“Eco-Friendly Home Organisation”

Are you looking to create an Eco-Friendly and organised home ? Great news! You can declutter and clean your home while also helping the environment at the same time. I would like to offer you some tips on how to get your home organised using eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing waste, while also doing your part for the planet . Let’s dive straight into some practical and easy DIY cleaning solutions to help you maintain a tidy, green home.

Why Go Green in Your Home?

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t just benefit the planet; it’s good for your health, too! Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that affect the air quality in your home. Plus, by reducing waste, you’ll save money and feel great knowing you’re minimising your carbon footprint. Win-win!

Step 1: Declutter with Sustainability in Mind

Before diving into cleaning, let’s talk organisation. The key to sustainable Eco-Friendly home organisation is to declutter mindfully. Here’s how:

1. Sort Responsibly: As you go through your things, create piles: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Dispose. For anything that can be recycled (like paper, plastic, or metals), ensure you check local recycling guidelines. In order to declutter mindfully its important to donate usable items to local charities or community centres instead of throwing them away.

2. Avoid Impulse Purchases: While organising, resist the urge to buy new storage solutions. Use what you already have, such as baskets, jars, or boxes. Repurpose things like shoe boxes or old containers to keep smaller items neat and tidy.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Organising Tools: If you do need new items, opt for sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, or cloth bins made from natural fibres.

Step 2: DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Store-bought cleaners are full of harsh chemicals, and the plastic bottles they come in add to environmental waste. Here are some simple, natural cleaning product recipes you can make at home with ingredients you likely already have.

• All-Purpose Cleaner

This simple cleaner is great for countertops, tables, and most surfaces.

You’ll need:

• 1 part white vinegar

• 1 part water

• 10-20 drops of essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or tea tree for a fresh scent)

Instructions:

• Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

• Add essential oils to mask the vinegar smell.

• Shake well and use on surfaces. For tougher stains, let the solution sit for a minute before wiping.

• Glass Cleaner

Forget the blue stuff. This streak-free cleaner works wonders on mirrors and windows.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (or vodka)

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon corn flour (for extra streak-free shine)

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.

• Shake well before each use.

• Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper.

• Bathroom Scrub

For scrubbing sinks, tubs, and tiles, this natural recipe is both effective and safe for the environment.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup dish soap

• 10 drops tea tree oil (antibacterial properties)

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients to form a thick paste.

• Apply the paste to surfaces with a sponge or cloth, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

• Green Laundry Solutions

Your laundry routine can also become more sustainable with these tips:

• DIY Laundry Detergent:

Liquid Castile Soap Laundry Detergent

You’ll need:

• 1 cup soda crystals (washing soda)

• 1 cup borax

• 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap

Instructions:

1. Mix the washing soda and borax in a container.

2. Add the liquid Castile soap and stir well. The mixture may be a bit clumpy, so make sure to break up any lumps with a spoon.

3. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and dirt level.

This recipe should be added directly to the drum rather than the detergent compartment.

• Skip the Dryer: Whenever possible, air dry your clothes to save energy. If you need to use the dryer, add wool dryer balls to reduce drying time.

• Wash with Cold Water: Heating water takes a lot of energy, so washing clothes in cold water is both eco-friendly and gentler on fabrics.

Step 4: Sustainable Storage Ideas

Now that everything is clean, let’s talk about how to store everything in your space and organise it in an eco-friendly way.

• Use What You Have: Repurpose glass jars, old tins, or baskets to store items around the house. Mason jars are great for pantry organisation, while baskets can be used for towels, toiletries, or toys.

• Choose Natural Materials: For larger storage solutions, opt for baskets made of sustainable materials like seagrass, bamboo, or jute. They’re not only eco-friendly but stylish too!

• Label It: Instead of buying plastic labels, use reusable chalkboard labels or get creative with old paper bags to make DIY tags for your storage bins.

Step 5: Adopt a Minimalist Mindset

Organising your home in an eco-friendly way also means embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Here are some tips:

• Quality Over Quantity: Invest in fewer, high-quality items that last longer. It reduces waste and the need to replace things often.

• Practice “One In, One Out”: Every time you bring something new into your home, consider donating or recycling something old. This helps prevent clutter from building up again.

• Go Paperless: Reduce paper waste by switching to digital documents, e-bills

Step 6: Green Habits to Maintain Your Eco-Friendly Home

Once you’ve cleaned and organised, maintaining your eco-friendly home is all about forming good habits:

• Compost Food Scraps: Set up a composting system in your kitchen for food scraps, coffee grounds, and other compostable items.

• Opt for Reusable Products: Replace single-use items like plastic wrap or paper towels with reusable alternatives like beeswax wraps and cloth towels.

• Conserve Water and Energy: Fix any leaks, install low-flow showerheads, and remember to turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.

Wrapping Up

Living a greener life starts at home, and with these easy DIY cleaning recipes and sustainable organising tips, you’re on your way to reducing your environmental impact. Not only will you enjoy a cleaner, more organised space, but you’ll also feel great knowing you’re doing your part for the planet. Happy eco-organising!

If you have any other tips for sustainable Eco-Friendly home organisation, please feel free to share them in the comments below!