10 Tips for a Greener, Cleaner Home Part 2

Yesterday, I talked about some of the products that we use in keeping our home green and clean.  Today, I’m continuing with the 10 tips by sharing some ways that we keep our home clean and green.

6. Buy concentrate or in bulk

When you buy your cleaner in concentrate form, you are saving money (not paying for the water in most cleaners), and you are reducing packaging.  Buying in bulk also usually saves money and reduces packaging.

7. Start Decluttering

I am really bad when it comes to clutter.  I like to hold on to things which only creates more work for myself.  The more stuff there is around the house, the harder it is to clean.  Plus, it takes longer to clean and wastes time and resources.  I’m constantly battling with clutter, so I try to tackle mail and other items as they come into the house.

Don’t just toss everything away.  Try to giveaway usable items.  Many thrift stores will send over trucks to pick up your stuff, so you won’t even have to take it to the store for donation.

8. Use Reusable Bags and Recycle Plastic Bags

We really try to use reusable bags whenever possible.  They are actually easier to use than plastic bags, and you don’t have to be concerned with them breaking when the canned goodies or spaghetti sauce jars are too heavy.  If you do get some plastic bags, make sure you recycle them.  We use them to clean up after our dog or in the small trash cans around the house.  You can also drop them off at the grocery store in their recycling bins.

9. Involve Your Kids in the Process

Most kids like the idea of being included in the process of creating a cleaner, safer home.  Have them help brainstorm on ways to take care of the environment and their health while keeping the home clean.  You’d be surprised at how many good ideas they come up with on their own.

10. Make Cleaning Fun

When you have non-toxic, kid-friendly cleaning products, kids really can help keep the house clean.  Allow them to pick out their own fun cleaning supplies.

Play cleaning games.  Have races to see who can clean the bathroom the fastest or who can clean their room the quickest.  Make cleaning a family event.

Green cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult.  You can gradually add new cleaning products to your home as old products run out.  You can give away products that you know you will no longer use instead of just tossing them in the trash.  If you don’t want to make your own cleaning products, there are plenty of great green cleaning products on the market now to make the transition to a cleaner, greener home much easier.

As a family, enjoy creating a healthier home and taking care of the planet the God gave us.

What types of things do you do around your home to keep it green and clean?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Mrs. Meyer’s blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.