Free guide · Blueberry Bear Organics
The Organic Swaps Starter Guide
20 simple swaps, room by room, and a quick way to read the label before you buy. No need to change everything at once. Pick one swap that suits your home, and go from there.
This is a general shopping guide about materials, packaging and labels. It isn't health, medical or veterinary advice, and we don't claim any product is better for your health. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
How to use this guide
- Choose one room to start with.
- Swap things as they run out, not all at once. It's kinder on the budget and less waste.
- Read the label (see the checklist at the end), so you know what you're actually buying.
Kitchen
- Instead of plastic cling wrap
Beeswax or plant-wax wraps
Reusable wraps for bowls, cheese and half a lemon. Wash in cool water and let them air dry.
- Instead of plastic tubs
Glass or stainless steel containers
Easy to see what's inside, and long-lasting with a little care.
- Instead of bottled dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing sheets or bars
Lighter to post and often in card or tin packaging. Check the pack for how to use and store them.
- Instead of plastic utensils
Wooden boards, spoons and dippers
A natural, timeless pick. Oil wooden pieces now and then to keep them looking good.
Laundry and cleaning
- Instead of big plastic bottles
Laundry detergent sheets
Pre-measured sheets that come in compact packaging. Follow the dose on the pack.
- Instead of single-use dryer sheets
Wool dryer balls
A reusable laundry favourite. Pop a few in with each load.
- Instead of plastic scrubbers
Natural-fibre brushes
Wooden handles with plant-fibre bristles. Many can go in the compost at the end of their life (check the brand's advice).
- Instead of a spray for every surface
A few plant-based cleaners
Fewer bottles under the sink. Look for a full ingredient list and clear directions.
Bathroom and bedroom
- Instead of a plastic loofah
Plant-fibre or reusable body tools
Rinse and hang to dry after each use, and replace as the brand suggests.
- Instead of polyester satin
Mulberry silk pillowcases, eye masks and scrunchies
Silk is a natural fibre; "satin" is a weave and isn't always silk. Momme is a measure of silk weight.
- Instead of synthetic sheets
Organic cotton or linen bedding
Look for a GOTS or OCS label if you want certified organic fibre (more on labels below).
- Instead of plastic sunscreen tubes
Sunscreen in a tin
Some brands now pack sunscreen in reusable tins. Sunscreens are regulated by the TGA: always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Babies and little ones
- Instead of synthetic wraps
Cotton or muslin swaddles
Breathable natural fibres that wash well. Always follow safe-sleep guidance from Red Nose Australia.
- Instead of plastic-heavy toys
Wooden and natural-material toys
Fewer, longer-lasting toys. Check age guidance on every toy.
- Instead of fast-fashion basics
Knitted and natural-fibre clothing
Pieces that can be handed down. Wash on gentle and dry flat.
- Instead of a new helmet or scooter every year
Gear made to last, from recycled or lower-impact materials
Check the brand's materials information and the Australian safety standard on helmets.
Pantry and pets
- Instead of buying every staple in plastic
Bulk or refill staples
Oats, rice, legumes and nuts keep well in glass jars. Label jars with the date you filled them.
- Instead of guessing at "organic"
Certified organic staples
Look for a certifier logo and licence number (for example ACO, NASAA, OFC or Demeter) and check it on the certifier's register.
- Instead of a bed you can't wash
Pet beds with removable, machine-washable covers
Easier to keep fresh. Check the care label before washing.
- Instead of plastic pet toys
Natural rubber, cotton, hemp or wool toys
Supervise play and replace toys once they wear. Your vet is the best person to ask about your pet's needs.
Read the label: a 30-second checklist
- "Certified organic" should come with a certifier's name or logo and a licence number you can check. "Organic" on its own isn't a regulated term in Australia, but claims must not be misleading.
- "Natural", "eco" and "clean" have no set definition. Look for the details: ingredients, materials and packaging.
- Ingredient lists on cosmetics are listed in descending order by amount, so the first few ingredients make up most of the product.
- Textiles: GOTS ("organic" means at least 95% certified organic fibre) and OCS show organic fibre content. Check the certification body and licence number.
- Packaging: the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) tells you which bin each part goes in. Soft plastics only go where there's a collection point.
- Sunscreen and other TGA-listed products: read the label and follow the directions for use.
Want more detail? See How we label for how Blueberry Bear Organics describes the products on our marketplace.
Browse by room
Join the founding list
Be first to hear about new brands, more free guides and new products on Blueberry Bear Organics. Just the occasional email, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
From The Blueberry Bear Team. Blueberry Bear Organics is an Australian online marketplace for organic, natural, sustainable and low-tox brands.