We’re always on the lookout for cleaner, healthier alternatives in our lives: from the things we use, to the things we make, and the things we eat. For this edition of Clean Swaps, we took a look at everything relating to hosting guests: from eco-friendly and cozy ways to keep your home clean, to staying hydrated, and enjoying meals together. As always we challenged ourselves to not only find a Busy Bee Clean Swap that could replace beloved items, but were so good we preferred the alternative. We’re really excited to share what we’ve found with you!
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Have you seen our other Clean Swap editions?
Making Clean Swaps for a More Sustainable Home
Hosting guests can be a wonderful way to bring our loved ones close to us and create memories, but it can also come with its own set of waste and environmental impact. From disposable plates and water bottles to dryer sheets and plastic loofas, the items we use when entertaining can add up. However, with just a few simple swaps, you can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendly, without sacrificing comfort or style.
Clean Swap 1: Swap Paper Plates for Biodegradable Plates
Paper plates are a convenient option when hosting guests, but they create a lot of waste and often can’t be recycled because of the grease and food residue they contain. Biodegradable plates made from bamboo, sugarcane, or other plant-based materials are a much better alternative and ideal clean swap. These plates are compostable, meaning they break down naturally in a compost pile and return to the earth.
Not only are biodegradable plates better for the environment, but they can also be a stylish and chic addition to your table setting. Many companies offer a range of designs and shapes, making it easy to find plates that match your aesthetic. And, because they’re made from natural materials, they often have a more interesting and unique texture than their paper counterparts.
Clean Swap 2: Offer a Basket of Comfy Socks in Place of Wearing Shoes Inside
Asking your guests to remove their shoes at the door is a common practice in many homes, but it can be uncomfortable for some people to walk around in their bare feet. To make your guests feel more at home, we recommend this tip from a member of The Busy Bee Community: offer a basket of cozy socks for your guests to wear instead of shoes. You can find socks made from soft, natural materials like bamboo or organic cotton, which are not only comfortable but also more environmentally friendly than traditional synthetic socks. Frequently they’re on sale at the Dollar Store or Target so you can stock up when prices are low!
Having a basket of socks readily available for guests to grab as they come in the door and/or thoughtfully placed in the guest room is a simple and practical way to show your guests that you care about their comfort and well-being. Plus, it helps keep the inside of your home cleaner and more hygienic.
Clean Swap 3: Water Carafe Instead of Water Bottles
Single-use plastic water bottles are not only bad for the environment but also costly. When hosting guests, consider using a bedside glass water carafe and glass cup instead. Not only does it look more elegant on the table, but it’s also refillable, reducing the number of plastic bottles you’re using.
Water carafes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so you can choose one that fits your style and the size of your gathering. You can even infuse the water with fruits or herbs for an added spa feel.
Clean Swap 4: Wool Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are another item that contributes to waste and often contains harmful chemicals that are released into the air when they’re heated. A better alternative is organic wool dryer balls. These are made from natural wool and work by bouncing around in the dryer, separating clothes and reducing static. They also help reduce drying time, which is great for when you have guests and need to get laundry done quickly.
Wool dryer balls are not only environmentally friendly, but they’re also reusable, making them a more economical option in the long-run. And, because the dryer balls are made from natural materials, they’re also less likely to cause skin irritation, which is a concern for some people with sensitive skin.
Clean Swap 5: Washable Loofahs Instead of Plastic Loofahs
Plastic loofahs are commonly used in the bathroom, but they’re not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. A better alternative to offer guests is a washable loofah that offers all the benefits of a loofah–without the germs. Washable loofahs are made of strong, sustainable natural fibers that can be washed and reused in a clean (and green!) way.
What kinds of swaps are you hoping to make in your own home over the coming months?
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