Give your home and family the gift of green by using Eco-Friendly cleaners and natural alternatives.
Using cleaning products that do not contain harmful chemicals (Chlorine, ammonia, hydrochloric acid) will leave your home free of dangerous fumes and surfaces free of chemicals that will no doubt end up on hands and in mouths. Also - using cleaning products that are not made with petroleum products will help our environment by reducing our dependence on petroleum. Here are a couple of the most dangerous products that you should not use (especially if you have children):
CHLORINE: Enemy #1 is Chlorine and Chlorine Bleach. For many years bleach cleaners have been very popular because of their whitening and bacteria-killing abilities and because it is cheap. Chlorine is a leading cause of breast cancer and can be lethal. Scientists won't handle chlorine without protective gloves, face masks, and ventilation, yet it is found in many store-brand cleaners. The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated, as in the shower and if you don't have strong air circulation - ever clean your bathroom with shower cleaner that contains bleach then felt light-headed? Never mix bleach with acid toilet bowl cleaners or ammonia. These mixtures may produce fumes which can be DEADLY.
DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. The #1 cause of household poisoning is dish detergent. Look out for dishwashing liquids are labeled "harmful if swallowed." Each time you wash your dishes, some residue is left on them, which accumulates with each washing. Your food picks up part of the residue -- especially if your meal is hot when you eat it.
AMMONIA: is a very volatile chemical and is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin.
OVEN CLEANER: one of the most toxic products people use. They contain lye and ammonia, which eat the skin, and the fumes linger and affect the respiratory system. Then there ís the residue that's intensified the next time you turn your oven on. Use sea salt and baking soda instead - sprinkle these on the oven surfaces when it is still hot - then wipe away when it is cold.
SAFER - NATURAL ALTERNATIVES:
Baking soda should be your best friend! It can be used to whiten tiles and counter tops, used to scrub because of it's gritty-ness, and it absorbs odors too! It helps to release hard, stuck-on greasy messes on pots and pans too - sprinkle some on the pan while it is still warm, let sit a while, then scrub away.
Check out this website filled with many ways to use baking soda and vinegar: http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda
Many store bought brands are safer and made without harmful chemicals like Seventh Generation, Method, Mrs. Meyers and many more. Here are some you can purchase here:
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Happy Green Holidays!!!
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