the space.

This air freshener can be used in living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, or even in your car for a natural burst of fragrance without the chemicals.

Why Buy Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry?

At Wasteless Pantry, you can find all the ingredients needed to make this DIY air freshener, such as essential oils and vanilla extract, available in bulk and without unnecessary packaging. By purchasing ingredients in bulk, you help reduce plastic waste and avoid harmful chemicals commonly found in commercial air fresheners. You can also buy only what you need, further reducing food and packaging waste.

By making small changes like creating your own air freshener, you support a more sustainable lifestyle that benefits both your health and the environment. Wasteless Pantry helps make these choices easier by offering eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products.

Benefits of DIY Air Freshener

Chemical-Free: Made with natural ingredients, this air freshener is safe to use around children and pets.
Cost-Effective: A homemade solution that’s more affordable than most store-bought air fresheners.
Eco-Friendly: Made with bulk, packaging-free ingredients from Wasteless Pantry, reducing your carbon footprint.

Bokashi (Composter Alternative) Low Down

Belinda has been using the Bokashi system for years so we asked her to give us the low down as we now stock Bokashi buckets, Bokashi bran (loose), Ensopet systems and Ensopet bran (loose) on our zero waste store online.

SUMMARY

Bokashi may be called a “composting system” but it doesn’t actually work like a compost heap. Bran or liquid infused with microbes are added to the organic matter. They then work in an anaerobic environment to ferment the material. This means it does not break down in the bucket. But it will discolour and soften and take on a pickled smell. As well the liquid drained off can be diluted. It can used as soil conditioner.

For this reason the fermented material is buried in the garden where it continues to rapidly break down into the soil. Any type of organic matter can be added to a bokashi bucket (chop up large items before adding them in). This includes many things that can’t be added to regular compost. For example, citrus, onions, meat, fish, bones, eggs and cheese. In addition, you can even add the dust from sweeping and vacuuming and hair.

The material in the bucket should grow white mold and take on a pickled smell, which is not necessarily pleasant but shouldn’t be offensive. Additionally, if the bucket smells rotten or blue/green mold is growing, bury the contents, rinse the bucket out and start again. Importantly, the bucket should only be rinsed out with plain water, as cleaning products can disturb the microbial environment developing inside the bucket.

It’s ideal to have a two bucket system purchased via our zero waste store online. So when one bucket is full, you can leave it to ferment for about 2 weeks before burying it in the garden, meanwhile you can fill up the other bucket.

DIRECTIONS

Directions –
1. Make sure the drainage tap is closed and the drain grille is in place to start with.
2. Add any organic matter to the bin – you can add citrus, onions, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, dust from sweeping or vacuuming – anything that was once alive. It’s best to chop up large pieces. Large bones won’t break down properly at all. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly after adding material – bokashi microbes work in an anaerobic environment.
3. Once an inch or two of matter is in the bucket, squish it down with the tool and add a thin layer of bokashi bran.
4. Continue layering organic matter and bokashi bran until the bucket is full. Drain the bucket every few days – this liquid can be diluted with water and used as plant food, or just poured down the sink.
5. Once the bucket is full it will need to sit for about two weeks. Having a system of two buckets – so you can fill one while the other “cooks” is a good idea.
6. Bury the contents in a hole in the garden. You will notice that things in the bucket are still recognisable, but they may have gone soft or discoloured – this is because bokashi works by fermenting the material instead of rotting it. The material will continue to quickly break down in the soil.
7. Rinse the bucket with plain water and start again.

Keen to try something similar with your pet waste? Check out the Ensopet system

Zero Waste Beauty

"True Beauty Comes From Within"

We all know that true beauty comes from within, but many of us still enjoy tending to our outer beauty as part of our self-care routine. Unfortunately, the beauty industry often markets products in excessive, non-recyclable packaging and uses ingredients that may not be good for our health or the environment. Where’s the beauty in that?

Zero waste beauty offers a refreshing alternative. It’s all about using quality, natural ingredients, minimizing packaging, and finding what works best for your skin. By focusing on what makes you feel good rather than what’s marketed to you, you can embrace a joyful, sustainable self-care routine that’s better for you and the planet.

Why Switch to Zero Waste Beauty?

The mainstream beauty industry pushes us to buy products that come with a hefty environmental cost. Think about all the plastic bottles, tubes, and containers that end up in landfills, along with microbeads that pollute our oceans. Zero waste beauty aims to reduce that waste, focusing on minimal packaging and natural ingredients that are kind to both your skin and the planet.

Moreover, zero waste beauty encourages a shift toward intentional self-care. Rather than following trends or trying to live up to unrealistic beauty standards, you can create a routine that is tailored to your needs. It’s about taking the time to care for yourself in ways that make you feel beautiful and confident, without harming the environment.

