AN ECO-FRIENDLY SPRING CLEAN

Top tips for thinking about the planet whilst having a spring clean.

A spring clean is like putting on fresh clean bedsheets in every crevice and item in your home. It’s extremely satisfying for your mind and your home but less so for the planet.

Most cleaning products contain nasty chemicals and are usually stored within non-recyclable plastic bottles. Anti-bacterial wipes are not biodegradable or flushable (though some claim to be), resulting in blocked drains or ending up in landfill. And a year’s worth (or more) of personal items get sorted out into piles and head for the tip. If only there was a way we could all experience the satisfaction of a spring clean without the harmful effects on the planet…

Well, you’re in luck. We have found lots of hacks, eco-friendly inventions and tips to get the job done with the same amount of satisfaction.

Cleaning Products

You may think you need a different cleaning product for every different surface in your house however, constantly buying plastic bottles is not good for the planet and it also adds unnecessary clutter. Stick to one multi-surface cleaner and cloth for the whole house and only buy purpose-made products when you need them.

Even better still, you can purchase reusable glass bottles to avoid plastic and opt for products such as multi-purpose refill sachets by Ocean Saver or concentrated disinfectants such as Zoflora which you only need to use a small amount at one time. Once you have used up all of your other cleaning products and correctly recycled the bottles, you will have a clean and tidy cupboard under
the sink.

Recycle

Clothes and shoes can be recycled by various retailer-run recycling programmes or at your clothes and shoes’ local recycling bin. Broken items of furniture or damaged electrical appliances can be taken to your local recycling centre. If you are unsure where your local recycling centre or bin is, head to www.recyclenow.com, where they have a useful search tool to find out what types of items you can recycle and where.

Before throwing anything out, ask yourself if you could make anything new from the item. Upcycling is a great way to turn unwanted items into something tailored to your style. Whether that be a dress that you’d like to sew into a top or a cupboard that needs some updating. This is not only an eco-friendly way of adding new life to old items, but it can also be a lot of fun and you can learn a new skill along the way.

If you are unsure about upcycling, there are plenty of inspirational and educational videos on home DIYs on YouTube to avoid any mistakes.

Give Away

Anything that you don’t use that isn’t faulty or too damaged can go in this pile. When making this pile, think about who you want to give or sell it to.

Charity shops are always after new clothes to sell and they will happily take your unwanted belongings. You can take your clothes to your local charity shop or a charity shop in particular that you’d like to support once they are open on the 12th of April. You can also deliver your items to a charity of your choice with free postage.

Somebody in your family or a close friend might take it off your hands and put it to good use, it’s always worth asking them.

If it is in good condition, you could sell it on various second-hand shopping sites such as; eBay, Vinted, Depop, Gumtree or Shpock. Make sure the images are clear, and the description is honest and don’t forget about the postage and packaging costs.

I hope these tips have given you some inspiration for your next eco-friendly spring clean and may even work their way into your weekly clean.