How to Make Home Products More Sustainable
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Anjie Cho, and I would like to share with you some tips on how to make home products more sustainable. I will be specifically talking about home cleaning products, an easy place to start to make the green shift in your home. I will also create a do-it-yourself recipe for an effective, non-toxic all purpose cleaning solution.
Unfortunately many of the conventional cleaning products found in stores are made up of toxic chemicals. Not only do we breathe in the toxins but they get absorbed directly into our bloodstream through our skin. One of the easiest ways to make your home products more sustainable is to make some simple substitutions. Instead of paper towels use reusable towels, microfiber towels are excellent and don't leave any lint. They are great for windows.
Baking soda is another great one. It can deodorize, neutralize acids, it ha an abrasive scrubbing action so it can shine and polish. It's very good for cutting the grease on stoves or on pots and pans, especially when using in conjunction with steel wool. Steel wool and baking soda together are great so you can toss the chemical abrasive powder. White vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits, grease and remove traces of soap, mildew or wax buildup. It also polishes metals and deodorizes. It can be used for glass, stone, mirror, etc. I encourage you to substitute sustainable solutions in your home.
So I'll leave you with my favorite recipes for an all-purpose cleaner. You need white vinegar, water and your favorite essential oil. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil are both very good because they are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial or for a bright clean scent try orange or lemon essential oils. Citrus oils are very brightening and they smell so good, very clean. You take one part vinegar to three parts water, put in the essential oil and mix them in an empty spray bottle. Shake it up and you are ready to go. This all purpose solution is great for wiping down counters, windows, glass, bathroom surfaces, floors, etc.
I am Anjie Cho, green interior architect with Anjie Cho Architect and founder of Holistic Spaces and this has been how to make home products more sustainable.