Earth Saving Tips
Resolve to Make Your Life Toxic-Free
Even if you do a lot to keep your family healthy, you may not have considered all of the potential dangers of toxic chemicals in your surroundings. Toxic chemicals can be found in virtually all creatures and in all environments. An estimated 1,000 new chemicals enter the market every year, in addition to the tens of thousands of chemicals already in commercial use. Very few have been adequately tested for threats they may pose to wildlife and humans.
This New Years, make a resolution that's healthy for you and your family by reducing your consumption and use of toxic chemicals. Here are a few things that you can do:
- But organic products whenever you can -- from cotton clothing to fruit and vegetables.
- Instead of using pesticides in your garden, try nontoxic alternatives
- Use environmentally friendly products in your home. Reduce the use of chlorine bleach and use simple and inexpensive cleansers such as soap, vinegar, lemon juice, and borax.
- Avoid air fresheners and perfumed products. Freshen up your air by opening windows and using baking soda, cedar blocks, or dried flowers.
- Reduce the use of plastic food containers and wrappings. Instead, store food in glass containers. Do not microwave food in plastic.
- Urge your schools and communites to use nontoxic cleaning products and pesticide alternatives
Recipes to Make Your Home Toxic-Free
Use these easy hosehold product recipes to help make your home toxic-free:
All-Purpose Cleaner
Combine 1 gallon of water with one of the following:
- 3 tsp. liquid soap,
- 1/4 cup white vinegar,
- 1/4 cup lemon juice,
- 1/4 cup borax
Stain Remover
Soak fabrics in 1 gallon of water with one of the following:
- 1 cup white vinegar,
- 1 cup lemon juice,
- 1 cup borax
Window Cleaner
Fill your own spray bottle with 1/2 cup white vinegar to one gallon warm water.