4 Simple Spring Cleaning Swaps For a Healthy Home & Planet
Years ago I would complain every time I had to do a deep clean, not because I don’t like getting my scrub on but due to the fact I’d finish with a pounding headache due to the bleach. Fast forward to the present, we know all know how harmful bleach is to the planet and our wellness but it’s still one of the most popular cleaning products even though it’s been linked to respiratory problems, multiple forms of cancer, endocrine disorders, and other health risks. Go green and save money with the below tips.
Forget single-use products
The easiest way I found to reduce my carbon footprint was to just change one thing at a time. Rather than throwing out anything I would use up the products I had and then when it was time to buy new single-use products I would hit up google and see what eco-friendly solutions were out there. Doing this I’ve managed to save money as I’m buying less and reusing long-life alternatives like the LastSwab (Q-Tip), washable period underwear, and steel safety razors. When it comes to cleaning supplies instead of using Swiffer pads or paper towels consider making rags by cutting up old clothing you can’t donate and use these your swifter, for dusting, scrubbing etc
Use a non-toxic cleaner
Avoiding bleach is a fantastic place to start, but if you really want to make a difference be critical of greenwashing clean brands such as Seventh Generation and Dawn (who hasn’t been misled by the super cute duck commercials). It’s super simple (and cheap!) to make some of your own cleaning products at home using ingredients like lemon, baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and hydrogen peroxide- nicknamed nature’s bleach. You can make a multipurpose cleaner by combining 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, a squeeze of lemon, and optional (10 drops essential oil) in an old spray bottle. It’s safe for almost all surfaces (avoid granite and marble) or check out brands like Dr. Bronners Castile soap.
pure castille soap
A multi-surface all-purpose cleaner good for just about any task. Wash face, body, hair, hands! Clean toilets, bathtubs, countertops, dishes—great for laundry, mopping, pets, and aromatherapy—with no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents
Use a basic bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% for scrubbing areas you’d usually use bleach on like shower scum and toilet scrubbing. Side note – avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with the vinegar, and keep in mind hydrogen peroxide loses its potency when exposed to air or sunlight so you’re going to want to keep it in a dark container and pour just a little bit into an empty spray bottle to make cleaning easier each time.
Ventilate
Get some fresh air and oxygen through your by but opening windows and doors. Indoor air can trap a ton of pollutants. Skip the daily candles, shockingly the candle industry is not governed by any regulatory bodies, and lots of candles contain nasty (but deliciously scented) chemicals that actually lower the indoor air quality. When you light a candle you are inhaling the fumes. Instead use an essential oil diffuser or make your own candles using beeswax and essential oils – it’s super easy!
Be Waterwise
This is a pretty basic tip but don’t leave taps running – it’s scary to think that even in first-world countries we’re still haunted by water scarcity in towns like Flint, Michigan. It’s our responsibility to ensure a future with access to basic necessities such as water for everyone so do your part and conserve water as best as you can by turning taps on and off being mindful of water consumption when cleaning. Why not take it one step further and think about the other fluids and materials we pop down the drain as part of our daily routines such as laundry detergents, menstrual supplies, conditioner and shampoo – there are so many amazing green brands out there that have biodegradable formulas and eco-friendly packaging.
Ethical Brand Suggestions:
plastic free packaging, carbon neutral shipping & sustainably made
100% recycled toilet paper + paper towels
reusable swabs, rounds, period products + tissues
Banish single use bathroom products to reduce your carbon footprint massively
