It’s becoming harder and harder to deny that our planet is changing, and with that comes extreme weather. We as a society need to prepare for climate change as soon as we can, however, some cities are taking it more seriously than others. And with more and more of the world’s population moving into urban areas, it’s important for us to do everything in our power to make our cities ready for the highs and lows of weather that are coming our way.
So you’ve switched to vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. You eat organic food. You recycle. But what about your laundry?
Detergent is incredibly detrimental to our freshwater and the fish that live within. It is poisonous to all aquatic life in sufficient quantities; it can damage gills and destroy the protective mucus layer that keeps fish healthy. It can also cause algae blooms, which are bad for the fish, bad for the environment and bad for us.
People are crazy about making their homes smell good. The home fragrance industry was almost $5.6 billion in the US in 2012, according to a New Jersey research firm. The problem? There is some question about the toxicity of some of the more popular air fresheners, candles, and home fragrance lines. Some studies suggest these fragrances might cause respiratory problems, and even depression.
Modern times dictate that intense cleaning rituals are necessary to maintain high standards of health. We have resorted to heavy toxic chemicals that often have more adverse effects on our health than the dirt itself. Getting back to nature as well as simply using more delicate cleaning supplies can still accomplish a thorough cleaning job while presenting with benefits to your health. After all, nature provides everything we need for survival. Let’s take a look at some common natural options for everyday cleaning use.
It is now August which means the kiddos will be going back to school soon and while you may have transitioned to the green living style during the summer vacation how can you continue this green life after school starts, after the busy schedules resume and the long days of homework are coming in the door? Well, allow us to help you continue your progress into the green lifestyle.
Going green is a lifestyle change wherein we prioritize the use of all natural ingredients and products in our daily lives, especially in our cleaning materials for our home and cars. It’s not only helpful in saving our environment but also for our health. Exposure to synthetic chemicals or substances is harmful to us. Accumulation of these dangerous chemical in our system can cause illnesses to our body and to our environment. There are natural cleaning materials in our home which we might not recognize as effective in taking out dirt, stains and disinfect.
Lemon, the delicious additive that most people use in their water or even to make lemonade, but have you ever tried to use lemon to clean with? Lemon acid is a natural antiseptic and is wonderful to use to clean; there are many different places this citrus fruit can assist you.
Common Myth #1: Green Cleaning means I have to work harder and use more time.
Not true at all. Actually, you will spend the same amount of time, if not less, when you use green and non-toxin cleaners. If you purchase your green cleaners the formulas are already tested, tried and ready to be used. Now, if you make your own cleaners you might go through a period of trial and error until you find the right things to use, but once you find your perfect solution, you will be a cleaning machine and move right along just as quickly as you would with harmful commercial chemical cleaning products.
You walk on your carpet on a daily basis, actually multiple times a day. If you have children you probably sit back and watch them roll around carefree on that same carpet. Have you ever wondered what is hiding in your carpet? Most people would answer that their floors are clean we remove our shoes before entering the home and I vacuum daily, but neither of those actions will prevent every nasty little thing from taking up residence in your carpet.
You have probably taken notice of the excessive amount of “green” products on store shelves. But you might be wondering how so many products, that are clearly chemical-based, sealed in plastic, and shipped via a giant diesel-burning truck could possibly be “green”.