Simple swaps for a clean new year

January. Bleak isn’t it? 

Dark mornings, cold days, weather that’s more barmy than balmy. We like to stay positive at Naked Paper, but it can test the best of us. 

But what if we reframed January as a chance to hunker down, reflect, and freshen up some of the old household routines as we start the new year? 

If one of your resolutions this year has been to think a bit more deeply about the things you buy, you don't need to overhaul everything at once. Small, thoughtful swaps are often the ones that stick, and they add up over time. So we’ve put together some easy ones to get started.

Bleach-free toilet paper (and other bare essentials)

There’s a lot of products we use every day, without much thought, and this is a great place to look for places where we can make a big difference. At Naked Paper, we know that toilet paper, tissues, and kitchen paper towels are used in almost every home; so making a change to more sustainable alternatives is a daily difference that can really add up. 

And we’re not the only ones making tweaks to your everyday essentials…

Less plastic in the bathroom

It’s amazing how quickly bathroom products pile up; bottles of shampoo and shower gel, toothpaste tubes, razors, body lotion, and usually a lot of single-use plastic along with them.

So if you want to reduce plastic waste, the bathroom is a great place to start. Many shampoo bars and soaps come in plastic-free packaging, and refill options are becoming more and more accessible if bars don’t work for you.

We particularly like:

• grüum – for soaps, skincare, and razors
  

• kinkind – for solid haircare

More gentle cleaning

Bathroom cleaning is another area where a small change can go a long way. Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm waterways and aquatic life.

Thankfully, there are now plenty of effective, eco-friendly alternatives available. One brand we particularly like is Purdy & Figg, who offer refillable glass bottles and plant-based concentrates that work well, smell wonderful, and look good sitting on your counter.

Or, if you enjoy experimenting, homemade cleaning products can be a great option. We often turn to Nancy Birtwhistle for inspiration; she shares practical, achievable cleaning tips on Instagram and Facebook, along with wonderful baking content. 

(and she uses Naked Paper at home!)

Small changes *do* matter

There is no need to change everything at once. Swapping items as they run out is generally going to be the most realistic approach, and it’s definitely the most sustainable because you’re not wasting what you already have.

You do not need a perfectly eco-friendly bathroom. As far as we know, there’s no such thing. Switching your toilet paper to a recycled or bamboo option, choosing one refillable product, or replacing just one cleaning spray all work as positive steps in the right direction.

Those small choices build momentum; over time, they become habits.

Ready to make a simple swap?

If you are looking for an easy place to start, explore our range of bleach-free toilet paper, tissues, and kitchen rolls; made from recycled card or bamboo, with simple ingredients and a transparent manufacturing process.