You may think that there’s nothing you can personally do about the health of our ecosystem. After all, there are roughly 7.5 billion people on Earth! However, there are some strategies that you can use when you clean your home that can also be good for the environment you live in. Here are three suggestions to get you started.

Minimize Waste

According to Do Something, the average person generates more than 4 pounds of trash per day. This amounts to more than 200 million tons of garbage each year for all Americans. So, minimize waste by incorporating recycling into your cleaning process by putting aside clothes and other items you no longer want that are still in good shape. You can then donate this stuff to local charities and keep it out of landfills. Some appliances can also be recycled for scrap. Contact your local municipality or electric supplier for more information on this type of recycling.

Replace Harmful Cleaners

Not all cleaning products are good for the planet’s ecosystem, even if they do leave you with spotless counters and floors. According to the EPA, cleaners with phosphorus, nitrogen and ammonia, which are classified as volatile organic compounds, are ones you’ll want to avoid if making your clean green is your goal. Instead, look for cleaning products with natural ingredients. In addition to helping with cleaning, doTERRA points out that lemon, orange and grapefruit essential oils will keep you feeling refreshed and energized throughout the day, boosting your mood to help you accomplish your task. Vinegar and baking soda are also earth-friendly cleaning materials.

Change or Clean Air Filters

One of the common goals when cleaning is to make your indoor spaces healthier and fresher. One way to do this without relying on air fresheners that aren’t so good for your local ecosystem is to change your HVAC air filters on a regular basis. The general recommendation with air filters is to replace them every three months. Reusable air filters, which can be even better for the planet, can easily be cleaned with a garden hose. Byrd Heating & Air recommends using portable air purifiers as another way to improve your indoor air quality.

As you can see, there are many simple and effective ways to keep your home clean while also being mindful of the environment. Just remember to discuss your preferred green-cleaning strategies with everyone in your household who lends a hand with cleaning duties. By being more earth-conscious with your cleaning efforts, you’ll feel even better about your efforts while also enjoying the many benefits of a clean living space.

PetalSweet Cleaning has joined Cleaning For A Reason to help clean houses for women undergoing treatment for cancer. If you are currently being treated, please apply here!