Are you looking for more ways to do your bit for the planet at home? Small changes can add up to big differences if we all get involved, and one small way we might be making a negative impact on the environment is the cleaning choices we make. When it comes to cleaning your kitchen, let’s look at some ways you can make your habits more environmentally friendly.
Buying green cleaning products
The types of cleaning products you use in your kitchen can have the biggest impact here. Many store-bought cleaners contain toxic ingredients that get washed down your kitchen sink and into the water system and the environment. Check the packaging – here are a few ingredients to avoid when shopping for cleaning products:
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Phosphates
- Triclosan (often found in antibacterial cleaning products)
- Phthalates
More “green” or “eco-friendly” cleaning products are now being developed and sold in stores, so look for these if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact in the kitchen and other rooms of the house.
Make your own cleaners
By using homemade cleaners, you know exactly what ingredients are going into the products you use. And you’ve got the bonus of knowing that no immoral practices were used in creating or packaging your cleaners. When it comes to making your own kitchen cleaners, here are some ingredients that work well:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Borax
- Olive oil
Just remember that acidic ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice shouldn’t be used on natural stone surfaces such as granite countertops, floors, and kitchen islands.
Reusable cleaning materials
Materials like paper towels and antibacterial wipes simply get thrown away after each use, which adds up to a lot of waste. Wipes in particular can be bad for the environment because they are creating plastic waste. Sponges and cloths are a better option, but even some of these need throwing away and replacing fairly regularly as they get used up and dirty.
The best option is a cloth that you can wash and reuse over and over again, one that won’t degrade easily as you wash it. Microfiber cloths are a good choice for this. Or you can look for bamboo paper towels that are more eco-friendly to produce. You can even recycle your own belongings and reuse them as cleaning cloths, such as an old t-shirt or pair of socks that you were about to throw out.
Rely less on air fresheners
Aerosol sprays have a negative impact on the atmosphere, often contributing to greenhouse gases. Plus, their packaging isn’t particularly easy to recycle. Try using natural ingredients to scent or deodorize your home, such as potpourri, essential oils, coffee grounds, or vinegar and baking soda. Also, opening your windows regularly will let some air in and help to keep your home smelling fresh.
Natural stone floors and countertops are a sustainable choice since they’re made of natural materials and are long-lasting, plus they’re nice and easy to clean. Contact Amanzi Granite to find out more about our kitchen countertops.
