Many popular cleaning and disinfecting products contain harsh chemicals that affect our environment (indoor air quality; water quality) and our health (many are associated with asthma, allergies, developmental & reproductive toxicity, and more). Here are tips to reduce the amount of toxins brought into your home from these products.
Green Tips | Clean Green
Understand when you need to clean (remove germs) as opposed to disinfect (kill germs). Unless you have someone in your home that has an autoimmune or infectious disease, you don't need to disinfect on a regular basis - unfortunately, many of us overuse disinfectant wipes. In addition, Washington's Dept of Health states that many disinfectants (such as Clorox/Lysol wipes) should NOT be used around children. For less toxic disinfectants, look for products with hydrogen peroxide, thymol or citric acid.
Make your own natural, cleaning solution. An easy all-purpose cleaner: 50/50 distilled vinegar and water. Bonus - now your kids can help with the cleaning and not be exposed to toxic chemicals! Contact us if you want more natural, cleaning 'recipes'.
Shop smart. For store-bought cleaners, look up the product's environmental/health rating on EWG. Or look for certifications such as EcoLogo or EPAs Safer Choice. Don't rely on non-regulated labels such as "non-toxic", "natural", or "green". If you are ever unsure of a product's toxicity, don't use it around children.
