Ready to welcome fall with a fresh start?
Have you considered giving your home an eco-friendly refresh as the leaves turn and the air gets crisp? How can we clean our spaces effectively while being kinder to the environment?
In this post, we’ll dive into easy, green cleaning tips that help your home sparkle and support a healthier planet.
Whether you're a green cleaning pro or just getting started, these sustainable strategies will make your home feel clean, cozy, and conscious.
In 2012, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported over 2 million exposure cases to toxic chemicals. Household cleaning products accounted for 7.2% of these cases, ranking just behind painkillers (11.6%) and cosmetics (7.9%). These everyday cleaners can pose serious health risks, depending on their chemical makeup, form, and usage. Some may be highly toxic, corrosive, explosive, or oxidizing. Data from the U.K. National Poisons Information Service reveals that accidental ingestion is the leading cause of exposure, with children being the most affected. Common culprits include dishwasher detergents, bleach, air fresheners, descalers, and all-purpose cleaners (1).
Accidental poisoning from household cleaning products (HCPs) is a frequent issue among children. While most HCPs are harmless in small amounts and fatalities are rare, serious complications can still occur. According to a 2019 report by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the top five causes of acute poisoning in children fewer than five include painkillers, HCPs, cosmetics, antidepressants, and sedatives. The U.K. National Poisons Information Service also reports that while HCP poisoning is not uncommon, it is rarely severe, with most cases involving young children. The World Health Organization highlights that young children, especially boys, are particularly at risk due to their natural curiosity. Bleaches, cleaners, and detergents are the most commonly involved products (2).
Photo by Vika Glitter: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-on-fur-rug-1648375/
In 2021, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled over 401,000 cases, with household cleaning products making up a significant portion of the calls. Cleaning products were part of the broader category of "household items," which accounted for 8.6% of the reported cases. The most common culprits include general cleaners, bleaches, and detergents, which are hazardous to pets due to their corrosive and toxic nature. The increase in pet poisoning cases reflects heightened awareness and the continued risk posed by typical household items.
Photo by Lum3n: https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-photo-of-brown-and-black-dog-face-406014/
Many cleaning products can pose risks to pets. These products contain chemicals, each with a different toxicity level (3). To keep your pets safe, follow the same precautions you would do with children:
As the seasons change, cleaning and preparing your home for the colder months becomes a priority. However, the fall season is also an ideal time to reconsider how the products we use to clean our homes impact our health and the environment. Implementing green cleaning practices during this transitional time can significantly improve indoor air quality, reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
Green cleaning involves using environmentally friendly methods and products to maintain cleanliness. The main advantages include:
Traditional cleaning solutions contribute significantly to environmental pollution. They often contain phosphates, nitrates, ammonia, and chemicals derived from non-renewable resources like petroleum, which can have devastating effects on natural ecosystems. When rinsed down the drain, these substances can contribute to water pollution, harming wildlife and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. The production and disposal of synthetic cleaning products also increase carbon footprint and might contribute to broader environmental degradation over time (4, 5, 6).
Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-haired-man-holding-laundry-basket-and-looking-at-cleaning-product-10566511/
Essential oils are known for their pleasant aromas and antibacterial and antiviral properties (7). Oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove are particularly known for their cleaning efficacy. Here’s how you can use them:
Creating cleaning products is a satisfying and cost-effective way to ensure you know the composition of products. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
The Spruce offers 15 natural cleaning products that you can make at home.
In addition to plant-based products, consider incorporating biodegradable cleaning supplies into your routine. That could include sponges, cloths, and scourers made from natural materials like cellulose, loofah, or bamboo. These materials break down more quickly in the environment than their plastic counterparts, reducing landfill waste. Biodegradable trash bags and reusable cleaning pads are also great options. They’re efficient and sustainable and help promote a greener home.
Photo by Nathan Cowley: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-blue-crew-neck-shirt-634007/
Cleaning your home is essential, but doing it in an environmentally conscious way can significantly impact our planet for the better. Embrace these sustainable cleaning practices to make your fall cleaning routine as green as possible.
When upgrading your cleaning tools, choose energy-efficient appliances. Look for vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and dryers with ENERGY STAR ratings, which meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances use less electricity and water, which helps conserve natural resources and reduces your household bills. Modern energy-efficient appliances often come with eco-friendly features like reduced heat settings and low-water wash options that still provide thorough cleaning.
Water conservation is another critical aspect of sustainable home cleaning. Simple changes can make a big difference, such as fixing leaky faucets to prevent water wastage or using a bucket rather than a running hose to wash windows or scrub porches. When mopping floors or cleaning surfaces, you can use a damp cloth or mop instead of a soaking wet one, which reduces the amount of water needed for cleaning tasks. Also, consider collecting rainwater in a barrel to use for rinsing outdoor areas; it’s effective and conserves potable water.
Embracing zero waste cleaning techniques can drastically cut down on your household waste. Start by making your cleaning solutions using typical household products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These natural ingredients are inexpensive, widely available, and can tackle a range of cleaning tasks. Invest in high-quality, reusable mops, cloths, and brushes rather than disposable ones that add to landfill waste. Additionally, store your homemade cleaners in reusable glass containers instead of buying new plastic bottles each time. By adopting these zero-waste habits, you reduce the need for single-use plastics and support a more sustainable cleaning regimen.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-red-pants-holding-black-and-brown-violin-6195123/
Fall is a fantastic time to rethink and refresh your cleaning practices!
Embracing eco-friendly cleaning practices this fall contributes to a healthier environment and ensures a safer, more sustainable home for you and your loved ones. As the seasons change, incorporating natural cleaning products and sustainable methods can significantly reduce your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Remember, each small step towards green cleaning helps the path toward sustainable living.
Start this fall with a commitment to green cleaning and watch as it transforms your home, well-being, and the environment.
Happy cleaning!
By embracing sustainable living, we adopt practices that contribute to the well-being of the environment, society, and economy.
The idea of a sustainable diet was established in 2010.
A sustainable diet is considered to be a diet that resembles a nutritionally healthy diet.
Sustainability goes beyond admiration; it is a commitment to maintaining the delicate balance between our species and the planet.
Several scientists are “defending” meat consumption, replying that red meat is the source of essential nutrients.