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(NaturalNews) "Green" seems to be the environmental buzzword these days. There are green appliances, green cars, green clothes, green makeup, green cleaning products, and everything in between. Concern for the planet is a high priority for a growing amount of people and with good reason. Pollution is destroying our natural resources, our health, and even possibly changing our weather patterns. Indoor pollution is just one type of pollution we are exposed to daily, and is one of the easiest for individuals to personally change. Household cleaning products account for a large percentage of indoor pollution and can easily be replaced with more natural products that are better for the environment and for our health.

Increases in energy conservation through insulation are great for energy consumption but result in less air circulation throughout a house. This fact makes it even more important to pay attention to indoor air quality. Air quality is greatly influenced by the use of chemical cleaners, aerosols, disinfectants, and air fresheners. These products can be irritating to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, and some of them even contain known carcinogens. In addition, research has shown that pregnant women who are regularly exposed to cleaning products increase their baby`s risk for asthma. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents of Children studied over 13,000 children and found that exposure to household cleaners increased a child`s risk of asthma by 41%.

Because of the growing public concern over chemical cleaners there are many more options for natural cleaners. Many commercial brands offer green cleaning products but individuals also have the option to make their own green cleaners for a fraction of the price using products they probably have in their house.

An all-purpose cleaner can be made by mixing two cups of water, two cups of white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils. Popular choices include tea tree oil (which has antibacterial and antifungal properties), lavender oil, lemon oil, and bergamot oil. A window cleaner can be made using the same amounts of water and vinegar and adding a tablespoon of dish soap instead of the essential oils. Baking soda sprinkled on the carpet and vacuumed up can do just as good of a job as a chemical air freshener.

Besides saving you money these cleaners are much better for indoor air quality, the environment, and health. There are many resources on the Internet to learn more about specific recipes for green cleaners.

Sources:

How to Create an Essential Oil Cleaning Kit, (http://www.associatedcontent.com/ar...)

Indoor Air Pollution: Cleaning Up Cleaning Habits, (http://www.preventcancer.com/consum...)

Use of Cleaning Products During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Asthma in Young Children,
(http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...)

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