Did you know? Many common household and garden products contain toxic substances that can be harmful to people, pets and the environment. However, you can replace most of these products with equally effective and less harmful products, often at a reduced cost.
Our homes are filled with products that can be extremely toxic to humans under some circumstances, and usually toxic and harmful to the environment in all circumstances. Many of these products can be replaced with more natural products that work just as well, if not better, and have fewer chances of negative effects household members. For instance:
- We recommend a natural alternative to air fresheners which contain formaldehyde and VOC’s (harmful gasses). Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to help freshen a room. Better yet, open a window for some fresh air. You can also diffuse essential oils as way to bring fragrance into a room.
- Furthermore, you can reduce all purpose cleaners which also contain harsh chemicals for cleaning as well as VOC’s. White vinegar makes a great cleaner. Baking soda works well as a cleansing scrub. And there are several cleaners on the market such as Bon Ami scrubbing cleanser, Mrs. Meyers and Dr. Bronners Castile soap made with much less toxic ingredients.
- We love how microfiber cloths do a great job of taking dirt and fingerprints off glass and metal surfaces. You can wash them and air dried and used again and again. No need for paper towels and spray cleaner!
Lastly, an internet search for “green cleaning” will bring up a wealth of sites full of ideas of ways to cut down on harmful chemicals in the cleaning bucket. If you just replace a few of the more toxic products in your home, it will go a long way to making your home safer, and make Randolph County a little more clean and green.
In addition, you can can start here with few sites:
https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-green-cleaning-1708700
https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-go-green-cleaning-4858127
https://biofriendlyplanet.com/green-ideas/eco-friendly/8-tips-to-green-clean-your-routine/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24885/make-at-home-cleaners/