Super Eco

Photo credit: SXC

It's easy cleaning green. You need no special equipment. You don't need to buy special green cleaners. Good news, right? In fact, to clean greener you probably already have everything you need.

1. Magic vinegar. That's right, plain old white vinegar can be used to clean almost anything. Diluted with water and squirted from a spray bottle, it becomes glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and tub and tile cleaner. Used full strength it makes a great drain opener.

2. Add some soda. Baking soda. Need a little scrub power? Sprinkle on some Arm and Hammer. Works great on porcelain and stainless steel sinks. And combine with a splash of vinegar for extra bubble power.

3. Ditch the anti-bacterial soaps. Not only do you not need these, but the chemicals they contain that kill germs are also thought to be harmful to our health. Besides, we all need bacteria in our lives, anyway; without them, we'd all be dead!

4. Scent your house naturally. A big no to air fresheners and scented candles. Not only can you scent your air naturally (and more economically), but you'll do so without creating a toxic melange of petrochemicals in your breathing air. Simmer a pot of water on your stove and throw in a cinnamon stick, a handful of cloves, or some orange peels. Or dilute an essential oil like lavender or spruce in some water, and mist the room with it once in awhile.

5. Take your shoes off. You'll save wear and tear on carpets and flooring by not tracking in grit from outside, but more importantly, you'll be leaving behind all the other stuff you walk through—even the nasties you can't see—all day long.