Advertisement
We put our bodies in contact with a lot of chemicals and toxins each and every day, both known and suspected human carcinogens. From the pesticide residues on and in our food, to the chemicals incorporated into popular household cleaning products. Many things that modern families rely on in daily life can cause problems like birth defects, central nervous system damage, infertility and cancer.
In addition to the health risks of using these products, they have a big environmental impact as well. The manufacture, use and disposal of these items lead to greater pollution along with a public health risk for any living thing that comes in contact with them.
It seems that the easiest way to avoid these deadly substances all around us is to get rid of them, but it isn’t as easy as it seems. These dangerous materials are almost everywhere! To completely purge a home of all plastics and other synthetic substances that dominate our contemporary lifestyles would be nearly impossible.
As more and more people realize that exposure to these potentially deadly chemical compounds needs to be massively diminished, businesses are stepping up and offering alternatives. Additionally, there are “old fashioned” solutions that are much healthier too. Several organic and green alternatives to common household products exist, and consumers can start to live healthier, greener lives by using these to replace some of these dangerous, toxic substances.
Lose the chemical cleaners
The cleaning compounds found in the average North American home can make anyone very ill. The labels for most mainstream cleaning products warn that a tiny amount of product ingested, aspirated or even left on the skin is cause for major concern. These products are loaded with chemical compounds that it can be deadly if you mix two or more of many popular products together, and even when used alone, many products suggest that you make sure that the area is as extremely well ventilated as possible.
Many people are rightly concerned about what these chemical cleaners can do to their family’s health, and they have started to switch to more classic cleaning products.
White vinegar, for example, can be used as a grease cutter, mildew remover, waxy buildup remover and a stain fighter. Baking soda, already known for its deodorizing properties, is great scouring agent and water softener. Lemon, cornstarch and other old-fashioned, more natural products can do wonders when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting all around the home. Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative to bleach.
For those who prefer the convenience of a pre-packaged, easy to use cleaner, green-focused businesses have stepped in. Companies like Method and Seventh Generation make healthier, greener, nontoxic cleaning products.
Pitch the plastic
Plastic is everywhere. While it is a useful, versatile substance, it is made with toxic petrochemicals. Many plastics could be considered partially “natural,” but the parts that are straight up synthetic can leach dangerous chemicals into whatever it comes in contact with.
This can be more hazardous when food or beverages are stored in plastic containers for a period of time. Even PETE bottles for water, once considered safe, will start to leach chemicals into the stored water after a period of many months.
Plastics will also start to release chemicals when heated. This means microwaving leftovers in what is otherwise considered a “safe” reusable plastic container will cause potentially toxic substance to infuse the food time and time again.
There are many alternatives available for storing your food and beverages. Glass containers such as water bottles, canisters and other dishes are an excellent green alternative. Stainless steel containers for storage are also handy and healthy. These reusable containers also help to reduce landfill waste.
This is just the start
In an effort to help keep the globe and families healthy, more and more resourceful individuals and concerned companies are putting out more organic and green alternatives to all sorts of products. Organic soaps and shampoos, detergents, natural fiber clothing, unbleached paper products, organic cosmetics and natural pet products are just examples of other items that are growing in popularity.
As an increasing amount of families and individuals start to take a stand against the use and ingestion of these dangerous, chemically laden products, we will certainly start to see even more alternatives come to the marketplace. Everyday consumers are slowly starting to shift, becoming greener, and in turn, we are just beginning to see store shelves become greener too.
