Your Guide To Green

Most people know that pollution comes from many different sources and that it lowers the quality of life for those subjected to it. What we often don't realize is that the sources of pollution are right under our noses; nor are we aware of the relative ease with which we can minimize or remove these sources. Here are some practical recommendations for minimizing household pollution.

Use eco-friendly, health-friendly products
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the level of air pollution inside your house is, on average, five to 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Wow! One main reason for this is that most major-brand household cleaners contain ammonia (a respiratory irritant), glycol ethers (which can cause internal organ damage), petroleum, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and chlorine. These are all toxic agents but chlorine, in particular, is considerably dangerous.

Cleaning Products

You see, during the process of manufacturing chlorine for commercial use, dangerous by-products, namely dioxin and furan, are created. The EPA classifies dioxin and furans as carcinogens (causing cancer), and links both to other serious health issues including birth defects, intestinal disorders, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, blood, kidney, and respiratory problems. Many scientists agree that dioxins are the most toxic compounds made by humans.

Two safe alternatives to chlorine are hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydrosulfite (made from salt and water). Using bleaches and other household products that are free of chlorine and these other hazardous chemicals can contribute to raising a healthy family and supporting a healthy planet. Dioxin and furan are found in all household goods that have been bleached with chlorine or contain chlorine. These items include baby diapers and wipes, tampons, sanitary pads, paper products, and cleaning supplies. It is estimated that the average home has roughly ten gallons of these toxic household “cleaners� lying around. A few companies manufacture safe alternatives. They include Seventh Generation, Citra-Solv, Ecover, Mrs. Meyer's, Dr. Bronner's, Bio-Kleen, Natracare, Organic Essentials, and Tushies.

Hand & Body Cleansers

Additional concerns surround most ordinary hand and body cleansers that contain animal fats, heavy mineral oils (petroleum), preservatives, and artificial colors and fragrances. This is clean? All-natural soaps are 100% vegetable-based, which means they are better for your skin, your health, and our environment. Several companies making all-natural soaps include Kiss My Face, Clearly Natural, and Nature's Gate.

Lip Balms and Lotions

Using all-natural lip balm also is strongly recommended. Most major brands contain petrolatum (petroleum--again, the same substance that fuels our vehicles. All-natural alternatives, which are 100% plant-based, are made by Burt's Bees, Aveda, and Eco Lips. The same is true with body lotions--most major brands contain petrolatum. All-natural alternatives include lotions made by Alba Botanica, Pure and Basic, and Desert Essence. Rather than using petroleum jelly (or Vaseline), which is a by-product of petroleum refining, we should use alternatives such as Un-Petroleum by Avalon, which is made with pure plant oils.

Toothpaste

Major-brand toothpastes are made with artificial colors and sweeteners (including saccharin made from petroleum. Yes, a theme is forming here… Most of the products we use do contain petroleum), preservatives, and animal products. This, again, is clean? All-natural toothpastes and oral care products such as those made by Tom's of Maine, Jason, and The Natural Dentist are wiser, and cleaner, choices.

Antiperspirants & Deodorants

Most deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, parabens, phthalates, butylated hydroxytoluene, and many other hard-to-pronounce chemicals. These chemicals have been linked to various cancers. A major percentage of breast cancer lumps occur exactly in the areas where deodorants and antiperspirants are applied. A coincidence? Highly unlikely. Breast cancer incidence has more than tripled in the last 50 years and is the most common form of cancer among women. To learn more, go to www.breastcancerfund.org .

Cosmetics

Most cosmetic products contain ingredients like DEA, MEA, TEA (di-, mono- and tri-ethanolamine); butyl-, isobutyl-, methy-, propyl- and ethyl-parabens; and nitrosamines. These are all carcinogenic ( www.safecosmetics.org ). Talc (yes, talc) has also been identified as a probable carcinogen (lung and ovarian). Talc is in many body powders (including baby powder). A safe alternative is cornstarch. Go to www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep for more information on safe cosmetic alternatives.

We truly need to look at every product we use and consider the benefits of switching to all-natural, non-toxic, petroleum-free, chlorine-free, and cruelty-free alternatives. As for disposing of the products I've discussed, you can go to www.earth911.org to find out how and where. Your local health food stores provide many healthy alternatives. Visit www.organicconsumers.org/foodcoops.htm to locate some of these stores in your area.