Taiga Company

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.

As a sustainability consultant, I am always looking for ways to incorporate eco awareness into client’s businesses and daily lives. There are multiple benefits in creating a personal sustainability plan.  For spring, there are quick hits that everyone can immediately apply.

For those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, replacing conventional cleaning supplies with eco-friendly products is one of those quick hits. 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. Following is a list we suggest to clients in our personal consulting practice.

•    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 you 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.