Are you ready for the next step towards a healthy lifestyle this year? If you are following this 12-step guide with us then you know we are bringing it back to the basics so there is no room to fail. It is all about taking steps toward wellness and health that are good for you, your family and the planet.
APRIL:
Clean Green
Today's modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances that claim to "clean" and "purify" but are actually doing just the opposite. In fact, using commercial chemical-based products to clean may cause the air inside your home to be more polluted than outside.
According to WHO, 4.3 million people a year die from the exposure to household air pollution. In just the US, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Luckily there are a growing number of inexpensive, easy-to-use natural non-toxic cleaning products that can safely be used in place of commercial household products. If you already own green cleaning products and want to check their safety rating, click here.
Let’s make April the month we reduce the number of synthetic chemicals we keep in our home so that we improve the air quality we breathe, eat and sleep in everyday.
See below for green cleaning ingredients, tip & tricks.
Stock your pantry: Inexpensive and completely non-toxic, you will find most of the ingredients you need to purify your home right in your panty. Here are the basic ingredients you need to get started to make your very own non-toxic cleaners:
+Distilled white vinegar +Baking soda +Lemons +Fresh herbs +Olive oil +Hydrogen peroxide +Castile soap or vegetable glycerin +Salt
Essential reusable supplies to have on hand: +Microfiber cloths +Old linens/rags +Cellulose sponges +Squeegee +Toothbrush +Measuring spoons/cups +Spray bottles +Microfiber mob, broom and dustpan
Deodorize Naturally: Minimize your use of aerosols, room fresheners, harsh cleaners, candles and nail polish removers. Most of these contain toxic chemicals, and often makes indoor air more polluted than outdoor air. Here are a couple tips to keep the air inside your home purified:
+Use air purifying plants like aloe vera, boston fern, goldon pathos, etc. that can absorb air pollutants (benzene, VOCs, formaldehyde, allergens, pollens, microbes).
+Ventilate by opening your windows. Crack a window open everyday, even if it is just for a few minutes.
+Oders and lingering smell? Place a bowl of vinegar or coffee grounds anywhere to absorb odors.
Skip products containing: +Ammonia +2-butoxyethanol +Chlorine bleach +Pesticides and disinfectants (labeled as active ingredients)
Below are some useful links on how to avoid toxins and use greener cleaners :
Click here to learn about Toxic 12 ingredients to never use.
Learn all the basics of green cleaning here.
Stay tuned next month when we reveal the second step in our 2017 guide toward healthy living.
