#1 Use eco detergents. Conventional brands are made with ingredients that aren't good for you, your clothes, or aquatic ecosystems. Look for info on the product that says it is biodegradable and phosphate-free, and made from plant | vegetable-based ingredients (instead of petroleum-based) = healthier for the planet.
#2 Ditch the bleach. A cup of white vinegar added to wash can keep fabrics bright.
#3 Fabric softeners can be replaced by a cup of white vinegar added to the washer during the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally balances the pH of soap, leaving your clothes soft and free of chemical residue.
#4 Dryer sheets are full of cancer-causing chemicals and neurotoxins such as toluene and styrene. They also break down organic fibers, shortening the life of your fabrics. Option: toss a sachet of dried organic lavender in the dryer for a healthy, sweet scent.
#5 Wear your clothes more than once before tossing them in the dirty pile as a first step in greening your laundry habits. ( (The United Nations Environment Programme crunched the numbers and discovered that you can consume up to five times less energy by wearing your jeans at least three times, washing them in cold water, and skipping the dryer or the iron.)
#6 Plant Life. Plants are great in your room for getting rid of toxins in the air – natural air filters. The five plants that top the in door clean air list are peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies, all of which are both easy to find and easy to care for, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still have a green room.
#7 Put on some tunes. Cleaning can be good therapy. Grab your IPod or out on Pandora (on-line custom radio channel gnome
