subject: Home Cleaning: It's Good To Be Green [print this page] One of the simplest ways to help the environment and possibly improve your home environment is to clean green. You can easily change your cleaning habits to reflect an eco-friendly mindset without sacrificing sanitation. If you want to be healthy, clean and green, try out some of the ideas below.
Use cleaners that are eco-friendly. Cleaners made from renewable resources like tree bark and plants are not toxic and are biodegradable unlike many other harsh cleaning solutions. Substances like coconut oil can be used in many green cleaning products. Cleaners that are pH-neutral are just some of the many other options. Since these substances come from nature you know they won't damage your family or home.
Second, make your air quality better. Typical cleaners can emit harsh chemicals and scents that bother your eyes, sinuses or skin. This does not even take into account the natural pollutants that travel freely through the air. The chemicals in many aerosol air fresheners or candles can exacerbate the problems. A good solution is to use natural air sprays or boil a pot of cinnamon or herbs to spread a healthy, fresh aroma. Baking soda is also a healthy and well-trusted option for getting rid of unpleasant odors. Plants like Peace Lilies or others with broad green leaves are great for filtering air even though they don't necessarily freshen it.
Clean floors mean less harmful chemicals indoors. Heavy foot traffic can make it difficult to get clean floors. You may not even realize the number of chemicals and unhealthy substances that can be tracked into a home. You should definitely have good quality doormats at all the used doors. Having a no-shoe policy in your home is an even better idea, or designate some shoes for only indoor use.
Environmentally-friendly cleaning at home can begin with some of these ideas, but they certainly aren't the only ones. You can also use less antibacterial cleaners or none at all. Warm water and soap often work just as well. If you want to do more green cleaning, there are a number of helpful resources online.
By taking a few simple steps you can begin to live a greener lifestyle. It's up to you how green to make it. Green cleaning begins with knowing what substances are being brought into your home. If you want to clean and be green, it's a good way to start.
