In 2018, about 14.3 million households in the United States used eco-friendly goods and services, and the number is projected to rise in the coming years, according to Statista. Cleaning your house is a continuous process, and as long as you want to enjoy the benefits of a clean house, you must work. However, most cleaning supplies contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to people and the environment. Therefore, for you to embrace sustainable living and enjoy clean air, you have to have a source for bio-friendly non-toxic cleaners and natural products and implement some green steps when cleaning your home.
Here are some helpful insights into how you can approach household cleaning in an eco-friendly way:
Select Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products is the initial step in approaching household cleaning. Good examples of eco-friendly products include: baking soda and lemon used for removing bad odor, hydrogen peroxide and salt which are used as a stain remover, and disinfectant and vinegar which is a multi-purpose cleaning agent. The use of natural products keep the household members and nature free of toxic chemicals caused by air pollution. If, for instance, you’re planning to clean your outdoor spaces like your lawn, buying a bio-friendly spray is a good option for eliminating the bacteria growing within the grass. The next step is removing the harmful products found within the house.
Properly Eliminate the Harmful Products
A majority of homeowners unknowingly keep a collection of harmful cleaning products. From spray cleaning bottles, to floor polishes and oven cleaners, the effect caused by inhaling them is detrimental to your health and can lead to sickness. Therefore, you should dispose of all the hazardous cleaners, and replace them with eco-friendly or natural substitutes like white vinegar and lemon juice that cuts grease and freshens, or Borax that cleans and deodorizes. It’s advisable to contact a recycling center within your area so you can get proper directives on disposing of toxic products. Proper handling of toxic products also prevents further pollution to the environment.
Clean the Air in Your Home
Instead of buying aerosol sprays and scented candles, consider adding plants to get clean air around the house. Plants purify the air in homes by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen as a by-product. Some of the plants that are easy to maintain include lilies, spider plants, ferns, and snake plants. For a person who wants to create a natural air freshener of sweet aroma, sliced lemon and thyme can be added to a saucepan with warm water. The evaporating fumes make the room smell wonderful.
Reuse the Old Items in Your Home
Repurposing of unused items in the house is also another way of eco-friendly cleaning. One way of decluttering is by recycling the old items and using them for new purposes, e.g. using an old shirt for garage duties. Repurposing of the items will deter you from buying more materials and reduce impulse buying. You may donate some of your things to donation centers and charity organizations for better use. The rest of the remaining items can be placed in a store. The main benefit of repurposing is saving money and having fewer items for disposal. For households with a garden, food waste can be eliminated in an eco-friendly way and be used to create compost.
Clean the Garden in an Eco-Friendly Way
There are several ways you can clean your garden in an eco-friendly way. Plastic bottles and containers are the significant contributors of pollution, hence converting them into water cans, and nursery beds are one way of sustaining an eco-friendly garden. Food, vegetables, leaf clippings and other organic leftovers which are degradable can be put into a compost bin to produce natural fertilizer — afterwards, it’s mixed with soil to provide nutrients to the plants without relying on the artificial fertilizers. A combination of salt, vinegar and water may be used to eliminate weeds when its applied in moderation. All the tips above go a long way toward making the garden eco-friendly.
Cleaning your home in an eco-friendly way is achievable. Through implementing some of the above ideas and products, you stand to benefit your home with a clean environment. Some of the changes are minimal, but their impact is massive on the environment and the overall health of your household.