Green cleaning

Most of us college kids clean, right? Well, the next time you go to the store to grab something to clean your bathroom or kitchen, choose eco-friendly products. Did you know that companies are not required to list the ingredients of chemical cleaners? These cleaners can pollute the air inside your home and even cause health problems. According to U.S. EPA estimates, indoor air pollution levels can be as much as 100 times above outdoor air pollution levels.

So, how do you pick eco-friendly products? The easiest thing to do is to look for the government’s “Design for the Environment” logo. Products with this logo on the label means they only contain chemicals the EPA believes are the safe. These products are phthalates and heavy metal free. Products like Method and Clorox’s Green Works both have earned the “Design for the Environment” logo.

My arsenal of cleaning green cleaning products.

One of my favorite products is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates this all-purpose soap. The label claims 18 uses, but I’m sure there are hundreds. Dr. Bronner’s can be diluted to make a simple cleaner, laundry detergent or even toothpaste. The soap is certified under the USDA National Organic Program and is Fair Trade.

If you’re running low on cash, basic green cleaners like vinegar and club soda can sometimes be just as effective as store-bought products. Vinegar and baking soda can become you’re perfect all-purpose cleaner, and it won’t harm the environment.  Cornstarch can be used to clean window, polish furniture, and shampoo carpets.

The next time you’re in a panic because your parents are coming over, reach for some natural, earth-friendly cleaning products. Using chemical cleaners may get rid of the dust on your table and the dirt on your floor, but it could also create whole new set of problems.