Continued from Part 1 and Part 2.
We have been talking about 10 ways you can reduce your family’s chemical load. In this article we will cover these tips:
- Use natural and safe cleaning products
- Take your shoes off at the door
- Outdoors use organic sprays and natural alternatives
- Gas off
- Say no thanks to plastics that leach and non-stick items
Use natural and safe cleaning products
The first time I realised that cleaning products could be dangerous was the day I sprayed a “popular house name cleaner” to clean up my daughter’s projectile vomit from the arm of the couch. Though she was over 2 metres away and had no direct contact with the spray, within 60 seconds her whole face had come up in a red rash. I struggled to fathom that manufacturers would be allowed to sell us dangerous chemicals, all in the name of convenience and with no obvious warning of the potential risks.
Most of your home can be cleaned using a good-quality microfibre cloth with some water and simple kitchen ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, soap and lemon juice. If you do need something with a bit more power opt for a natural, plant-based product with no phthalate-riddled “fragrance”.
Most of your home can be cleaned using a good-quality microfibre cloth with some water and simple kitchen ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, soap and lemon juice.
There are plenty of recipes online for making your own cleaners, and if you don’t have time to make your own then check out the wonderful range at Wendyls: www.wendyls.co.nz (use this code for 15% discount: thinkwise).
In developed countries, the use of chemical cleaners such as ammonia, bleach and solvents and antibacterial agents like triclosan is much more prevalent. The research has linked these countries to a higher incidence of asthma, eczema and it is also believed to be contributing to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The truth is that having a clean house doesn’t necessarily mean it is a healthier house.
Take your shoes off at the door
Shoes are known to pick up and carry toxic chemicals from the outdoors such as pesticides, fuel and contaminated dirt. These substances all accumulate as dust inside your home if you leave your shoes on. As well as this, studies have shown that bacteria such as coliform and e.coli are commonly present on shoes which can lead to increased sickness and infections.
Outdoors use organic sprays and natural alternatives for lawncare, weed and pest management
We completely understand that you don’t want your lawn to turn into a jungle and we know that for most people pulling every weed by hand is completely impossible. However, as well as the damage to the environment the use of conventional pesticides have been linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, numerous types of cancers, learning disorders in children and immune disorders in adults.
Wherever possible, avoid exposure to pesticides and opt for safer non-toxic options for your lawn and garden care. Thankfully there are an increasing number of organic and natural options available. You can even make some yourself if you have the time.
See next page for the rest of the article…
