Chemicals are a part of so many aspects of our lives every day. There are easy ways to reduce them and reduce your exposure.
Simple everyday products like dishwashing detergent, bug spray and air freshener and can be toxic for the body and the environment. Where possible, using organic or alternative products. They’ll save you and the environment a whole lot of stress and pollution.
Dishwashing detergent
The main concern when washing dishes with regular dishwashing detergent is our skin. Having our skin exposed to the chemicals in the detergent can cause irritation, dryness, cracking and cuticle damage.
Not to mention, the chemicals in the detergent do eventually end up in the ocean, causing harm to thousands of marine species. The Centre of Science in Public Interest revealed that dishwashing detergents have caused more household poisonings than any other cleaning product in the home.
The benefits of using organic dishwashing detergent are endless. Not only is it better of your skin as well as the environment, it is more affordable due to the fact that it is often sold in bulk. Organic detergents are septic-safe which means they won’t interfere or clog the septic systems.
Earth Choice have both an organic dishwashing detergent and washing liquid which are affordable and can be found in any supermarket.
Bug spray
Like most chemical aerosol products, bug spray is extremely harmful to the body and the environment.
When breathed in too much bug spray can actually cause serious poisoning, breathing difficulty, coughing, loss of alertness due to imbalanced oxygen levels, seizure, stomach problems and the list goes on.
Fortunately there are many safe alternatives you can use for insect repellent including homemade bug spray recipes, flytraps, citronella products and neem oil.
Flytraps can be purchased the hardware store and they are not expensive at all. Hang your flytrap up inside or outside the house, wherever you are experiencing the bug problem and the bugs will be attracted to the smell inside the trap.
Neem oil can be found in any organic health food store and can be mixed with water and baby oil and then sprayed onto the skin. Insects hate the smell of neem oil so it will work wonderfully. Similarly, cintronella candles repel insects and are also a nice decoration.
These too can be purchased from any hardware store or supermarket.
Air Freshener
Recent studies in the United States (2012) conducted by The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) found 86% of air fresheners tested contained a dangerous chemical known as phthalates which are used in most plastic softeners, anti-foaming agents in aerosols and vinyl (found in children’s toys, paints, pesticides and fragrances).
According to the studies conducted by the NRDC most phthalates are known “to interfere with the production of the male hormone, testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities”.
The good news is that there are alternative ways to keep the air in your house fresh and smelling great. When you are home try lighting organic scented candles. Herbal scented candles are calming and relaxing as well as smelling wonderful. Try lavender or jasmine scented candles or try burning some essential oils in an oil burner. This will fill the room with amazing smells and you will notice the essential oils will create an atmosphere of tranquility without exposing yourself to nasty chemicals.
What everyday products are you substituting?
BB Intern Lauren Walker