We all like to keep our homes tidy and clean, but every time we use harsh chemicals or disposable products, the environment is paying the price. However, it does not have to be this way. A few simple swaps are all that is needed to keep your home looking fresh without clogging up landfills or exposing the people and animals in your home to toxic chemicals. What is even better about switching to more sustainable choices is that they will save you money in the long run, and they will reduce clutter too.
This short guide walks you through some of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to your home cleaning routine.
1. Ditch Disposable Wipes
Single-use wipes are sold as a convenient way for you to disinfect surfaces and wipe away stains, but they are not so convenient for everyone else once you are done with them. They all have to go in the bin and then into landfill, and they often contain chemicals which are not biodegradable. There are a few alternatives that you can swap these for. When it comes to cleaning your floor, a classic spin mop with bucket does the job just as well yet can be reused for years. You can even find ones today with convenient machine-washable heads. And because you will be adding any chemicals into the bucket yourself, you can make them non-toxic and natural too, contributing to a more sustainable and healthy home.
2. Avoid Paper Towels
Every year, millions of rolls of paper towels end up in landfills. While they are made of paper and are therefore biodegradable, there are more sustainable solutions that would prevent a lot of the waste they cause. Some of the best paper towel alternatives are things that you probably already have at home, like reusable dishcloths or even just an old T-shirt. A good modern choice is a microfiber cloth, as these are able to extract dirt and dust from surfaces without harsh chemicals being used.
3. Make Your Own Cleaning Agents
The kinds of cleaning products that you can pick up at the supermarket are fraught with problems if you are striving to be eco-friendly in your choices. Firstly, there are the plastic bottles that they often come in, which cause a lot of pollution. Then there are the strong chemicals that are used in them. These can be harmful to people and animals that come into contact with them, or with their residue on a surface. Some are powerful enough to impact the air quality of your home. The solution is to make your own child and pet-friendly cleaning products. This is not as difficult as it sounds. With a few basic ingredients like citrus juice, baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils, there are plenty of safe homemade cleaning agents you can make.
Conclusion
While some companies are inventing new products for a clean and sustainable future, many continue to sell single-use goods that produce enormous amounts of waste every year. You can help bring about a better environment both for the globe and inside your home by avoiding those things and making simple changes like these.
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