The process of cleaning our homes has become a huge business, consuming far more energy and products than needed with dangerous consequences for our environment and personal health. Take a look at the cleaning products currently in your home. How many different kind of cleaners do you have right at this moment? How many machines and gadgets do you have to help you clean? Is your home clean and green?

In our efforts to clean fast, we have loaded up on the quick and easy products that are harsh and toxic. Take a close look at how much garbage you are producing by simply trying to clean your home! It's time to make some changes!

Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects and cancer. Check out the  Consumer Product Safety Commission for more information.

Establishing a clean green home is an important step in maintaining your family's health and protecting the environment. These tips for a clean green home will get you started. Some are easy and low cost, while others may take a bit more effort. Use what will work for you and leave the rest for later.

1. Use reusable cloths and sponges instead of paper towels and wipes. Recycle old towels and other fabrics for this purpose. You'll save money too! Micro fiber cloths and mops are another great option!
2. Invest in an energy efficient, bag less vacuum cleaner.
3. Use a broom, dustpan or carpet sweeper as a carbon free alternative to vacuuming. If you love vacuuming (I do) limit your use as much as you can. Why? Vacuum cleaners use more than 10 times the amount of electricity than a computer per hour.
4. Compost the contents of your vacuum or dustpan.
5. Buy green, eco-friendly cleaning products. Read the labels carefully! Not all products that claim to be "green" are truly eco-friendly. A couple of the most trusted brands (and my personal favorites) are Ecover for laundry detergent and fabric softener and Seventh Generation for all purpose cleaners and dish detergent.
6. Buy concentrated cleaning products whenever possible, to reduce the waste and save money. Buy in bulk when available.
7. Instead of buying cleaning products, make your own all natural, safe green cleaners. For example, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your laundry as a fabric softener. Vinegar has so many uses in the home! It is the only thing I have found to neutralize pet odors effectively. If you need a little help making your own, check out the starter kits from Eco-Me.
8. Avoid aerosol sprays. They are difficult to recycle.
9. Place doormats on either side of external doors to limit the amount of dirt tracked through your home from outside.

10.  Encourage visitors (and kids) to remove their shoes when they enter your home. Not     everyone is comfortable with this. If you live in a cold climate, you can have clean fluffy slippers to lend to visitors.

11.  Wash your clothing in cold water. By eliminating the use of hot water use in laundry you could save as much as $60 per year.

12.  Presoak especially filthy clothes before washing. This will eliminate the need for hot water in your washing cycle.

13.  Iron only the items that really need it. Use a spray bottle with water instead of the steam feature on your iron to cut back on energy use.

14.  When shopping for a new washer and dryer, look for a front loading, energy efficient model. It will be worth the investment!

15.  Choose an energy-saving dishwasher and save up to 40% over older models.

16.  Line dry you clothing when possible.

17. Run your dishwasher only when there is a full load. Use the lowest heat setting.

18.  Dry your dishes naturally by opening the dishwasher door before the dry cycle.

19.  Use an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent to avoid polluting the air in your home and the environment with toxins. Make sure the one you choose is phosphate and chlorine free.

20.  Remember to turn your dishwasher off when it's not in use. It can act as an energy vampire, using close to 70% as much energy as it does when in use.

21.  Choose house plants that can improve your indoor air quality by absorbing contaminates, such as spider plants or golden pathos.

22.  Pre-soak sticky pots and dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You'll use less water and energy to get them clean.

22. Hand-washing dishes carefully could be the most efficient way to get your dishes clean. Instead of running the water, fill a large bowl or plug the sink while washing.

23. Oven cleaners contain some of the most dangerous chemicals found in the average home. Choose an oven cleaner that isn't labeled "caustic" or make your own. After cleaning, line the oven with foil for easy cleanups.

24. To make your own oven cleaner, mix baking soda, salt and hot water into a thick paste. Scrub with steel wool.

25. Clean your bathroom with non-toxic cleaners. Stay away from cleaners with chlorine and ammonia.

26. If you don't have proper ventilation in your bathroom, open the window after a steamy shower to prevent the growth of mold.

27. Replace your plastic shower curtains with hemp or organic cotton shower curtains. Most plastic shower curtains contain toxic chemicals that are released into the air every time you shower. Additionally, the pollute the outdoor environment because they are impossible to recycle.

28. Ban synthetic air fresheners from your home. Many of them contain phthalates; hormone disrupting chemicals that have been linked to reproductive problems. Phthalates have even been found in air fresheners labeled all natural or unscented.

29. Eliminate carpet odors by sprinkling baking soda on the carpet. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then vacuum.

30. Try using tea to clean your hardwood floors instead of harsh chemical soaps. Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to disinfect.

I promise, you will not regret your efforts for establishing a clean green home! You and your family will be safer and healthier without these toxins in the air you breathe, the food you eat or the clothes you wear. Try implementing one change per week. Even if it takes you a year to make your home greener, it will be worth the effort!

Do you have any additional tips, concerns or questions? Please share them in the comments section!