Book Review: Clean and Green

We’re all very aware of our need to be more Eco-friendly and protect the planet. So whenever a book is released, like Clean and Green by Nancy Birtwhistle, with simple swaps that we can all do in our homes then I’m keen to learn more.

Book Cover Notes

Simple swaps and innovative ideas for cleaning and maintaining your home that won’t cost the Earth.

Learn how easy it is to make simple swaps in your cleaning and tidying methods for a more eco-friendly home.

This beautifully illustrated black and white guide with 101 hints and sustainable, natural cleaning tips and hacks will help you take small steps that have a massive positive environmental impact. In Clean & Green, Nancy Birtwhistle shares the simple recipes and methods she has developed since making a conscious effort to live more sustainably, many of which are faster and easier than the go-to products and methods most of us use now.

From everyday cleaning and laundry tips to zero-effort oven cleaner and guidance on removing tricky stains from clothing and furniture, these economical, practical methods are perfect for anyone looking to reduce their use of plastic and throwaway products. Nancy shares her tried-and-tested recipes for all-purpose cleaners, replacements for harmful chemicals that will keep both your home and the planet clean and green for future generations.

Book Review Clean and Green by Bake Off winner Nancy Birthwhistle

My Thoughts

I’ve been making simple food swaps to improve my health over the past couple of years. So I was keen to read Clean and Green by Nancy Birtwhistle to see what simple cleaning swaps I could do to improve my home health too.

Nancy Birtwhistle has created this book, inspired by her grandchildren and her concerns for their futures with a fragile planet. So she set off on a journey of discovery to record her own knowledge as well as research more ways we can reduce our use of harmful chemicals in our homes.

“My mission was to try to make cleaning completely green, effective and affordable.”

Firstly, Nancy provides a comprehensive list of items needed in our green cleaning kit, such as various cloths, brushes, spoons, fine wire wool and good ole rubber gloves. Next there’s a list of recommended cleaning ingredients such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, various oils and green bleach (this one was new to me).

Nancy goes on to provide lots of useful advise on re-purposing spray bottles and glass jars we already have, bulk buying certain items that will be used the most in our new green cleaning regime.

This is such a cracking book, Nancy tackles every room in the home from top to bottom. There are green recipes and step by step guides on everything from cleaning windows to bathrooms, kitchens even laundry.

There are tips on descaling, deodorising and disinfecting. Just about any household cleaning chore you can think of is listed. There’s also instructions on how to maintain household equipment such as irons, kettles, toasters and ovens.

Summary

A very comprehensive book on how to clean your home the green eco-friendly way.

Anyone who cares about their health and the planet should buy this book. In fact buy several copies and gift them to family and friends. Let’s help Nancy share the important message that we don’t need to use chemical cleaners in our home. There is a low cost, eco-friendly solution to all our cleaning needs, we just need to re-educate ourselves and change old habits.

Where to Buy

Amazon UK

Book Review clean and green by bake off winner Nancy Birtwhistle

About the Author

Nancy Birtwhistle is a Hull-born baker who won the fifth series of The Great British Bake Off in 2014. Nancy worked as a GP practice manager in the NHS for thirty-six years until she retired in 2007.

Motivated by protecting the planet for her ten grand-children, Nancy decided to change how she used plastic, single use products and chemicals in her home. Sharing her tips online, she amassed an engaged international following of devoted fans interested not only in her delicious recipes, but also her innovative ideas and time-saving swaps that rethink everyday household chores to make as little an impact on the environment as possible.