It’s spring-cleaning time! Whether you are getting ready to move out of your dorm or home, or you are just ready for a freshly cleaned space, this is the perfect time of year to open your windows, let the sunshine in and get ready to do some washing. As college students, though, we all know that cleaning products can get quite pricey, especially if we don’t use them very often. In addition, some cleaning products have been linked to diseases such as asthma (check out womenandenvironment.org). So what do we do?

The organization Women’s Voices for the Earth promotes “Green Cleaning Parties” at which people can gather to create cleaning agents from everyday items that are free from chemical pollutants. So get some friends together, visit womenandenvironment.org for kits and recipes and make a Target run for some basic ingredients. Recipes include all-purpose cleaner made of distilled vinegar and water, soft scrub and laundry detergent. Even if you cannot organize a party, the recipes are simple to put together yourself.

Happy spring, and happy cleaning!