Tribe, since we launched the #ZeroWasteUAE Social Initiative in 2016, we have been discussing a lot of ways of using natural alternatives for many store-bought products not only just to ditch plastic packaging but also to stay away from all the toxins used in industrially produced products to improve wellness factor. Another added advantage of using these natural cleaning products saves you money.
So in this article, I have decided to compile all those recommendations in one place.
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1. Bio-Enzyme
This is the best solution for many of your cleaning needs at home. You need only fruit peels, tap water, and sugar or jaggery. Bio-enzyme or garbage enzyme is made based on the fermentation principle. The bacteria present in fruit peels produce ethanol (alcohol) and acetic acids via the metabolic process, which gives the bio enzyme the disinfectant property. Here is our video tutorial, where you can see step by step how to make your own eco enzyme.
Eco enzyme is a multipurpose cleaner and can be used as you just need to dilute it with tap water. Generally 1:3 proportion for sprays, for floor 50ml for 1 bucket and use directly for toilets.
- Floor cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Kitchen cleaner
- Dishwashing liquid
- Glass Cleaner
- Air purifier
- Clothes detergent
- Waste treatment
- Body wash and hair care
- Insect repellent
- Pesticide
- Fertilizer
2. Soapnuts
Soapnuts are my other favorites you can either use them as it is, make power and use them or use them along with bio enzyme for laundry and dishwashing or add other natural ingredients like shikakai and use them as shampoo. Watch this video tutorial about how to use soapnuts.
3. Baking Soda & Vinegar
These are other must-have DIY cleaning ingredients to remove grease or unclog the sink in your kitchen. There are many ways to use baking soda either with lemon juice or vinegar for cleaning and tough stain removal.  Just remember you have to mix both, right at the time of cleaning to make use of a fizzy reaction of mixing baking soda and vinegar. To clean your fridge try spraying a mixture of vinegar and water and then wipe clean the surfaces. Apart from cleaning, here you can find how can you make your kitchen completely nontoxic.
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4. Raw Citrus Peels
Some people need to have a deodorizer for garbage and room fresheners. But do you know that those emit toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are harmful to use for a prolonged time? But don’t worry we got you covered. You can depend on just lemon and orange peels for all your air freshener needs. Plus citrus peels are great to clean oven, microwave and deodorize as well. Here you can read step-by-step DIY methods for deep cleaning and deodorizing using citrus peels.
When you are making all of the above homemade cleaners are truly zero waste. The leftover waste like the remaining fruit peels after your strain the bio enzyme or soapnuts leftover after repeated use you can either add to compost or directly use as fertilizer. Isn’t that amazing!
If you are motivated to know more DIY, zero waste alternatives, here are some homemade personal care products and another list of beauty products from edible ingredients.
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Inspired enough to make your home more sustainable?
You can also access our self-paced online course, Sustainable Home Masterclass. is designed to give attendees a complete guide to sustainable homes right from how to select a property up to what changes can you make in your existing property including budget-friendly options. This course will also contain an introduction to green buildings and sustainable material choices. Plus how to develop conscious consumption choices to select sustainable household items and develop simple habits for a healthy home. After this course, you will be able to gain enough knowledge to reduce your utility bills and cost elsewhere, improve your family’s wellness as well as contribute to climate action right from your home.
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