Barry Law Environmental and Earth Law Journal

Ah, the spring. Whether you are reminded that spring is back by the undying urge to be outside or the now ever-present reminder of allergies. No matter the reason, we know that spring is back and that brings along the desire to open the windows and clean everything. As we appreciate the change in weather and mother nature, it’s important to keep in mind the environment and our impact on it while spring cleaning. 

            Spring cleaning can act as a fresh start for most people after a long winter, but there are even more benefits. Many advantages of spring cleaning directly impact your physical and mental health. As for the physical, spring cleaning simply makes you move about and encourages a healthier lifestyle. [1] Studies have shown that there is a correlation between having a clean home and being more active. [2] In one study, to put it simply, doing household chores can have you moving for thirty minutes or more, and if you choose chores over going to the gym, you are still active and moving. [3] Another benefit to cleaning is your springtime allergies will not be as intense if you remove those pesky allergy triggers, like dust buildup. [4] Mentally speaking, by spring cleaning you are lowering the chance of depression and stress that can come with a messy or dirty living space. [5] While these benefits are just some of the reasons why people decide to spring clean, there are also problems that need to be addressed with the actual cleaning products and tools used to achieve these benefits. 

            You can’t have spring cleaning without cleaning products! While cleaning products are necessary and desirable for a clean and well-maintained living space, it is important to note some of the environmental effects that come with them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has addressed certain hazards that can potentially come with the use of some cleaning products. [6] Fortunately, the harmful effects from most cleaning products on individuals are relatively low, with minimum use of cleaning products, but there can still be harmful effects to the environment. [7] For example, certain cleaning product ingredients may be hazardous to some water species if their habitat receives water that is exposed to these ingredients and inadequately treated. [8] Also, cleaning products that contain phosphorus or nitrogen can impact water quality as well. [9] It is important to keep this in mind when cleaning our sinks and showers with cleaning products.

            Some cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor and outdoor air quality. [10] VOCs are gases that are emitted from some solids or liquids, and if emitted inside, the concentrations of VOCs can be up to ten times higher than if emitted outdoors. [11] These VOCs can lead to adversarial health effects including eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; and damage to liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. [12] Common household products that contain VOCs are paints, aerosol sprays, and some cleansers and disinfectants. [13] As for outdoor air, these VOCs can attribute to smog formation. [14] If you intend on giving your bedroom a fresh new coat of paint, keep the windows open to lower the chance of VOCs buildup in your home! 

            Spring cleaning should be beneficial to both yourself and to the environment. There are multiple solutions to help avoid potential environmental damage caused by cleaning products. The EPA has developed the “Safer Choice Program” where it “helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.” [15] Through this program, one is able to browse through all-purpose cleaners, car care products, dish soaps, and other cleaners you may utilize to spring clean. [16] You can even make your own cleaning products from ingredients that are already around your house, like vinegar and baking soda. Other alternatives to keep in mind when spring cleaning are donating old clothing and electronics that you are no longer needing to the appropriate facility. Or you may be able to use that old clothing, like old t-shirts, as cleaning rags rather than using paper towels or other disposable products. By doing this, you can reuse these rags and keep those clothes out of landfills. As for packing up all your winter clothes for seasonal storage, reuse old boxes and other recycled packing materials. Your future self will thank you! Spring cleaning should and can be beneficial for you without harming our environment.  

Written by Jessica Layne, EELJ editor