Great (Green) Escapes

Travel has the power to open our minds and deepen our appreciation of the world we live in. As we explore, it’s up to us to travel responsibly and tread lightly on the earth. You can make greener choices on your travels, and even have a positive impact that will last well beyond your week of bliss. Here are five ideas for your next green getaway:

Voluntour

Combine your love of travel with philanthropy by taking part in the ever-growing “voluntourism” movement. Imagine contributing—in a very tangible way—to the community, wildlife and environment you visit. The opportunities are endless. Protect sea turtles in Costa Rica, study climate change in Antarctica, survey coral reefs on a tropical island, or join a Me to We trip and help an impoverished community. We promise you’ll gain new perspective and make the world a better place.

Go camping

The great outdoors beckon. If you’re yearning for both solitude and scenic splendour, pitch a tent! Explore natural landscapes, close to home or on the other side of the country. Bonus: outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and swimming are all delightfully carbon neutral. Find a National Park, and for tips on camping responsibly, a bit of research goes a long way.

Go WWOOFing

Short for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, WWOOFing is your ticket to an unforgettable farming experience. The program was founded in England in 1971. Volunteers work on an organic farm in exchange for room, board and farming advice. WWOOFers have given thousands of hours of assistance to organic growers, and WWOOF hosts have given their time and experience to WWOOFers in over 50 countries.

Adventure travel

Have an appetite for adventure? Check out ways to learn skills such as mountaineering, climbing or backpacking. Many companies offer small-group tours to destinations around the globe. We love G Adventures and Natural Habitat Adventures. For more options, use the directories of The International Ecotourism Society and Sustainable Travel International. (While you’re there, read the organization’s tips to evaluate responsible tour companies.)

Have a staycation

Explore your own backyard. Not only is it less stressful than going abroad, but you’ll support your local economy, enjoy places and activities you’re usually too busy to appreciate, and save money on transportation. Ideas for local thrills: give your taste buds a trip (visit farmers’ markets, try an organic or vegetarian restaurant, or embark on a culinary adventure; visit a National Park, beach or lake; or start that garden project you’ve been meaning to get to. Being one with nature need not be too far from your own home.

Tired of cleaning your apartment, but don’t have your own live-in help due to cost or space constraints?

Green Cleaners are here to provide you with a solution to your weekly chores, as well as making a positive change for your home and the environment.

We understand that every home is different and every client is an individual. With an ever growing number of single working professionals and couples in Singapore, with little time to keep on top of the basic cleaning of their living space, and little enthusiasm to spend precious free time cleaning, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new weekly green cleaning service – GC Essentials.

With professionally trained staff, meticulous approach and care for your home, GC Essentials is specifically designed to cover all the essential weekly cleaning tasks (as detailed in our 16 point checklist) required for maintaining a healthy home whilst allowing you to free-up valuable spare time.

Choosing a GC Essentials service also offers peace of mind - you’re having a positive impact on the environment and adhering to MOM policy and regulations by not utilizing ‘freelance’ domestic helpers. Enquire today and you'll never need to pick up a mop, vacuum or duster ever again, and go green in the process!

Get a quote today!



*GC Essentials Terms & Conditions: 1. GC Essentials Service is only available for homes less than or equal to 1200 sqft. 2. GC Essentials Service is only available on a weekly frequency. 3. GC Essential Service clients are required to have a good working vacuum cleaner onsite. 4. GC Essential Service clients are required to purchase a Full Green Cleaning Master Kit on commencement of services. 5. Where the apartment is more than 1km from an MRT station, travel charges may apply. Advised upon quotation. **Homes that are more than 1200 sqft and/or for other service frequency options, please complete our standard service quotation form.

Green Apps for a Greener Lifestyle!

Climate change has been a long running problem, worrying world leaders and the population alike about where the planet is heading. This has been one big reason why the going green phenomenon took off in the first place. Preserving our natural resources, ensuring a bright future for our children and reducing pollution are three big players in the reasoning.

In fact, we all do a little bit more than we ever did but it’s about taking this to another level with some effort and thought. If we clean up our act then our water, air and energy becomes cleaner and this helps everything that lives on this planet. Take a look at these five simple apps that can kick you off.



Light Bulb Finder – One big energy saver that people are trying to implement across the board is energy saving bulbs. This free app for Android and iPhone means that you can make the switch from conventional bulbs to energy saving equivalents easily. From light quality to fit to style you can shop knowing that you are purchasing exactly what you need.

Energy Saver – Do your bit for the environment and save money at the same time, what could be better? This app helps to “profile – analyze – save” on your water, gas and electricity expenses. With features that are easy to use and customise, there is plenty to sink your teeth into before the benefits start to roll in through your shrewd consumption and elimination of waste.

Green Genie – Already named as the number one green app in some quarters and with USA Today saying “a good place to start: The Green Genie app” it’s obvious why it gets so much love. It comes from the idea that each change you make adds up for both you and the environment over time. Currently a free offering, this is a comprehensive guide to better living. Sustainable living. With features like essential reading, a glossary and strategies it really needs to be part of your green push.

Good Guide – Ever wondered the performance of your food and household product in terms of social, environmental and health? Whether you have or not, it’s time to make your purchases more accountable. This free, quick and easy app gets information and ratings as you do your shopping. Not only this but customised recommendations come as standard!

Find Recycling – One buzzword for saving the planet is recycling. You can get a lot of money for your unwanted possessions. Whether you want to sell your old htc desire or your old entertainment collection you can. But, if you’re just looking for a place to recycle glass bottle, batteries or TVs then this app is there to help you do just that.

Whether you are looking to save money, help the planet or both then these apps can be a great way to start. There are plenty more to scroll through but you can begin encouragement with these five. We need to make the world a greener place again and that is up to us all as a race. Do your bit!

It's Greenery Day!

Hi Everyone! Today marks an important day in Japan - though originally celebrated as the Emperor's Birthday, this special holiday has evolved into a day that celebrates communing with nature and showing appreciation for the world around us. Who says we can't celebrate that worldwide, anyway?

Green Cleaners went to Japan and was pleasantly surprised with the discipline that everyone shared in making sure the streets, the air and even indoor spaces were kept clean. We even found some stores, like Lush (yes, the lovely smelling soap store) who promoted going green all over their shop!



Here's some interesting trivia about Japan - did you know that most families make a joint effort to actually reuse, reduce and recycle? Not just use it as a mantra, they actually take the time to sort our their rubbish as well as take into consideration using and purchasing only what they need.

Japan has developed as a country with such discipline that although eating and drinking is allowed on all public transportation, you will rarely find any sort of wrappings, trash or bottles lying around. The bins are few and far apart, but somehow Japan still maintains a tidy environment. Talk about impressive!

If only for today, we hope Japan as well as the Japanese inspire you to live life a little greener. The fate of the world, as it is, is in your hands. Happy Greenery Day!