Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Clean ‘green’ and help combat climate change at the same time...
WHY SHOULD WE MAKE THE SWITCH?
Toxic ingredients can be extremely dangerous if they come into contact with our skin, inhaled or ingested, cautions Sue Caldwell.
“For example, toxins can seep through the skin and enter the bloodstream when we’re enjoying a relaxing bath; they can aggravate skin conditions such as eczema, and harmful particles in the air can aggravate respiratory issues such as asthma,” says Sue.
She says the main ingredients to watch out for include sodium hydroxide, ammonia, chlorine, phosphate and solvent, all of which are commonly found in some household cleaners and used in many homes daily.
HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH TO NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
A more sustainable lifestyle starts by making considered purchases… Before you purchase any product, Sue says to ask yourself if you really need it; or whether you can buy a more planet-friendly alternative. “Take a few moments to read what’s actually in the products rather than just grabbing your usual brand, or the latest offer off the supermarket shelf.”
You can cut down on waste by refilling, reusing and recycling. Buy in bulk or concentrates to reduce unnecessary packaging and shipping, suggests Sue, and refill and reuse containers to cut back on the amount going into your household’s bin.
“Not only does reusing containers reduce the amount that enters landfills and oceans, but it also lessens the number of lorries on the road – and therefore C02 emissions.” Always dispose of any unwanted toxic cleaning products responsibly, advises Sue, and recycle empty containers wherever possible by rinsing them and popping in the recycling bin. Many products, such as bleaches, are labelled as hazardous waste and she says these should never be poured down the sink to dispose of. If you’re in doubt, local councils offer advice on how to get rid of unwanted cleaning products safely.
WHAT NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS CAN WE USE?
There are lots of natural cleaning remedies you will already have in your cupboard…
“Baking soda, lemon juice and white distilled vinegar are some of nature’s greatest natural cleaners – and they work wonders for a whole host of common cleaning tasks,” says Sue. You can use these ingredients to clean almost all surfaces in the home by simply mixing equal measures of baking soda with white distilled vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. “Lemon water is a fantastic natural cleaner thanks to its anti-bacterial properties. Try adding half a lemon to a bowl of water and popping in your microwave to easily steam clean the inside,” suggests Sue. White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are miracle workers for cleaning and deodorising, and great for removing stains. Meanwhile, Laura Harnett recommends your cleaning cupboard is also stocked with tea tree oil.
“A natural antifungal and antibacterial agent – and it can be used instead of white vinegar to clean hygienically using your reusable spray bottle, ” she says. And while many common air fresheners might smell pleasant, Sue adds they’re harmful to the environment and to us.
“So freshen up your home by diffusing essential oils or creating scented pouches of lavender.”