Inside: Learn about several tips for decluttering and cleaning with an eco-friendly touch. This is a guest post from Alice from tidyhome.info.
Decluttering and cleaning our homes are very important for the health of our families. In a previous post, I talked about the many benefits of decluttering our homes.
It’s so important for us to remove the excess from our homes and our lives.
But what happens to all the stuff after we declutter?
Does it go to a donation center?
Or, maybe you found a friend who wanted that shirt that doesn’t fit you anymore?
Or, perhaps a lot of the items you removed ended up in the landfill?
Unfortuantley, it’s not enough to just get the items out of our homes. I encourage you to take it a step further and think about where your stuff is going after it leaves your homes as well. For the sake of those generations after us, let’s think about the longevity of our environment and how we can help.
For example, if you notice that a lot of the items you are decluttering are going in the trash, perhaps it’s time to think about what you bring into your home so you don’t have to send more stuff to the landfill the next time you declutter.
With this in mind, I am super excited to share this week’s guest post with you today! In it, Alice Robertson shares several eco-friendly tips for us to think about when we are decluttering and cleaning our homes.
I hope that you find these tips as helpful as I have!
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DECLUTTERING AND CLEANING WITH AN ECO-FRIENDLY TOUCH
Decluttering and giving your house a thorough deep-cleaning is a big job, but it can have many benefits. From keeping you physically healthy to boosting your mood and mental health, there are many ways you can improve your life with just a simple house cleaning.
Finding ways to keep the job eco-friendly can make things a little more complicated, but it’s a great way to do your part in keeping the Earth in good shape. Minimizing waste, using chemical-free cleaners, and reusing old items in new ways are all great starts.
It’s also important to think about new ways to keep the things you love while making space in your home.
For instance, you may have several collections of photo albums, records or CDs, or DVDs that could be put into storage, donated, or sold after you utilize the “cloud” or a streaming service to hold all your media. This will help remove clutter and prevent items from being sent to the landfill at the same time.
Here are a few things to think about when it’s time to clean and declutter your home.
RECYCLE THE SMART WAY
Recycling is one of the best ways to remain eco-friendly. Unfortunately, if you have large items you no longer want–such as a mattress or dresser–your local recycling center may not take them simply because they don’t have the resources to break them down.
You can do this yourself; just be careful when removing nails and springs. Always wear gloves, and keep small parts in a box where they won’t be likely to poke someone with their sharp edges. Before you get started, contact your local recycling center, and ask about their policy on large items and how to go about dropping off broken-down pieces.
KEEP IT CLEAN
It’s an inevitable fact that once you get your entire home cleaned, it won’t take long for it to become dirty again. Fortunately, you can help yourself stay motivated to maintain the spotlessness by investing in a good vacuum cleaner that will work hard for you. A cordless vacuum may be the way to go, since it’s easy to store and lighter than corded models, while still providing suction power.
GO DIGITAL
There are several ways you can embrace the digital world when it comes to decluttering around the house. Scanning and uploading photos to the cloud and using a streaming service to get your favorite music or movies are two of the most common, and they won’t cost much.
You can donate or sell the original items and utilize the space they were in for something else, such as a new set of shelves for storage.
GO GREEN WITH CLEANING SUPPLIES
Going “green” can mean many things, but when it comes to your cleaning supplies, it’s important to look for ways to keep it natural.
Rather than using chemicals that can be harmful to the environment–or to your family–try simple, homemade cleansers using items you probably already have, such as vinegar and baking soda. Not only will you be keeping your house free of germs and bacteria, you’ll be doing it in a way that keeps the air quality in your home healthy.
Decluttering your home can have a big impact on your overall health. Cleaning the right way can help you keep things neat and tidy for an extended period of time. Start by using the right tools, and make an effort to ensure that your cleaning routine is the best one for both your home and your schedule.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ECO TIPS WHEN IT COMES TO DECLUTTERING AND CLEANING YOUR HOME?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Robertson recently created tidyhome.info as a place to share the great cleaning and organizing advice she has developed over the years.
READ NEXT…
8 Steps to Clear the Clutter + Checklist
How to Declutter When you Are Overwhelmed
How to Declutter Quickly When You Only Have 10 Minutes
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