With Spring in the air comes the annual desire (need) to do some Spring cleaning. The practice itself supports our health and well-being by helping to detoxify and declutter the air and physical space in which we live. Here are 6 tips to optimize your Spring cleaning in environmentally sustainable ways.
Commercial fresheners can contain chemical ingredients that act as respiratory irritants, alter hormone levels, and adversely impact short—and long-term health in several ways. One variety of these chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), has been detected indoors in concentrations up to 10 times higher than outdoors. VOCs also contribute to greenhouse gases, significantly forming ozone and fine particulates in the atmosphere.
One way to minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals is to purchase nontoxic air fresheners from botanicals or essential oils. You can even skip the sprays and diffuse your own essential oils. You can also go the old-school route of boiling citrus, cinnamon, cloves, or any other herbs and filling your home with plants known to help purify the air. Lastly, open windows as often as possible to allow fresh, clean air.
Another way to limit exposure to harmful chemicals (for yourself and the environment) is to find alternative cleaning products. Again, you can purchase non-toxic cleaning products by reading labels at stores. Another option is to use items you typically stock in your kitchen for inexpensive and accessible alternatives. Vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleaner for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, windows, and fixtures. See this tutorial on using vinegar to clean your showerhead (and why you should).
Lemons are also quite versatile. They can be used to:
Clean tarnished brass or copper with some added salt or baking soda (instructions here)
It’s easy to allow our belongings and closets to grow over time. Despite our overflowing closets, the average American is estimated to wear only 20% of their clothing regularly. A study by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families found that women living in cluttered environments are likelier to have high cortisol levels, the granddaddy of all stress hormones. Each year, assess what you need and/or what brings you joy. If anything you own does not meet either of these criteria, donate it. By reusing clothing and other goods, we can help others in need and reduce the amount of waste entering landfills. Use any old t-shirts and washcloths that are less-than-donation-worthy as rags for cleaning.
Shred any documents you do not need to hold on to, keeping them separate for recycling. While doing so, opt for paperless billing for any credit, utility, or other billing accounts for which you still receive paper bills. The PayItGreen coalition estimates that Americans save 452,819 trees yearly for every 5% of households that switch to electronic bills, statements, and payments.
Those who don’t have the time to clean their own homes can hire a green cleaning service. Depending on your finances, you could choose how often to have your home professionally cleaned—maybe bi-weekly, monthly, or even just every Spring for a thorough job. More and more eco-friendly services are popping up every day, but if you can’t find one in your area, check other local cleaners to see if they would be willing to use products you supply.
The most effective way to reduce the amount of dirt and toxins in your home is to keep them from coming inside. Studies have shown that not only do our shoes track in mud, but also lawn chemicals, coal tar, oil, antifreeze, animal waste, particulate pollution, pollen, and other things we may not even realize. The best way to avoid this is to have a good doormat and a “no shoes” policy in the home. The side benefit? Less sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping – which, in turn, reduces our energy footprint and use of cleaning chemicals.
In the rush of deadlines and meetings, kindness can often be overlooked. However, research shows that workplace kindness is crucial for employee well-being. Regular acts of kindness enhance morale, reduce stress, and foster collaboration and productivity. Here are five ways kindness can improve well-being at work.
Art can support healthcare providers by boosting their skills and emotional awareness. Engaging in art enhances observation and empathy, key qualities for patient care. Here are three ways making art fosters a more compassionate approach to healing.
Pets greatly enhance our mental health. Their presence can significantly alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and help combat loneliness. Animals offer emotional support that humans often struggle to replicate. Here are four ways pets nurture our mental well-being.
