Keeping a clean home can be key to fighting the germs that cause illness (as well as the dust, mold and pet dander that can cause allergic reactions). However, many modern and mainstream cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that may pose more of a threat to our families than the actual dirt and grime we are trying to remove.
To keep your family safe this year, here are some of our favorite “green” cleaning tips:
Spring Cleaning
As SparkPeople says, “The last thing you want to do is dump toxic chemicals into the environment in the name of cleaning, right?” Forget the chemical-filled sprays and wipes and turn to a more natural, eco-friendly solution. “Green” cleaning supplies have been catching on, thanks to their environmentally friendly ingredients. There are currently many different brands available for purchase in-store and online.
If you’re a fan of essential oils, you’ll be happy to know that several of these all-natural oils are also excellent for cleaning your home. Commonly-used essential oils such as peppermint and tea tree are known for naturally fighting germs, such as viruses, fungal infections and bacteria. You could try mixing these with citrus oils such as lemon or orange, to add a refreshingly clean and uplifting odor to your DIY cleaning solution.
Declutter
Another environmentally friendly way to clean up your household or business this season is by decluttering, downsizing, and getting rid of any unused items. Sustainability experts recommend reducing the number of items you own, and only purchasing items that you need. If you haven’t used something in months or years, consider donating it to Goodwill or a charity that serves those in need. In addition to being a tax write-off, this also helps you reduce your carbon footprint.
Spring Home Maintenance
The seasonal transition from winter into spring can be a perfect time to finally start working on those home improvement and much-needed maintenance projects you’d been putting off all season. Consider adding projects like solar panel installation to your to-do list. Not only do solar panels help the environment by providing green energy; they also provide you with “green” money by saving you on your utility bills.
This time of year is also the perfect time to increase the insulation in your walls. Even if there is not very much shift in seasons in your area, the added insulation can allow you to turn the thermostat down a few degrees – and keep it there year-round. Again, this will save you money in the long-term.
As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate sustainable cleaning practices into your routine. Eco-friendly cleaning products are safer for our families and pets, and can even save us money. Plus, they can be a great way to help the planet, combat global warming and help reverse the trend of climate change. Best of all, the eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning tips we’ve listed above will help you save the planet any season of the year.