Forget about terrorists, the neurotoxins and carcinogens are everywhere. They're in my soap, shampoo, deodorant, make-up, dish washing liquid, laundry detergent, household cleaners, toothpaste, moisturizer, and every Johnson and Johnson made baby product. This is not news, however, I've been so busy washing kids, scrubbing pots and doing laundry that I have not paused to look at labels. Am I trying to make my family and myself sick? No. I was mid-way through drinking a glass of yummy tap water when a neighbor informed me about the toxins I use in my home. She had a list and it made me gasp. About fifty products on the list are sitting on shelves at the Christie house.
It is currently trendy to go green, but choosing products that are truly safe and natural requires homework. First you have to learn which ingredients are safe and, which are toxic. Then you have to make sure that the products you buy disclose what they are made of. If a company does not disclose ingredients, it should not be trusted. There are patents to protect "recipes" so there is no excuse for making it hard for consumers to find out ingredients.
I've been trying out a few companies. Martha Stewart has a line of natural cleaning products, laundry detergent, fabric softener, dishwasher liquid and hand soap. Imus' wife has a line of cleaning products as well, and the money you spend on them goes to their ranch, where children affected by cancer can have a real cowboy experience. Vermont Soap and Tom's of Maine are also reputable companies that explain every ingredient on their labels. Read labels thoroughly because toxins can be hidden behind general terms like "fragrances."
It may not be easy being green, but in the long run, it is worth it. It sure is empowering to make your own cleaning products. I've recently discovered the power of vinegar and I think it may be the single greatest concoction ever concocted. Studies have been done on the germ-killing power of vinegar and it turns out that it is effective. Now I'm mixing up my own cleaning products in spray bottles from the dollar store. My husband is getting worried. He liked me better when I coveted my bottle of Lysol.
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7 comments:
I try to remember always that the mortality rate is one per person. Not one of us will be getting out of this alive.
Americans tend to think they are immortal. (Full disclosure: I am an American.)
I love that you are going green! I have made small changes but know I need to do better. My girlfriend has a recipe book for making all sorts of cleaners and has a recent blog post about it at kidsaremessy.blogspot.com. Best wishes!
yes i do have a cow named maribel with a bell aruond her neck in the barn....
Hello Angela, Thank you. I'll be sure to look at that link. Mr. Putz, oh that's so nice that you have a pet cow. I wanted ducks but my husband didn't. Maybe if I bring home a bunch on my birthday, like I brought home Norman Whiskers, he'll have to agree! I did get your "joke" but could not print it because I'm too modest here. Mr. Brague, you are right again, but it is still good to try and save the Earth a little bit. :)
i don't remember sending you a joke, was it riskae?????i JUST DON'T REMEMBER SENDING you a joke, ...i can't lose daniel's handle, someone help me find a way to get the putz, PUTZ handle back
I use alcohol and distilled water to clean both my computer lcd screen and my stainless steel appliances.
Hi Elizabeth,
Vinegar and water works well too for glass and stainless steel. If you're spring cleaning your windows, try drying them with newspaper.
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