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More and more articles and research papers are coming to light linking environmental toxins to our health and wellbeing.  When I talk to patients or followers on social media and bring up environmental toxins, it is assumed that these are toxins out of our control,  like air pollution or water pollution. People are shocked when they learn that these toxins are actually chemicals we are exposed to everyday.  What you breath in at home and work, put on your skin or in your body, have a far greater impact on your wellbeing and luckily are very easy to change.  Household cleaning products contain chemicals considered to be some of these environmental toxins. 

Swapping your products has a two fold consequence. Not only are they better for you and your family but also for the environment.  

 

So what do you have to look out for when changing your cleaning products?

Honestly, this can be tricky. Go to your cupboard and look at your surface cleaner.  What does it say regarding the ingredients? Not a lot I imagine.  Cleaning products do not list their ingredients.  One ingredient guaranteed however to be present would be phalates for its use in fragrance. This group of ingredients is linked to various health issues including, asthmas, migraine, allergies, and can even affect our mental health and far more severe pathologies.

Bleach is another common household cleaner which can do a fair amount of damage and that’s just the smell of the stuff! Bleach kills off most bacteria, good and bad.  Recent research has linked overly sterile homes to the increase in allergies and weakening of our immune system.  Once flushed down the drain and into nature, its effects can be seen on marine life and marine vegetation.  

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So how do you know what to change?

When looking for your products, look at the label.  Many cleaner and environmentally conscious brands will list what they are free from such as bleach, petrochemicals and phosphates.  They will also mention how biodegradable their product is, indicating the benefits for nature.  A few brands I use and trust include Method, Dr Bronner and a small brand supplied by my local zero waste grocery store.

 

With a little extra time, making your own cleaning products is super easy, more cost effective and you can create your own ideal combination.

For those who are addicted to their favourite brand of window cleaner, shower spray or floor polish, I guarantee you, you will love making your own quality, effective items. 

 

Follow me on social media for recipes and how to keep you home sparkling and clean using these safe, natural products.