Cleaning is often considered a healthy thing to do. After all, it feels kind of good and self-satisfying to remove all the inevitable dust, food crumbs, fallen hairs, and other gross remnants of daily life.
Ironically, people typically clean their homes with chemically intensive and potentially toxic cleaning materials. Did you ever wonder why you have to wear gloves (and sometimes even masks) to clean? The chemicals used to clean are adding to the already overloaded toxic soup in most indoor spaces.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (
http://www.aapcc.org) ranks household cleaners as the leading source for acute human exposure to toxic substances. In addition, these caustic cleaners, pesky pesticides, raucous removers, and other potent products with their toxic ingredients also damage our environment through their production, use, and disposal.
Fortunately, a number of commercially available healthy alternatives exist:
Ecover (http://www.ecover.com): Established in 1980, Ecover is one of the global leaders in healthy cleaning products. Not only are the products healthier, but the company is incredibly dedicated to sustainable business. Their solar-powered factory features green building features such as passive solar and water-efficient methods.
Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgeneration.com): Named in deference to the Iroquois Great Law of Peace, “in our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations,” Seventh Generation offers a full line of household cleaning products, including paper and baby products. Its Web site is an incredible resource for information on healthy living.
Mrs. Meyers (http://www.mrsmeyers.com): With their striking graphics and packaging, Meyers’s products are made with natural essential oils and are all biodegradable and phosphate-free.
Method Home (http://www.methodhome.com): With their sensuous, almost sexual, bottles designed by Karim Rashid, Method Home has targeted its market quite differently. Selling on design and style, rather than simply on health, these gorgeous bottles are filled with all-natural ingredients.
Instead of purchasing new products, your kitchen offers a wide array of ingredients for naturally cleaning your home and office. Save some money and make batches of your own household cleaners. Eco-cleaning is easier than you may think. Most everything you need is already in your pantry. Basic products will tackle most of your cleaning and disinfecting needs, plus it will make your home smell fresh without the need for harsh perfumes or chemicals.
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