©iStockphoto.com - Steve Cady

To watch television commercials for air fresheners, one could think them to be made from fresh cut flowers. We place them all around our homes. But these fresheners don’t freshen the air, but rather make our home’s air more polluted. Air fresheners used in a confined area, like homes, offices or cars create an intense amount of toxins in a small area.

Indoor air quality can be lower than the air quality outdoors.  The fine particulate matter from outdoor air pollution comes in through doors and windows. Dust mites, mold, pet dander and fur, tobacco smoke and fumes from combustion appliances like gas heaters and stoves contribute as well, as do building materials that out-gas, such as paints, varnishes, insulation, particle board, plywood, carpets and furniture. (continue reading…)

10. Take off your shoes. Ask your guests to remove their shoes as well. We can track in things a lot more dangerous than mud. This is especially important if you have children or pets that play or crawl on your floors.

9. Grow some fresh air. Keep leafy house plants. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and provide fresh oxygen. Growing healthy, organic plants is like growing fresh air.

8. Ditch the dry-cleaner. If you must dry clean, air out dry cleaned clothing before you put it in your home. The chemicals used in the dry clean process are very toxic. If you must have an item dry cleaned, remove the plastic and hang it outside to let the residues dissipate. (continue reading…)

I am here with an alarming story. This graph shows the municipal solid waste generation trend in the USA from 1960 to 2001.

Solid waste generation has nearly tripled in the United States since 1960, increasing from 88.1 million tons to 229.2 million tons. Can you guess the reason for this upward trend? Is it just a result of increased population? Not quite. As the black line indicates, our per capita waste generation has also increased, from 2.7 lbs per person per day to 4.5 lbs per person per day.* A grand total of 246 million tons of trash was created in 2005 alone. (continue reading…)

The increase in asthma cases illustrates the relationship between the sensitivity of small children and the increased use of petrochemicals and toxic household products. Asthma is an all too common problem in children. EPA reports that since 1980, the biggest growth in asthma cases has been in children under five. Understanding the causes of asthma illustrates the direct relationship between indoor air quality and health.

Chlorine has been linked to childhood and adult asthma. Chlorine, when combined with organic substances such as skin particles, hair follicles, water-borne bacteria, and even sweat and urine, forms a dangerous family of compounds known as Trihalomethanes (THMs). Prolonged inhalation of all levels of THMs and such chlorine gases as those found near an indoor swimming pool, will not only cause asthma, but will irritate the sensitive areas in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well. Amazingly, the chemicals found near indoor pools constitute only about 1/4 of the chemical vapors that result from showering in chlorinated water.

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Studies show human breast milk is contaminated with more than 100 industrial chemicals. These chemicals come from household products like flame-retardant upholstery, dry cleaned clothing, and even common cleaning agents.

One nation-wide study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found alarming levels of fire retardant chemicals in breast milk of first-time mothers. Additionally, the Northwest Environment Watch group’s breast milk study found similar fire retardant chemicals in 100% of tested mothers. A Berkeley study detected petroleum-based pesticides in breast milk samples from over 14 countries. (continue reading…)

We all need to take responsibility to educate ourselves about what will help, not harm ourselves and our precious world. I have used natural cleaners for over ten years-here are a few tips:

I use hydrogen peroxide STRAIGHT when I need to clean out the stains in my tub/shower or toilet bowl, only about 1/4-1/2 cup.

I also use Bon Ami, which has nothing in it that causes harm, at least from what I know and understand. (continue reading…)

Cutting Boards: use separate cutting boards for produce and meats. To disinfect, first wash cutting board and knives in hot soapy water. Then, spray with full strength white vinegar and follow up with full strength 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener and will whiten your countertops, wooden cutting boards, grout and tile if allowed to pool.

Stock-Up on Cleaners the Green Diva Mom Way
There are many inexpensive ways to clean safely for your family and our environment. Just think, how did your great grandmother’s home stay sanitary without overpriced toxic chemicals? It is a sure bet that she relied on a few (continue reading…)