We are constantly being exposed to a variety of chemicals – they are in our food, our toiletries, our building materials and furnishings, everywhere. In fact, consumer products account for our biggest exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which have been linked to health problems. So how can we lower our exposure to these harmful substances? Well, one easy option is to take a look at the chemical cupboard found under our sink: household cleaning products are full of compounds that aren't good for us or our environment. Switching to lower-impact solutions is safe and easy to do. If you are thinking of selling your home, a green cleaning approach may make your home more attractive to people with allergies, asthma and other health problems. And you can breathe easier knowing you are contributing to a healthier environment for your family and future generations.



When it comes to reading labels, cleaning products can be can be very confusing. Some don't list ingredients at all, or only list active ingredients, but contain harmful unlabeled inert substances. And labels can be misleading – for instance, "biodegradable" may seem like a good choice, but the materials may bio-degrade into more harmful substances in the environment.

So how can you tell which cleaning solutions are better option? There are some easy things to look for on a label: "non-toxic", "water based" or "vegetable based", a list of easy to understand ingredients (many products don't list any ingredients at all), and "phosphate free" (better for the environment –phosphates result in an over-growth of algae that is harmful to fish). There are some effective non-toxic product lines available – brands like Nature Clean and Seventh Generation, for example.

Perhaps an even better way to cut your chemical dependence, which could also save you money, is to make your own products using common household ingredients like lemon, white vinegar and baking soda. For instance, water can be combined with vinegar or lemon juice to make a safe natural glass cleaner (polish with newspaper to avoid streaks). Most commercial glass cleaners are a mix of ammonia and water (and are not always required to carry the poison warning you see on an ammonia bottle). When switching to a natural product, you may need to use alcohol to remove residue left behind from commercial glass cleaners.

Chlorine bleach and ammonia are both very toxic chemicals that can be irritating to humans and cause bigger problems in the environment. A safer alternative to bleach is hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down into oxygen and water. Add it to the laundry to whiten whites and brighten colors. It can also be used for disinfecting surface: apply, wait two minutes and wipe off.

One way to cut the clutter under your sink, save you money and cut your exposure to chemicals is to swap your specialty products for one non-toxic multipurpose or all purpose cleaner. Again, you can find these in stores, or make your own by mixing a 1/2 cup of pure soap with 4 liters of hot water. Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to cut grease.

Commercial air fresheners contain a number of known toxins, and can be especially irritating to people with respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. If you are planning to sell your house, you should keep this in mind when preparing for a showing. For people with chemical sensitivities, a strong chemical perfume can make them feel ill. Don't lose potential buyers unnecessarily. Banish odors by using baking soda in your fridge, garbage can and litter pans. Put out small bowls of white vinegar or baking soda to absorb unwanted smells. Burn essential oil-scented candles or mix essential oil with water in a diffuser to add a lovely, natural scent to a room, or try boiling a pot of cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove. This is a great way to make your home inviting, and will leave a positive impression on potential buyers whether they have chemical sensitivities or not.