How to Save the Planet
We're sharing a few simple changes you can make at home that will have a positive impact on the environment.
1. Change your Cleaning Products
Make the switch to non-toxic cleaning products that are healthier for you and the environment without compromising on cleaning power.
PRO TIP: Always opt for a concentrated cleaning product. This will save you money and reduce the amount of waste produced. Just fill a reusable spray bottle with water and concentrate according to the product instructions and you're all set!
2. Swap Paper Towels for Microfiber Cloths
It takes 17 trees and 2,000 gallons of water to produce one ton of paper towels.
Save trees (and money) by making this simple swap! Microfiber cloths are durable, yet soft enough to be used on almost any surface and, unlike paper towels, microfiber cloths can be washed and reused. If you absolutely must use paper towels, opt for recycled ones!
PRO TIP: Color code your cloths to avoid cross-contamination. We like to follow a traffic light system: red for the bathroom, yellow for the kitchen, and green everywhere else.
3. Avoid Air Fresheners
Most air fresheners and spray-on deodorizers only mask bad odors and contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates.
Your first line of defense against stale air and bad odors should be proper ventilation; make sure that you are keeping windows open for a little while each day.
Plants can also be a great way to maintain healthy air quality in your home. Certain varieties such as bamboo palms, mass canes, and spider plants are able to filter toxins from the air.
PRO TIP: Eliminate persistent bad odors naturally with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and vacuum away! The science behind this trick is very simple: bad odors tend to be acidic (they have high pH levels), baking soda lowers the pH and neutralizes the unpleasant smell.
4. Choose a Reusable Mop
Mops that require disposable pads create unnecessary waste and the cleaning products in the pads often leave residue on floors, causing noticeable streaks. Mops with reusable microfiber pads reduce waste, save money, and allow you to use a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning product of your choice.
5. Recycle
Did you know that more than 60% of items that end up in the garbage could have been recycled?
Recycling is so easy and has an enormous impact on the environment. It's as simple as tossing paper, plastic, and metal items into a separate receptacle (you can even re-use a paper grocery bag as your recycling bin)!
Don't forget to dispose of harmful household items responsibly. If you have batteries, left-over paint, electronics, etc. contact your local department of sanitization to find a waste drop-off site. These items should never go in the regular trash.