Here at JDB, we are passionate about the environment as well as the health of our community.

With so much waste and so many harmful ingredients around us, we wanted to highlight tips that will help create a cleaner and healthier home.

1. 1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harmful ingredients like ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, and bleach are common in most household cleaners. These chemicals are known to have serious effects on your health, your family, your pets, and the environment. When buying cleaning products, look for products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of fragrances. Or, make your own cleaning products using vinegar, lemon juice, essential oils, and baking soda!
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3. 2. Use Reusable Cleaning Products and Tools: Single-use products like paper towels and disinfectant wipes will go straight to the landfill, and have a large carbon footprint. Instead, invest in reusable cleaning cloths, rags, mops, etc that can be washed again and again.
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5. 3. Learn Proper Recycling Habits: According to Seattle.gov, not recycling correctly can make it harder for the machinery, contaminate other acceptable recyclables, and ultimately cause recyclables to end up in the garbage.  Reducing use of plastic in general is also recommended, as plastic bags and plastic wrap cannot be recycled in standard recycling carts. 
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7. 4. Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally: Adding greenery and plants to your home reduces indoor toxins and brings in more oxygen. Snake plants, aloe, and pothos are common plants that help improve air quality. Conventional air fresheners can be harmful to your health by distributing toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
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9. 5. Donate, Repair, or Repurpose Items: Instead of throwing old or unused items in the trash, try to have the items fixed, repurposed, and/or donated. Second-use facilities, such as Ballard Reuse or Seattle Recreative, are also great alternatives for unwanted items. 

By remembering these basic tips, you can not only help out the environment by contributing less waste, but also help your own physical health, ultimately giving you more time to enjoy the coming warmth and sunshine!