Best Way to Create an Eco-Friendly Morning Routine?

Your morning sets the tone for your entire day. But if you’re trying to live more sustainably in Asheville—or anywhere in the mountains of Western North Carolina—your routine might be due for a little eco-friendly glow-up.

From the skincare products you use to the way you brew your coffee, there are simple ways to green up your mornings without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Here’s how to start the day with a lighter carbon footprint:

1. Rethink Your Personal Care Products

Take a quick glance at your bathroom shelf. Are your go-to products packaged in plastic or full of mystery ingredients? Many conventional brands rely on synthetic chemicals that aren’t great for your body or the environment.

Look for items that are:

• Packaged in glass, metal, or refillable containers

• Made by local or low-waste brands (check out shops around downtown Asheville!)

• Free from artificial fragrance, parabens, and phthalates

You can even DIY some basics like toothpaste, body scrubs, or deodorant with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

2. Cut Down on Water Waste

The average shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. When you factor in your entire morning routine, it adds up quickly. Instead, try:

• Installing a low-flow showerhead

• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth

• Taking shorter showers or timing yourself with your favorite 3-minute song

Small changes can make a big difference, especially when they become part of your everyday rhythm.

3. Opt for Reusables, Always

Skip the single-use cotton rounds, tissues, and paper towels. Swap in reusable cloths, bamboo towels, or compostable options. If you’re a coffee drinker, brew at home using a French press and take it to-go in a sturdy mug instead of a disposable cup. These are easy wins!

4. Bring Nature In

Opening a window, watering your plants, or diffusing essential oils can make your morning feel fresh and grounding. Try lavender or eucalyptus for a little AM aromatherapy. Bonus: Clean air and natural scents are way better than artificially-scented sprays.

5. Start With a Low-Waste Breakfast

What you eat matters, but so does how you prepare it. Mornings are a great time to build low-waste habits into your kitchen routine.

Try this:

• Skip individually wrapped breakfast bars and go for bulk granola or overnight oats in reusable jars

• Compost your coffee grounds, banana peels, or eggshells (they’re garden gold!)

• Choose local, seasonal ingredients when possible

It’s an easy win: Good for the planet, good for you, and a great excuse to eat something delicious.

Make Your Home as Green as Your Morning

If you're already mindful of your daily habits—whether it's choosing natural skincare products or opting for a reusable coffee cup—why not give the same care to the products used to clean your home? At Green Home Cleaning, our Asheville-based team uses eco-friendly, non-toxic solutions that are safe for your skin, your lungs, and the planet.

So whether you're starting your day with herbal tea and a sunrise over the Blue Ridge or you just managed to put on pants before 11 a.m., we're here to help you keep your space as green as your lifestyle.

Ready to book a green cleaning session in Asheville? Contact us today, and let us do the dirty work, naturally.