Going green is way more than a trend; it is way to reduce waste and pollution while promoting a healthier global environment. When it comes to house cleaning, going green involves a mix of using natural products, improving air quality and recycling. Every year Americans use 13 billion pounds of paper towels creating a significant amount of paper waste. Even during house cleaning disinfectants, air fresheners and other cleaning products release toxins into your home. Luckily there are many green alternatives you apply to your everyday house cleaning that will reduce waste and pollution and create a healthier environment for you and your family.

1. Vinegar is a great green cleaning solution. Instead of using surface cleaners that contain chemicals you can use vinegar to disinfect and clean hard surface areas. Vinegar has high acidity which makes it effective at removing dirt, grime and killing bacteria. You should avoid using vinegar on marble, stone and waxed surface because the acidity can be damaging.

2. Baking soda is another green cleaning product that can be found in your home. Instead of using spray cans that contain chemicals to deodorize you can use baking soda. If your fridge smells bad you can put in a box of baking soda to eliminate the smell. You can also sprinkle some in your garbage can if it is releasing unwanted odors. Baking soda can even deodorize carpets, if you sprinkle some on the area that smells and vacuum it up later.

3. Find reusable alternatives to paper towels. Take a trip to your local supermarket and invest in reusable cleaning rags or microfiber cloths. You can even repurpose old clothes you do not wear anymore. Over time you will save money spent on paper towels and you will also be reducing your amount of paper waste.

4. Improve indoor air quality with indoor plants. Indoor air on average contains more toxins than air outdoors. When plants absorb oxygen they naturally filter out toxins releasing clean air into their environment. Plants can filter out dangerous toxics such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia and are a great alternative to air fresheners which release more chemicals. NASA has even tested plants in space to improve air quality in their space programs.

5. Take the initiative! It is easy to talk yourself out of going green, but everyone can play their part in reducing waste and pollution. In Westchester County last year 50,000 tons of paper products were recycled, saving 850,000 trees. By practicing green cleaning in your home you will reduce waste and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.