Here are 5 tips to clean more sustainably.
Did you know that the leading disposable spray mop generates up to 7 lbs of plastic waste a year? These mops only work with single-use plastic pads and non-refillable solution bottles that inevitably get tossed in the trash. Together, this contributes to over 8 million pounds of waste every year in Canada. Switching to reusable mop heads can cut down on this waste. At Vileda, all our mops come with washable, reusable mop heads. When you’re finished cleaning, toss them in the washing machine, lay flat to dry, and reuse!
Not only are reusable mop heads better for the environment, but they save you time and effort too. In fact, choosing the ProMist Max Microfibre Spray Mop (which features a washable mop head AND a refillable bottle) can save you up to 9x on annual cleaning costs compared to the leading disposable spray mop.* Choosing a spin mop, such as the EasyWring spin mop and bucket system or the EasyWring RinseClean spin mop and bucket system can save up to 4x annually on cleaning costs.** Saving money and being kinder to Mother Earth? That’s a cleaning win!
Other ways to reduce single-use plastic in your daily life:
• Make the switch from bottled water and plastic straws to refillable water bottles and paper or metal straws.
• Keep a reusable canvas tote bag in your car to avoid disposable plastic bags when shopping.
• Eliminate sandwich bags and swap for reusables when packing lunches.
• At the grocery store, bring cloth bags for your fruits and veggies.
The Government of Canada states that only 9 percent of the 3 million tonnes of plastic waste generated by the Canadian economy every year is recycled. The vast majority of plastics end up in landfills, while about 29,000 tonnes find their way into the natural environment including wildlife, rivers and lakes.
And though Canada continues in its efforts to further reduce, re-use, and recycle plastic, we’re still using a lot of it. According to recently released detailed estimates from Statistics Canada’s pilot project on the life cycle of plastic material, this is especially true when it comes to packaging.
Choosing a naturally derived cleaner is a more sustainable option. And don’t be fooled – just because a cleaner is naturally derived doesn’t mean it offers diminished cleaning power! Vileda PACS Hard Floor Cleaner, for example, use the cleaning power of naturally-derived plant enzymes to gently dissolve stubborn dirt and grease, and will leave your floors streak-free. They are also little foot and little paw-friendly. Also be wary of bulky liquid cleaners, which come in heavy containers that are difficult to ship and store. This means they take up more space in shipping containers and require more fuel to transport.
Vileda PACS are designed with an ultra-condensed format and efficient packaging. Less air, less water, and less weight!
You can also look for products made from recycled materials, and support companies that are finding innovative ways to reuse and cut down on plastic waste. At Vileda, all of our brooms are made with bristles that are 80% recycled plastic and our Flex & Catch duster is made from 100% recycled plastic. Across the global company, 40% of solid plastic parts used in our cleaning products are made with recycled material as is 100% of our plastic packaging!
For other ways to incorporate recycling into your cleaning routine, consider compostable trash bags. And make sure you’re always recycling empty bottles of cleaning solution.
Learn more about Vileda’s global sustainability goals.
- Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth or shaving, and take shorter showers.
- Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are all the way full before you run them. Each load typically uses between 6 and 20 gallons of water, so running a full load each time cuts down on the total number of cycles needed
- Avoid using a hose to clean patios and driveways; opt for an outdoor broom instead (we know just the one – Vileda Oskar Outdoor Broom).
- Reduce water usage while mopping – we suggest switching to our EasyWring RinseClean system, which keeps clean and dirty water separate. That means less dumping and refilling the bucket during the process, which means less water waste overall!
Share your knowledge, tips and favourite cleaning products with family and friends. Become an advocate for sustainable cleaning. It starts with each and every one of us. Together, we can educate and inspire others and help move to a more sustainable future.
It starts with each and every one of us. Together, we can educate and inspire others and help move to a more sustainable future.
