The term eco-friendly’ used to be coined when referring to an alternative, or hippy way of life. However, as younger generations begin to acknowledge the harm we do to our planet, what was once seen as an alternative lifestyle is becoming more commonplace. There are still some giant green steps to take to halt the damage and consumption of our planet, but by cleaning in a green and eco friendly way we immediately halt toxic chemicals entering our homes and flowing down our drains and into our waterways.
See through marketing and advertising
Did you know that the word natural’ on a cleaning product does not make it eco-friendly? Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide are technically natural, yet are toxic, abrasive and can cause damage to both humans and the planet. Look past the green packaging and pictures of a happy, healthy world and turn your cleaning product over. Take a good look at the ingredients and look for phosphate-free, plant-based and non-toxic chemicals to ensure you are purchasing a truly green cleaning product.
Old wives tales may ring true
There is a good reason why natural chemicals such as vinegar, lemon and bicarbonate of soda are still used today. They work! Sure, you may need to spend a little more time preparing solutions and put a bit more effort in with elbow grease, but natural ingredients make effective all-round cleaning products. Mixing these products in different ways and adding essential oils can deliver smear free window panes and chrome which shines. It may take a little practice to get the mix and process right, but once you have it, you’ll use it for life. Think of the money you will save!
Commercial cleaning products can be green
Surprisingly, commercial cleaning products like what Cleanfocus.com.au use, can come with more green cleaning credentials than consumer cleaning products. Commercial cleaners are now expected to demonstrate green and eco-friendly cleaning practices. They need to ensure that green targets are met and employees and workers spend their full-time working lives in a safe and healthy environment. Check out cleaning products certified by Green Seal for a list of products and stockists.
Recycle and Reuse
Eco-friendly cleaning isn’t all about the chemicals you use. It can also be about the processes we use to clean and the waste products we produce. To clean in a green way, forget single-use disposable cleaning wipes and polishing cloths and look to reuse material you have in the home. Use old bed sheets, towels and cotton shirts to create effective cleaning cloths which you can wash and reuse time and again. Recycling and reusing reduce napkins, paper towels and cleaning wipes which end up in landfill, or worse flushed into our waterways and clogging our waste systems.
Green cleaning and green living
A fresh and clsean home also means breathing in fresh, clean air. Remove harmful cleaning chemicals from your kitchen and bathroom cupboards, vacuum up dust and open some windows to let the fresh air in. Invest in easy to look after house plants to add to a sense of cleaning and wellbeing to your home and a non-toxic and clean space to live in.
A few simple changes and a bit of time can make the switch to eco-friendly cleaning an easy, manageable and sustainable one!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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