Keeping our earth green while we keep things clean requires some forethought. It means not grabbing the first harsh product we see on shelves. Sure, we’ve used some of them for years, but now, thanks to innovations in science, the world of cleaning has experienced changes too — for the better, so that we accomplish our tasks without damaging ourselves, our family and pets or our precious environment.

 

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A wide range of products exists that contains fragrant and gentle ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide in the right proportions also makes a safer cleaning alternative, as do vinegar and baking soda: our grandparents used these, as well as lemon juice, borax and club soda. Chlorine, as in chlorine bleach, will often strip mold and bacteria away, but remember that, used improperly, it’s a toxin: no wonder it’s so effective in swimming pools as a powerful germ-fighter.

 

Paying attention to packaging is yet another easy way to help mother earth stay green; if you already "think green," you probably choose recycled paper products. Recycled plastic is available too, which should always be the choice when we consider the number of plastic containers we all use regularly. When discarded, these add up quickly in the landfills. Always look for the special symbol that denotes recycle-ability: look for seven types of symbols on plastic that tell us what type it is. Most importantly: recycle. Take the time to do this even if your community doesn’t. We’ll all thank you.

 

Read more great green cleaning tips here on HousekeepingChannel.com.