The current global climate crisis has caused everyone to reconsider how their daily activities affect the environment in the near future, as well as for future generations. Whether it is individuals or large corporations, the same concepts are consistent throughout: reduce, reuse and recycle, while choosing environmentally-friendly products in the process.

Choosing harsh chemicals to clean your home can put not only the environment at risk, it also places you, your children and pets at risk with every single use.

There are many cleaning alternatives to using harsh chemicals that are friendly to the environment that also save money at the same time:

• Baking Soda - Never underestimate the power of baking soda. Baking soda is great to use as an all-purpose cleanser and laundry additive. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, and removes stains for approximately one dollar per box.

• Borax - A wonderful all-purpose cleaner and laundry brightener. Great chlorine substitute for laundry.

• Salt - Regular table salt is a great alternative for scouring powder.

• White Vinegar - Cleans hard surfaces and provides streak free windows.

• Furniture Polish - Place your choice of vegetable oil in a clean plastic spray bottle with a couple of drops of lemon juice for polish for pennies.

• Fabric Deodorizer & Static Remover - Mix fabric softener (2 cups), baking soda (2 cups) in warm water (4 cups) and place it in a spray bottle.

• Linen Spray/Air Freshener - Add a couple of drops of essential oil to plain tap water and pour into a spray bottle.

• Carpet Deodorizer - Sprinkle baking soda and vacuum normally. It keeps the carpets fresh without paying the high price of those expensive carpet deodorizers.

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Pour baking soda in the toilet bowl and follow with regular white vinegar. Clean with your toilet brush as it fizzes up.

• Drain Cleaner - Pour baking down the drain and follow with a small bottle of regular vinegar. Let stand for about 20 minutes and follow with hot tap water.