Green your spring clean

The arrival of spring means fresh leaves, fresh air, and freshly cleaned homes for many Vancouverites. But when it comes to cleaning your house or apartment, what does clean really mean? Many people associate cleanliness with the scent of ammonia, pine or chlorine bleach. The majority of the conventional cleaning products we grew up with are petroleum-based and full of colourants, perfumes and toxic VOCs - risking not only our own health, but that of the environment. We’ve put together some alternative ideas to help you “green” your spring clean and lessen your impact on the planet.

The hazardous chemicals in conventional cleaning products contribute to indoor air pollution in many homes and damage the environment by contaminating our groundwater, lakes and oceans. There are plenty of natural products on the market to help you keep your house clean and healthy without toxic side effects.

Check out Seventh Generation’s line of non-toxic, biodegradable household cleaners, available at health food stores and natural grocery retailers around the city. The company derives its name from the great law of the Iroquois that says “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” We couldn’t agree more.

Ecover’s all purpose cleaner, floor soap and glass and surface cleaner are produced in an ecological, economic and socially responsible way. Every Ecover product is fully biodegradable, plant-based and created to go head-to-head with conventional petrochemical-based products without compromising quality or the environment.

Canadian-made Nature Clean’s All-Purpose Cleaner is safe and effective for dishes, laundry and even fruits and vegetables. Originally developed to combat chemical sensitivities and environmental allergies, the all-purpose cleaner contains no perfumes, dyes or formaldehyde-based preservatives.

BC’s Pink Solution is a natural enzyme cleaner that emulsifies dirt, grease and grime without toxins or chemicals and can be used on everything from carpet to tubs and laundry.

If you’re looking to escape from commercially made products, a few ingredients from your kitchen cupboards will also get the job done. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean almost anything. Instead of ammonia-based Windex, shine your windows and mirrors with a mixture of vinegar, dish detergent and water. Check out www.greenpeace.org for more basic recipes for green cleaners, and replace paper towels and other disposable cleaning wipes with reusable cloths.

According the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air and considered to be one of the top five hazards to human health. Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time inside, and our homes contain many substances that may be hazardous to our health. Visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s website for information on how to further reduce chemical contaminants in your home.

Short on time or just can’t face scrubbing the tub again? Aspen Clean in Vancouver cleans homes and carpets with only natural, scent-free products.

Cleaning your home shouldn’t put you or your family at risk for asthma, cancer or reproductive harm. Be kinder to people and the planet by greening your cleaning routine.