Spring Clean & Green: Boost Mood & Breathe Easy

Spring Clean and Green Your Space for Better Health

Spring has sprung! It's the perfect time to throw open the windows, banish dust bunnies, and give your home a fresh start. But why stop there? Let's take things a step further and "green" your space for a healthier you!

Benefits of Greenery:

• Boost your mood and focus: Indoor plants can improve your mood, concentration, and memory. They create a calmer environment, making your home or office feel more positive. Plus, flowering plants can actually make you feel happier and less stressed!
• Breathe easier, think clearer: Plants are like tiny air purifiers. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping you breathe easier and think more clearly. They also remove toxins from the air, including chemicals found in everyday products like paint and carpet.
• Better skin and fewer colds: Plants add moisture to the air, acting like a natural humidifier. This can help prevent dry skin, colds, and even coughs, especially during colder months.

Easy-Care Houseplants:

Not sure where to start? Here are some beginner-friendly houseplants that require minimal care:

• Peace Lily
• Snake Plant
• Ficus
• Rubber Tree
• Jade Plant
• Schefflera

Greening Beyond Plants:

Greening your space involves more than just adding plants. Here are some ways to reduce toxins in your home for an even healthier environment:

1. Ditch the Teflon: Swap non-stick cookware for stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron options. Teflon coatings contain chemicals that can disrupt hormones and are best avoided.
2. Skip the Air Fresheners: Most air fresheners and scented candles actually pollute the air with harmful chemicals. Opt for natural air fresheners, like fresh flowers or boiling cinnamon sticks in water.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning: Look for dry cleaners that use liquid carbon dioxide ("wetcleaning") instead of harsh chemicals.
4. Ditch the Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets contain chemicals that can trigger allergies and asthma. Try using white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.
5. Reduce Plastic Use: Choose glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers for food storage whenever possible.
6. Avoid Antibacterial Products: Triclosan, a common antibacterial ingredient, is linked to health problems. Choose soaps and other products without it.

Natural Air Freshener Tip:

Want a safe and healthy way to freshen your home? Try a natural air freshener spray made with essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

Taking the Next Step:

Greening your space is a journey, and there's always more you can do! We hope this post inspired you to add some plants to your home or office and swap out some toxic products for safer alternatives. Breathe easy, live green, and enjoy a healthier spring season!