Every year we welcome the season with spring cleaning, and every April 22nd we honor our planet by celebrating Earth Day. This year we figured we’d help you merge these two traditions!
Earth Day begins at home, and while you prepare for spring by cleaning your home and getting rid of what you don’t need, it’s important to make sure that spring cleaning doesn’t result in pollution or waste. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to make your Earth Day celebration just a little smoother.
Less-toxic Cleaning Products
Common store-bought cleaning products may contain chemicals that can negatively impact water quality if introduced into waterways or cause irritation if exposed to eyes or skin. While you do a deep clean of your home, here are some less toxic alternatives you can use:
- Lemon juice: cuts grease and grime.
- Baking soda: removes stains and grime.
- White vinegar: cuts grease and grime.
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% solution: removes stains and acts as a disinfectant.
- Liquid soap that is free of triclosan and sodium lauryl. Castile soap is a good option.
Check out this San Mateo County Health site for DIY cleaning product recipes.
Low-Waste Decluttering Tips
While your ultimate goal may be to begin spring with a decluttered home, you can do so while creating the least amount of waste possible. Follow these tips to cut down on waste:
- Donate and keep items out of the landfill! Create piles for things that can be donated such as pantry staples, old clothes, or entertainment items. These items could find a new home and stay out of the landfill. Visit recyclestuff.org to find a list of donation locations for different household items.
- Reduce, reuse, and repurpose. While identifying things you don’t need anymore, you can also make a note of things that might serve a new purpose. Have old jars sitting around? Repurpose them into storage for pantry staples. Have worn out t-shirts in your closet? Use them as rags for cleaning up spills.
- Sort your waste. Make sure you know what belongs in the trash, recycling, compost, and donation so that everything is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way. If you’re not sure, visit your waste hauler’s website for more information.
- Make sure to check labels. Checking labels before tossing anything into any bin will help keep toxic products out of our waterways. Not everything can be thrown away in your residential waste bins. Read on to learn which items may require special disposal.
What Should I Do With My Household Hazard Waste?
Remember that items such as paint, cleaning products, car fluids, and batteries are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and cannot be disposed of in the trash. HHW is waste from your home that is toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive and must be disposed of at an HHW center. For a full list of these items, check out our HHW page.
If these items are improperly disposed of they can contaminate our waterways and drinking water, harm wildlife, and put sanitation workers at risk. Make sure to do your part by making an appointment to bring in your household hazardous waste to an HHW facility.
As we begin spring cleaning and celebrate Earth Day let’s be sure to be mindful of our environment. By following these tips, you can help reduce waste and protect our waterways. Happy spring cleaning and happy Earth Day!
Do you have your own Earth Day tips? Share them with us using the form below!
