House Cleaning and The Environment

Household cleaners are important for keeping our homes clean, safe, and disease free. Household cleaning products are effective at ridding the home of dirt and harmful microscopic organisms [2]. However, the impact of those cleaners on ourselves and our planet is important to consider.

The Problem with Traditional House Cleaners

The chemicals in many cleaners are common pollutants that contribute to smog, reduce the quality of drinking water and are toxic to animals.

These chemicals from traditional household cleaners cause marine and terrestrial animal fatalities due to toxic pollution from synthetic cleaning chemicals entering our natural waterways and environment. This can result in a dramatic decrease in wildlife numbers as well as damage to the function of local, national, and global ecosystems [1].

Some of the chemicals enter waterways and build up, causing an accelerated growth of some types of plant life which has wide ranging impacts on aquatic ecosystems such as stimulating the growth of dense vegetation that clogs waterways, crowding out animal life and other marine plants [2]. Eventually these plants decay in massive quantities depleting the oxygen in the water which causes further damage to populations of other wildlife [3].

Another issue is the packaging, thousands of marine creatures are killed as a direct result of the plastic packaging pollution related to commercial cleaning products [1]. 

What Can We Do About It?

There are several steps which homeowners and landlords alike can implement in their household cleaning routine to be more eco-friendly and safeguard the environment for the future [1]. You can even think about swapping out the material you use to clean with for more eco-friendly and plastic free alternatives [1].

Here are some examples of swap you can make today:

Reusable scrubber sponges and reusable towels can help you reduce the waste from your cleaning routine. A plastic free dish brush and tray for it to sit in is is perfect for pots, pans, and dishes.  A 16oz refillable bottle is a great choice if you wish to start making your own homemade cleaning products. Or you could use a concentrate of an eco-friendly cleaning product to fill up your bottle.

Using eco-friendly cleaning agents within your home can improve the air quality, reduce your personal carbon footprint, and inspire others to adopt environmentally conscious cleaning practices [1]. Why not get started today?

Author: Bethany Newark

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