Caregiver Go Green

Earth Day is right around the corner and even though a caregiver’s day is usually filled with thoughts about how to help a loved one there still are ways to take care of the planet, too.

Founded in 1970, Earth Day is a holiday that is celebrated globally.  Earth Day was originally aimed at creating a mass environmental movement to raise public awareness of air and water pollution. 

We already know that taking care of the environment is one way to help improve the health of others. The opposite is just as true. Making choices – big or little – on behalf of the one you are caretaking can also benefit the environment. The kind of multitasking is good news for all.

In researching green options, I came across a few really helpful websites, including CaregivingClub.com. They’ve created a list of typical household items and cleaners that are important for both the health of the environment and creating a healthy home for you and your loved one: 

• Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
• Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
• Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
• Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
• White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
• Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Sponges – substitute traditional sponges, typically made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills and are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can product chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with chlorine in tap water.  Instead try a cellulose sponge found at natural food stores which are biodegradable and soak up spills faster.

For more ideas, visit Caregiving Club. 

J. Dietrich Stroeh is author of Three Months: A Caregiving Journey from Heartbreak to Healing (2012 FolkHeart Press). For more information, visit www.threemonthsbook.com.