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At O-Cedar, we know there is no greater feeling than the feeling of clean. When our homes are clean and tidy we feel comfortable and relaxed, and can get to the business of what really matters: living!

As consumers, the products and methods we choose can go a long way toward ensuring a better tomorrow for Mother Earth. From reducing single use plastics and chemicals to choosing products made from recycled materials – we can all take small steps every day to help reduce our carbon footprint and work toward a more sustainable future.

Here are 5 tips to clean more sustainably.

Here are 5 tips to clean more sustainably.

Did you know that the leading disposable spray mop generates up to 7 lbs of plastic waste a year? These mops only work with single-use plastic pads and non-refillable solution bottles that inevitably get tossed in the trash. Together, this contributes to over 8 million pounds of waste every year in the US.

Switching to reusable mop heads can help cut down on this waste. At O-Cedar, all our mops come with washable, reusable mop heads. When you’re finished cleaning, toss them in the washing machine, lay flat to dry, and reuse!

Not only are reusable mop heads better for the environment, but they save you time and effort too. In fact, choosing the ProMist Max Microfiber Spray Mop (which features a washable mop head AND a refillable bottle) can save you up to 9x on annual cleaning costs compared to the leading disposable spray mop. Choosing a spin mop, such as the EasyWring spin mop and bucket system or the EasyWring RinseClean spin mop and bucket system can save up to 4x annually on cleaning costs.* Saving money and being kinder to Mother Earth? That’s a cleaning win!

Other ways to reduce single-use plastic in your daily life:

  • Make the switch from bottled water and plastic straws to refillable water bottles and paper or metal straws.
  • Keep a reusable canvas tote bag in your car to avoid disposable plastic bags when shopping.
  • Eliminate sandwich bags and swap for reusables when packing lunches.
  • At the grocery store, bring cloth bags for your fruits and veggies.

The typical cleaning solution contains harsh chemicals, such as bleaches, ammonias and parabens, which can be corrosive to surfaces and floors, and harmful to produce. They can also be toxic if accidentally ingested by children or pets, and can cause environmental damage to waterways, fish and fauna if not disposed of correctly. The National Institutes of Health also found using harsh cleaning chemicals can have detrimental effects on the skin and lungs.

Choosing a naturally derived cleaner is a more sustainable option. And don’t be fooled – just because a cleaner is naturally derived doesn’t mean it offers diminished cleaning power! O-Cedar PACS Hard Floor Cleaner, for example, use the cleaning power of naturally-derived plant enzymes to gently dissolve stubborn dirt and grease, and will leave your floors streak-free. They are also little foot and little paw friendly.

Also be wary of bulky liquid cleaners, which come in heavy containers that are difficult to ship and store. This means they take up more space in shipping containers and require more fuel to transport. Switching to a more concentrated cleaner is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.

O-Cedar PACS come with a Climate-Pledge friendly designation on Amazon, because of their ultra-condensed format and efficient packaging. Less air, less water, and less weight!

Recycle! It’s easy and goes a long way toward reducing the amount of trash we generate yearly. Also take the time to learn what is recyclable (some items, like aluminum foil or paperback books, may surprise you) and what’s not (greasy takeout containers, for example, go in the trash).

Check out the EPA’s guide to recycled materials if you’re unsure. And make sure you are disposing of items like batteries, oil and household waste, properly.

You can also look for products made from recycled materials, and support companies that are finding innovative ways to reuse and cut down on plastic waste. At O-Cedar, all of our brooms are made with bristles that are 80% recycled plastic. Across the global company, 40% of solid plastic parts used in our cleaning products are made with recycled material as is 100% of our plastic packaging!

For other ways to incorporate recycling into your cleaning routine, consider compostable trash bags. And make sure you’re always recycling empty bottles of cleaning solution.

To learn more about O-Cedar’s global sustainability goals, click here.

It’s our most precious resource and over the past 50 years, America’s water use has tripled. Here are some easy ways to conserve:
  • Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth or shaving, and take shorter showers.
  • Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are all the way full before you run them. Each load typically uses between 6 and 20 gallons of water, so running a full load each time cuts down on the total number of cycles needed.
  • Avoid using a hose to clean patios and driveways; opt for an outdoor broom instead (we know just the one).
  • Use less water while mopping – we suggest switching to our EasyWring RinseClean system, which keeps clean and dirty water separate. That means less dumping and refilling the bucket during the process, which means less water waste overall!

Check out the EPA’s page on conversation for more tips.

Share your knowledge, tips and favorite cleaning products with family and friends. Become an advocate for more sustainable cleaning.

It starts with each and every one of us. Together, we can educate and inspire others and help move to a more sustainable future.

*compared to the leading disposable spray mop
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