7 ways to be green while cleaning up your home this spring

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

Now that it is officially spring, many are itching purge their houses of unnecessary items that piled up during winter. Before you tackle spring cleaning, remember there are many things in your household that could harm the environment if not disposed of properly.

Create a tidy, healthy living space and reduce your impact on the environment by following these tips:

1.) Know before you throw: The quickest way to accomplish your spring cleaning goals may be to dump all your unwanted household items into the garbage with reckless abandon. However, many household items can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Additionally, many household items can be recycled, which helps cut down on landfill waste.

According to the Duke University Center for Sustainability, about 55 percent of the 220 million tons of waste generated each year in the United States ends up in one of more than 3,500 landfills.

Items such as batteries, fire extinguishers, gas/propane tanks, household cleaners, paint, fluorescent lights, pesticides, pool chemicals and more are considered hazardous and need to be disposed of properly. Additionally, many pantry and household items, including glass food and beverage containers, aluminum cans, plastic jugs, and paper waste can be recycled.

Visit www.mcohio.org/departments/solid_waste to learn more about items that can be recycled and kept out of a landfill.

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

2.) Avoid the sink: Pouring liquid waste — such as expired cough syrup, paint and cleaner — down the drain may be convenient, but it can have serious consequences for water ecosystems, Mother Nature Network reports. Additionally, medications, such as illicit drugs and over-the-counter medications, are not addressed during water treatment. Dilute traces of these compounds may potentially end up in drinking water.

While cleaning, be sure to put hazardous items, such as paint, in a pile to drop off at the Montgomery County Solid Waste District's (MCSWD) hazardous waste disposal program. Unwanted and expired medications can be taken to most local police stations. Find a drop-off location by visiting rxdrugdropbox.org/map-search.

3.) Recycling resources: From mixed recycling drop off to appliance recycling, MCSWD has disposal programs that help Montgomery County residents toss their unwanted items responsibly. When tackling spring cleaning, be sure to take your hazardous household materials to the MCSWD's household hazardous waste disposal on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The MCSWD will recycle large household appliances for free twice a year, and mixed recycling drop off is also available to Montgomery County residents.

4.) Donate or repurpose: Spring is also tax season, and many people will use their tax refunds to upgrade their appliances and furniture. If you have old household items that are still in working condition, consider donating them to your local Goodwill, the Habitat for Humanity ReStoreHomefull and McMRF. Some organizations will even pick up donated appliances f.

Functional items can also be sold during garage sales, in consignment shops or online at craigslist.org.

5.) Clean green: After unwanted items are removed from your home, it's time to open your windows, roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing. When purchasing household cleaners, always opt to buy products that are biodegradable and non-toxic. Beware of products that are labelled "green" that aren't ECOLOGO or Green Seal certified.

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

Credit: Five Rivers MetroParks

6.) Nature indoors: Adding some green décor to your home may give your air quality a boost! Houseplants help to filter air and create a healthier living environment. Keep houseplants in a well-ventilated area to prevent leaf mold, and dust larger plants once a month. Consider philodendron, spider and snake plants if you want to add some low-maintenance indoor greenery to your abode.

7.) Keep learning and living greenFive Rivers MetroParks offers year-round programs that help people live sustainably and stay environmentally conscious. Whether you're passionate about growing organic vegetables or composting kitchen scraps, MetroParks' spring programming provides fun, educational experiences that will give you the tools needed to help keep your spaces beautiful and more sustainable.

Want to learn more? Don’t miss the following MetroParks programs this spring:

COMPOST KITCHEN

Wednesday, April 19 and 23, and May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Possum Creek MetroPark Education Building, 4790 Frytown Rd.

This three-part program covers everything you need to know to compost effectively and is offered free of charge thanks to a partnership with Montgomery County Environmental Services. Registration is required.

CONTAINER VEGETABLES

Tuesday, May 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pk.

Many plants grow beautifully in containers. Learn which plants work best and how to plant and maintain them. Explore different types of containers and gardens, and plant care through the season. This program is free and for people ages 18+. Registration is requested.

HOW TO DEVELOP NEW WILDFLOWER PLANTINGS

Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pk.

Visit a wildflower area at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. We'll discuss ways to make shade or sun areas colorful with different types of wildflowers. This program is free and for people ages 18+. Registration is requested.

Learn more about sustainable living and find fun programs by visiting metroparks.org.

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