Plastic Free July: 15 Days to Create a Healthier Home and Planet - part 2
Continuing Your Plastic Free July Journey
If you're just joining us, welcome! Plastic Free July is a global movement that inspires millions of people to reduce single-use plastic through simple, everyday choices.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we believe every home is a sacred space. Creating a healthier home doesn't require perfection—it begins with one intentional choice at a time. Whether you live in Roseville,Rocklin, Lincoln,Loomis, Granite Bay, or anywhere in South Placer County, every reusable bottle, refill, and eco-friendly habit helps create a home that supports your family's well-being while caring for our planet.
Let's continue exploring practical, affordable ways to reduce plastic and bring even more peace of mind for your health into your everyday cleaning routine.
.Plastic-Free Tip #6: Know What You're Throwing Away with a Household Waste Audit
Have you ever wondered where most of your household waste comes from?
Many of us recycle without giving much thought to what actually ends up in our trash can each week. A simple waste audit can be surprisingly eye-opening and often reveals easy opportunities to reduce plastic without sacrificing convenience.
Spend a week paying attention to what you throw away. You don't need anything fancy—just keep a notepad or spreadsheet nearby and make a quick note whenever something goes into the trash or recycling.
As you review your list, ask yourself:
Which items create the most waste?
Are there products I buy repeatedly that come in single-use plastic?
Can I replace any of these with refillable, reusable, or package-free alternatives?
What changes would be the easiest to make first?
You may discover that shampoo bottles, cleaning products, food packaging, and paper towels make up a much larger portion of your household waste than you realized.
Don't focus on what you haven't done. Celebrate the sustainable habits you've already built, then choose one or two new goals for the coming month.
Progress is what creates lasting change.
Plastic-Free Tip #7: Love Your Local Refill Stores
One of my favorite ways to reduce plastic waste is by supporting our local refill stores. In fact, I'm a little obsessed with this concept! If you've read Part 1, you already know how much I love the idea of refilling instead of replacing.
Rather than buying another disposable bottle, simply bring in the containers you already have and refill them with the products you use every day. It's such a simple shift, yet it can keep dozens of plastic bottles out of the landfill each year. As an added bonus, refilling is often more economical and supports local small businesses that are passionate about sustainability.
We're fortunate to have several wonderful refill shops right here in our area that make living with less plastic both easy and enjoyable:
Good Human Refillery - Folsom
Refill Madness – Sacramento
Nudge Eco Store – Sacramento
Rutherford Reserve – Auburn
Planet Refills - Neveda City
Shopping locally not only reduces packaging waste, but it also strengthens the community we call home. Every refill is one less plastic bottle that needs to be manufactured, transported, and eventually discarded.
Plastic-Free Tip #8: Choose Laundry Products Carefully
Laundry is one of the biggest opportunities to reduce household plastic.
For years, heavy plastic detergent jugs filled store shelves. Today there are many alternatives, but not all of them are as environmentally friendly as they appear.
Laundry detergent sheets and pods are often marketed as "plastic-free" because they don't come in plastic bottles. However, many contain PVA (polyvinyl alcohol or PVOH)—a water-soluble plastic that dissolves during the wash cycle. While there is ongoing scientific discussion about how completely it biodegrades in different environments, it's helpful for consumers to know that "plastic-free packaging" doesn't always mean "plastic-free ingredients."
A simpler option is often a quality laundry powder packaged in cardboard or paper-based containers. Many plant-based powders clean exceptionally well, reduce unnecessary packaging, and avoid the need for liquid fillers.
For everyday laundry, we also recommend:
Washing full loads whenever possible.
Using cold water when appropriate to save energy.
Measuring detergent carefully to avoid residue.
Skipping dryer sheets in favor of reusable wool dryer balls.
Choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented products when possible.
Cleaner laundry doesn't have to come with more plastic.
Plastic-Free Tip #9: Natural Fibers Help Reduce Microplastics
Plastic doesn't only come from bottles.
Many of our clothes are made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and fleece. Every time these fabrics are washed, they can release microscopic plastic fibers—known as microplastics—into our waterways.
When you're shopping for clothing, bedding, or towels, consider natural fibers whenever possible:
Organic cotton
Linen
Hemp
Wool
Bamboo (when responsibly processed)
Natural fibers are breathable, durable, and often more comfortable in our warm Northern California summers. They also help reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment through everyday laundry.
If you already own synthetic clothing, there's no need to throw it away. Continue using it and consider washing it less frequently, using cooler water, and adding a microfiber-catching laundry filter or washing bag when it's time for a replacement.
Again, it's about making thoughtful choices—not striving for perfection.
Plastic-Free Tip #10: Reduce Plastic in Your Kitchen Cleaning Routine
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the home—and often one of the biggest sources of disposable plastic.
A few simple swaps can make a big difference:
Replace bottled dish soap with a solid dish soap bar.
Use wooden dish brushes with replaceable heads.
Choose stainless steel scrubbers instead of disposable plastic scrub pads.
Store leftovers in glass containers rather than disposable plastic bags.
Replace plastic wrap with reusable beeswax wraps or silicone covers.
Keep reusable cloth napkins and towels close at hand.
These small changes reduce waste while creating a cleaner, more organized kitchen.
As a bonus, fewer disposable products often mean less clutter under the sink.
Plastic-Free Tip #11: Make the Most of What You Already Have
One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainable living is that you have to replace everything immediately.
In reality, one of the most environmentally responsible choices is simply using what you already own.
Finish the cleaning products already sitting under your sink.
Continue using your existing spray bottles until they wear out.
Repurpose glass jars for storage.
Reuse sturdy containers before purchasing new ones.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we believe mindful consumption is every bit as important as choosing eco-friendly products. The goal isn't to create unnecessary waste by replacing usable items—it's to make thoughtful decisions when it's time to replace them.
Plastic-Free Tip #12: Make Your Summer Gatherings More Sustainable
Summer in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and throughout South Placer County means backyard barbecues, neighborhood gatherings, family picnics, and evenings spent outdoors.
These celebrations can also generate a surprising amount of single-use waste.
Instead of disposable plates and plastic utensils, consider:
Stainless steel or reusable dinnerware.
Cloth napkins instead of paper.
Refillable drink dispensers instead of bottled beverages.
Reusable water bottles for guests.
Glass serving bowls instead of disposable trays.
When the party is over, washing reusable dishes may take a few extra minutes, but you'll avoid sending an entire bag of disposable plastic to the landfill.
Sometimes the most sustainable choice is simply slowing down.
Healthy Homes Begin with Intentional Choices
Every refill. Every reusable cloth. Every glass bottle. Every solid soap bar.
These choices may seem small on their own, yet together they create something much bigger—a home that supports your family's health while reducing its impact on the environment.
At Om Sweet Om Cleaning, we often remind our clients that creating a healthier home isn't about chasing perfection. It's about building habits that bring greater peace of mind, cleaner indoor spaces, and a deeper sense of harmony in everyday life.
Whether you're reducing plastic, choosing safer ingredients, or simply becoming more aware of what comes into your home, each step is an investment in your family's well-being.
After all, peace of mind for your health begins with the place you call home.