Best Affordable Cleaning Products for Sustainable Living.

In recent times, I’ve been on a profound journey of self-discovery, one that has led me to question the choices I make regarding my living space and its impact on the environment. For far too long, I didn’t give much thought to the products I used for personal care, or the cleaning agents that I used in my home. However, on a Saturday morning I decided to embrace my Haitian tradition – “jou bese leve,” which means that on Saturdays, I deep clean and run errands. I began by cleaning my home using the traditional grocery store cleaning products. But the aftermath was far from pleasant. The fumes left me coughing, my eyes burning, and my throat sore. It was a wake-up call – there had to be better cleaning products to clean without compromising my health.

Discovering the Dark Side of Cleaning Products:

Turning to my trusty friend Google, I embarked on a quest for cleaner, greener alternatives. What I uncovered was nothing short of astonishing. I was oblivious to the fact that many of the cleaning and personal care products on the market were packed with harmful chemicals. Some common harmful ingredients and their effects on the body and the environment include:

• Phthalates: These chemicals, often found in fragranced products, have been linked to hormonal disruptions and can harm aquatic life when they enter water systems.
• Sodium Hydroxide: Sodium Hydroxide, present in many cleaning products, can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin and, when released into the environment, can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems.
• Chlorine: Chlorine is a strong disinfectant, but its fumes can be harmful when inhaled. It can also react with organic matter to form harmful byproducts in water sources.
• Triclosan: Often used in antibacterial products, triclosan has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance and can persist in the environment, affecting aquatic life.

The truth is, a significant number of products available today are alarmingly toxic, posing a threat to both our health and the environment.

The High Cost of Eco-Friendly Living:

Now, it’s crucial to acknowledge that sustainable, environmentally friendly products can often come with a hefty price tag. The reality is that the average person may find it challenging to afford these eco-conscious alternatives. But fear not; there are budget-friendly options to consider. Some of those options include:

1. Laurakay Innovation: My personal experience with Laurakay Innovation has been nothing short of remarkable. I use their concentrated multipurpose cleaner with either a fresh lemon or cinnamon apple crisp scent. A little goes a long way, making it an economically sound choice.
2. Good Vibes All-Purpose Cleaner: This versatile cleaner is both wallet-friendly and environmentally conscious.
3. Basic Branches: While this product is a bit pricier, it’s worth mentioning for those willing to invest in a cleaner, greener lifestyle.
4. Blueland: Another product on the higher end of the price spectrum, Blueland is recognized for its eco-friendliness and effectiveness.
5. The Simplest Solutions: Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Baking soda and vinegar, for example, are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and incredibly efficient. These are the very ingredients that we used back in Haiti among other natural things. They are incredibly cost-effective and caused virtually no harm to both people and the environment. Recently, I discovered the incredible cleaning power of borax. It’s not only cost-effective but also incredibly efficient at cleaning tiles, sinks, showerheads, and more. This newfound gem has become a staple in my eco-conscious cleaning arsenal.

Join the Conversation:

I invite you to join the conversation. Share your experiences on your own journey towards sustainability. No one is perfect, and we’re all doing our best with the resources we have to keep ourselves and our planet safe. Together, we can explore the diverse approaches we take to embrace a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, share your insights, tips, and stories in the comments section below, and let’s learn from each other. After all, it’s our collective effort that will make the world a healthier and more eco-conscious place.

Until next time,

Xoxo,JP