Spring is just around the
corner and we all know what that means-
Time to open the windows and
dive into the dreaded Spring Cleaning.
Let’s face it, to most of us
this is an ill-fated task that we would rather put off, but this year, let’s
try to think of it as a new way to live green and get a fresh start on the
season.
Today I’m focusing on how we
can “Clean Green” this Spring Season.
American consumers spend millions of dollars each year on cleaning
supplies filled with toxins and chemicals that harm our earth and our
health. The Clean Water Fund estimates
that the average American uses about 40 pounds of toxic household cleaning
products each year.
Large corporations have
realized the necessity of “living green” and have come up with alternatives on
how we can clean our houses top-to-bottom in an eco-friendly matter. The more
commercial this issue is getting the better.
Large companies have the voice to spread the “living green” message far
and wide.
Here are a few of my
favorite tips for cleaning green this spring:
1. Make your own air fresheners! Simmer
cinnamon, orange peel and cloves on your stove for a welcoming aroma. Instead
of buying expensive electric filters to remove indoor air pollutants, buy a
houseplant to naturally freshen your air.
Good choices are chrysanthemums, English ivy, spider plants, and Boston ferns.
2. Clean with re-usable cotton or micro-fiber
cleaning cloths instead of wasting paper towels. Or create your own rags using old bath
towels, tee-shirts and socks. Throw them in the washing machine after each use.
3. Mix water with baking soda or vinegar to
clean almost anything OR use one of the many new “green” house cleaning
products available in stores
Most of us know by now that
we should be using “green” house cleaning products, but which ones are the most
effective to use in a hefty Spring Cleaning mission?
Good Housekeeping Research
Institute did a study of the best “green” cleaners on the market. After testing 23 cleaners, all made from
plant-based ingredients, they came up with four winners, all of which you can
find at your local grocery or super-store.
I have listed the winners
and runner-ups below, go to www.goodhouskeeping.com/best-green-cleaners
for more info.
Best Laundry Stain Removal
- Arm & Hammer, Essentials 2x Concentrated
($3.49 for 50 ounces) and can be found at select Wal-Mart and Costco
stores
- Runner Up: Purex Natural Elements ($7.00 for 100
ounces) and can be found at select Meijer, Publix, Jewel, Wal-Mart,
Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Kmart, & Safeway stores
Best Dish Detergent
- Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid ($3.09 for 25
ounces)
Best All-Purpose Cleaner
- Sun & Earth All Purpose ($3.79 for 22
ounces) and can be found at select Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Shaw’s
& Giant Foods stores
- Runner Up: Green Works Natural All-Purpose
Cleaner from Clorox ($3.32 for 32 oz) and can be found at CVS Pharmacy,
Dominick’s Jewel-Osco, Kmart, Target, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart
Best Super Strength Cleaner
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner ($5 for 32
ounces) can be found at Target, Walgreens & Wal-Mart)
I know it can be
overwhelming to think about changing your entire “Spring Clean Routine,” but
even changing one habit can help. Good
luck and always keep me posted on ways you living, giving, saving and cleaning
green : )