WHAT’S UNDER YOUR SINK?
If you have not replaced the traditional harsh chemical cleaners with the more natural plant-based ones yet, this is the time to do it! It is the best thing you can do not only for the health of the planet but the health of your family as well. We all should know by now that the conventional cleaners contain toxins that are harmful both to plants and animals (once they are flushed down the drain and enter the water ways) as well as the members of your household (pets included), since the toxins the cleaners release mingle in the air and pose serious health risks. Besides, if it says “toxic” on the container, why would you want to use it if there are safer alternatives available?
Here are a few tips regarding replacement of the harsh chemical products from under your sink:
- Pesticides—if your supplies include neurotoxic bug sprays, replace them with boric acid (in the form of powder) that can be applied to cracks and crevices in order to control the indoor pests. You can also use essential oils to repel bugs or poison-free traps that attract the creepy-crawlies with pheromones or scents imitating their favorite pray.
- Oven and scouring cleaners—traditionally these are chlorine-bleach products that release toxic fumes when mixed with ammonia. So to scrub your pots, pans and counters clean, try a mixture of baking soda and salt. They will do the trick without scratching the surfaces. As for the oven cleaners, try a homemade solution of a ½ teaspoon of baking soda, a ¼ teaspoon of soap and 2 cups of hot water.
- Soaps and all-purpose cleaners—most soaps are made of petroleum and don’t decompose quickly. For hands, choose soaps without triclosan (the antibacterial ingredients), which experts say can lead to the increase of the drug resistant bacteria. As for your house, try all-purpose cleaners that have plant-based ingredients and are free of chemicals, e.g. Seventh Generation, Green Works by Clorox, Method Stainless Steel Cleaner for fixtures etc.
- Dishwasher detergents—chose products that say ‘phosphate-free’. My favorite is Seventh Generation Dishwasher Luquid, but you can also try Method Dish Cubes or Ecover Natural Dishwashing Tablets.
- Drain openers—chemical products to unclog your drains often are not required since it can be achieved using old-fashioned methods such as plunger or plumber’s snake. If you prefer to use something else though, go for enzymatic drain cleaners.
- Sponges and garbage bags—most sponges are synthetic and made with petroleum so replace them with cotton towels or scrubbers made from sand paper strips. You can also try natural loofah or simply choose sponges that are made of plant-derived cellulose. As for trash bags, fortunately there are quite a few alternatives to the traditional plastic ones. Choose bags made of more eco-friendly materials, e.g. recycled plastic, plant-based cellulose or biodegradable bags.
Remember that most of the conventional cleaners will have to be disposed of as a hazardous waste instead of simply being thrown in the regular garbage.
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