Home Care 101: How to Reduce Waste with Blueland

The average household creates a surprising amount of waste, especially when it comes to single-use plastics. They add up quickly and pose a major threat to our environment. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, what are single-use plastics, they’re items designed to be used once and then discarded—think plastic bags, straws, packaging, and water bottles. The good news? There are so many ways to reduce your impact. Through mindful swaps and small everyday actions, you can start to reduce waste and contribute to serious change.

Why It Matters

Simple actions like reducing single-use plastic usage can contribute to a more sustainable environment. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine estimate that land-based sources account for up to 80% of plastic waste that pollutes waterways and oceans. The waste we toss often comes from products that require excessive energy and resources to produce. Waste management is not just about recycling; it’s about changing how we think about our daily needs and reducing our reliance on plastic. By cutting down on household waste, especially plastic and packaging, you help reduce emissions and save energy.

6 Everyday Sources of Waste in Household Cleaning

Cleaning products are often overlooked when it comes to household waste, but they can be a major contributor to your environmental footprint. Beyond the chemicals inside, the packaging and disposable accessories associated with cleaning routines can generate a surprising amount of waste. Below are 6 of the most common sources:

1. Plastic Bottles and Spray Containers: Most household cleaners come in single-use plastic bottles that aren’t always recyclable due to color, labels, or mixed materials like caps and spray nozzles. Even if recyclable, many end up in landfills due to improper sorting or contamination.

2. Disposable Sponges and Scrubbers: Conventional sponges are made from synthetic materials that break down into microplastics. Since they wear out quickly and are thrown away often, they contribute to ongoing waste.

3. Single-Use Wipes and Paper Towels: While convenient, disinfecting wipes and paper towels are often used in excess and end up directly in the trash. Most are not compostable or recyclable due to added chemicals or fibers.

4. Plastic Storage and Trash Bags: Cleaning often involves plastic liners and zip-top bags that are used once and thrown away. Over time, this habit builds a significant amount of plastic waste.

5. "Greenwashed" Cleaning Products: Even some products marketed as “eco-friendly” still come with wasteful packaging or have short lifespans. Biodegradable formulas mean little if the containers themselves aren’t sustainable.

6. Multi-Packaging and Refill Packs That Aren’t Truly Low-Waste: Bulk packaging and refill containers are often presented as a solution, but if they’re made of plastic or include non-recyclable components, they still contribute to the problem.

Being aware of these hidden sources of waste is the first step toward more sustainable cleaning habits. By identifying these everyday items, you can start making smarter, low-waste swaps that help both your home and the planet.

How to Reduce, Reuse, Refill

Refillable systems, like Blueland’s products, are an easy and effective way to tackle this issue. You can easily switch from bulky, disposable cleaning supplies to reusable and refillable ones to reduce what ends up in landfills while also helping you develop low-waste lifestyle habits. You can also make simple swaps like switching from disposable mops and rags to reusable sponges and cloths! 

If you're looking to cut down on household waste without overhauling your entire lifestyle, the reduce, reuse, refill approach is a smart place to start.

Refillable systems, like those offered by Blueland, are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to lower your environmental footprint. Instead of buying new plastic bottles every time you run out of cleaner, you keep the same bottle and simply drop in a refill tablet with water. Here are some simple ways to integrate this approach into your daily routine:

Reduce:

• Choose concentrated cleaning tablets to cut down on bulky packaging.

• Avoid overconsumption—buy only what you need.

• Eliminate single-use plastics from your cleaning routine, like plastic baggies and disposable wipes.

Reuse:

• Invest in durable spray bottles that you can refill again and again.

• Opt for washable cleaning tools, such as cloths or mop pads.

• Use glass containers or jars to store bulk items instead of plastic bins.

Refill:

• Switch to sustainable cleaning accessories to upgrade your cleaning routine and make storing them easier and more organized.

• Choose low-waste essentials such as refillable hand soaps, dishwasher detergent, and laundry detergent tablets to cut down on single-use packaging.

• Join subscription programs that allow you to refill without repurchasing unnecessary packaging.

Making these simple swaps not only reduces what ends up in landfills but also makes it easier to stick to a low-waste lifestyle. Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to protecting the planet.

Blueland’s Refill System

Blueland's innovative refill system not only provides convenient cleaning solutions but also contributes significantly to reducing household waste. By utilizing cleaning refill tablets and introducing the concept of Forever Bottles, Blueland eliminates the constant need for new plastic bottles or containers, significantly reducing the amount of packaging and plastic waste. We also use minimal packaging that’s either curbside recycle or compostable, further cutting down on the plastic that typically ends up in landfills. 

Building Long-Term Habits for a Low-Waste Lifestyle

Cultivating a low-waste lifestyle relies on forming habits that fit your daily life, specifically focusing on how to reduce waste. Start with what’s easiest for you—like making the switch to Blueland, or by opting for reusable items, such as cloth napkins and produce bags, when you shop. You can gradually adopt practices like composting food scraps or choosing minimal packaging whenever you can. Each small change lowers the amount of waste you create. It also helps raise awareness about natural resources and recycling. Together, these actions support a community effort to fight climate change and demonstrate how to reduce waste effectively.

Sources:

Human Health and Ocean Pollution

Cleaning Product Recycling

Melamine sponges shed microplastics when scrubbed