Earth Day may have already come and gone, but every day offers the chance to make small changes that can reduce your environmental impact. With spring cleaning in full swing, there’s no better time to start thinking about how you can make your cleaning regimen more eco-friendly, and maybe even more fun. We’ve scouted the best in Edmonton-based, low-waste cleaning, so that you can support local businesses at the same time—it’s a win-win!
1) All-purpose cleaners from Carbon Environmental Boutique
All-purpose cleaners cut down waste by reducing the number of products you need to make your home sparkle. For an even smaller environmental footprint, look to the cleaners available at Carbon Environmental Boutique, which are made from natural, eco-friendly ingredients. They carry a wide range of green brands, including The Unscented Company, Sapadilla, Epic 1500, and more, all ethically made in the US and Canada. This wide selection means that you’ll be sure to find a green cleaner that you’ll love.
2) Toilet bombs from Whimsical Washing Co.
With these easy-to-use, fizzy, sweet-smelling toilet bombs, cleaning the bathroom is less of a chore than ever, Plus, with no packaging or plastic bottle to worry about, it’s better for the planet too. Find Whimsical Washing Co. at the Edmonton Downtown Farmer’s Market, where you can also pick up fizzing sink bombs to freshen up your kitchen and bathroom sink.
3) Wool Dryer Balls from Twisted Sisters Mill
Instead of disposable dryer sheets, try switching to wool dryer balls, which take out the static without taking up room in the landfill. Twisted Sisters Mill offers dryer balls made from their local llama wool, grown and sheared just south of Edmonton in Leduc County. To use, simply pop them in the dryer with your laundry and let them get to work. Not only do they eliminate static, but they also create space in between your clothes, cutting down on drying time and your electricity bill.
4) Dish Scrubbers from Northern Knits n’ Knots
Fabric dish scrubbers are a great, plastic-free alternative to conventional scrubbers. Northern Knits n’ Knots, based in Sherwood Park, offers three-packs of neon-hued knitted scrubbers that add a bit of colour and cheer to washing up. You can also pick up a handmade dishcloth or two for scrubbing and polishing all over the house.
5) Pot Scrubber from Siempre Eco
Siempre Eco specializes in low- or no-packaging, eco-friendly home and beauty products. This includes their handy bamboo pot scrubber, which takes on tough-to-clean messes without any plastic waste. Made from bamboo and sisal fibre, this scrubber is completely compostable and lasts from eight months to a year. Siempre Eco is also well-known for their patterned beeswax wraps, which are a low-waste, reusable alternative to conventional plastic wrap.
6) Refillable bulk cleaners from Earth’s General Store
Since 1991, Earth’s General Store has brought local, organic, compostable, environmental (etc etc etc) products to Edmonton. Not only do they carry eco-friendly products, but they offer many of them in bulk at their refilling stations, which means less plastic waste as well! Refill all-purpose cleaner, countertop cleaner, hand soap, shampoo, and more.
What are some other green cleaning businesses that you’ve discovered around Edmonton? Let us know @WhereEdmonton!
