Most cleaning sprays that people use have chemicals that are harmful to consume - both for plants and animals in the environment.
When you use these chemicals in your toilets, sinks, dishwashers, or other appliances, the chemicals are eventually rinsed down the drain. The water then heads to waste water treatment facilities, where the majority of contaminants are removed before the water makes its way back to rivers and lakes.
However, not all the contaminants from these chemical products are removed, and over time, they can build up to have a substantial and negative effect on the wildlife. (Larry Altan, How Exactly do Cleaning Supplies Affect the Environment).
If you purchase cleaning spray from the store regularly, not only will you likely be spraying harmful chemicals in your home, but you will be continually purchasing and disposing a plastic container.
Instead you can make your own cleaning spray and reuse the same spray bottle over and over again.
For the most basic spray, all you really need is water and vinegar. If the smell of vinegar bothers you, you can combat that with essential oils 🍊
Learn how to make this easy recipe from Recipe With Essential Oils:
If you are seeking disinfectant sprays for COVID-19, check out Tips Bulletin:
You can also make your own hand sanitizer; see below for recipes:
Healthline:
(Note: Be sure to read the safety precautions)
Today’s Challenge:
Following our videos instructions on instagram, and try to make your own cleaning spray at your very own home!
Share a photo of your do-it-yourself cleaning spray, tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly to earn 1 ENTRY!
How can I win prizes?
Step 1: Follow @onepieceaday1
Step 2: Tag a friend! (optional)
Step 3: Share a photo (to your story OR your feed) of you completing each challenge for 1 ENTRY, tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly.
Step 4: Log your refusal on the OnePieceADay app!
Each day is a new opportunity to increase your chances. Your total entries will be counted at the end of the month and be entered into a draw to win a zero-waste prize pack. Be sure to stick around for more chances to win!
Questions? Drop them below!
Tomorrow ditch the disposable paper towels!
Humans consume millions of tons of paper towels that are aiding in fast depletion of forests and polluting water sources (Pulp and Paper Technology). To make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees are cut down and 20,000 gallons of water are consumed. Instead we could be using sponge cloths. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house - so this is an easy reusable alternative.
These sponge clothes are compostable, reusable and functional. These can be used to replace paper towels and microfiber cloths AND they last up to 6-12 months (depending on usage). Made from cellulose and all natural cotton materials (80% Cellulose/20% Cotton) - they can be thrown into your green bin at the end of its life!
Stay tuned tomorrow for details!
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