Clean and Green: Healthier Homes and a Happier Planet

We all want an airy, spotlessly clean home, but if you’re using traditional cleaning products, you may be doing yourself more harm than good.  Switching to sustainable, planet-friendly cleaning products can improve your air quality and your health.

In this article, we’ll explore the harmful chemicals in traditional cleaning products, the benefits of concentrates, the use of reusable bottles, top sustainable brands to trust, and share recipes for making your own cleaning solution.

Traditional cleaning products are full of harmful chemicals.

Traditional cleaning products often contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals that can pose risks to both our health and the environment. Ammonia, bleach, and phthalates are common ingredients found in many household cleaners, which are known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can contribute to indoor air pollution. Prolonged exposure to these VOCs can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe health issues.

When these chemicals are washed down the drain, they find their way into our waterways, where they can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.  Store-bought cleaners are not only harmful for you and the environment, they’re also more expensive and are generally rich in plastic packaging.  We can protect both our homes and the planet by considering alternatives such as effective homemade solutions, concentrates, and eco-friendly brands.

Easy Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

1. Collect citrus rinds in a mason jar or other lidded container (consider grapefruit, lemon, orange, tangerine, lime, or other citrus)
2. Pour white vinegar over rinds until they are submerged.
3. Allow rind/vinegar mixture to steep for at least two weeks in a cool, dark place.
4. Pour the liquid into a large measuring cup fitted with a strainer, to remove the peels and retain the citrus liquid.
5. Combine the citrus liquid with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle, and start cleaning greener!

Concentrates have a smaller carbon footprint.

If you’re not ready to take the plunge and make your own cleaning solution yet, you can still make an impact by switching to concentrated cleaning products. Concentrates reduce the need for excessive packaging because they allow you to mix the product with water.  This not only minimizes waste but also decreases the environmental impact of transportation, as fewer resources are needed to move smaller, lighter bottles.

Concentrates are also cost-effective in the long run. While the initial purchase might seem slightly higher, the diluted solutions last longer, saving you money over time. Plus, you’ll be contributing to a reduction in plastic waste, which is a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

Top Sustainable Brands to Trust

Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products is made easier by a growing number of brands committed to sustainability. Choose brands that prioritize transparency, eco-friendly ingredients, and certifications that attest to their commitment to sustainable practices.

Real-world customer reviews and testimonials often highlight the effectiveness of these products, debunking the myth that eco-friendly cleaners are less potent than their chemical-laden counterparts.

Try one of the following brands for a greener home and planet:

• Cleancult: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, hand soap, and more.
• Biokleen: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, carpet cleaner, and more.
• Seventh Generation: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and more.
• Charlie’s Soap: Laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and more.
• ECOS: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and more.
• PUR Home: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and more.
• Blueland: All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and more.
• Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day: Dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, hand soap, and more.
• Grove Collaborative: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and more.
• EarthHero: Laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and more.

Pursue a greener, healthier home by switching to eco-friendly cleaning products today!

By eliminating harmful chemicals, embracing concentrates and reusable bottles, and supporting sustainable brands, you can make a positive impact on both your immediate surroundings and the planet. Join the eco-friendly cleaning revolution and enjoy a cleaner, greener future. Happy cleaning!

Sustainable Home: Practical Projects, Tips, and Advice for Maintaining a More Eco-Friendly Household

Written by Christine Liu

Find your next great read.

One Planet Life has curated a list of recommended books to guide and inspire you.  Consider a new perspective, look back at history, try something new with the help of a practical guide, or experience the wonders of a new world!

The One Planet Life Green Nest Journey focuses on ways you can reduce your impact on the planet at home by conserving water and energy, reducing waste, and more.  

One Planet Life has created six unique journeys, each with an assigned set of actions or “Joyful Changes,” to help you achieve the goal of reducing one ton of carbon emissions each year. Changing lifestyle habits can be challenging, but if you start by focusing on a targeted area where you feel you have more control, making those changes can be easier and more rewarding. Get to know our six eco-journeys and pick the one that is best for you. 

If you’re interested in learning how to become more sustainable in your home, then the One Planet Life Green Nest Eco-Journey may be the best place to start.  

The pre-populated sustainable actions, or “Joyful Changes” as we prefer to call them, in the Green Nest journey are:

• Work from Home
• Reduce Dryer Usage by 50%
• Adjust Your Thermostat by 1 Degree
• Use Low Flow Showerhead
• Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
• Replace Lightbulbs with LED Bulbs

The best part about tracking any journey with the One Planet Life App is that you can easily customize your journey to fit your lifestyle. 

If a suggested Joyful Change is not working for you, you can swap it for one that better suits your lifestyle and still make an impact.

Live greener with the help of the One Planet Life App!