This year, you can have a great Easter and do a little something to help the environment by having a “Green Easter”. Going green for Easter is actually quite simple. All you need are a few items you can find in your home or in your yard and a little bit of time and creativity. Here are a few tips on how to have a Green Easter.
“The Basket”- Instead of buying a new Easter basket, use a basket already in your home. If you don’t happen to have any available baskets at home and need to purchase one, be sure to save it for future Easters.
“Nix the Plastic Grass”- The plastic grass that comes in Easter baskets is made from petroleum which can be harmful to the environment. Instead of lining your Easter basket with plastic grass, you can use shredded paper, which can be recycled or composted. If you aren’t allergic and have access, hay can also be used to line the basket.
“Naturally Dye Easter Eggs”- As an alternative to buying chemical dye packages this year, try these natural homemade dyes:
Purple- Red cabbage, red wine Blue- Blueberries Brown- Coffee
Green- Spinach
“Forget the Easter Cards”- Lets face it, getting an Easter card is nice but how long does anyone actually hang on to it. This year save yourself some money and also save a tree by ditching the cards and replacing them with a simple phone call to say “Happy Easter!”
When most people think of pollutants in the air, they tend to think of the air outside of the home as being most harmful. However, the quality of the air inside your home may actually be worse than the air outside. This article from Informed Green Solutions, gives you a look at some of the causes for poor indoor air quality and the effects it may have on your family’s heath.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Indoor Air Quality is a term used to describe the levels of pollution found in the air in our buildings. Most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies have determined that levels of indoor pollution may be two to five times greater than outdoor levels. In some extreme cases, levels of indoor pollutants were 100 times higher than outside levels.
What products or factors affect indoor air quality?
Many products affect indoor air quality. Some of the most common include:
Cleaning products and processes used in the building
Personal care products used by occupants
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Building furnishings and floor coverings — furniture, fabric finishes, adhesives, and carpet may emit formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Copiers and other office equipment —can emit ozone, VOCs, and other toxic chemicals
Construction materials — paints, insulation, pressed wood, and plywood products can emit formaldehyde and other VOCs
Pesticides used in or around the building
What are the health effects of poor indoor air quality?
Building inhabitants should not have to be concerned that the air in their homes and buildings could be making them sick. The facts tell us that we do need to be concerned and become involved in order to protect our health and that of our children.
Sick building syndrome (which causes occupants to experience acute health and comfort effects) — up to 40% of the population experiences one or more symptoms weekly as a result of exposure to poor IAQ in buildings.
Asthma — a recent survey shows that nearly 8% of the US population has asthma. 10 million children under the age of 18 were reported as having been diagnosed with asthma in 2007 and nearly 4 million reported experiencing an asthma episode or attack during the previous 12 months.
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)— an estimated 5% of the population suffers from severe sensitivity to low levels of chemicals, another 10% to 15% of the population is moderately sensitive.
Rhinitis – Rhinitis has increased dramatically over the past 30 years and affects millions of children and adults. School air quality has been implicated in an increased incidence of rhinitis.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – 5 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.6 Recent research has found links between exposure to organphosphate pesticides and ADHD.
As of Wednesday it is officially Spring. There are so many things to look forward to in Spring; flowers and trees blooming, longer, warmer days, the start of baseball season, etc…There is one thing about Spring that isn’t all that great…….Spring Cleaning! Cleaning up the clutter and mess that has been building up all winter can be pretty overwhelming. Here is a little list of the 5 most daunting Spring Cleaning tasks.
1. “Windows And Blinds”- Windows are often neglected because of the amount of effort needed to clean them, while blinds are dust traps.
2. “Grout”- Like window cleaning, scrubbing grout is a lot of work. Cleaning grout involves a lot of scrubbing which can take a toll on your arms.
3. “Stove”- If you don’t happen to clean out your stove on a regular basis, you may be shocked to see what kind of mess and smell has accumulated over time.
4. “Ceiling Fans”- if you happen to have ceiling fans in your home and aren’t 7 feet tall, cleaning them may be a bit of a pain (especially in your neck and back).
5. “Fridge”- Cleaning the fridge may the biggest pain of them all. It all starts with cleaning out the inside of the fridge, which means completely emptying it. After everything is clean and all of the food has been replaced, it’s time to clean the outside of the fridge and behind it. This of course means moving the fridge which can be very difficult.
This year avoid the stress of Spring Cleaning and treat yourself by calling Clean Conscience to do your Spring Cleaning for you! Call today to schedule your Spring Cleaning.
