healthy living
Cleaning green and healthy Try homemade and chemical-free products LEA HANSON
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now tells us.. that washing with antibacterial soaps isn’t any better than regular soaps, and the American Medical Association (AMA) says that the frequent use of antibacterial ingredients can promote bacterial resistance to antibiotics. HEALTHY CLEANING, HEALTHY LIVING Chemical cleaning products only disinfect and sanitize if used according to instructions, and if not used properly will not kill germs and bacteria. Additionally, studies have repeatedly shown that reducing the amount of chemicals present in homes has a beneficial effect upon the immune system, resulting in fewer illnesses.
A
s our lives become busier, over-scheduled, and more stressful, it’s easy to gravitate towards the latest products that promise to make annoying chores easier. Many of us value performance and speed when cleaning our homes; we want a product that works and works quickly. Unfortunately, while modern-day cleaning products and techniques are increasingly meeting those needs, they often come at the expense of environmental values. Kacey Campbell, manager of Green Clean Colorado says, “Green cleaning techniques are better on the environment and eco-friendly and those are important to most Coloradans.” How can adopting a chemical-free cleaning process help your family? BREATHE EASIER IN YOUR HOME Chemical cleaning products, particularly those that come in spray form, 16
| RMPARENT
can have a detrimental effect on the indoor air quality of your home. Campbell says, “After making a shift to eco-friendly products, we’ve had a lot of customers say their allergies aren’t bothering them as much anymore—specifically asthma.” Asthma is common among adults and is the most common chronic disease among school-aged children. But breathing difficulty affects pets as well as humans, Campbell says, “It’s funny how many people tell us their pets don’t sneeze anymore.” LOWER CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE AND RESISTANCE TO TOXINS Household chemical cleaning substances are the second most common reason for children’s exposure to poison. “The chemicals that are in the everyday things we use to clean our homes and workplaces are really scary to me,” Campbell says. And, the
SAFER MEALS The chemicals that you use to clean your kitchen can linger on your countertops, cutting boards, and your other cooking utensils as well as in your sink. When you prepare foods, you may unknowingly contaminate them with trace amounts of these chemicals. SAVE MONEY While chemical-free cleaning supplies are more expensive when purchased at the store, many underestimate the benefits from making their own—which is a moneysaving technique. Why go out and buy products when you can use things you already have in your pantry? For home cleaning, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, etc. can do the trick for pennies on the dollar, compared to buying conventional cleaning products. Using water and a reusable, washable eco-friendly cleaning cloth is far more economical that purchasing chemical cleaning products on a regular basis.