How to Detox Your House
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.29.07
So many chemicals in our houses, in our carpets, bedding, insulation, paints, glues and countless other household goods. Adriana Barton at the Globe and Mail finds that the potential health hazards of many everyday chemicals have only recently come under scrutiny. She writes:
Bisphenol A, found in plastic items such as drinking bottles, causes reproductive-system defects in animals; so do flame retardants and phthalates used in fragrances, lotions, vinyl and other products. The risks to human health aren't well documented, however - and even less is known about the compound effects of chemical cocktails in the body.
People have reason to be concerned about potential toxicants and allergens in their homes, according to Tim Takaro, a physician scientist and professor in health sciences at Simon Fraser University.
"When the science is in flux," he says, "oftentimes we need to adopt a precautionary approach."
Here are some tips to improve home health:
Air quality Equip furnace with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or the cheaper 3M Filtrete filter. Use kitchen and bathroom fans regularly. Open all windows once a day to air out house. Avoid indoor pesticide use and chemical-based carpet cleaning.
Humidity Test relative humidity; if necessary, use dehumidifiers and damp-proof the basement and exterior foundation wall to prevent mould growth.
Drinking water Test for minerals such as lead; if necessary, replace pipes and install a water filter.
Bedding Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in dust-mite barriers. If possible, invest in organic bedding.
Carpets Replace with tile, hardwood or non-toxic wool carpeting. Otherwise, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Decorating Buy paints that contain minimal VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Use cloth curtains instead of vinyl.
Candles Since most candles are petroleum-based and about 10 per cent have lead-core wicks, switch to pure beeswax candles
Cleaning products Replace generic air fresheners, furniture polishes, laundry products and household cleaners with non-toxic products made by companies such as Nature Clean Living
Personal-care products Avoid soaps and shampoos containing synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Replace cosmetics with mineral-based formulas free of carcinogens and petrochemicals. Use pure essential oils instead of perfume.
Kitchenware Replace non-stick pans with ceramic or cast iron. Replace plastic storage containers with glass vessels and plastic drinking bottles with lightweight metal bottles. ::Globe and Mail
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Dust mites are the least of your concerns when it comes to bedding. Most people do not react to them. Chemical treatments to make them "wrinkle-free" and all that mess are much worse.
Quick question....what do we do with the items once we replace them? We can't throw it away so what to we do with the left over tupperware and stuff?
Quick question....what do we do with the items once we replace them? We can't throw it away so what to we do with the left over tupperware and stuff?
Geez, just visit you local health food store, for non-toxic cleaning products, in concentrated form with recyclable and reusable containers.
If you find yourself buying & using more than 60$ per month, including underarm deodorant, shampoo and conditioners, consider this other option.
Become a Melaleuca Inc customer**, order online, delivered to your house, and for a cheaper overall cost than the local health food store (because of rent & employees) markup and nearly identical products.
** as a customer you don't have any money-making hassles associated with MLM's. Melaleuca Wellness bandwagon is all about a safe home.
If you don't want the hassle of calling all your friends to sign them up, just don't! They'll ask you where that wonderful hand-soap came from. Just order extras for them.
It's nice that today you have many choices.
Personally our family buys from both Melaleuca Inc (online) & Health Tree Inc (store), and of course LUSH (store).
I find it hard to believe the ridiculous cloud of scent that spans three city blocks coming from the front doors of LUSH stores is "natural" in any way...
All cleaning needs can be met with combinations of baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and pure castile soap. Dr. Bronner's comes in 100% recycled plastic containers and is refillable.
I used baking soda and water to scrub out my fridge, and nothing else. It worked great.
What do you do with the old toxic cleaning products? That's a good question. Take them to the household hazardous waste facility? Send them back to the manufacturer with a letter stating why your family can no longer use their product? (You could ask for a refund while you're at it. It can't hurt to ask, right?)
How about things that might brake? Like if I take some food to my workplace. Any ideas?
Easiest way to go green in your house is to get an Eco-Me Home Kit. Gives you all the tools for making natural cleaners. Your house will smell like a spa and they actually work and kill up to 99% bacteria and germs.
www.eco-me.com