When it comes to green cleaning, there are a few things everyone should have in their home to fight against the mess. Here is a little list of the 10 must have items in your green cleaning arsenal.
1. “White Vinegar”- There is almost nothing in your home you can’t clean with vinegar, or at least, some combination that includes vinegar. The best natural all-around cleaner.
2. “Baking Soda”- When combined with a little vinegar, baking soda can be used to clean mold and mildew off of grout, unclog a sink, and clean out toilet bowls.
3. “Lemons”- Lemons can be used as a bleach alternative for white linens. Just put some lemon juice on a stain and let dry in the sun. They are also great for polishing chrome.
4. “Hydrogen Peroxide”- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean windows, countertops and even walls. The only downside to hydrogen peroxide is that it needs to sit longer on a surface to clean it than vinegar does.
5. “Hot Water”- Yep, sometimes it’s that simple. When mixed with some of the items listed above, hot water can help get the job done.
6. “Spray bottles”- A lot of jobs around the house can be done by adding, “a little of this, a little of that”. Mixing and combining “this and that” in a spray bottle is the best bet.
7. “Rags”- Instead of using a ton of paper towels, an old shirt can do the job of wiping up a mess just as well. Plus, the rag can be washed and reused.
8. “Broom And Dustpan”- Instead of wasting electricity by using a vacuum cleaner in certain rooms, just break out the ol’ broom and dustpan instead.
9. ” Mop”- A natural cellulose or microfiber mop are good alternatives to the disposable mops.
10. “Newspaper”- If you’ve got some windows to clean but you already used all of your rags for other jobs, just grab a boring section of the newspaper and use that to wipe off your windows. It actually works well.
Well, there you have it, the 10 must have’s for a DIY green cleaning.
Today is the 6th Birthday for Clean Conscience! For six years Clean Conscience has kept homes and businesses healthy and clean, while keeping the environment safe and green. Thanks for a great six years, and here’s to the next six!!
Many people believe that a hard-wood floor or a tile floor is a better choice to have in your home than a carpeted floor when it comes to the air quality inside. It is believed that carpeting contributes to allergens in the air, this is also why many schools do not have carpeting in classrooms.
The truth is, all indoor spaces do contain some contaminates like dust and dirt. It is these contaminates that can cause allergies and asthma in certain people. Indoor spaces that have hard-wood or tile flooring make it easier for things like dirt and dust to redistribute into the air. The carpeting, however, acts almost like a filter, trapping a lot of the contaminates.
Of course you will have to clean the carpeting on a fairly regular basis in order to keep those nasty allergens at bay. A solution of white vinegar and very hot water can be used to steam clean the carpet, or you can mix vinegar and water together, spray onto the carpet and clean with a sponge. And of course you can always hire a great green cleaning service to come as well!
Paper towels are incredibly useful when it comes to many jobs around the house. Unfortunately, paper towels are not the greenest choice available. In fact, it can take up to one to two trees (depending on the height of the tree) to make one roll of paper towels. Instead of going through roll after roll of paper towels during your next house cleaning, try giving some of these greener alternatives a shot.
“Newspaper”- A little trick I learned from my Aunt Dianne, that same newspaper you read at breakfast can also be used as a great green alternative to paper towels when it comes to cleaning windows.
“Pop-Up Sponges”- These sponges are made from all natural cellulose and can actually be cleaned and reused by being run through a dishwasher.
“Reusable Handi Wipes”- These reusable wipes are not only a greener choice for the environment, but they’ll save you some green as well. A pack of 6 only costs about $2.99.
“Microfiber Cloths”- These towels can be used on almost any surface and can remove almost any dirt, dust and bacteria without any chemical cleaners.
“Old Clothes”- If you happen to some old clothes lying around in storage or taking up space in your closet, you first look to donate them. Anything you can’t donate (maybe ripped or stained) you can now turn into a useful rag to help you clean up in lieu of paper towels.
These are just a few examples of how you can replace paper towels in your home. Remember, one roll, one tree.
Most people realize that green cleaning is the safest way to clean their home. It not only is the wisest choice for the environment, but for your family as well. Traditional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can have negative effects on you and your family. Everything from nausea, eye and skin irritation, and asthma can be caused by chemical cleaners. The indoor air quality of your home is very important.
The indoor air quality of your child’s school is also very important. Research shows a link between poor indoor air quality, sick students and teachers, and poor academic performance. Each year, children miss more than 14 million days of school due to asthma caused by poor indoor air quality. 14 MILLION DAYS! A major reason for poor air quality can be the kind of chemical cleaners that are used in the school.
