Guide to Green Your Spring

It is that time of year to begin your spring cleaning. People across the country are breaking out the cleaning supplies and lawn equipment to give their homes and yard a fresh clean look. In doing so, there are a few sustainability concepts to consider.   Individuals aiming to become more sustainable in their personal life have a variety of eco actions at their disposal.

Green clean your home by replacing conventional cleaning supplies with eco-friendly products. Conventional cleaning supplies may contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous. By replacing them with eco-friendly products, you're providing improved indoor air quality, as well as using products aligned with sustainability concepts.   There's an abundance of alternative products from which to choose. Ideas mentioned in our personal consulting practice include:

•    Seventh Generation is an industry leader renowned for its nontoxic cleaning products.
•    Mrs. Meyers also offers nontoxic cleaners and all of the company's cleaning supplies are biodegradable and incorporate natural essential oils to provide a pleasant cleaning experience.
•    Ecover makes its biodegradable, nontoxic cleaners from plant based ingredients and is powered by green energy in the making of its products.

In addition, apply that same eco awareness outside the house to your yard work. Traditional fertilizers and mulch often contain chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but can be hazardous to your health. With the variety of eco-friendly products available, you no longer have to sacrifice quality and price to have a great looking organic yard. Here is a list of alternative products offered at your local Home Depot or Lowes:

•    Cockadoodle Doo is the perfect fertilizer for people who have kids and pets.
•    Ringer Lawn Restore is a slow release organic fertilizer that provides the essential nutrients that produce thick, green lawns and deep, vigorous root systems.
•    Lady Bug creates a chemical free environment, which results in healthier plants, more wildlife, and reduced pollution of local waterways.

By making the switch to more sustainable products, you will not only be reducing the hazardous products in your home but also contributing to the reduction of the 5 billion pounds of chemicals consumed by cleaning industry each year.

If you are super ambitious, extend your green routine to a green home makeover - transform your home into an eco haven. Express your unique style and with eco awareness. Following are resources offered in our eco friendly consulting classes to help you on your way:

•    Decorate the Eco Friendly Way
•    Eco Friendly Painting: A Breath of Fresh Air
•    Top 10 Plants to Reduce Stress, Cut Toxins, and Live Green
•    Splish Splash: 20 Ways to Green your Bathroom
•    Transform your Home Office to a Green Office

Enjoy greening your Spring knowing that with every eco action you take, you support the environment and sustainable businesses alike!