Blooming flowers, longer days, and promises of warmth and sunshine signify the new beginnings and transformations of spring. As your household prepares for the arrival of spring, the City would like to share tips for sustainable spring cleaning.
Avoid harsh chemicals: look for products that are natural, biodegradable and/or have recycled packaging. Highly concentrated and environmentally friendly products can reduce water use and make the product last longer. You can also make your own cleaning products using vinegar, lemon juice, essential oils, and baking soda.
Use reusable cleaning products and tools: when cleaning, ditch single-use products like paper towels and disinfectant wipes and opt for reusable cloths, towels, and mops.
Repair, fix, or repurpose items: if you can’t reuse or repurpose a household item, consider donating to a local nonprofit, such as Shop for Change (PRISM) and Arc’s Value Village. You can also get help with your broken stuff and learn valuable repair skills at free Fix-It Clinics.
Air dry clothing and textiles: for many households, the dryer is the third most energy-intensive appliance. Consider hang-drying laundry to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, prolong the lifespan of your dryer and your clothes, and lower your energy bills.
Be mindful of water use: there are many ways to reduce water consumption as you clean, such as opting for concentrated, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly cleaning products, as well as turning off the faucet while cleaning and washing dishes. Using the dishwasher instead of handwashing is another great way to save water.
Check out the following websites for additional resources:
Visit the Environmental Resources web page on the City website for other simple yet impactful actions you can take to help create a sustainable future.