by diy naturally 09.16 All-natural cleaning products are a fast growing trend. Over the years most people have turned to natural substances like vinegar to clean windows, a lemon and salt to clean a stove top which leaves a nice citrus scent. It’s getting to be common knowledge that baking soda has a hundred and one uses around our homes.
But what about all the new natural “green-cleaning” products being introduced to us in the grocery store? Out there in the market place there are dozens and dozens of green alternatives for traditional household products.
So here’s a heads-up on some of the best green alternatives I have personally used over the years.
Top 10 Green Alternatives
- All Purpose Cleaner alternative – EarthFriendly has a variety of green cleaning products from window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, and more. I’ve been using EarthFriendly products for a few years now. I especially like their Orange Plus All Purpose Cleaner. It works great and leaves a wonderful clean, citrus scent and I save money by buying it in concentrate.
- Liquid Dish Soap alternative – Seventh Generation has been around for a while and was one of the original natural cleaning, green cleaning companies. They offer several green alternatives and all are non-toxic, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, kosher certified and safe for septic and greywater systems. They contain NO dyes, fragrances, petroleum based cleaners or phosphates and are not tested on animals. One product I prefer to use is their Liquid Dish Detergent mostly for the reasons above.
- Paper Towel alternative – similar to the micro-fiber towels, but with one key difference. NanoTowels are made from an even finer nano-fibers. One NanoTowel contains over 100,000 fibers per square inch where the micro-fiber towel only contains about 800 fibers per square inch. They can clean just about any surface in your home without the need of chemical cleaners. In fact, most of the time just a little water will do. So, if you like your micro-fiber towels, you should give the NanoTowel a try. I have reduced my paper towel use by quite a bit but not quite 80% yet, as the site suggests, but I think I’m getting there.
- Natural shampoo and conditioner – I love Nature’s Gate personal care products. I use their shampoo and conditioner as well as their lotions. Tip for buying natural personal care products: They actually do what the bottle says it will do. For example, if the bottle says “for dry, itchy skin” that’s what it is for and it will relieve dry itchy skin. It’s wonderful to purchase products that do what they promise.
- Natural deodorant – Earth Science is the best natural, aluminum free deodorant on the market. I went through several different products before I found Earth Science. Tip for buying natural deodorant: You need to find the one that works with your body chemistry. After trying a few different variations of Earth Science deodorants I found that the Tea Tree and Lavender Deodorant worked best for me.
- Natural body soap – South of France’s Natural French Milled Soap, wonderful body soap products made from 100% vegetable oils. I’ve tried several of their soaps from almond, which smells fantastic, shea butter that’s creamy smooth and my personal favorite, green tea, all are fantastic.
- Sunscreen safe to use everyday – Jason products are great. I have used their lotions, shampoos, deodorants and more. But one remarkable product is their natural sunscreen. It’s safe for everyday use, safe for children, SPF 46 and made with Aloe Vera Gel, Marigold and Lavender to soothe skin. Living in Phoenix, AZ sunscreen is essential.
Great tips! if we want to help protect our environment it is best to start it in our homes.