Simple solutions for a greener kitchen
Dr. Trevor Holly Cates, co-founder of GreenThisLife.com
Families spend a great deal of time in the kitchen; cooking, cleaning, eating and sometimes socializing. During that time, we may be exposed to a number of toxins. Do you know what is in your kitchen that could be negatively impacting your health?
- The problem: Toxic cleaning products stored under the kitchen sink can contribute to poor indoor air quality. The chemicals in cleaning supplies vary in toxicity levels. The warning labels refer to acute exposures only and often provide inadequate information. Exposure to some of the ingredients can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. The long-term effects are not known for many of the compounds, but some are known to cause cancer in animals; others are known to cause cancer in humans.
The solution: Instead of harmful cleaning products, try making your own. Baking soda, salt and vinegar can clean just about everything in your home.
- The problem: Plastic containers and bottles used to store food in your kitchen can leach dioxins and phthalates into the food. Dioxins are carcinogenic and phthalates interfere with hormone function in the body. Heating and freezing plastics increases the release of these toxins into food.
The solution: Store your food in safer alternatives such as glass, ceramic and stainless steel.
While this information may be alarming, don't feel too overwhelmed to make changes in your home. There are many things you can do to reduce your exposures and make your home a healthier environment. GreenThisLife.com can help you determine which aspects of your kitchen need changes, and then provide you with simple solutions that accommodate your needs and your style.
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i would like to see some "recipes"for the homemade cleaning products...I've figured some of them out, and some have been passed down thru the years, but, im sure there are some i cant even "dream" up. thanx :)
Even Tupperware isn't safe?
It's extremely difficult to find mini air-tight containers made of glass or the safer materials for the use in the freezer and ziplocks are plastics too!
I would also like to see some home made cleaning solutions for the whole house includeing ashing the clothes
I would also like to see some home made cleaning solutions for the whole house includeing ashing the clothes
I would also like to see some home made cleaning solutions for the whole house includeing ashing the clothes
Here are a couple recipes I love.
Vinegar for cleaning toilets, in the wash to disinfect, in the dishwasher instead of a water softener.
Lemon and baking soda to clean stains on counters.
Bon ami for tough jobs.
Simple but these things work!
Good luck and let me know if you need any more tips!
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i came across a great place with recipes for homemade health and beauty products www.recipegoldmine.com they also have many cleaning recipes , craft recipes , food recipes on and on ... its a one stop place whether you are trying to live greener or just love recipes in general