When it comes to creating a sustainable household, one of the most significant areas where a change can be made is in the cleaning routine. However, making eco-friendly choices can sometimes feel overwhelming or expensive.
The good news is that green cleaning does not have to break the bank. From utilizing simple ingredients found in the pantry to choosing alternatives that last from season to season, there are plenty of options for keeping your home spick and span while also caring for the planet.
In this article, we will explore various tips and tricks for green cleaning on a budget, so that you can reduce your impact on the environment while saving money at the same time.
Reuse and Recycle
Aside from reducing waste, reusing and recycling in your cleaning routine can also save you money. Instead of constantly buying disposable paper towels or microfiber cloths, opt for reusable alternatives made from recycled materials.
These may include cleaning cloths made from recycled plastics or old towels and clothes that you can repurpose. In addition to reducing waste, using recycled materials also decreases the demand for virgin materials to be produced, which can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, many recycled cleaning products are designed to be just as effective as their disposable counterparts, meaning you won't have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. By making small changes in your cleaning routine, you can make a big impact on the environment while also enjoying financial benefits.
Bye Bye Plastic
Plastic pollution has become a major concern globally, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in our oceans and landfills every year. The good news is that we can all make a positive impact by starting small, such as ditching plastic containers and opting for glass bottles to store household cleaning supplies.
Glass bottles are not only eco-friendly but also durable and reusable. Additionally, many towns and cities now have refill shops where customers can bring their own reusable containers and refill them with eco-friendly cleaning products like washing up liquid or detergent.
This reduces the need for single-use plastic containers and helps to cut down on plastic waste. In fact, according to research, every year, over 5 trillion plastic bags are used globally, and more than 1 million plastic bottles are sold every minute.
By taking simple steps such as choosing glass bottles and using refill shops, we can all play a role in reducing plastic waste and protecting our planet.
Freshen Your Home Naturally
Creating a naturally fresh-smelling home doesn't just help reduce chemical exposure but can also alleviate common health concerns, such as air pollution. There are several ways to achieve this, starting with basic practices like keeping windows open to allow fresh air circulation.
Adding indoor plants like English Ivy or Peace Lily can provide a natural touch of greenery and purify the air by removing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
For an instant, budget-friendly air freshener option, you can boil a few herbal ingredients like rosemary, thyme, and even lavender (which is known for its calming effects).
Cinnamon sticks boiled with water and sliced lemon can give off a warm, fresh and inviting scent to your home quickly. Additionally, making DIY room sprays with some essential oils, water, and vodka or a natural substitute dispersant can help eliminate odors and freshen up your living spaces long-term.
Switch to Natural Sponges
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, natural sponges also offer several benefits over their synthetic counterparts. For one, they are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they are less likely to harbor harmful bacteria.
This is particularly important in the kitchen, where cross-contamination can be a serious health hazard. Natural sponges are also more absorbent than synthetic ones, which means they can hold more water and cleaning solution, making them more efficient at cleaning. Furthermore, natural sponges are softer and gentler on surfaces, which helps to prevent scratches and other damage.
When it comes to cleaning with natural sponges, you can use a variety of natural cleaning agents, including lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. These natural products are not only effective at cleaning, but they are also less harsh on the environment and your skin than traditional chemical cleaners.
If you're looking for a simple, eco-friendly way to make your cleaning routine more sustainable, switching to natural sponges is definitely worth considering.
Ditch the Damaging Cleaning Materials
When it comes to cleaning our homes, we often rely on harsh and potentially harmful chemicals to get the job done. However, there are numerous natural and eco-friendly alternatives that we can use to not only clean effectively but also protect our health and the environment.
One such alternative is white vinegar, which has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner. Mixed with water, it can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including windows, stainless steel pans, and even the inside of your fridge.
The vinegar's acidity helps break down grime and dirt, leaving your surfaces clean and shiny. Another effective natural cleaning solution is lemon juice, which is great for removing stains. Mixed with boiling water and a little salt, it can tackle even tough stains like coffee and wine. Simply let the material soak in the solution and then hang it out to dry in the sun.
The sun's natural bleaching properties will help to fade the stain away. By opting for natural cleaning solutions like these, we can keep our homes clean and healthy and contribute positively to the planet.
Make Conscious Choices
When it comes to making conscious choices about the products we use, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the options available. However, it is essential to understand that the choices we make as consumers have an impact on the planet.
Overconsumption of unnecessary items and the use of harsh chemicals contribute to environmental damage. Thus, it is vital to be mindful of what we purchase and dispose of. Tru Earth’s cleaning products offer a solution to this problem. Unlike traditional cleaning products that use plastic packaging, Tru Earth products come in a biodegradable cardboard sleeve.
This switch not only reduces the amount of plastic waste but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint in the production and transportation of these products. And, Tru Earth’s products are not just environmentally friendly, but they are also highly effective at cleaning.
Their laundry detergent strips save on packaging and water as they do not require any bottles or jugs for use. By choosing to use we can all take small steps towards creating a more sustainable future.