Zero Waste Beauty Tips: How to Make the Switch

If you’re ready to transition to a zero-waste beauty routine, here are a few easy ideas to get you started:

Facial Cleansing Bars
Swap out liquid cleansers in plastic bottles for face bars made with certified organic, vegan ingredients. These bars cleanse, moisturize, and nourish your skin without the need for excessive packaging. They come in options for oily, mature, dry, and sensitive skin.
Deluxe Reusable Facial Wipes
Instead of single-use cotton rounds or wipes, opt for reusable facial wipes. These soft, durable wipes can be used to cleanse, tone, or remove makeup and are washable, making them an eco-friendly addition to your beauty routine.
DIY Makeup Remover
Make your own makeup remover using simple ingredients like coconut oil or a mix of jojoba oil and witch hazel extract. These natural options are effective and gentle, and you can adjust the recipe to suit your skin type.
Easy Exfoliating Scrubs
Skip the microbeads and create your own exfoliating scrub with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Mix salt, sugar, or coffee grounds with your favorite oil to create a scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes your skin naturally.
Homemade Masks
Treat yourself to a DIY mask using natural ingredients. A simple clay mask, mixed with water or cooled herbal tea, is perfect for clarifying and moisturizing. Alternatively, raw honey is a hydrating and healing option for troubled skin.
DIY Toner
A homemade toner made with apple cider vinegar or witch hazel extract is a great way to tighten pores and brighten your complexion. Simply mix with water or rose water and add a few drops of essential oil if desired.
Refillable Organic Moisturizer
At Wasteless Pantry, you can refill your container with luxurious organic moisturizers made locally and free from palm oil. These moisturizers are gentle on sensitive skin, including those with eczema or dermatitis, and are a wonderful, zero-waste alternative to conventional products.
Scoopable Deodorant
For a natural and eco-friendly alternative to conventional deodorants, try scoopable deodorants. Made with natural ingredients and free from aluminum and palm oil, these products are effective and come without plastic packaging.
Bamboo Hairbrushes & Toothbrushes
Switch to bamboo hairbrushes and toothbrushes as a sustainable alternative to plastic versions. Bamboo is compostable and renewable, reducing waste when it’s time to replace these essential tools.
Bath Tea
End your zero waste beauty routine with a soothing bath tea. Add aromatic herbs and petals like rose, lavender, or chamomile to a reusable bag and steep in your bath. It’s an easy way to enjoy a spa-like experience at home without waste.

Benefits of Zero Waste Beauty

Eco-Friendly: By choosing zero waste beauty products, you significantly reduce the amount of plastic and packaging that ends up in landfills or oceans.
Natural Ingredients: Your skin will thank you for using natural, clean ingredients free from harmful chemicals.
Customizable: You can create personalized beauty products that suit your skin’s unique needs.

Why Shop at Wasteless Pantry?

Wasteless Pantry offers a wide range of bulk, natural beauty products that make transitioning to a zero-waste routine simple. From reusable facial wipes to refillable moisturizers, we make it easy for you to care for yourself while caring for the planet. You can buy just what you need, eliminating waste and ensuring your beauty routine is as eco-friendly as possible.

Eco-Friendly Personal Hygiene and Cleaning Bars

Have you tried switching to personal hygiene, pet care, and cleaning products in bar form? Whether it’s shampoo bars, conditioner bars, face bars, soap bars, deodorant bars, or even pet care and dishwashing bars, these solid alternatives are becoming increasingly popular—and for good reason.

