5 WASTE REDUCING SPRING CLEANING SKILLS

Your Spring Cleaning won’t be completely waste free, otherwise you would just be moving shit from one place to the other. Around this time of year humans get an urge to purge and feel the need to re-nest their living space.

This spring, let’s vow not to purge and replace. This is not the point of Spring Cleaning. It is an opportunity to refresh your environment and remember the gratitude you have for the things you own. Below are a few skills to help you achieve maximum impact during Spring Cleaning.

1.DECLUTTERING

I will take some heat for my opinion, but I don’t think you should keep anything in your house that has no value or purpose. This might mean making some trash but that is when proper disposal education comes in. I think it is waste of space to keep anything that you don’t use or even like. Others might find more value in your “trash”. Donate or give these items away.

My sock drawer once stood independent from my undergarments until I applied the Konmari Method. I’ve condensed both categories into one drawer and even had space leftover for washcloths and napkins.

I see zero waste as more than just trash control. This is also applicable to other parts of lifestyle. Eliminating waste of space, waste of time and waste of energy in your life can really enhance quality of life. Being able to identify and eliminate clutter will come in handy this Spring Cleaning season.

2. REPURPOSING

Believe it or not, having an eye for how to repurpose things can really be a useful skill and an integral part of going zero waste. While cleaning your space this spring, let your creative juices flow!

Put everything you plan to toss in a pile, even things that look like trash. That shoe box top may make its way to your drawer as a separator. The small glass jar may make it to your desk as a pen holder. Don’t just start purging and tossing. Give it a second. Don’t throw anything away until your Spring Cleaning is done.

Repurpose what you can. If you can’t, donate or dispose properly.

3. REMOVING STICKERS:

I love me a good glass jar! But as much as I love to repurpose them, I despise the stickers on them. As soon as I can, those suckers are getting scrubbed off. But those stubborn ones really love to cling on! This fool proof method outlined below never lets me down.

Step 1: Fill your sink or bucket with hot water and a generous amount of dish soap. Make sure your jars are at room temperature or warm before dropping them in the hot water to avoid breaking the glass.

Step 2: Soak your glassware for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Peel off loose labels and use some more dish soap to scrub off the rest with a brillow pad.

4. SEWING:

Many people take the opportunity during Spring Cleaning to purge their closet but some of those items may be salvageable. Knowing how to hand and/or machine sew can save your most loved items. I once mended a pair of cotton leggings 20+ times (I kid you not) until I finally retired them.

You can really extend the life of your beloved pieces if you mend them yourself. Get all you can out of your clothes until you have no choice but to donate.

5. MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANING PRODUCTS

No need to go out and replenish all your cleaning products. Modern consumers can many times fall victim to strategic marketing. The truth is, you don’t need 20 different products to clean your home. You can likely make due with 3-4 ingredients and make your own. Not to mention that most conventional cleaners contain unregulated chemicals that are toxic to you and your family.

Start with vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda; supplement with essential oils, castile soap and elbow grease as needed. A simple google search will produce a plethora of natural recipes to choose from.

Spring Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be fun to explore new ways to refresh your space and try to reduce waste at the same time. Definitely challenging at first, though cleaning with natural products can be so rewarding. You know that you and your family will not be introduced to chemicals and that you created a safer environment. These skills are meant to help you overcome norms of the past. A little TLC never hurt anybody.

BUYING ZERO WASTE

Not sure where to buy the items I referenced package free? Here are some ideas.

Dishwashing liquid: There are many brands that offer refill stations. Search for your options locally. I refill my dishwashing liquid with Commongood.

Castile Soap: Many natural foods stores will have refill stations for Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soaps, the Package Free shop also has a refill station.

Essential oils: These come in glass, likely with a plastic top. I suggest buying big bottles of your favorite oils.

Baking Soda and Washing Soda: Comes in cardboard. Please recycle :)

Steel wool: Check out this copper scrubber from Life Without Plastic.