subject: Easy Steps on the Path to Being Green: Home Cleaning [print this page] Easy Steps on the Path to Being Green: Home Cleaning
Among all the things going green, cleaning is definitely one of the best for you and the environment. Even though you're cleaning with less harmful products you can still clean your home to a spotless shine. The ideas that follow are simple but helpful and are only a few of the many things you can do. Start using green cleaners. Many cleaners are petroleum-based, but a healthy alternative is to find chemical-free cleaners made from renewable resources like plants. Birch bark or palm kernel oil are just a couple of natural resources that are commonly found in environmentally-friendly cleaners. You can find products that are pH-neutral as well as scented or fragrance free. You can be assured that these products are non-toxic and won't damage your home. It's also important to have good quality air. The chemicals from cleaning products can linger in the air and irritate your senses. This does not even take into account the natural pollutants that travel freely through the air. Typical air fresheners like sprays and candles can sometimes make problems worse. Instead of aerosol cans, consider other spray cleaners that are gentler and more environmentally friendly. Baking soda is a very traditional way to eliminate odors in your fridge as well as when you're vacuuming. If you want an air filter, Peace Lilies are pretty to look at as well as being good air purifiers. So are other plants with broad green leaves. Keep toxic substances off your floors and out of your home. It can be hard to keep floors clean with constant foot traffic. You may not even realize the number of chemicals and unhealthy substances that can be tracked into a home. Sturdy doormats can help scrub away the worst offenders. If you make your home a shoe-free zone, that's an even better way to deal with the problem. There are a number of other cleaning tips that are both eco-friendly and you-friendly. For one thing, remember to dispose of any toxic cleaners properly to avoid polluting the ground or water. If you want to do more green cleaning, there are a number of helpful resources online. Whether you want to live off the grid or simply want to change a few things in your life, there are green ideas to help you. By limiting the bad substances that enter your home and cleaning with the good ones, you're making your home a better environment. It's easy to start being better to yourself, your home and the environment.
