4 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Routine Swaps You Can Make
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With as much as 68 per cent of plastic detergent bottles going to landfill, a few simple changes can make a big difference to the negative impact that our everyday cleaning products can have on the planet.
Whilst keeping our home clean is important, cleaning products are one of the worst culprits for causing environmental harm, yet many of us don’t consider switching these as a priority when thinking about becoming more eco-conscious.
With some insight from sustainable retailer, Ecovibe, here’s how much you could be saving the planet by swapping to sustainable options.
Swap to reusable products to reduce plastic pollution and water contamination
Many cleaning products are either made of or include single use plastic in their packaging. Even though they are convenient to use, anything from antibacterial wipes to detergent bottles end up in our landfills. We may be aware of the blockages that wet wipes cause to the sewage system, but Water UK estimate that around 75 per cent of flounder fish in the Thames are contaminated with plastic, the majority of which is from wet wipes.
By switching to reusable alternatives, such as glass spray bottles, soluble detergent sachets and organic cleaning cloths, you can not only limit the amount of waste going to landfill, but you can also protect waterways from dangerous levels of contamination and blockages.
Swap to compostable to nourish soil and reduce plastic pollution
Products that we are all used to using, such as scourers, plastic sponges and J cloths, can contain petrochemicals, which means that they do not break down when disposed of – and as a result they contribute to plastic pollution.
Compostable alternatives are much kinder to the planet and can save on waste. They also break down into natural elements, which gives important nourishment to the soil. Alternatives to try that leave zero waste include coconut fibre scourers or compostable sponges.
Swap to non-toxic cleaners to save our oceans and marine life
Many deep cleaning products are effective, however, the toxic chemicals that remove the dirt and grime are both harsh on surfaces and the environment. When washed into streams and rivers, these chemicals can enter the food chain through marine life.
It’s crucial to keep our oceans healthy and switching to non-toxic cleaners with ingredients such as plant extracts and alcohols at less than 0.4 per cent, can help to reduce ocean toxification levels and encourage biodiversity.
Swap to recycled products or bottles to dramatically reduce carbon emissions
Switching to recycled products can make a big impact on the climate over time. Less raw materials are required for recycled products, meaning they save precious natural resources. And whilst the price may still deter some consumers, some eco-friendly alternatives are now only around £1 more expensive than non-eco best sellers. Other alternatives can cost up to £6 more, but their positive impact on the environment and durability is worth it if you’re able to make the switch.
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10 books to inspire you to clean, declutter and organise your home
Vermilion Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying
Now 24% Off
Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy is an in-depth, illustrated, room-by-room guide to decluttering and organising your home. If something sparks joy, keep it, if not, expel it from your home. This book covers every room in the house, as well as a wide range of items in different categories, including clothes, photographs, paperwork, books, cutlery, cosmetics, shoes, bags, wallets and valuables.
The Home Edit: Conquering the clutter with style
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Famous home organisers to the stars, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin give you a masterclass in paring down your belongings in every room, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-find way (they love a label), and maintaining the system so you don’t need another do-over in six months. You can also watch their show, Get Organised with The Home Edit, on Netflix.
The Organised Mum Method: Transform your home in 30 minutes a day
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If you need to revolutionise your home routine, try the popular The Organised Mum Method (TOMM). The concept by Gemma Bray promises to help you ‘clean smarter not harder’ by spending 30 minutes cleaning a different room each day of the week – and it’ll spare you your weekends, too.
Making Space, Clutter Free: The Last Book On Decluttering You’ll Ever Need
Tracy McCubbin delves into the root of why many of us struggle to keep our homes decluttered. McCubbin’s powerful answer lies in the 7 Emotional Clutter Blocks – obstacles she will help readers overcome in order to declutter their homes and improve their overall wellbeing.
How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House’s Dirty Little Secrets
Dana K. White explains, clearly and without delusions, what it takes to get – and keep – your home under control. Her strategies include where to start to tame the chaos, which habits deserve your focus and will make the most impact, and practical tips you can implement immediately to declutter a huge amount of stuff with minimal drama.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: The Japanese Art
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Marie Kondo’s successful KonMari Method will help to keep your home clear and clutter-free permanently. If you follow the inspirational step-by-step, you’re promised to see results.
The Easy Life: Quick ways to clean and manage your home all year round
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Manage your home with Lynsey Crombie, Instagram sensation and TV’s Queen of Clean, as she creates a system of speed-cleaning challenges, organisational habits and natural cleaners. Lynsey aims to share what she’s learned to help you take the stress out of everyday life, so you can focus on what brings you joy.
Kyle Books Declutter: The get-real guide to creating calm from chaos
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Described as bursting with practical and relatable advice, this book injects enthusiasm, energy and humour into the essential and often mundane task of decluttering. Debora Robertson also helps you declutter your mind for an easier and more efficient life.
Banish Clutter Forever: How the Toothbrush Principle Will Change Your Life
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Banish Clutter Forever’s Toothbrush Principle is a simple approach to decluttering your home – whether you live in a huge house or a small flat. It will show you how to: organise according to the unconscious blueprint that naturally tidy people have, know what to throw away with confidence, set up your wardrobe so you get much more use out of the clothes you have, and work from home productively in a clear, designated space.
Hinch Yourself Happy: All The Best Cleaning Tips To Shine Your Sink And Soothe Your Soul
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Stay on top of your cleaning routine with Sophie Hinchliffe – better known Mrs Hinch – and her book, Hinch Yourself Happy. Mrs Hinch shares how cleaning can soothe anxiety and stress, plus step-by-step guides to hinching your home.
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Country Living, Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
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