Your Guide To Green

There is a plethora of household cleaning products available in the marketplace, but few people are aware that many of them contain toxins and chemicals that are damaging to the health of people, pets and the environment. Conventional cleaning products often contain bleach, phosphate and formaldehyde, which when released into the environment, can cause harmful effects to ecosystems and human health.

Fortunately, natural cleaning products are increasingly available, mostly at health food stores, or online outlets, but also in the health food section of some conventional grocery stores. They are generally made with natural fruit and vegetable enzymes and extracts, vinegar, essential oils, organic salts, and other natural products - safe compounds that are just as effective as the chemical alternatives.

If you're looking for a simple way to start converting to healthier products, try replacing your laundry detergent and kitchen dish soap with a brand that offers a non-toxic, biodegradable, low-phosphate detergent. These soaps are a good place to begin because most well-known laundry detergents contain high levels of phosphates, which can be detrimental to plant and wildlife when released into the environment.

If you are ready for another step, try replacing your surface cleaner with another non-toxic, biodegradable. Take care to check the ingredients on products that appear to be natural, because some companies sell chemical knock-offs of the original, natural products.