Wellness Wednesday: 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean the House

It’s often easy to forget the harmful effects of household cleaning products we use on a regular basis. Choosing more natural products and removing toxic ones goes a long way to ensure you’re breathing fresh, clean air.

Looking for alternative methods? Here’s how you can get started now:

Look under your kitchen sink. Glance over the products you have - eliminate the toxic ones. Place these in a locked storage bin for your community’s next Household Hazardous Pickup Day. Chemical-free products create a safer environment for the whole family.

Replace toxic products. Choose non-toxic substitutes. Look for “Signal Words” on labels - danger, warning, poison, caution - all indications of health concerns and products that you should avoid using in your home. Try alternatives like baking soda or lemon juice. Click here for a list of chemical-free recipes you can try this season.

Recycle cleaning materials. Save money and help the environment! Reusable mops, safer sponges, rags (instead of paper), and HEPA vacuums provide your home with clean air.

Clean indoor air with plants. Plants are an organic way to reduce indoor air pollution in your home - add a lightly lavender antibacterial spray for a lovely, clean scent that disinfects. Not to mention, houseplants add more oxygen too!

Use your senses. Smell, hear, feel - if your nose detects rotten food or dirty pet products, it may be time for a cleaning. Floors feel sticky? Grab a clean rag or mop. Your senses will tell you which household areas need to be attended to.

For more eco-friendly cleaning methods or help installing energy efficient appliances in your home, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145! We can help you make a difference.

Add Some Green to Your Cleaning Routine

Looking for eco-friendly cleaning product alternatives? Keeping your house clean while protecting the environment can be a challenge. Below are a list of green cleaners that really work and what makes them green, as listed on Oprah.com:

Method Smarty Dish Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers."

Bon Ami Liquid Cleanser
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic."

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner
"The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates."

Method Floor + Surface Cleaner
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material."

Caldrea Dish Soap Liquid
"The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms."

Bill by Eco-Me All-Purpose Cleaner
"The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates."

Green Works Oxi Stain Remover
"The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic."

Some chemical products can damage your drain. Let us know how these green cleaners work for you on our Facebook page and call us for all your plumbing needs. 

Celebrate Earth Day 2014 with Events on Long Island

Earth Day is underway and NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter wants Long Islanders celebrating! With all of our great parks there is so much to do. Thanks to Long Island Press you can find what's best for you below. There are options for both today and into the weekend: 

Organic Appetizing Cook-off
Wit and Whim
6 Carlton Ave., Port Washington.
Free.
April 22, 2014
6-8pm
wit-and-whim.com

Earth Day New York
Union Square Park
201 Park Ave. S., New York.
Free.
April 22, 2-14
11am-7pm
earthdayny.org

Earth Day Celebration
Quogue Library
90 Main St., Quogue.
Registration required.
April 22, 2014
3:30pm
quoguelibrary.org

Earth Day Craft
Huntington Library
338 Main St., Huntington.
Registration required.
April 22, 2014
4:30-5:15pm.
thehuntingtonlibrary.org

Annual Town of Islip Earth Day Celebration
Gillette Ave., Sayville.
Free.
April 26, 2014
11am-4pm
 townofislip-ny.gov

Don't forget to post your #NatureSelfie to your social pages. In fact, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter to get water and energy efficient plumbing fixtures installed and send in a #NaturSelfie with your new eco-friendly home!

Thanks Long Island Press!