Green Home: An environmentally friendly household
There are ways to avoid the worst toxic offenders in our environment according
to the Environmental Working Group (EWG)1,
nonprofit dedicated to providing good information and levels of toxins in consumer
products. Hormone(endocrine)disrupt ors play a role in increasing production
of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning
one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; to put it simply
just plain causing havoc in our bodies especially in young children whose systems
are still developing.
Tea tree oil is indispensable as a personal
care disinfectant. An estimated 75% of the anti-bacterial liquid soaps and
body washes sold in the United States contain triclosan, a chemical that may
pose risks for young children. A recent ruling by the FDA in December 2013 2 on
triclosan and other antibacterial ingredients lends new support to longstanding
warnings from scientists who say the chemicals can interfere with hormone levels.
There are also concerns that widespread use of antibacterial soaps may be fueling
a rise in super bugs. Replace these chemical soaps with a pump bottle of plain
castile soap with tea tree oil added in a ten percent dilution. You can also
add a few drops of tea tree oil to those handy alcohol based hand sanitizers
to keep in the car or at your desk.
White vinegar is distilled from grains such as corn or malt, although some generic brands can be petroleum based. White vinegar is one of the most eco-friendly home cleaners. You can use vinegar
for most everyday cleaning tasks. It is naturally anti-fungal and leaves the
bathroom, windows, and kitchen surfaces clean and shiny. Combine vinegar with cream
of tartar to make a paste to polish and clean metal and porcelain. The antibacterial properties of vinegar kills an impressive 82 percent of molds, 99 percent of bacteria, and 80 percent of viruses. Hydrogen peroxide is another common household staple that is very effective against mold.
Spray on surface to be cleaned, wait 10 minutes and scrub. Follow up with an application of white vinegar to boost the effectiveness.
3
Grapefruit
seed extract is easy to use, and environmentally safe, so safe in fact
that you can use it to purify drinking water in cases of emergency (ten drops
per
gallon of clear water). Use it in a 2 percent dilution as a vegetable wash and
cutting board cleanser. Grapefruit seed is an effective preservative that prevents
bacterial growth in foods and homemade skin care products.
Soap nuts, (Sapindus) are becoming more popular as a green alternative to chemical based detergents. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent which acts as a natural surfactant in the wash water, removing grime and soil from clothing. Just add 5-6 nuts in a muslin bag to each 4 or 5 loads of clothes. 4
Safe for your home, earth friendly, essential oils smell like heaven and they cost
less to use then chemical cleaners! The essential oils of the citrus family, lemon, grapefruit,
and orange
are exceptional for cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces, and leave
an honest, fruity-clean smell that lightens the atmosphere in your home.
The most effective essence in inhibiting micro-organisms is oregano, followed by (in descending degrees of effectiveness)
thyme,
cinnamon,
clove,
cajeput,
rosemary,
pine,
fennel,
lavender, and
myrtle. (Ericksen, Marlene)
Good news! Bugs hate essential oils. Plants have evolved chemical de fences
against insect predators, and we humans can take good advantage off them. Learn
about natural ways to use insect
repellents and treat bug bites.
A green home lifestyle
includes using natural remedies for Pet care as
well. Problems with fleas, hairballs,worms, and skin and coat diseases can
all be addressed using herbs and essential oils. For more serious conditions,
always
check with your vet. Many veterinarians are much more knowledgeable about natural
medicines and herbs than many physicians.
The home herb and vegetable garden has
always been has a place of creative joy, family bonding, connecting to nature,
and source of healthy, organic, life giving foods. In today's cash strapped economy,
the garden takes on even more importance as many families are finding it difficult
to afford healthy food. Composting with kitchen scraps, grass cuttings and fallen
tree leaves returns precious nitrogen and essential minerals to your soil, while
reducing waste in landfills. Give native plants priority when landscaping - this
will save time and money for you and help to conserve species important to your
local ecology.
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Use this clean, uplifting scent to disinfect and d...
