It’s that time of year again. Time to pack up our winter coats, put away our space heaters, and tidy up for a new season. That’s right! Spring is around the corner and along with the flowers blooming, birds chirping and the warm weather, comes spring cleaning.
Spring Cleaning does not have to mean harsh cleaning products or garbage bags full of junk. You can achieve supreme clean and maintain environmental stewardship at the same time! Check out the tips below for some helpful suggestions.
- Put waste in its place: when cleaning out the garage, shed, or attic, be sure to dispose of all household hazardous waste properly. Try recycling them through an approved recycler as opposed to leaving them on the curbside.
- Try toxic-free cleaning: try cleaning with products that contain less chemicals and more natural ingredients. You can even make your own! Some common environmentally safe products include baking soda, lemon and white vinegar. By using toxic-free cleaning products, you are keeping pollutants out of your home and out of our waterways.
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: throwing out old clothes and other items is usually a high priority on anyone’s spring cleaning checklist. Instead of tossing these materials in the garbage, try re-purposing them or donating them to a nearby shelter. Old clothing can be sewed into quilts, old books can be used for crafts, and old mail can be shredded and recycled.
- Test, don’t guess: with all spring cleaning, comes yard work. Try reducing your fertilizer use this spring! To do this, test your soil before using fertilizer. By knowing exactly what nutrients your lawn may be lacking, you are reducing your risk of over fertilizing. This helps our waterways AND your wallet!
For most of us, spring cleaning is an annual ritual, for others, it’s a dreaded necessity. Adjusting your spring cleaning with more environmentally friendly actions can be easy, fun, and rewarding. By making your spring green you are helping create a healthier, cleaner home and a lasting community.
Blog contributed by Alacia Nixson, Municipal Intern with City of Norfolk.