Why Bars Are Gaining Popularity

Concentrated and Efficient
Bars are highly concentrated versions of their liquid counterparts, offering the same cleaning power without the excess water and packaging. For example, a single 110g shampoo bar can replace up to three full bottles of shampoo! This means fewer resources are needed for manufacturing, transport, and storage. Ethique, one of the brands we stock at Wasteless Pantry, explains that “each bar lasts 2-5 times longer than bottled products because they’re super concentrated—you add the water, not us.”
Eco-Friendly and Waste-Free
One of the biggest advantages of bars is their minimal to zero packaging. Unlike liquid products that come in plastic bottles, bars often come package-free or in compostable packaging, which helps reduce strain on our landfills and recycling systems. No plastic bottles mean no microplastics or harmful chemicals polluting waterways. Additionally, our bars are safe for greywater systems and free from palm oil, making them an environmentally conscious choice.
Perfect for Travel
Travelling with liquid products can be a hassle, especially with airport security limits on liquids. Bars are a perfect alternative, allowing you to skip the liquid restrictions and travel lighter. Their compact size and solid form make them convenient for any trip, whether you’re flying or going on a long journey.
Economical and Long-Lasting
When compared to liquid products of the same quality, bars are often more cost-effective. Since they are concentrated and long-lasting, you get more value for your money. Wasteless Pantry only stocks bars that are palm-oil free and have been tested for quality, ensuring a great user experience.
Versatile and Convenient
Bars are incredibly versatile. From body butter bars to dishwashing bars and even pet care bars, there’s a bar for every purpose. What makes them even more convenient is their ease of use—just rub the bar to activate, and you’re good to go!
Minimal Environmental Impact
Unlike liquid products in plastic bottles that may end up in landfills or require complex recycling processes, bars leave little to no trace behind. When you use a bar, you’re minimizing packaging waste and avoiding the need to ship plastic bottles overseas for recycling.
Proper Care for Maximum Longevity
To get the most out of your bars, make sure they dry out between uses. Placing them on a soap rack or coconut fiber scourer helps keep them hard, extending their life. Letting bars stay wet between uses can soften them, causing you to use more product than necessary, which is wasteful both in terms of product and money.

Why Shop Bars from Wasteless Pantry?

At Wasteless Pantry, we stock a wide variety of eco-friendly and packaging-free bars that suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a palm-oil-free shampoo bar or a greywater-safe dishwashing bar, we’ve got you covered. Plus, our bars are tested for quality, ensuring that you’ll love using them for their intended purpose. They offer a zero-waste alternative that’s both economical and environmentally friendly.

10 Easy Swaps for a Low-Waste Bathroom

Did you know that your bathroom is often the second most wasteful room in your home? According to Own Your Impact, over 30 million toothbrushes are thrown away each year in Australia alone, contributing approximately 1,000 tonnes of landfill annually. The good news is that transitioning to a low-waste bathroom is easy! Here are 10 simple swaps to help reduce your bathroom waste from Wasteless Pantry.

1. Refill Shampoo and Conditioner or Switch to Bars

Refill your existing shampoo and conditioner containers with our locally-made, cruelty-free options or try shampoo and conditioner bars. These bars, like those from Ethique, can replace multiple bottles, reducing packaging waste and water usage.

2. Switch to Bamboo Toothbrushes and Plastic-Free Floss

Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and affordable, and we also offer plastic-free floss. You can even try making your own toothpaste with ingredients available at Wasteless Pantry.

3. Use Soap Bars Instead of Liquid Body Wash

Our palm oil-free, vegan soap bars and refills for liquid body and hand wash help eliminate unnecessary plastic. Dry out your bars between uses to get the most out of them.

4. Refill Bubble Bath for the Kids

Refill their favorite bubble bath container with a locally-made, gentle, plant-based formula. It’s safe for their skin and better for the environment!

5. Stock Up on Plastic-Free Toilet Paper

We stock Who Gives A Crap toilet paper, made from 100% recycled materials and free from inks, dyes, and scents. It’s strong, soft, and double the length of conventional rolls.

6. Switch to Plastic-Free Cotton Buds

Plastic cotton buds aren’t recyclable, but plastic-free alternatives can be composted after use.

7. Refill Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are great for muscle relaxation and can be bought in bulk to avoid packaging waste.

8. Try Reusable Menstrual Cups and Pads

Menstrual cups and reusable pads save money and significantly reduce waste, while also being more comfortable and safer for your health.

9. Choose Natural Fibre Cleaning Cloths

Switch to flannels, loofahs, or sisal gloves to avoid plastic microfibres that can harm the environment.

10. Replace Single-Use Cotton Rounds with Reusable Face Wipes

Reusable face wipes are eco-friendly and can be washed and reused, making them a great alternative to disposable cotton rounds.

Additional Tips

Set up a recycling and compost bin in your bathroom for easy sorting.
Check product labels to ensure they’re truly eco-friendly and free from harmful ingredients like palm oil.

Reusable Sanitary Products

Have you heard about menstrual cups and reusable menstrual pads? At first, these alternatives to traditional sanitary products might seem a little daunting, but they are fast becoming popular for all the right reasons. Many who switch to these eco-friendly options never look back—and for good reason!

The amount of waste generated by traditional disposable sanitary products is staggering. The average person can use 11,000 disposable products over their lifetime! Not only is this wasteful, but it’s also expensive and can be uncomfortable. By contrast, reusable menstrual cups and cloth pads are kinder to the environment, your body, and your wallet.

Why Choose Reusable Sanitary Products?