Switching form traditional cleaning to green cleaning can help reduce the environmental hazards that may negatively affect children, at home and in school.
After reading an article from ABC news on how some “green” cleaners that are safe for humans may still be harmful to pets , I decided to check out what green cleaning products were the best bet for your pet. In this article from ShopGala, they list some of the best green cleaners when it comes to your pets safety. If you use homemade green cleaners to clean your home, just make sure you research how certain ingredients may affect the animals in your home.
With both a small dog and a new baby in the house, how I clean that house has become an important matter. Is it safe to use bleach or ammonia? Are Swiffers really pet friendly? Can the laundry detergent irritate my daughter’s skin? Keeping things clean is an area of concern if you’re confused about what’s safe and what could be harmful.
For the most part, organic cleaning products are a safe bet. Most products labeled as “green,” are cutting out the harmful ingredients that can cause reactions in babies and pets. A few brand names are front-runners in this category, with extensive lines of products that really work and affordable price points…
Green Works
Created by Clorox, a long-time leader in cleaning products, the Green Works line is powerful and naturally-derived. No, the two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Green Works products use “plant-based, biodegradable ingredients to help you clean your home without harsh chemical fumes and residue,” according to their website. Both the Sierra Club and the EPA have shown support for Clorox’s green products, and they are certified under the Natural Standard for Home Care Products organization. Even the packaging is biodegradable, so Green Works protects your kids, your pets, and your environment.
The line includes: All-Purpose Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Glass & Surface Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Dishwashing Liquid, Cleaning Wipes, Laundry Stain Remover, and three varieties of Laundry Detergent.
Seventh Generation
The extensive product line offered by Seventh Generation spans your kitchen, bathroom, and baby’s nursery, and everything in between. You can select disinfectants, household cleaners, paper and supplies, dishwashing, hand wash, laundry, baby, and even feminine care to get earth-friendly products that are pet and baby safe as well. I was particularly interested in Seventh Generation’s baby products, which include chlorine-free baby wipes, diapers and training pants, as well as regular and 2x Concentrated Baby Laundry Liquid. I was not aware that other brands might contain chlorine… so this was news to me.
In terms of household cleaners, the line includes all-purpose, multi-surface, tub and tile, toilet bowl, glass, and shower cleaners. Seventh Generation’s mission to restore the environment and inspire conscious consumption is evident from their product line, biodegradable packaging, and earth-safe ingredients.
Simple Green
Another great brand with diverse product offerings, Simple Green goes beyond household products to also carry industrial cleaners. This company supplies products to the GSA and Government, as well as to environmentally-conscious consumers in Canada. Simple Green’s products are “non-toxic, biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-corrosive” but still guarantee a clean home, office, or industrial area. Simple Green’s product line includes all the basics, plus pet stain cleaners, deck and fence cleaners, house and siding cleaners, stone polish, motorsports cleaner, concrete and driveway cleaner, heavy duty cleaner, hand gel, car wash, and all-purpose wipes. Clean inside and out with these specially targeted products. Most importantly, however, pets and babies will be safe no matter what you’re cleaning. Even Simple Green’s Pet Stain and Odor Remover are okay to use around your pets.
Obviously, all cleaning products should be treated with care and properly stored, even if they’re labeled ‘organic.’ Always keep products out of reach, locked in child-safe cabinets if possible.
With today being the first of March (already?), many people are starting to get into spring cleaning mode. Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of some of the clutter you’ve accumulated over the winter, as well as a good time to give your home a good wipe down. Here are a few tips on how t reduce the clutter and mess, without harming the environment.
“Homemade Cleaning Alternatives”- Instead of going to the store and purchasing a plethora of chemical-laden cleaning products, you can actually take care of almost all household chores. White vinegar, baking soda, salt, lemon and plain old hot water can all be used to clean a number of things. From countertops and tables to windows and floors, all without using harmful chemicals.
“Closet Clutter”- Go through your closet and figure out what clothes you actually still wear. Grab the rest and either donate the unwanted clothes or use them as rags when cleaning. Which brings us to our next tip…
“Go Paper Towel-less”- Instead of using a bunch of rolls of paper towels for cleaning, just use some old clothes for rags. By using rags which can be washed and reused, you will be saving paper, creating less trash and saving money.
“Use Plants As a Natural Air Filter”- By decorating your home with a few plants such as; English ivy, spider plants and rubber plants, you can actually help improve your indoor air.
Use these tips to help usher in a cleaner, greener Spring.
