Make your home toxics-free

Friday, 23 April 2010 20:57

from the David Suzukis Foundation Make your home toxics-free Credit: dorsal stream via Flickr Disposable dust cloths seem to make cleaning a breeze. Simply open the package, pull out a damp cleaning rag, do your chores, and then throw it away. Not so fast. Wipes soaked in cleaning solution are dripping with chemicals. Microfibre dusting cloths or mops are a better idea. Microfibre picks up the dust bunnies, but you can also wash and reuse it. We recommend avoiding microwave oven wipes as well. These release VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) into our lungs while we use them, and are also easily absorbed into our skin. Instead, bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave — the steam will loosen the dried-on food particles. If you just can't escape the lure of the "wipe and toss", a San Francisco-based company called Method is making biodegradable wet wipes that can be composted. The dish on dish soap Most conventional dishwashing liquid and detergent is full of harmful chemicals with names like: Acetone Benzaldehyde Benzyl Acetate Benzyl Alcohol Camphor Ethyl Acetate Limonene Linalool a-Pinene Potential risks from exposure to these products ain't pretty: central nervous system disorders, damage to the immune system, respiratory disturbances, and headaches. Check your local shelves—many stores now carry safer alternatives. While you may spend a little more on a safe product, the planet (and you and your family) will be better off in the long run. Static-free and loving it That "fresh clean smell" you get right after you wash your clothes might irritate your skin and nasal passages. Fabric softeners often contain strong artificial scents that are potentially flammable. Chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane are even more dangerous when heated in a tumble dryer. The good news is that there are new products that help reduce static and keep clothing soft. "Static Eliminator" is a reusable dryer sheet system that is chemical-free and safe for infants and people with allergies and eczema. Another alternative to fabric softener is a dryer ball. These tiny, spiked plastic balls tumble around with your clothes to increase air circulation. Your clothes will turn out static free in 25 per cent less time and you'll reduce energy consumption. Or hang drying your clothes: you'll save yourself some money and lower your carbon footprint. Your dryer is one of the most energy intensive appliances in your house.