We all want a cleaner planet, but let’s be honest. If you have dozens of pressing priorities, like a career, family, or education, living an eco-friendly lifestyle can seem like a daunting, time-consuming, and costly endeavor. Luckly, green cleaning could be a simple and money-saving way for you to do your part to help the planet while also protecting the health of you and your family.
What does “Green Cleaning” mean exactly?
In the last decade, there has been a lot of buzz around the term green cleaning. Green cleaning is a very broad term and for that reason, might make those who want to adopt green cleaning techniques unsure of where to start. Is green cleaning just buying products that advertise themselves as “eco-friendly”? Is it recycling the packaging from your cleaning supplies? Or is it making your own cleaning products? Put simply, green cleaning means that the cleaning methods you choose support healthy people and a healthy planet.
Reasons that will make you want to switch to green cleaning
Green cleaning looks different for every household. There are plenty of small changes that anyone can do to make their cleaning processes “greener.” The priceless benefits of green cleaning highlight some of the small changes that you might be able to make.
1. Safer for your home
Have you ever wondered what’s really in your cleaning products? Unfortunately, companies are not required to disclose all the ingredients in their products. Several studies show that many popular products are made with a lot of hidden toxins and harmful chemicals which are also known as “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs).
Ammonia, a common VOC found in window cleaner, has been shown to worsen the symptoms of those with asthma and elderly people with lung issues. Another VOC commonly found in window and multipurpose cleaners, 2-butoxyethanol, causes sore throats when inhaled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at high levels it can cause narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage.
While these products could still be used with proper safety equipment, there are other options that guarantee a clean house without the health risks. Brands like Common Good and Seventh Generation not only, use natural and organic ingredients, but also, are sustainably sourced and use recycled or reusable packaging.
2. Save money
When it comes to choosing which eco-friendly products to buy, the cost can be a big concern. Some might believe that all great eco-friendly products come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. There are plenty of eco-friendly products and multi-use cleaners that that offer all the benefits of green cleaning without the unnecessary cost.
Instead of buying several products, save money by purchasing one versatile multipurpose cleaner. An eco-friendly favorite of ours, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, has 18 uses ranging from toilet cleaner to laundry soap. 32 ounces costs under $20 and it’s meant to be diluted so a little bit will go a long way!
DIY recipes are another money-saving option as well. Simple household ingredients, like vinegar, lemon and essential oils can be made into your own customizable cleaning products, which can also add a little creativity and fun to your cleaning ritual.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint
The containers that cleaning supplies often come in are not recyclable and some hazardous materials cost more to be disposed of properly. Going green by limiting your waste, using reusable containers, and buying biodegradable products is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll become an advocate for a healthy environment and set an example for your community. Having a clean home and inspiring others to create cleaner planet? Double win!
4. Support healthier ecosystems
The toxic chemicals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in cleaning materials are not just harmful to the human body, but also to the air and water quality. After continuable use, VOCs negatively affect indoor air quality and contribute to outdoor smog. When they are washed down the drains, traces of these contaminants slip past the water treatment facilities and disrupt the balances of many ecosystems. Green cleaning methods lessen the burden of the VOCs and promote a happier environment for us all!
Conclusion
While green cleaning is a choice that everyone might not have the ability to fully opt into, there are still small steps that most people can take to make their cleaning greener. Whether it’s making a few DIY recipes, buying multi-use cleaners or reusing containers for cleaning materials, every change matters.
We understand that green cleaning just is not feasible for everyone. There is no shame in using conventional cleaners because of their ease, price or convenience, but if you have the opportunity, green cleaning could be a great way for you to do your part and help support a safer home and planet!
