Every day through posters or TV campaigns we’re reminded to “go green.” Part of that includes “green cleaning,” which means using all-natural cleaning solutions and environmental-friendly techniques, such as recycling. These tactics reduce waste and protect the planet.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, roughly 80 percent of what Americans toss into the trash is recyclable. Also, according to the EPA, the average office worker uses about 10,000 sheets of paper every year. In the United States alone, workers generate approximately two pounds of paper each day.

During the spring, people across the country like to take the time to clean their homes or their offices.  To assist you in your cleaning efforts, here are nine green cleaning solutions from an article by Green America.

1. Baking Soda: Serves as a scouring powder and eliminates odors.
2. Borax: A natural mineral compound, serves as an antifungal and possible disinfectant.
3. Club Soda: A polisher and stain remover.
4. Lemon Juice: Can be used to remove grease and act as a non-toxic bleach.
5. Liquid castile soap: An all-purpose cleaner. “Castile” soaps are vegetable-based, not animal-fat based.
6. White vinegar: An antifungal that kills germs and bacteria.
7. Corn meal: Natural source for cleaning carpet spills.
8. Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration): A non-toxic bleach, disinfectant and stain remover.
9. Pure Essential Oils: Essential oils added to your cleaning mixtures can add pleasant scents when you’re cleaning your office. Some oils to consider include: eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree oils.

These items can be used with rags and in spray bottles for cleaning office kitchens, office desks and chairs, carpets and so much more. Using all-natural products in your cleaning promotes a healthier environment and reduces the usage of synthetic cleaning chemicals.

Disclaimer: Never mix any of these products/solutions together

Show us the results of your office spring cleaning. This month we’re asking for before and after pictures of MSU offices across campus to highlight on the MSU Human Resources’ Twitter page. Upload your pictures to Twitter with the hashtag, #MSUoffices. 

We look forward to seeing how you Go Green!

For tips on how to streamline your office cleaning, check out this video on office cleaning from HRD Facilitator Randy Dean.