spring cleaning, continued

After sorting through piles of stuff, what's next? Major cleaning!
(Hopefully you brought all your toxic and chemical-laden cleaning supplies to the hazardous waste collection though... )

Ok, so I sound like I've hopped on the green/eco-living bandwagon. But if you consider the alternative, the trend towards everything green and eco is actually one of the better trends.

I remember my first eco-awakening... it was in my freshman year of high school, in our earth science class, with a teacher who gave us flow chart after flow chart of how greenhouse gases lead to global warming and other environmental issues. I remember tearing out those "You Can Save the World" ads from our TIME and Newsweek magazines at home, and pasting those on the front cover of my school notebooks. I think my classmates got a bit curious about those ads. I became a stickler for using the reverse side of printing paper. I remember that my friend and I even used those clean B-sides of paper for taking notes -- we 3-hole punched them and put them in binders.

I've heard a lot of people say that green living, along with organic food choices, is for the rich and elite. And I think that's because of the commercialism and consumerism that goes along with it. It's partly true that manufacturers are taking advantage of public demand due to the mainstreaming of eco-consciousness. I've seen ads in magazines for jeans made out of recycled denim costing an arm and a leg. It's true that many non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products out on the market cost 2-3 times as much as the mainstream counterparts. Although they may be well-meaning, it's not realistic for the average person.

There are several exceptions, however. I've found that salt, vinegar, and baking soda are inexpensive, non-toxic, and effective cleaning supplies. I mix vinegar and baking soda (make it a science experiment too with your school-age child, and watch the bubbles as you mix the two items) and use that to clean my tub -- it's non-abrasive, but does the job.

I also like Biokleen. For under $6, you can buy a 32-ounce bottle of concentrated cleaning solution. Just mix an ounce or so of the cleaner in a spray bottle of water, and you've got a gentle but effective all-purpose cleaner. The best part is it doesn't have a smell that can make your eyes water. I bought a big bottle of Biokleen in 2005, and it's lasting me to this day.

Since it's also time to start putting chunky sweaters and other winter clothes away, we'll be doing a lot of laundry. I have to say that I love baking soda... you can use it as a fabric softener! Just put some in your rinse cycle.

I've walked into laundry rooms and ended up sneezing constantly, thanks to those pesky, non-biodegradable dryer sheets. I haven't used them in years. Really, a little static cling doesn't make it the end of the world. But I've also been using these nifty dryer balls. Just put a pair of these in your dryer, and they get tossed around with your clothes to lift and separate the fabric, decreasing drying time (and saving energy!) and reducing static cling. I've read other reviews that say these dryer balls are PVC-laden anyway, and also do not decompose... but then again, you can keep them for a LONG time. AND use them as a foot massager to reward yourself after several loads of laundry. If you're really avoiding PVC, then don't use them at all... if the static cling of clothes from the dryer bothers you, then just put rub some lotion on your hands before you take them out. Your hands will thank you for it too.

There are also biodegradable dryer sheets in the market, but unfortunately they are quite expensive. But, dryer sheets are among those things I can live without. And if you're not in a hurry to wear that favorite tee, line-drying or air-drying is an energy-free alternative. Target stores carry this retractable clothesline in their Michael Graves line of products. Just screw it onto your bathroom wall. Bed Bath & Beyond (and other similar stores) also sells a folding wooden drying rack that you can store under your bed or in a closet when you're done.

The smell of fresh laundry is a great thing to look forward to when you settle into your just-washed sheets, but I can't remember the last time that motivated me to do laundry... ever since I switched to fragrance-free laundry detergent (check the website for discount coupons!). To reward myself with a nice, relaxing scent, I mix just a few drops of lavender essential oil with water in a little spray bottle, and spray it into the air before going to bed. Sure beats the sneezes from highly scented laundry detergent, and I can now relax after a day of spring cleaning.

more on spring cleaning

Just because we are spring cleaning our living space does not mean we have to dump our trash elsewhere... so going beyond those green bins for paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum, here is a list of places that will accept specific kinds of waste and recyclables, to lighten our environmental footprint.

Crayons to Computers is a free store for teachers of needy students in the Cincinnati area. They accept gently used children's books and office supplies. A great place to drop off used but usable computer hardware. Call (513) 482-3290.

According to a story on NPR, in 2005 the United States produced 2.2 MILLION TONS of electronic waste.... sounds unbelievable, but think about the fast turnover of technology and how cell phones are now a disposable commodity. And along with that, toxins such as mercury and lead seeping into the soil and water.

The Cincinnati Computer Cooperative is a great place to drop off used but usable computer hardware.Call (513) 771-3262.

Hamilton County Environmental Services offers a free computer recycling drop-off. Acceptable materials include monitors, CPUs, hard drives, mice, keyboards, laptops, docking stations, back-up batteries, power cords, speakers, modems, external hard drives, memory chips, storage chips, cell phones, printers, scanners, and desktop fax machines. Hard drives are swiped with Department of Defense approved software. They can also disassemble and recycle computers, or rebuild them and donate them to non-profit organizations and/or schools. Call (513) 946-7766.

Hamilton County also offers a free household hazardous waste collection program from March through November. This is a great time to dispose of paint, chemicals, household and auto batteries, and more. Even prescription drugs are considered hazardous waste. CNN came out with a news story about traces of prescription drugs in water. Scary stuff. Don't flush those meds down the toilet! Call (513) 946-7700.

Please note that many of these centers have specific drop-off times during the week, so call or visit the websites for more information.

Let's face it, many times we are driven by rewards. Aside from the usual Goodwill and Freestore for other items, here are a few places that can accept gently used clothing, accessories, and even furniture for consignment. The reward: you get 50% of the profit for your items that get sold!

Snooty Fox has locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. For a minimal fee, you can open an account so that they can start selling your items. You get 50% of the profit. You can also find great bargains for gently used clothing -- another great way to lighten our footprint on the earth. I've found good jeans and tops here for less than $10! Some Snooty Fox locations accept furniture.

The Mustard Seed on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton (close to IGA) is another resale and consignment shop for clothes and accessories. There is no cost to open an account, and you also get 50% of the profit for your items that get sold. This store also sells handmade jewelry and original notecards by local artists. Call (513) 221-4022.

Julie's Inspiration is a consignment store located in the charming Mainstrasse, Covington, Northern Kentucky. This store accepts clothing, accessories, jewelry, art, and other collectibles. The bonus? It's a few doors down from interesting art galleries and coffee shops with a neighborhood feel. Next time you decide to do the Mainstrasse Final Friday Gallery Hop, stop in at Julie's! Call (513) 291-8200.

Remember that many of these places accept clothes seasonally; if I am not mistaken, they accept spring and summer items beginning in February, and fall and winter items beginning in August.

Are your running shoes no longer giving you any support? The Running Spot accepts used athletic shoes. Honestly, I'm not exactly sure what they do with them. Store locations are O'Bryonville and Glendale. Call (513) 321-3006.

Got way too much grocery store plastic bags? Take them to Bigg's supermarkets. There's a bin for plastic bags right as you walk through the door.

Hope this list gets you in the mood for a greener spring cleaning!