Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips & Tricks

eco friendly cleaning products for the laundry

Using eco-friendly cleaning products isn’t the only way to be sustainable!

Great ways to lighten your load…

👚 Firstly, buy clothes made with natural fibres so that microplastics don’t end up in our oceans.

👖 Wash clothes less often (not your socks and jocks though!) I love anything that tells me to do less laundry 😆

🌿 Use eco-friendly cleaning products (like the ones we stock at Wasteless Pantry). If you refill your containers you get bonus eco points!

☀️ Opt for a clothesline for solar and wind-powered drying.

These tips will help you save money, get more wear out of your clothes, reduce your carbon footprint, and reduce microplastics in our oceans. Therefore, you’re winning!

Okay, so let’s circle back to those eco-friendly cleaning products.

Not everything that has organic, eco, environmental, or natural on the label is actually friendly to the planet. Do a little research and reading to find the best options you have available to you. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just the best you can access.

The zero-waste laundry options we have at WP include:

Refillable laundry liquids (top loader, front loader and wool wash/delicates options) – add 30ml to your wash for regular loads

Fabric softener – put 13 to 25 ml in your wash

Laundry powder and presoaker – 25g is used as laundry powder and a bit more (100g) as a stain remover/presoaker

Stain remover bars – the great all-rounder for rubbing on stains or for handwashing, especially when traveling, always apply to wet cloth

Organic Castile liquid soap – add 30-60 ml to your wash

These have all been locally made in WA, and are palm oil free, vegan, and greywater safe.

Soap nuts – add 4-6 half shells in a little bag or old sock to your wash (replace every 3-6 washes depending on how hard your water is and how heavily soiled your washing was to start with)

Once everything is clean, pop it out to dry on a clothesline or airer using wire pegs or bamboo pegs that will last for years!

Feel like you have the eco friendly laundry and cleaning sorted? How about checking out how to create a waste free bathroom next…

EnsoPet How-To Guide

No need for single-use ‘doggy’ bags when you can install your own EnsoPet pet waste composter and improve your soil too!

Quick overview

Bury the EnsoPet composter in the garden so just the lid is visible and the inside is free of soil. Use the tongs provided to drop your pets waste into the composter then sprinkle over the Ensopet starter bran. The micro-organisms do their magic breading down the waste quickly so that it should take months or years to completely fill (depends on the amount of waste your animals produce). If it does fill, cover over with soil and start again in a new location. Easy and hygienic.

Ensopet bokashi pet waste composting kit is suitable for many pets. For example, dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig and many more.

The Full Details on How to Use Ensopet Pet Waste Composter

Clip together the four sides to create a cylinder with no bottom.
Dig a hole 40cm wide and 40cm deep away from edible plants.
Place the EnsoPet poo composter in the hole and backfill with soil around the outside.
Use the tongs to drop in your pet waste as needed and lightly sprinkle around 20g of starter bran per 100g waste (this is a rough guide, no need to weigh out your pets waste).
Seal with the lid until you need to add more. Best if you are able to do this in small batches rather than a big load all in one go.
The system needs to be kept moist so if it starts to dry out then add a little water when you are caring for your garden.

The micro-organisms remediate any pathogens in your pet waste as well as improving your soil. If you have large pets or particularly poor soil you may benefit from setting up two systems simultaneously. You can also add dry leaves, fine bark, spent potting mix to your composter if desired.

Now you should have the hang of your Ensopet Pet Waste composter. A similar style of system is available for your food waste too! Check out all the info about Bokashi Bins next!

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

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.

Decluttering vs Wasting: A Balanced Approach to Letting Go

The allure of a clutter-free, organized home is strong for many. Clean surfaces, less stuff, and more free time make the idea of decluttering incredibly appealing. Yet, for those of us committed to living sustainably or budget-conscious, decluttering can feel like a personal conflict. The thought of contributing to landfill, throwing away money, or disconnecting from sentimental possessions can make decluttering a daunting task.

Many of us have been on and off the decluttering bandwagon for years, feeling guilty and overwhelmed at the thought of “wasting” our possessions. But is holding on to unused items really the answer? Let’s explore the balance between decluttering and wasting, and how we can move forward without punishing ourselves.

The Struggles of Decluttering: Waste, Budget, and Sentimentality

If you’re trying to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle, it’s common to feel conflicted about decluttering. Tossing things out feels like you’re contributing to waste, and yet, keeping those things around doesn’t serve you either. If you’re budget-conscious, you may see your possessions as investments, making it harder to let go. And for the sentimental types, there’s the emotional attachment to the gifts or purchases that once had meaning.

I’ve experienced all three of these struggles. I felt guilt and shame for acquiring things I didn’t truly need, and even worse, for hanging on to them long past their usefulness. The items cluttered my home, and as I moved them from room to room, I was constantly reminded of my regretful purchases.

A Shift in Mindset: Viewing Items Differently

Two key ideas helped me break free from the punishment of decluttering:

Think of Stuff as Having Its Own Needs
Every item in your home deserves to be used to its full potential. Ask yourself: Will I ever use this to its full value? If not, perhaps someone else will. Pass it on, donate it, or recycle it so it can have a new life.
Consider the Hidden Waste of Holding Onto Things
Holding on to unused items can create more waste than simply letting them go. Are they taking up space that could be better used? Are you wasting time, energy, and resources maintaining items that no longer serve you? Letting go can reduce hidden waste in your home and your life.

