I was in a cleaning kick today and it got me thinking: is it easy to clean green? Turns out it's simple, inexpensive and includes products you may have in your cabinets.
According to Planet Green, baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning alternatives. Mix either with warm water and voila! You have an all-purpose cleaner.The site also has a list of green cleaning products to make at home, including a window cleaner, soft scrubber and furniture polish.
For dishes, I like Earth Friendly Products' natural lavender soap. Its smell relaxes me and it's free of harmful ingredients. I also use Seventh Generation laundry detergent and purchase dryer sheets free of perfume and dye. On Seventh Generation's site, you can join Seventh Generation Nation, which includes coupons, special offers, tips, forums and an e-newsletter.
To decrease waste use wash cloths, not sponges! Sponges can be a breeding ground for germs and when you're done, you have to toss them. Instead, use a wash cloth to clean dishes or wipe the counters, wash it and repeat.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution levels can be more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. To reduce the risk of toxic air, open your windows and let the fresh air flow in. If you want to freshen up your space, Planet Green recommends boiling cinnamon or herbs instead of spraying air freshener. Kate and I bought cinnamon sticks to use as decoration and they add a light, natural aroma to the air. You also can get a house plant to promote air filtration.
It just takes a couple lifestyle changes and you're on your way to a cleaner, less-toxic environment indoors and outdoors. Plus, you can save some cash and avoid harmful chemicals. Do you clean green?
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
*photos courtesy of woodleywonderworks (NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) & the EPA
Comments