Five easy ways to clean your home the greener way
International trends indicate that the average person is interested in living a greener lifestyle, and that as consumers, we are beginning to care more about making sustainable choices, and about the origin of the products we buy.
Despite this interest, the actual act of changing over to greener alternatives is still a very daunting prospect for a lot of people. We’re creatures of habit, after all, and changing the way we do things is not always easy or convenient.
However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. The key to living more sustainably is to start by making small changes, rather than trying to change everything at once. One of the easiest places to start is with home cleaning products.
Why should we be using green cleaning products in and around the home? Well for starters, because you breathe your cleaning products in! When you spray a counter with a cleaning agent, you breathe that in cleaning product. If some soapy residue stays on your plate after washing, it will mix into your food the next time you eat and you’ll ingest it.
Think about your pets and children – how many times has your toddler put something into their mouth that they shouldn’t? Dogs will lick the floor or any other surface if a piece of food drops onto it or if they smell something interesting. If traditional chemical cleansers are used on those surfaces, it’s a sure-fire way for them to be ingested, which is potentially harmful in the short term as well as in the long term.
Then there is also the environment to consider. Whatever runs down the drain ends up in our oceans, and that includes the cleaning products we use to do our dishes, laundry etc. To preserve marine life and the environment, it’s important to take your cleaning products into account to ensure you’re not adding to the existing pollution.
Before you get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items to replace in your home, start with the basics. We’ve identified five common household products you can replace easily – and affordably – with a greener alternative that does not skimp on performance:
Dishwashing liquid
Crockery touches your food, and cutlery and glasses go into your mouth, so it’s important to select a non-toxic dishwashing liquid to ensure you don’t ingest any harmful chemicals. Try Earthsap Apple & Pear Dishwashing Liquid (R69.99), which leaves dishes sparkly clean without the use of harmful ingredients. The plant-based formula is biodegradable and free from artificial ingredients.
Tile cleaner
If you have pets, it’s important to use a natural tile cleaner to ensure they don’t ingest any toxins when licking or picking up something off the floor. Earthsap Citrus Floor and Tile Cleaner (R76.99) uses a naturally powerful soap to loosen dirt. Its microbials release organisms which break down dirt, fats, and odorous compounds without the presence of any toxic or harmful chemicals. The spray with trigger function makes it super simple to use for easy but safe household cleaning.
All-purpose surface cleaner
A good quality all-purpose cleaner ensures clean surfaces all over the home, from the kitchen, to the bathroom, and everywhere in between. Try Earthsap Ultra Power All Purpose Cleaner (R69.99). This cream cleaner contains potent essential oils which work to remove dirt, stains and grease without scratching. A little goes a long way, and it won’t leave your home coated with toxic residue like ordinary household cleaners.
Toilet cleaner
A clean toilet bowl is essential for one’s health, yet most of the commercial options available are filled with harsh, powerful ingredients that are harmful to breathe in. Earthsap Peppermint Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Disinfectant(R64.99) leaves a pleasant peppermint scent, free of toxic fumes and vapours. With its triple action formula it cleans, decalcifies and freshens without the risk of skin burns or damage to the environment. It will not scratch, stain or harm surfaces, and can be used to clean toilets, sinks, tubs and tiles.
Laundry detergent
Did you know that people with sensitive skin may have their sensitivity aggravated by their washing powder? Our clothing touches our skin all day, so it’s essential to use a laundry detergent that won’t cause irritation. Try Earthsap Apple & Kiwi Laundry Liquid (R109.00), which gently yet effectively cleans and refreshes laundry. It contains soapwort and citric acid which have natural cleaning properties, while essential oils of apple and kiwi add a fresh, clean fragrance. There’s nothing artificial in this laundry liquid, and unlike regular detergents, it’s biodegradable and safe for the planet.
Making these few small changes will kick-start your green journey and enable you to keep your home clean and fresh while prioritizing your health. Remember – it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and taking small steps towards a healthier future is better than taking no steps at all.
Shop Earthsap products online at Faithful to Nature, and at Wellness Warehouse and selected heath shops nationwide.
