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With the general public realising that we need to take better care of our planet, green cleaning is catching on fast. The practice of green cleaning, which involves eliminating, or at the very least, reducing the use of harsh chemicals and accessories in our everyday cleaning, enhances sustainable living while reducing exposure to pollution. And we are all for it!
We are excited to help you learn more about green cleaning and using environmentally friendly solutions and methods to stay clean while protecting the environment. This guide will help you form a solid foundation as you journey towards a greener future.
Green cleaning involves using cleaning solutions and methods that do not expose us to toxins while at the same time, not introducing toxins into our environment. For some, this means using all-natural natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
For others, it means using commercial cleaning solutions and methods that do not contain chlorides, phosphates, artificial colours, and artificial fragrances. Additionally, the cleaning solutions should be organically and sustainably grown, and their packaging should be recyclable or biodegradable.
The importance of green cleaning cannot be overstated. On a personal level, it helps reduce our exposure to toxins, which can harm our bodies and health. Exposure to toxins can irreparably damage our bodies, causing a myriad of health issues.
On the other hand, green cleaning reduces the pollution of our environment. While it might not seem like it, our environment is fragile. Introducing toxins and pollutants can cause irreparable damage to ecosystems. With this in mind, green cleaning helps negate the damage humans cause to the environment.
Borax – Borax is a mineral salt found in nature. It disinfects, cleans, deodorises, and bleaches. Borax is also effective against bugs such as cockroaches and ants (kids and dogs should be kept away from borax because it is harmful when ingested).
White Vinegar – This helps clean grease and works well as a disinfectant and deodoriser. Mix with water to make a homemade cleaning solution.
Baking Soda – Also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, it works as a cleaner, scourer, and deodoriser.
Lemon Juice – You can use lemon juice as a cleaning agent, mild bleach, or deodorant.
Washing Soda – Washing soda effectively cleans grease and removes stains from fabrics.
Essential Oils – Essential oils such as eucalyptus oil can help remove stains, disinfect fabric and surfaces and deodorise them.
Pure Soap – Pure soap solutions are effective all-purpose house cleaning soap that biodegrades after use.
The overarching trend in green cleaning is using fewer chemicals in our cleaning processes. More and more people are removing synthetic fragranced, toxin-laden cleaners from their cleaning supplies and, more importantly, choosing cleaning solutions that are better for themselves and the environment. Other notable trends in the green cleaning space include:
#1. Plastic-Free Cleaning Accessories – More and more people are using plastic-free cleaning accessories. A great example is the use of all-natural cleaning brushes and mops. In particular, all-natural toilet brushes are a great addition to any bathroom. The entire brush, including the handle and the bristles, is made of natural components that decompose at the end of their life.
#2. Solid Concentrates – Solid concentrate shampoos have become popular in Australia and worldwide. The concentrates are essentially dried shampoos, which do not bear the weight of the water during freighting, which reduces the carbon footprint of transporting the product. Research by Ellen MacArthur Foundation indicates that a specific cleaning product is made of 90% water. Additionally, transporting the product in concentrate form reduces the plastic packaging used to transport the product. This translates to reduced plastics that end up in landfills.
#3. Compostable Kitchen Cleaning Accessories – There are effective green alternatives to traditional kitchen cleaning accessories. From scrubbers and wipes to sponges, you can purchase some made of natural fibres rather than viscose rayon fibres. Sponges, wipes, and scrubbers made of natural fibres will break down and decompose. On the other hand, cleaning supplies made of synthetic materials only break down into microplastics that linger in the environment almost perpetually.
#4. Multipurpose Liquid Castile Soap – You can prepare different cleaning solutions with liquid castile soap. For instance, you can use liquid castile soap to prepare an all-purpose spray, a window glass cleaner, an all-purpose scourer, a body or hand wash, etc. This can save you money and help declutter your cleaning cabinet.
#5. Dry Steam – Dry steam involves superheating water to a higher temperature, creating high-pressure steam while using less water, hence the term “dry steam.” Dry steam is an eco-friendly solution that effectively cleans while disinfecting surfaces without adding any chemicals. The market is awash with dry steam cleaners for domestic and commercial use.
#6. Activated Water – Electro Chemical Activation (ECA) systems allow users to clean away grease, dirt, and bacteria with just salt and water. Activated water involves adding a charge to salt water, which allows the water to break down pathogens and oils, similar to how detergents do. The food industry is increasingly implementing the ECA system in its cleaning processes, thereby reducing the number of cleaning chemicals they use.
#7. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths – Microfiber cleaning cloths are made of thousands of tinny fibres that are more effective in picking up particles of dirt, dust, and even some bacteria. Unlike sponges, brushes, and traditional cleaning cloths, the dirt and dust are attracted to and stick to the microfiber. This means you have to use little to no cleaning chemicals to get the job done.
Green cleaning is not a fad. Many of the practices mentioned above are here to stay. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are also good for our families and us. In some cases, green cleaning is also a money saver.
At Goods That Give, we stock all the eco-cleaning products and supplies you need to effectively take up green cleaning in your household. Help keep the environment clean and healthy while reducing your exposure to toxins.
We’ve stocked all of the eco-friendly products you need to start green cleaning your home, business premises, or office. Get all of our green cleaning supplies from a trusted eco shop.
