The situation around our environment is one that's growing more dire by the day. It's important for each of us to do what we can to protect our environment.
That isn't always made easy, however. We've become used to a culture of plastic products and items made from other environmentally unsafe materials. What's worse, in many instances, the products we're using aren't just bad for the environment but for our own health as well.
Wider changes need to be made to make sure the products in our homes are safe. In the meantime, many wonderful companies are taking it upon themselves to make their products greener and safer for families.
Implementing changes to your home care routine is a great way to start living greener. There are a lot of simple changes you can make to keep your home clean while also keeping your family and the environment safe.
Moms feel like they're always cleaning.
You're probably not surprised to learn that most people feel like they're constantly cleaning, especially this year. An April survey of 2,000 parents by OnePoll on behalf of Maid Brigade found that many of those parents are worried about what's in the cleaning products they're using in their homes. In fact, 64% are concerned about using dangerous chemicals. They're harmful to both the planet and our families.
Now they're getting smarter about green cleaning.
Moms who are making changes have their families at heart. A majority of respondents say that their children and pets are the reasons for the switch.
"Many people don't realize that because our children and pets are lower to the ground, they're more susceptible to certain ingredients in traditional cleaning products,” said Whitney Samuelson, marketing director of Maid Brigade.
"Most people want to take control of their health; using green cleaning products or employing a green cleaning service is one way to create a healthy environment in the home and stay well."
Get some fresh air circulating.
It's easy for rooms to feel stuffy during the winter months when windows stay shut longer. Air fresheners are a go-to for many people, but they aren't great to use. The good news it that there are plenty of nontoxic room sprays, like Primally Pure's Autumn Room Spray. Fans are eagerly awaiting Primally Pure's Winter Room Spray release next month.
Switch out chemical cleaners for plant-based ones.
A lot of cleaning brands still lean heavily on harmful chemicals. Eliminating those products from your home will eliminate toxins in your home, your family, and the planet. Try switching to a plant-based cleaning system instead, like Sensitive Home's line of certified EPA Safer Choice and USDA BioPreferred plant-based household cleaning products.
Get sustainable with home decor.
Many people who are into interior design and reimagine their homes frequently don't think about how decor can impact the planet. Like fast fashion, turnover in home decor products also harms the environment. Buying home decor from sustainable brands can make a huge difference. Centinelle has a beautiful line of eco-friendly tea towels, cloth napkins, and decorative pillows that bring a pop of life and color to any home.
Be smart about packaging.
You can eliminate a lot of unnecessary plastics from your home by getting refillable products. Start by swapping out products you find yourself replacing the most. For the family going through hand sanitizer right now (I'm right there with you), we love Paume's hand sanitizer system. All of its packaging is either multiuse, refillable, or made with previously recycled materials. The hand sanitizer itself uses moisturizing plant-based emollients to nourish skin.
Change the way you think about paper goods.
A lot of your paper goods don't have to be paper. Paper towels are the easiest to swap out. Marley's Monsters is one of many brands changing the game with its paper towel alternatives. The sustainable towels are made of fabric and can even be used with a paper towel holder to make the transition seamless.
Don't forget your clothes!
Do some research into how your clothes become clothes, and you'll consider making choices that are better for the environment. Little Sleepies is one brand taking that knowledge to kids clothing with eco-friendly bamboo viscose pajama sets. The fabric is also biodegradable, guaranteeing it keeps the planet in mind from beginning to end.
When cleaning those clothes, you also want to think green. Kind Laundry is one of the brands helping families get eco-friendly about caring for clothes.
Get a plant.
No, this isn't just an excuse to get another plant (although so what if it was?). It helps improve the air quality in your home by oxygenating the air. English ivy, aloe vera, and spider plants are some of the many great picks for your home. Really, collecting these plants is just passive cleaning, and is there any better kind?