Eco-Friendly: Switching to reusable menstrual products dramatically reduces the waste sent to landfill. Unlike single-use pads and tampons, which contain plastic and take hundreds of years to decompose, reusable options last for years.
Cost-Effective: While there is an initial investment, menstrual cups and reusable pads can be used for several years, saving you money in the long run. No more monthly trips to the store to restock!
Safe and Non-Toxic: Menstrual cups eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a concern with tampons. Reusable pads, made from breathable cloth, help you stay comfortable, especially during hot weather.
Convenient and Comfortable: Once you master using a menstrual cup, you’ll never have to worry about running out of tampons or pads again. Plus, cloth pads are gentle and comfortable, preventing that sticky, sweaty feeling you get with plastic-lined disposables.
Great for Active Lifestyles: Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or yogi, menstrual cups and reusable pads work beautifully for sporty types. They provide reliable protection without the bulk.

Tips for Getting Started

Give It Time: It usually takes 2-3 cycles to fully get the hang of a menstrual cup. Just like using tampons for the first time, it takes practice.
In the Shower: A good place to practice inserting the cup is in the shower, where you have room, relaxation, and easy clean-up.
Changing the Cup: Depending on your flow, you may need to change the cup every 3-6 hours during heavy days, but it can stay in place for up to 12 hours later in your cycle.
Cleaning: Simply wash the cup with mild soap during your cycle, and at the end of the cycle, you can boil it for extra sanitation. Cloth pads can go straight in the washing machine with your regular laundry.

The Benefits of Buying From Wasteless Pantry

At Wasteless Pantry, we make the switch to reusable menstrual products easy and eco-friendly. We stock high-quality menstrual cups and reusable pads made from organic, skin-friendly materials. Bring your containers and pick up everything you need to start living a zero-waste lifestyle. By shopping with us, you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but also supporting sustainable, local businesses committed to waste reduction.

Eco-Friendly Body Care Checklist

At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that reducing waste starts with simple daily habits—and your bathroom routine is a great place to begin. By swapping out products that come in single-use packaging and contain harmful chemicals, you can create a sustainable, eco-friendly body care routine that is better for both you and the planet.

Here’s how you can transform your bathroom into a zero-waste haven with a few simple changes.

What Should Be in Your Zero Waste Bathroom?

Biodegradable Shampoo and Conditioner
- Opt for eco-friendly, biodegradable hair products that you can refill in your own reusable containers. This reduces plastic waste and ensures you’re using products that are gentle on the environment.
Palm Oil-Free Soap
- Look for soap that’s free from palm oil and comes without plastic packaging. Refilling at stores like Wasteless Pantry ensures you’re not contributing to deforestation caused by palm oil production.
Bamboo Hairbrush & Toothbrush
- Switch to sustainable bamboo alternatives for your hairbrush and toothbrush. These items are compostable and break down naturally, unlike their plastic counterparts.
Forest-Friendly Toilet Paper
- Choose recycled or sustainably-sourced toilet paper. Many eco-friendly options come without plastic wrapping, ensuring you’re reducing waste even in the smallest details.
Epsom Salts for Relaxing Baths
- Buy Epsom salts in your reusable container for a zero-waste spa day. Epsom salts help to relax muscles, making them an eco-friendly addition to your bath time routine.
Eco-Friendly Bubble Bath
- Refill your own container with soap-free, eco bubble bath to make bath time fun for the little ones—without harming the planet.

DIY Eco Body Care Options

For those who like to keep things simple and DIY, here are a few easy homemade body care recipes to try.

DIY Deodorant
- Mix equal parts of bicarb soda and coconut oil, adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for fragrance. This all-natural deodorant is free from harmful chemicals.
DIY Toothpaste
- A simple option is to use bicarb soda on its own as toothpaste, but you can also mix it with coconut oil and peppermint oil for a more traditional feel.
DIY Moisturiser
- Coconut oil works wonders as a natural moisturiser—it’s hydrating, simple, and effective.
DIY Cleanser
- Mix 1 part bicarb soda with 2 parts coconut or olive oil for a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Scrub lightly and rinse off with water for a natural glow.
DIY Body Scrubs
- Combine equal parts salt, sugar, quick oats, or coffee grounds with oils like coconut or olive oil. Add honey, essential oils, or even spices like cinnamon or vanilla for a luxurious feel. These scrubs also make fantastic homemade gifts!

Why Buy From Wasteless Pantry?

At Wasteless Pantry, we make sustainable living easy. Bring your own containers and refill them with eco-friendly products like shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and even Epsom salts. Shopping in bulk and using refills helps reduce single-use plastics and packaging waste, contributing to a healthier planet.

By following this Eco Body Care Checklist, you can simplify your daily routine, reduce waste, and care for your body in a way that’s better for the Earth. Visit Wasteless Pantry to refill your essentials or try out some of our favorite eco-friendly body care tips.