Switch to Sustainable Cleaning Products
Spring has sprung, and with the new season may come the urge to do some spring cleaning! However, some cleaning products contain chemicals such as chlorine, quaternary ammonia compounds, and phthalates and can cause negative health impacts over time, as well as pollute the environment. Instead consider sustainable alternatives that are better for the environment and your health.
Consider the following elements and ingredients when choosing your cleaning supplies. These can be cheap, sustainable, and powerful cleaning products, and they might already be in your kitchen!
- Antimicrobials can be found in essential oils like tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove, and contain compounds that prevent bacteria from reproducing.
- Plant-based surfactants, such as saponins (plant derived) and glucosides (sugar compounds), are ingredients to look for in sustainable cleaning products because they can absorb oil and grease from surfaces.
- Salt can be used at home to kill bacteria, remove stains, and scrub surfaces like counters and bathroom tiles.
- Baking soda can lift stains, deodorize smells, clean carpets, scrub surfaces, and - when combined with vinegar - can unclog drains.
- Acids, like vinegar and lemon juice, naturally break down dirt and grime while lowering the pH value so that bacteria and germs can’t survive. Vinegar, typically diluted with water, can be used to neutralize odors, dissolve rust, remove mildew and mold, and clean windows, mirrors, and surfaces.
- Warning: Do not mix vinegar with other cleaning agents such as bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda in a closed container- it could cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
- Lemon juice, like vinegar, can be used to neutralize odors, and clean surfaces like countertops and floors. Lemon juice can stain some wood finishes, so it may be best to test it on a hidden part of wood furnishings before using.
Switching to these alternatives may prevent harmful health impacts, especially to children, the elderly, and pregnant people, whom are all more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals found in cleaning products. If shopping for commercially available cleaning products, look for low-toxicity certifications such as Green Seal, Safer Choice or Ecologo. For more visit https://www.stopwaste.org/resource/sustainable-purchasing-guide-for-cleaning-chemicals
