by Aimee Coulter

Created on: September 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Structuring and maintaining a state of greenliness in a home or office environment is not complicated but it does require some policing when hired help is used to do the actual cleaning.

The first priority is to identify cleaning products that you personally have researched and know to be environmentally friendly or that have been recommended to you by other environmentally conscious people. Characteristics to look for are: Are the products chemical free? Do they come in recyclable packaging? Do they clean effectively?

Now that you have taken the time to select the products, insist that they be utilized in the cleaning of your home or office. If your housekeeper or janitor provides his/her own cleaning supplies, as is often the case, talk with them candidly about your concern for the environment and your wish to use earth-friendly products. Offer to purchase replacement products to offset their expenses.

Don't forget the occasional inspections to make sure that the products you selected and purchased are being used. Fortunately, this is easy to do if you are purchasing the products as you can determine by the usage rate. In addition, traditional chemical cleaners have a unique odor about them. It is usually quite simple to tell if they are being used by the scent of the room. As a last resort, check the recycling bin periodically to verify the empty cleaning containers are turning up there.

There are many lines of eco-friendly products available today. Mass merchandising stores, discount stores, health-food stores and on-line stores provide an astonishing array of eco-friendly products to suit any need. Another place to look for cleaning supplies is in the contents of the average kitchen cupboard. Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice can be combined for a number of jobs. With addition of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and castile soap, you can clean every room of the house. Mix in some essential oils and the end result is a marvelous scented clean home or office.

By identifying earth-friendly products, insisting they be used and inspecting periodically to ensure they are being used, supporting green cleaning is a breeze.

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