Why Zero Waste Cleaning Isn’t Just a Trend, It’s a Way of Life

Why Zero Waste Cleaning Isn’t Just a Trend, It’s a Way of Life

I’ll be honest: when I first started Sea Spray Soap Co., it wasn’t because I set out to build a zero-waste empire. I just wanted cleaning products that felt as gentle and honest as my handmade soaps. But over time, as I made one swap after another, from plastic jugs to solid bars and refills, I realized how powerful the shift can be. And now, I want to share that journey with you: not because it’s perfect, but because real change starts with small, daily choices.

Zero-waste cleaning doesn’t mean you have to live like a minimalist monk or embrace total austerity. It means rethinking the way you care for your space, making intentional swaps, choosing biodegradable ingredients, and honoring the planet with every spritz and scrub.

Swap to Sustainable Cleaners: Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

One of the easiest places to begin is your all-purpose cleaner. Instead of reaching for a plastic spray bottle full of mysterious additives, try making one using our concentrated soap base made from 100% coconut oil. 

Pair that with distilled or plain filtered water, add a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus), and you have a refillable, biodegradable cleaner that actually works, without the clutter or toxins.

Next, think about your hand soap routine. Our foaming hand soap tablet starter set proves you don’t need to throw away 10 plastic bottles just to wash your hands. One little tablet + water = rich foam, and every refill saves waste. 

Once you get used to it, that ritual becomes part of your rhythm, a gentle, intentional moment instead of a mindless squirt.

Natural Kitchen Cleaning Routine: Zero Waste, Real Results

If your kitchen is the heart of your home (as it is in mine), then cleaning here feels especially meaningful. Here’s a simple, natural kitchen cleaning routine to reduce waste without compromising effectiveness:

  1. Solid Dish Soap Bars: Instead of liquid in a plastic bottle, consider a solid dish soap bar. These bars are strip-free, concentrated, and long-lasting.
  2. Spray Refills: Use that concentrated all-purpose cleaner in a glass spray bottle. Keep a small funnel and measuring cup nearby so you can top it up easily.
  3. Scrub Tools: Replace plastic scrubbers with compostable brushes, sisal pads, or even loofahs. These are beautiful, durable, and fit the zero-waste ethos.
  4. Natural Deodorizer: For garbage cans or sinks, use baking soda + a few drops of essential oils to naturally neutralize odors.

Doing these swaps doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I often introduce one new item at a time, so I can test what works in my own home, and then share it with you here, so you don’t feel lost in options.

Making the Shift to Plastic-Free Cleaning

Switching away from plastic isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about long-term environmental impact. Here’s how I approached it, and how you can too:

  • I prioritized products with refillable or reusable packaging. For example, our foaming soap tablets come in kraft packaging, and the bottle is meant for reuse. 
  • I looked at every product through a “waste lens.” Do I really need a disposable container, or could there be a more sustainable way?
  • I focused on ingredient transparency. At Sea Spray Soap, we're committed to choosing naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients. 
  • I practiced patience. Some of my first swaps weren’t perfect, but each one taught me something, about formulation, sourcing, and what truly fits into our daily lives.

By doing this work, I found that zero-waste cleaning is not just eco-friendly; it’s deeply liberating. You don’t have to run to the store for plastic bottles every few weeks. You don’t have to compromise your values or your home’s aesthetic.

Why I Believe in This (and Why You Might Too)

At Sea Spray Soap Co., my mission has always been rooted in intention and care. I believe that cleaning should be an act of kindness, to ourselves, our families, and the planet. When I share these zero-waste tips, I’m not trying to be preachy; I’m simply inviting you into a way of living that’s aligned, gentle, and hopeful.

Every time someone tells me they refilled a bottle instead of throwing one away, or scrubbed their sink with a compostable brush and felt proud, it reminds me why this work matters. Not because it's perfect, but because it’s real, and it’s possible.

If you're ready to try zero-waste cleaning that actually works, I’d love for you to explore our natural cleaning essentials, from foaming soap tablets to all-purpose concentrate. Together, we can clean with intention and care for the world we share. 💧 Shop our zero-waste cleaning collection. 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.