To celebrate Earth Month, we've been sharing #1GreenThing, our favorite earth-friendly tips and tutorials here on the Whole Story blog and on our Facebook page opens in a new tab. Each of us can make a difference in the health of our planet each day. After all, little steps can make a big difference. Each week we are exploring a new theme. Last week is all about reusing and reducing waste opens in a new tab, and this week we're tackling spring cleaning.
Freshly folded laundry, shiny countertops and dust-free surfaces — there’s something about a clean home that just feels right. If you’ve got a checklist full of spring cleaning chores to tackle, be sure try these earth-friendly tips and tricks. Earth Month is the perfect time to consider adding eco-friendly solutions to your cleaning routine.
7 Ways to Inspire a Cleaner, Greener Home
Monday
Our 3 Favorite Ways to Clean with Baking Soda
Sprinkle on a damp sponge to cut through cooked-on microwave grime.
Mix equal parts baking soda and water, then apply the paste to shower tiles and sponge off.
Sprinkle a handful in the bottom of your dishwasher to deodorize.
Tuesday
Make simple earth-friendly swaps when you can. Replace your single-use paper products with ones made with 100% recycled paper.
Wednesday
3 Fresh and Fun Ways to Clean with Citrus
Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons unscented castile soap and 5 drops citrus essential oil for an all-purpose cleaner.
Polish stainless steel sinks by sprinkling salt on a slice of citrus and using the fruit to scrub.
Place lemon slices in a large bowl of water and microwave for 3 minutes, then let stand for 10 minutes. As the water boils, it condenses on the walls of the microwave, and loosens caked-on gunk in the microwave so you can easily wipe it off.
Thursday
Go ahead, play favorites. Choose brands that design products with the planet in mind. One of our favorite earth-friendly brands is Seventh Generation. In the last 15 years, they’ve used recycled materials for their packaging, which has saved 2.9 million cubic feet of landfill space. Plus, the company is working toward a goal of zero waste by 2020.Friday
Looking for a greener cleaner? This all-purpose spray recipe from blogger Laicie Heeley of A Thousand Threads opens in a new tab helps cut down on food waste too! Here's how:
Place orange peels in a glass container and sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on top.
Fill the container halfway with white vinegar and then top with distilled water.
Seal the container and let steep for 2-3 weeks.
Funnel the solution into a spray bottle and get cleaning!
Saturday
Try An Aromatic Simmer-Pot Recipe! Fill your home with nature’s scents instead of artificial room sprays. Simply add the following ingredients to a pot with 2-3 cups water, bring to a boil, and simmer on low throughout the day.
Fresh Day: 3 sliced lemons, 3 rosemary sprigs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Spring Soother: 1 sliced lemon, 1 cup dried lavender or 2-3 drops lavender essential oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Sunday
3 Ways to Refresh Your Home with Essential Oils
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to cotton balls and place them in clothing drawers.
Skip the fragrance sprays and use pure essential oils instead. Place a few drops in a large glass bowl of hot water and the scent will fill the room.
Rub a drop onto your lamp’s light bulb. When you turn on the lamp, it will heat the oil and add a light fragrance to the room.
We believe that making earth-friendly choices should be simple and fun. Be sure to check back next week for a new series of tips. Next week’s theme is buzz-worthy for sure — we’ll be talking about pollinator protection. In the meantime, show us your favorite green tips and tricks on Instagram and Twitter by tagging #1GreenThing.
