Top 3 spring cleaning alternatives

Spring’s officially sprung here in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.  I really couldn’t be more amped, the birds are having a sing-n-dance revolution, kids’ bikes are zooming down the sidewalks, the neighborhood park resembles a summer popsicle blanketed with busy bees (kiddos in this case), and air conditioners are humming… really?  It is maybe a balmy 65 degrees F outside, snow mounds are still visibly lurking, and window air conditioners are already buzzing?  Good ole Twin Cities fair weather fans, ahhhh spring is really in the air.

Delightful as the robins flocking the yard are, my top spring sighting so far has been my kiddo and the rest of the state playing outside, jacket-free, green grass underfoot and underway.  A close second, though, are the hearty chives popping up to say Hi, Remember me? in our barely unfrozen and otherwise empty garden. 

While finding the magic in the mess of spring cleaning, there are a few alternatives to keep in mind. 

Spring Painting
I’ve got another painting project underway.  My gallon of terrarium paint set me back a mere $32 at Home Depot yesterday, a solid investment for my family’s health.  It’s completely chemical and VOC-free and therefore, awesome.  It’s not easy to find a paint truly free of VOC’s.  Many brands claim it, but still use VOC’s in the colorant, so ask questions and read the fine print.  Check out this previous post on Freshaire Choice paint.  What’s on your walls affects air quality and breathing for years to come, do yourself and your family a favor by investing in VOC-free every time you paint.   

Spring Cleaning
Lines of cleaners that are safe for your family do exist.  Cleaners like dusting spray, surface cleaner, floor cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, you name it, are available in safe formulas.  I’m going to sing the praises of one particular brand that we’ve transitioned to in full form at my home.  Seventh Generation makes the gammut of household cleaners, good for your house and the people who live there.  I’m not connected to the brand aside from my adoration.

Yard Clean-up
$3.00 buys you a natural alternative to chemical weed killer.  If dandelions begin stomping your yard, too many to individually pull, mix up some dish soap and vinegar and aim carefully.  Read this previous post on the wonders of vinegar in the yard.

Boycott the Roundup: check out my post from Earth Day 2009.

Have fun finding the magic in your mess.

Sneak preview at next post, in the art studio, and coming very soon: Spring Egg Fun with Natural Dyes…

Our canvas: brown eggs

Stay tuned!