The Waste Hierarchy: A Practical Guide for Letting Go

Following the waste hierarchy has helped me balance decluttering with sustainability. Here’s a breakdown:

Refuse – Only bring things home if you truly need them.
Reduce – Keep only the minimum that serves your needs.
Reuse – Find new purposes for items or pass them on to others.
Recycle – Break items down into their core materials and give them a new life.
Rot – Compost items that can break down naturally and benefit your garden.

If something still needs to go to landfill after this process, don’t feel guilty. We’re all learning and growing, and it’s okay to forgive yourself and move forward.

Decluttering Is Not a Punishment

Remember, decluttering isn’t about punishment. It’s about creating space for the things that truly serve you and your life. Let go of the guilt, and give yourself permission to step into a more organized, sustainable, and peaceful future.

Eco-friendly Kettle Cleaner

Everyone loves a clean kettle, but not everyone loves the idea of scrubbing away at built-up limescale and grime. Luckily, keeping your kettle sparkling clean doesn’t require harsh chemicals or plastic packaging. With just a few simple ingredients for eco-friendly kettle cleaner that you can refill at Wasteless Pantry, you’ll have a squeaky-clean kettle in no time!

Here are two eco-friendly kettle cleaning methods that are quick, effective, and completely waste-free.

Method 1: Lemon Power

Got a used lemon hanging around after cooking or making a drink? Don’t throw it away! You can put it to good use cleaning your kettle.

Steps:

Fill your kettle with water and toss in your used lemon (no need to waste a fresh one!).
Boil the kettle and let the water sit for about 30 minutes to loosen any mineral buildup or grime.
Once the kettle cools down, rinse it out thoroughly. Your kettle will be clean and refreshed without any hard scrubbing.

Method 2: Citric Acid Cleaner

For a faster option, citric acid is a powerful, natural cleaning agent that works wonders on kettles. The best part? You can refill your container with citric acid at Wasteless Pantry, making this method entirely waste-free!

Steps:

Fill your kettle with water and add 1 tablespoon of citric acid.
Boil the water.
Rinse the kettle after boiling, and you’re ready to brew your next cup of tea or coffee without the wait!

Benefits of Buying from Wasteless Pantry

When you purchase your cleaning supplies like citric acid from Wasteless Pantry, you’re doing more than just cleaning your kettle. You’re supporting a zero-waste lifestyle by refilling your containers and reducing packaging waste. Plus, natural cleaners like lemon and citric acid are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for both you and the environment.

Whether you choose the lemon or citric acid method, both are quick, effective, and completely eco-friendly. With these sustainable cleaning hacks, you can enjoy a clean kettle while helping the Earth, one cup of tea at a time!

Sustainable Decluttering Tips

Decluttering and zero waste living go hand in hand. At Wasteless Pantry, we believe that reducing waste isn’t just about cutting back on single-use items, but also about managing the clutter in your home. If you can’t find what you need or are constantly buying duplicates, that’s waste too! These sustainable decluttering tips can help you save time, money, and bring peace of mind, all while helping the environment.

Here’s how you can get started:

Start Small: Focus on One Space at a Time

The key to successful decluttering is to break the task down into manageable chunks. Start with a small space, like a drawer, a shelf, or a cluttered corner. Empty the space completely and only put back items that you love or find useful. Anything that doesn’t fit should be removed—sell, donate, recycle, or toss. If you’re unsure, put it in a box with a date on it. If you don’t use it within the next couple of months, it’s time to let it go.

Set Clear Goals: How Much Do You Want to Declutter?

Decide whether your goal is to clear everything or just reduce the amount of stuff. If your goal is to clear, be strict about what stays. If you just want less, go through your items one box at a time until you’ve reduced enough to feel comfortable.

Declutter by Category: Find Duplicates

Group similar items together, such as all your pens, serving utensils, or books. Seeing everything in one place makes it easier to find duplicates. Keep the best and let go of the rest. This strategy can simplify decision-making and reduce the amount of stuff cluttering up your space.

Prioritize for Maximum Impact

When deciding where to start, focus on spaces that will have the biggest impact—visually or functionally. For instance, a clean kitchen bench can feel incredibly rewarding, while organizing your everyday utensils can make cooking more enjoyable. Spaces that are less frequently used, such as a storage closet, can wait until you’ve tackled the more pressing areas.

Get Creative: Shared Ownership & Minimalist Challenges

If certain items aren’t being used often, consider sharing them with friends or family. For example, loan out a fan or a kitchen gadget, and retrieve it when needed. It’s a great way to avoid clutter while ensuring items are used to their full potential.

Additionally, challenge yourself to stop buying new things unless something else leaves the house. This can help you build a habit of mindful consumption, ensuring that every new item truly adds value to your life.

Why Decluttering Matters for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making more intentional choices that reduce waste and free up your time and energy. At Wasteless Pantry, we support a more thoughtful approach to consumption. By following these sustainable decluttering tips you’re less likely to buy duplicates, and you’ll discover reusable items that you may have forgotten about. Plus, donating or recycling your unneeded items ensures they get a second life instead of ending up in a landfill.