We live in a very toxic world today from the air we breathe, the food we eat to the products we use everyday in our homes.  According to the Environmental Working Group, environmental toxins have been linked to increases in asthma, allergies, eczema, cancer, birth defects, auto-immune diseases as well as learning and behavioral disorders. One of the most pressing health concerns of the Environmental Protection Agency is indoor air pollution.

One of the easiest things we can do to decrease the amount of toxins in our environment and improve our health is to switch to environmentally safe products. Common everyday products like moisturizers, shampoos, sunscreens and shaving cream as well as household cleaning and laundry products usually contain toxic ingredients that are known carcinogens, endocrine disrupters and a host of other chemicals that have never even been tested for their safety. As consumers, we can make an impact by shifting our spending towards more environmentally responsible companies. If we educate ourselves, we can make better choices that are healthier and safer for us and the world we live in.

Here are 6 easy steps you can do to create a healthier home:

  Step 1:  Educate yourself

If you’ve read about the research on environmental toxins and  health then congratulations because you’ve already taken  this first step!  You are in charge of the health of  your home and family and  you  CAN make a difference.  Be aware that many of the chemical ingredients in consumer products contain known carcinogens and endocrine disrupters and many other chemicals that have NOT been tested for safety.  Current government regulations do NOT adequately protect the consumer and  health experts warn that asthma, allergies, eczema, cancer as well as learning and behavioral disorders are on the rise due to environmental toxins.

 Step 2: Create a Pesticide-Free Home

Pesticides are any ingredients designed to kill other living organisms.  Disinfectants including chlorine bleach and Lysol are included in this category.  Eliminate the use of pesticides in your home and garden and look for safer alternatives.  Avoid using chlorine bleach and Lysol.  Instead choose disinfectants that use natural ingredients that have been proven by the EPA to kill germs.  Choosing ORGANIC FOOD whenever possible is highly recommended because some pesticides can’t be washed off the food.  Check out the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list of the fruits and vegetables that have been found to have the highest amounts of pesticide.

  Step 3: Avoid the use of Aerosol Propellants

Aerosols contain dangerous chemical propellants that contribute to indoor and outdoor smog and  health problems including lung irritations, asthma symptoms and even central nervous system damage.  These products include hair spray, aerosol deodorants, air fresheners like Glade and strong disinfectants. 

 Step 4: Get Rid of Stored Toxic Products

Go around your house with a box labeled TOXIC and fill it with products you don’t use, don’t need and definitely don’t want including pesticides, harsh cleaners, solvents, paints, any aerosol can and even your air fresheners.  Remember, even while stored, products emit Volatile Organic Compounds which create harmful indoor air pollution.  Household cleaning products are considered HAZARDOUS WASTE and must be disposed of safely at  the Hazardous Waste Facility in your area. 

 Step 5: Air It Out

The problem with energy efficient homes is that they keep air pollution inside.  The EPA estimates indoor air is up to 5 times more polluted than  outdoor air.  Just 15 minutes of open air exchange can change the air in your entire home.  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) out-gas from dry-cleaned clothes, cleaning products, new carpet and new furniture causing respiratory and other illnesses.  The dishwasher is one of the biggest AIR polluters in your home; it strips chemicals in the water and detergent and puts them  into gas.  If you’re using chemical dish detergents containing chlorine, do not open while it’s running; ventilate while it’s running; and wait one hour to open after complete.  Reduce pollution with filtered water and try an environmentally safe detergent that’s phosphate and chlorine free.

Step 6: Use Safer Products

Look at the products you use every day and switch to non-toxic alternatives.  Get rid of household cleaners that have labels of DANGER or WARNING.  As a consumer, you do have a choice on what  types of products you bring into your home.  Choose non-toxic household and  personal care products that use naturally derived ingredients that are healthier and safer for you, your family and the environment.

 

Recently I’ve been doing more and more of my shopping online.  In fact this Black Friday I found myself avoiding the long lines and crowds by shopping online instead.  I was able to get many of the same deals offered in the stores in a fraction of the time it would have taken me to drive from store to store.  Turns out I’m not alone.  According to National Retail Federation data, 27% of consumers shopped online on Thanksgiving, and 47.5% shopped online on Black Friday. IBM Digital Analytics Benchmark reported that online sales on Thanksgiving 2012 rose 17.4% over last year’s Turkey Day; and that Black Friday’s online sales were up 20.7% from last year.

More and more people choosing to shop via the internet instead of in-store.  Shopping online offers many advantages.  Online stores are conveniently open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  I love that I can shop from the comfort of my own home, even while wearing my PJ’s.   I’m able to save time and gas money and I don’t have to worry about finding a place to park (or remember where my car is parked).   There’s no waiting in line to purchase and I don’t have to deal with cranky store clerks or rude shoppers.  It’s convenient and fun to have your purchases shipped right to your front door.  Shopping online also means you don’t have to drag your kids to the store with you!

I’ve found that by shopping online, I’m better able to comparison shop and find the best deal.  There is often a better, broader selection available online as compared to what is offered in-stores.  Another advantage is that there is a greater amount of information available on websites, often including customer reviews.   Shopping online can also reduce impulse buying.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to Target for one or two items and instead left with an entire shopping cart filled with items that I suddenly felt I “needed”.  I believe online shopping has made me a better educated, more savvy consumer. I expect online shopping will continue to gain in popularity as more and more people experience the benefits of shopping online.