Five essential steps toward having a healthier, greener household

Monday, November 26, 2012 by: PF Louis
Tags: green home, detergents, non-toxic

(NaturalNews) The one place where you can exercise some control over your environment is inside your home or apartment. There's little that can be done to directly eliminate vehicular exhaust, factory or refinery pollution, radiation, chemtrails, and whatever else is being done do destroy the planet and us.

Whatever amount of time we spend indoors should be as clean and chemical free as possible. Even toxic chemical fumes we don't contact physically or consume can leak into your indoor air. There are several ways to create a healthy, green home environment.

Five steps toward a healthy and green household

(1) The first is the easiest. Throw out those toxic commercial non-biodegradable cleansers and detergents and replace them with non-toxic and biodegradable brands, such as 7th Generation. Borax is also safe for indoor use and laundry. There are several from which to choose at health food and Target stores.

Need or want to go cheaply? Use baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and vinegar for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Vinegar water and a dash of biodegradable detergent can be used on bare floors and walls.

If you can find it, BonAmi is a natural bathroom/kitchen cleanser that is safe, effective, and even cheaper than the commercial stuff. They don't advertise, but it's been around for a long time. (https://www.naturalnews.com/029564_cleaning_products_chemicals.html)

(2) Steam clean carpeting every couple of months or less, depending on how much in and out traffic volume. Don't use any chemical additives.

Any blankets, bedding, or clothing that requires dry cleaning should go to a dry cleaner that uses wet, CO2, or other non-PERC (perchloroethylene) and other hydrocarbon cleaning agents. Even PERC can get into your indoor air.

(3) Don't use pesticides that are toxic to humans and animals. Don't just store them in your pantry or garage either. Dispose of them safely. There are several ways to "go natural" with those items. (https://www.naturalnews.com/037106_pesticides_exposure_herbicides.html)

(4) Indoor air can become unhealthier than outdoor air. Change your AC/furnace filter every season with the best electrostatic filter you can find. Get rid of any chemical fragrance devices.

Fibers from insulation and chemicals from glues holding particle board together can be released into your indoor air. Particle board panels are often used in newer buildings and furniture.

There are several types of indoor air purifiers available. Find one within your means that fits your needs. A less expensive solution is the right indoor plants strategically placed. (https://www.naturalnews.com/033143_indoor_air_purification.html)

Find and eliminate mold, especially black mold. It forms in dark, damp areas and may pollute your place with breathable mold spores that ruin your health. If it's really bad and pervasive, call in a pro to clear it out.

Otherwise, you can scrub it with a stiff brush and cheap vinegar while wearing a protective mask, then dry the area with a hair dryer and vacuum. (https://www.naturalnews.com/033341_mold_indoor_air.html)

(5) If you or someone in your household is a do-it-yourselfer, find a place to store paints, thinners, shellacs, varnishes, and gasoline that's outside the household.

If your garage is part of your indoor ventilation cycle, it shouldn't go there either. Use an outdoor shed for storage of those toxic and flammable materials. Don't allow toxic herbicides, especially Roundup, to be used on your lawn or garden. There are natural options that you can Google search.

Taking care of your indoor dwelling's environment won't require participating in petitions or demonstrations that are often fruitless and frustrating. Just be diligent about eliminating household toxic materials and using safe alternatives.

Then you'll contribute to the bigger picture by boycotting toxic household goods.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com

http://www.afhh.org/hhe/hhe_main.htm

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/natural-cleaners/#axzz2CFSYMXJy

http://blog.biggreenpurse.com