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April is upon us and that means that spring is truly here! Between the blooming flowers and birdsong, it seems like every creature is busy with renewal. Each spring, many of us undertake the infamous “spring cleaning,” refreshing our homes after a long winter. Traditionally, spring cleaning meant beating rugs outside, washing the walls, and giving the chimney a good sweep. Thankfully, our chores are a lot simpler these days, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to do. April also marks the international holiday, Earth Day. Founded in 1970, Earth Day was a call to both celebrate and protect our planet. Around the world, people plant trees, make water-saving pledges, install solar panels, and more.
So this year, in the celebration of Earth Day and helping you achieve your organizational goals, let’s find eco-friendly alternatives to common household chemicals and learn how to dispose of them properly.
#1 | Lawncare
Lush lawns and fertilizer seem to go hand-in-hand but while it may be your dream for an emerald carpet of zoysia, lawn fertilizer and herbicides (weed killers) are pretty potent. Too much of a ‘good thing’ can really wreak havoc on delicate aquatic systems. Please keep in mind that, even if you don’t live near a water source, watersheds are vast areas, and all things eventually end up in lakes and oceans. One way to reduce the need for fertilizers is by leaving grass clippings on the ground and composting yard debris. Grass clippings and compost provide natural fertilization of your landscape, and they are free.
While you are tending to your lawn, think about planting a tree or some flowers. I am trying my hand in gardening this year with a few strawberry plants and tomatoes; I can’t wait to harvest my fruit for a salad or snack. Another great resource is your local university cooperative extension; they should have great information on native plant species that won’t require much care and are specially adapted to your climate.
#2 | All purpose cleaners
My all-time favorite all purpose cleaner is white vinegar. It has been used for centuries as an effective and safe all purpose cleaner. Vinegar is widely available and safe for pets and kids, plus, when diluted with water, a gallon jug lasts a long time. Try this alternative on windows, kitchen counters, floors, and even bathrooms! Save your money, and the environment, with this safe alternative.
#3 | Avoid purchasing products with warning labels
Make it a habit to read labels. This rule is true for food, beauty products, and household chemicals. When considering a chemical, think about the strength of the product in question. Do you need an acid solution to clean a bathtub? Probably not. Purchase non-hazardous or the least hazardous products for the task. A good rule of thumb is to think of product labels on an increasing scale: a product labeled ‘caution’ should be less hazardous than a product labeled ‘warning,’ with the most potentially hazardous products labeled ‘danger’ or ‘poison.’ Again, use non-hazardous products anytime you can.
#4 | Prevent over-shopping
Have you ever gone to the store needing to buy just one item and have been confronted with a display or deal too good to pass up, so you buy 2 or 3 items instead of just one? It happens to all of us; we love a good deal. This sometimes happens to me when I go to Costco. Buying in bulk or when things are on sale is smart but sometimes wasteful. I have been guilty of throwing away a 3 lb bag of spinach because it was too much for us to eat before going bad. So I recommend meal planning or sharing some of your goodies with a friend or neighbor. As a result, you’ll save on waste and money; I call that a win-win!
#5 | Ditch paper with digital services
Paper is one of the biggest sources of clutter in our homes and offices. A recent figure from the National Association of Professional Organizers states that the average American receives almost 15,000 pieces of junk mail in their lifetime. Take a look at your kitchen island or table and you’ll see evidence of this clutter! Stop it in its tracks by switching to digital emails instead of paper copies. Most organizations from your favorite craft store to the dentist are willing to provide virtual mailing services in lieu of paper copies.
→ Frequently asked question: What do I do with all this unused paint in my garage?
Try to use it to spruce up an old piece of furniture or give it to someone who can use it, like a local artist or school drama club. If it is no longer usable, I recommend that you solidify the paint. Cat litter works well but shredded paper or saw dust are also great alternatives. Once it is all dried up, you can place it in the trash and say, “goodbye paint.”
So, while you’re busy spring cleaning your little heart out, I challenge you to think environmentally before applying or purchasing chemicals. Whether you are spraying glass cleaner or peering into the depths of the garage, spring is the perfect time to reexamine your chemical use and address all of those hazardous materials and chemicals that you cannot dispose of in the regular garbage. Remember, items like house paint, garden fertilizer, old motor oil, and batteries require special disposal. If you are still unsure, check out Earth911 for ideas and tips. We can all do our part to reduce and reuse what we can, all while working to declutter our homes.
Best wishes for a successful spring tidy-up and STAY ORGANIZED!
Contributed by S. Walter
