Mother's Tip:
Whenever a family has to change the way it's doing things, friction can result. The best way to start using more eco-friendly products and practices without having some family members drag their feet is to get everyone involved from the get-go. We organized our own family "Earth Day" celebration last year. Each of us was required to research one product area and bring a mini-report to dinner one Sunday, along with recommendations on home-healthy products to buy in lieu of what we were currently using. For example, my 12-year-old needed to find an effective alternative to the dishwasher liquid we were currently purchasing. She did so by starting with an Internet search and then speaking with the shop owner at our local health food store. Reports were shared, along with a special dessert that, of course, was made of all natural ingredients!
|
Contributed by Ursula Grovemaster
Mother of five (ages 20, 18, 14, 12, 11)
I've always known that household cleaning products can be poisonous; that's why the cabinet under my kitchen sink has always had a child-proof lock on it. My inquisitive toddlers are great at getting into things they shouldn't, so I've always been very cautious when it comes to cleaning products.
What I didn't realize is that, simply by my using some of these products according to the directions on their labels, I have been adding to the air pollution within my own home - contributing to the creation of a sick house!
I learned about these problems from a local television show, which sent me promptly to the Internet to continue my education. Here's what I found;
- The American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) claims that these products release hundreds of potentially dangerous chemicals into the air.
- The products commonly containing these chemicals include: Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty, and cleaning products, chlorine bleach, and rug and upholstery cleaning products.
- Pesticides used or stored within the home are known pollutants, as are hobby and craft items such as some glues and paints.
- The products can cause problems with skin contact, as well as lung problems.
Fortunately, there are products that can help solve common household problems without creating new ones. Here are a few, as suggested by the Environmental Health Center (http://www.nsc.org/ehc/indoor/home.htm)
| Alternatives and Safer Solutions |
|---|
| For This: | Try This: |
| Ants | Red chili powder at their entrance point |
| Chrome polish | Apple cider vinegar |
| Dish Detergent | 1/2 cup baking soda + liquid detergent |
| Flies | Well-watered bowl of basil |
| Fleas | Gradually add brewer's yeast to pet's diet(consult your veterinarian first) |
| Ink Spot Remover | Cold water + 1 tablespoon cream of tartar+ 1 tablespoon lemon juice |
| Moth Repellent | Cedar chips enclosed in cotton sachets |
| Pet odor removal | Cedar vinegar |
| Roach repellent | Chopped bay leaves and cucumber skins |
| Rug/Carpet Cleaner | Baking soda |
| Window Cleaner | 2 tablespoons vinegar in 1 qt. warm water |
| Air Freshener | Use herbal bouquets, pure vanilla on acotton ball, or simmer cinnamon and cloves |
| Mold and Mildew | Bleach |
| Drain Cleaner | 1/2 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup vinegar,wait a few minutes, then 2 quarts boilingwater, repeat process |
| Stain Remover | Club soda, lemon juice, or salt |
| Rusty Bolt/Nut Removal | Carbonated beverage |
|