Cleaning Products - tip of the week

Last week I happened to catch a few minutes of a farming programme on TV that mentioned how regulated farmers were in terms of what chemicals they use, yet there was so much available on the shelves in supermarkets that we used and exposed ourselves to in our own homes which was not nearly so regulated and potentially full of very toxic chemicals, not only to the environment, but to ourselves.

 

It really got me thinking.........I personally have always tried to make ecological purchasing decisions with the household cleaners we use but I have no doubt I could do better.  This thought process does not need to stop at what you are using inside your house.  Also think about outside your home and in your workplace.  In the veterinary industry we use cleaners all the time.  All our graduates know to choose products fit for purpose and safety but we also need to ensure that they are fit for the environment  too.  

So your challenge for this week is to look at every cleaner that you use and evaluate it for environmental safety and personal safety.  Also think about where the product is made and what the companies actions are with regards to zero waste, carbon neutrality and so forth.  Think about whether you actually need it too.  There is a real opportunity here to become sustainable on space.  It is very unlikely you need every cleaner and detergent you have in your home particularly, but possibly at work too.  See some of the links below.  This reduces the space you need for storage and the number of plastic containers you need.  You will also find that you will save yourself a significant amount of money, using readily available products.  


Here are some websites to get you started:

• Why use eco-friendly cleaners?
• Top 10 eco-friendly ways to clean the house
• How to make a non-toxic cleaning kit - using a number of common household items 
• Recipes for non-toxic cleaners - based on common household items such as baking soda
• Ecostore - New Zealand based business producing environmentally safe products for cleaning everything from dishes, clothing to your home.  
• Citrus based cleaner- this is an example of one of many that are marketed.  When choosing any commercially made cleaner remember to look at not only the product but the company as well to ensure there are sustainable practices right from sourcing the raw materials through to your purchase.

In terms of environmentally friendly options for outside moss removers one of my colleagues tells me sprinkling baking soda on moss outside does the trick!  

Have a great sustainable weekend.  I look forward to reading your feedback on what you managed to achieve with regards to your household cleaning products over the weekend. 

During the up coming week look at what is being used in your workplace and make a plan to instigate some changes.  The planet need your help now!!


Kind Regards
Francesca Matthews
Programme Manager and Sustainability Champion
School of Veterinary Nursing