Green Living ~ Limiting Chemicals In The Home

Earth Day is nearly upon us, and it is the perfect time to make a new (or renewed) commitment to green living. This month I partnered with SCOTT Naturals™ to share ideas about small steps families can take to make their homes more green and lessen their impact on the planet. In previous posts I share tips about recycling and organic eating, this week let’s take a look under the kitchen sink.

One of the first things we do when we learn a baby is on the way is baby proof the house, including locking down cleaning supplies. Of course, we want to protect our babes from accidentally getting into chemicals. But if those chemicals are so harsh that we have to lock them up, should we really be cleaning surfaces that our children come into contact with them? Think about it, if it isn’t safe for baby why is it safe for us?

Instead of ordinary cleaners, the easiest switch is to move to “green” cleaners now available everywhere. There are tons of brands that offer green cleaners for counters, floors, laundry, bathrooms, etc. I like Method, Seventh Generation and Green Works. These cleaners a great first step. They are typically plant-based and eliminate many of the harshest chemicals. But I am thrifty, and green cleaners come with a price tag. Plus, even green cleaners aren’t perfect – they are still chemicals.

To really go green, what about making your own cleaners with products that are so safe you can eat them? I know some of you are thinking that I have gone totally granola, but I promise it is easier than you think. You don’t have to make all of your own cleaners, just try one. For example, I have completely eliminated floor cleaners from my home. I switched to vinegar and water. It cleans just as well, it’s cheap and I know it is 100% safe.

Floor Cleaner: 1/4 cup vinegar in a half bucket of warm water.

That’s it! I use the same solution to wipe down my counter tops. It really works. You can clean your whole house with a few ingredients most of which you probably already have:

• Vinegar
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Baking Soda
• Borax
• Washing Soda
• Castile Soap (Dr.Brommers)
• Dish Soap
• Citrus
• Olive Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Water

Not sure what to do with this list, head over to Pinterest to search for “homemade cleaners.” You will find a whole slew of recipes to clean your home.

Another way to green your cleaning is to use Scott Naturals paper towels made from recycled fibers. (Now available in Choose-a-Size to help eliminate waste – yay!)

SCOTT Naturals™ challenges you to take the 4-Week Test Drive – swapping your napkins, toilet paper, paper towels and flushable wipes for SCOTT Naturals™. Sign up at ScottBrand.com and pledge to accept the challenge. As added incentive, the state with the greatest number of pledges will receive a $50,000 donation to be applied to local conservation efforts. Another easy way one small step can lead to a big change.

I took the pledge, won’t you? Print these SCOTT Naturals coupons to help you get started.

Next week I will share another easy tip to live a greener life next week. Stay tuned.

Disclosure – This series of posts was brought to you by Scott Naturals, however, all thoughts, opinions and tips are my own.