In order to thrive in our world, we need 3 basic things; clean air, water and food. In our fast-paced modern world, we have moved far away from that knowledge and more and more into comfort and a “wants” over “needs” mentality. We have strayed from the wisdom of our ancestors who cleaned to keep the family healthy. Now we clean thinking it is healthier, but also clean for appearances. We want things shiny and smelling like spring meadows; instead of opening up our windows to get fresh air. We plug in toxic cocktails to circulate artificial fragrance into our home, challenging our immune systems. The store shelves are filled with bottles and bottles of products designed to kill germs, bacteria, viruses and so forth. The problem is that they also kill the beneficial microbes we need for good health.
 
As Chief Seattle so eloquently stated back in 1855, “Whatever we do to the web (earth), we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” We simply cannot leave ourselves out of the equation any longer. As we poison our world, we poison our bodies.
 
The bad news is that we are bombarding our bodies and the world we all share with dangerous chemicals. It is affecting our personal health, animal and marine health, the air we breathe, the food we consume and the water we drink. It is serious, but here is the good news. Cleaning green is non-toxic and will actually save you money.
 
Here are some tips to get you on your way to a green and clean home:

• Read the label and look for products that are made from natural, non-toxic ingredients like vegetable-based surfactants and essential oils. If you are unsure, avoid it. Most green products are very well
labeled.
• Be aware of counterfeits – companies jumping on the “green” band wagon trying to look natural. Read the label. If they are not up
front about what is in it and what is not in it, pass it for another brand
• Instead of caustic dish-washing detergents that are petroleum based, try vegetable
based soaps.
• Replace hydrochloric acid
based or lye drain cleaners with drain baskets and a good old plunger.
• Instead of chlorine bleach, try non-chlorine bleach like hydrogen peroxide or borax
based products.
• Take advantage of good old
fashioned baking soda or table salt on a wet sponge for all your scouring needs.
• Replace your phosphate
based laundry detergent with soap-based, non-toxic brands.
• To make your own all
purpose cleaner: Mix 1 tsp. liquid, pure castile soap, warm water, vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle.
• For glass cleaning, a bit of water and a microfibrecloth is all you need. Look for one specifically made for glass. You will never turn back once you see that streak free, effortless reflection.
• If you have a clogged drain, mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with ½ cup of vinegar. Pour down drain and cover for a few minutes then rinse with hot water. Repeat if necessary.

It really is easy to clean your home using non-toxic products. If you make your own, you can also save money while safe-guarding your family’s health. By switching to non-toxic, green cleaning products, your home can still be clean. You can save time and money and the air will be life supporting to you, your family, and your pets.