I wouldn’t say that I have any new year resolutions (check out my previous blog post if you want to know how I really feel about resolutions) but something on my mind that I have been trying to be more conscious about is how to live a less toxic and wasteful life.
I’m not talking about toxic relationships or environments although those are great to filter out too, I am talking about the products we use daily for example household items. Products like glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and dish soap are all items that we use often but can be harmful and produce so much waste.
I have been testing out all natural cleaning brands and made my fair share of homemade concoctions so after plenty of trials, I have found the products that work best for each task - whether that’s wiping the counters down or mopping the floor.
Starting with the easiest swap for me to make, paper towels and napkins have been replaced with reusable cloths and sponge towels that has led to a huge decline in my household waste.
Think about how many napkins you grab while you’re eating and all the ones left untouched that you shove in your glove box then eventually throw away. While in the comfort of your own home there is no need to use half a roll of paper towels when you can use one absorbent rag and then toss it in the laundry to be washed and reused.
So so easy I promise once you make the switch you’ll be questioning why you never did sooner.
Whenever I have people over for dinner I lay a stack of regular dish towels on the table to be used in place of napkins and no one ever questioned it. In fact it usually turns into a positive topic of conversation and has often brought awareness to my guests and as a result they make the same switch in their home. Before I link all of my favorite brands and products that I use daily, I want to talk a little bit more about other smooth transitions you can make that will make you feel good about helping the environment and using less toxic ingredients.
I have found cleaning mirrors and windows to be the trickiest with non-toxic ingredients and reusable towels because more times than not there is lint and streak left on the surface even after wiping it down a million times.
Nothing beats Windex but when you educate yourself on all of the chemicals put into it, you will be running for the hills… and also to the internet to find a natural alternative ASAP.
I started using regular dish towels but that created all of the streaks and left lint all over my mirrors so after some internet browsing I found that microfiber towels work the best to clean stubborn surfaces.
A microfiber towel paired with a non-toxic spray does absolute wonders on mirrors and windows. Microfiber towels are also great for counter tops with disinfectant spray but they also work so well for dusting because they pick up dust and hair without tracking it everywhere, then you can just rinse the towel under water to reuse right then, and then thrown in the washer to be ready for your next deep cleaning day.
Now that we have got the waste reduction down let’s dive into the products that do the disinfecting and polishing. I am not going to lie to you and say that natural and homemade products work the same as other products on the market because that’s not true, but knowing that they still get the job done while being better for the environment makes it 100% worth it in my opinion.
I always joked my mom was a little bit of a hippy in the BEST way, and I am so thankful for that because she showed me so many natural tips and tricks that I still use to this day.
For stains on furniture or clothes a combination of white vinegar and baking soda works so well, I usually dampen the stained area and then mix the vinegar and baking soda to create a paste, then apply and let sit for an hour and wash like normal.
Vinegar is my saving grace, I use apple cider vinegar and baking soda to unclog any drains and help get rid of the old food smell coming from the garbage disposal.
Lavender essential oil - make sure it is 100% lavender oil and no additives - is actually a natural disinfectant and deodorizer so adding three to four drops into a spray bottle of warm water and even a splash of vinegar makes a great all purpose cleaner for countertops, stove tops, and showers.
For more heavy duty jobs like laundry and cleaning the toilet I like something a little more powerful so I tend to use an actual store bought brand, but still on the non-toxic and natural side. Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Peppermint Liquid Soap is my favorite product for cleaning the bathroom because it smells heavenly and works like a charm.
It is meant to be diluted so adding a tablespoon with about a cup of water does the trick. I have tried this for dish soap and have found that it doesn’t work as well on dishes but that’s really the only thing I noticed it doesn’t work well for.
Branch Basics is a non-toxic brand that I have yet to try but is on my radar for when I do need to purchase some new products. This brand is non-toxic and uses all plant-based ingredients, what more could you ask for!?
I know that so many people are transitioning from your typical chemically packed products to natural items so if you have any suggestions for at home creations or non-toxic brands, please send them my way!
Coach Liv, Pn1
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Email: live@fitbarcafe.com
