Sustainable Holiday Celebrations Eco-Topic #1 - Cleaning

Sustainable Holiday Cleaning

by Kris Francefort

*As published in Natural Awakenings Magazine, November 2023

Create Your Healthy Holiday Home (4-part series)

‘Tis the season to add extra sparkle, ambience, and flavors to your home in preparation for holiday festivities!

Swap pervasive harmful products with eco-friendly alternatives to promote the health and well-being of family and friends during this season of celebration.

Here are a few Common-Sense Crunchy ideas to help you create an eco-friendly holiday home. The Common-Sense Crunchy approach balances practicality, holistic wellness, and sustainability.

There are two main ways to replace hazardous products and minimize dangerous chemicals in your home:

Purchase eco-friendly alternatives from sustainable-conscious businesses.
Upcycle and DIY: Add heart to the holidays with homemade offerings while saving time and money by making your own home products.

Eco-Topic #1 = Cleaning

Modern cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and chlorine, which when inhaled or absorbed can cause respiratory issues (like asthma), allergies, and skin irritation as well as trigger a host of other symptoms.

Switching to or making your own eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning products reduces these health risks and contributes to improved indoor air quality.

Environmentally, these natural solutions break down harmlessly after use, protecting aquatic life and preserving water quality. They also reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing the production and disposal of toxic chemicals.

DIY, easy, and cost-effective options

Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner
- Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Use it to clean kitchen surfaces, glass, and bathroom fixtures.
- Vinegar’s acidity kills most mold, bacteria, and germs.
Baking Soda Scrub
- Make a paste using baking soda, a small amount of eco-friendly dish detergent and water.
- Use it to scrub sinks, tubs, and grout.
- Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, removing stains and grime effectively without harmful chemicals.
Lemon Deodorizer
- Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards and surfaces.
- The natural acids in lemon break down bacteria and neutralize odors.
- Lemon also works wonders in the fridge, keeping it smelling fresh.