4 Sustainable Cleaning Hacks for Your Entire Home
Written by contributing columnist Kristin Louis.
Waste is such a problem. That’s why Zero Waste California is committed to helping everyday folks learn how to live more sustainable and responsible lives. We’re not here to shame or lecture you — just to provide you with practical hacks to help you cut out the amount of plastic, waste, and toxins you’re using around your home. With all of these in mind, let’s run through a few simple and sustainable cleaning tips.
Let In Some Fresh Air
If the air in your home is stale, you don’t need chemical scents to improve it. In fact, one of the best ways to improve air quality in your home is to open a few of your windows. You’d be surprised at what fresh air can do for your sense of well-being. Decluttering and cleaning can also help, but we’ll cover some natural tips for these steps in the next few sections.
Back to scents for a few seconds: If you do feel like adding pleasing aromas to your home, choose all-natural sources like essential oils, dried florals, or organic coffee beans. They’ll be much easier on your nose and so much better for the environment.
Live With Less Clutter
Clearing out clutter can be good for your stress levels, but learning to live with less can be even better for the carbon footprint you leave behind. That’s according to a 2019 report from The Yale Center for Environmental Communication. Durable and non-durable goods are the fourth leading cause of emissions, and the effects come from their production, transportation, and use.
Now, if you already have clutter that you need to get rid of, doing so responsibly is also vital. The disposal of consumer goods can also wreak havoc on the environment, especially when they are tossed in landfills or allowed to make their way into surrounding ecosystems. As you sort through your belongings, figure out what can be recycled and how to responsibly get rid of all of the rest.
Clean With DIY Products
With your home free of clutter and filled with fresh air, it’s time to work on cutting out any dust or grime. Before you reach for popular cleaning products, however, you should know that many of the most widely used cleaners are also some of the most toxic for both the environment and your family. You should always check with the EWG to see if ready-made products are safe to use in your home, or you can save some time and money by making your own!
DIY cleaners are quite simple to formulate using just a few basic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and plain-old H20. You may even have what you need in your pantry already, but if not, picking up supplies will only cost a few bucks. That’s good news for the planet and your budget. By using glass bottles, you can also cut down on the amount of plastic you’re using at home.
Cut Out Plastic Habits
So you’ve ditched the plastic bottles that come with cleaning products. But what else can you do to reduce the amount of plastic being used by your family? If you need help figuring this out, Zero Waste California is, again, a wonderful resource, with tips for kicking plastic out of your kitchen, bathroom, and everyday routines.
You can even find eco-friendly tips for raising a plastic-free pup! Just think about it: You’re likely using plastic to feed and water your pet — not to mention, the endless supply of bags you’re using to scoop up poop. But try not to feel guilty because changing your habits is easy. To help you get started, here are more no-waste secrets.
Sustainable cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can take time to adjust any habit. So allow yourself this time and feel proud of small steps you’re taking every single day. Remember, even the tiniest improvements can make an enormous impact on the environment.
Written by contributing columnist Kristin Louis.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
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