With snow flurrying outside and the sidewalks still icy, it’s hard to imagine that spring is right around the corner. Nonetheless the season of new growth is on the way and many of us may be inspired to undertake annual spring cleaning. Spring cleaning can help us start the season fresh, feel organized, and be rejuvenated, so let's make it sustainable as well!
DIY Your Cleaning Products
Many of us rely on household cleaners that we buy at the grocery store. Unfortunately, many of these products contain toxic chemicals that get into the air when you clean. By replacing typical cleaners with natural and non-toxic ones, your house will be just as clean but without all those chemicals in the air. This will allow you to create a safer environment for children, pets, and the Earth! Various combinations of vinegar and baking soda can also be a great replacement for toxic cleaners. Making cleaning products at home, you’ll know exactly what is in your cleaners! You can find numerous recipes for cleaning products on the internet and they even offer recipes for specific applications like ovens, or even carpets and glass.
Clear out Correctly
As you clear out things you might not be using, make sure that you are disposing of them correctly! Anything useful that you think someone else can use should be donated to a thrift store and everything else should be properly sorted into the correct waste stream. For example, did you know that it is illegal to throw any electronics into the trash? They have to be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste facility in Wolcott or a hard-to-recycle event. There is also textile recycling available in Eagle County for any rags or clothes that are too worn for anyone else to use. The Waste Wizard app can help you ensure that you are throwing everything away exactly where it needs to go.
Reconsider Replacement
When you get rid of things that don’t work or you no longer like, it can be your immediate instinct to replace them with something new. This can lead to a cycle where you buy a new organizational system, wardrobe, or furniture that you won’t actually use long term. Instead stop the cycle of consumerism and explore minimalist lifestyle, even just temporarily. Take time to consider what you actually regularly use and do your research before making any replacement purchases. Better yet, consider repairing broken items yourself or sending them off to a professional.
Spring clean sustainably this year with these tips and get the season off to a great start!
Elizabeth and Emily are both Sustainability Staff members at Walking Mountains. Emily leads our Zero-Waste efforts and Elizabeth focuses on outreach and education.