While it often seems as if there’s nothing we as individuals can do to help put a stop to climate change, pollution and deforestation, for example, and that it’s simply a lost cause, you may want to think again.
By adopting a few small changes to your lifestyle and house cleaning habits, you can inspire change in others, and do your bit (no matter how small), to help protect the planet for future generations. One great example of what an individual can do at home to be more eco-friendly, is to adopt a zero-waste cleaning routine. Let’s look at this in a little more detail:
What is zero-waste cleaning?
By implementing certain strategies when cleaning your home, you can help make sure that you don’t contribute in a negative way towards the environment. This means that you can still keep your home clean and tidy, but you minimize unnecessary waste that will only add to the already overflowing landfills, or further contaminate our natural water resources.
Tips for achieving zero-waste when cleaning your home
Here are 3 top tips to help you adopt greener cleaning habits at home:
- Use natural, homemade cleaning solutions
You can easily make your own eco-friendly natural cleaning solutions, and the great news is that they’re often cheaper than their chemical alternatives, too. Cheap, sustainable and non-toxic, you can make several simple cleaning solutions from the following zero-waste ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Castile soap
- Don’t buy single-use cleaning tools
Instead of buying cleaning tools that are designed to be thrown away after a certain number of uses, you should invest in items that will last longer, and think about repurposing items that you already have. Here are a few helpful hints:
- Use washable items – instead of paper towels, clean with washable cloths and rags
- Choose a vacuum with a reusable filter – this will prevent old, worn filters from ending up in a landfill
- Opt for steel over plastic – no plastic cleaning tool or receptacle will have a long lifespan; so when purchasing a new bucket, for example, buy one made from galvanised steel, which will last so much longer than a plastic one
- Don’t throw old toothbrushes away – these are great for cleaning, especially for getting into small spaces
- Always buy reusable – you can buy scouring pads and brushes made of natural fiber bristles, for instance, and these will last a lot longer than those designed to be used and disposed of
- Support local shops
Wherever possible, buy your cleaning items from smaller, family-owned businesses in your locality to help support them, or if that’s not an option for any reason, try to make purchases from companies that have ethical values and promote sustainability.Once you’ve made the decision to adopt a zero-waste cleaning strategy, you’ll want your cleaning company to do exactly the same, and fortunately, that’s often a given. Modern cleaning companies are typically highly conscious of the need to protect the planet, and will go above and beyond to ensure that their methods, tools and solutions, are eco-friendly.
