Spring is here! And with it comes sunshine, clean air, and a renewed energy to make changes in our life. A lot of people feel the need to declutter and make space for new things. Something we better know as ‘spring cleaning!' There’s just something freeing about transitioning along with the seasons. Here is our guide to help you get going, with tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint along the way.

Take Stock And Segregate

The first step to effective spring cleaning is to take a good look at everything you own. Make piles of stuff to keep, donate, and toss. If you have used an item and are likely to reuse it, push it to the ‘keep’ section. If you know you won't use an item that is in good shape, think ‘donate.' Maybe a friend or a colleague would better appreciate it. You could sell some pre-loved items on BuyNothing or ThredUp (note: shopping for second-hand clothing reduces carbon emissions by an average of 25%!).  Move all items that cannot be under these two sections to ‘toss’. Most items that are under ‘toss’ can be upcycled instead of rotting in a landfill. If something can be fixed or repurposed, try it before you can reuse or donate it. Have an old glass bottle lying around? Turn it into a vase! A wicker basket? Store linen in it. Or your yoga mat.

Use The Right Cleaning Supplies

There are a number of detergents available, many of which have a ton of harmful chemicals. Check the label to look for tested, non-toxic, and biodegradable products. Brands like Blueland are revolutionizing the cleaning space with refillables, eliminating single-use plastics. With the right research online you could make your own cleaning agents with items from your kitchen! Think lemon juice, coffee grounds, vinegar, olive oil, and baking soda and you have your own safe-to-use and sustainable cleaning product. Ditch single-use napkins and invest in cleaning cloths or mops. You could reuse rags or old clothes as well!

Refresh Your Home

This is a good time to look at making fresh choices for your home. Look around and think of things you can swap for sustainable options. Do you receive bank statements in the mail that you don’t look at? Opt for paperless bills instead. Swap incandescent light bulbs with LEDs (they last longer and are way more efficient!). Check for leaky faucets to save on water wastage. Replace home appliances with more energy-friendly options if possible. Purchase brands in clothing or slippers for home that are sustainably made. Use sheets made of organic cotton, linen, flax, and other naturally occurring materials. Bring in plants to keep the space looking fresh. Say hello to oxygen and goodbye to toxins with plants that work as ‘air-purifiers’. Use lemon peels or cinnamon sticks to leave your home smelling warm and clean.