Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning written by Anna Logan Both winter and the school year are coming to an end. Whether you live in a dorm or not, you have probably accumulated a lot more dirt, garbage, and unnecessary items in your living space over the past few months. However, don’t be discouraged! It happens to everyone, and there is a way to clean everything in an eco-friendly way! First, start cleaning up the surface-level items that don’t require much time. These items include the trash, recycling, and dishes. When doing the dishes, be sure to turn off the water when you are not using it and try using cleaners that are non-toxic and better for the environment. Most cleaners come in plastic bottles and contain toxins that are released in the air that harm the environment. Second, tackle other areas of your living space by dusting or wiping them clean. But don’t forget to use reusable cloths instead of single-use paper towels! Also, instead of using toxic cleaners to wipe down your mirrors or showerheads try using white vinegar to get the same shine.
The next step in spring cleaning is to go through your closet and room to get rid of anything you don’t use. It’s best to separate out the things you don’t use and take them to be donated! Many clothes end up in landfills each year, so it is best to reuse and repurpose clothing items as much as possible. Once you are left with the clothes that you wear frequently, be sure to wash the dirty clothes with laundry detergent. Instead of using the typical laundry detergent that comes in a plastic bottle, consider switching to laundry detergent sheets that come in a paper box. Finally, continue with your normal cleaning routine with the environment in mind. Before purchasing single-use cleaning materials or plastic bottles filled with cleaners, try searching for alternatives. Spring cleaning can be bad for the environment, but it doesn’t have to be!
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