Reducing harmful Items in Your home...

Is that okay to eat out of? Why does that smell?

Just a few quick tips I read up on a few items that we might want to concider reading more carefully or replacing in the future. 

Microwaving in plastic

This could be harmful if the container is not marked "microwave safe". Just check the bottom, if it does not say microwave safe, it could leak toxins into your meal, and are less likely to be recyclable.

Fluorescent Bulb Safety 

An Etsy user TheBlueKraken brought to my attention some ideas she wanted to add to my blog. First about Replacing your lightbulbs with fluorescent ones. "There are huge dangers to fluorescent bulbs. they are full of mercury vapor and if you break one its very dangerous. you also cannot throw them in the trash. the mercury will go to a land fill and eventually ground water. i will only use them in fixtures that need colder bulbs and i do not throw them away if they stop working."

I looked it up and IKEA recycles fluorescent bulbs, if you dont live by an IKEA, read this article to mail it in by ecogeek.

Green Cleaning Products

Buy products labeled non-toxic, biodegradable, all-natural, and those that contain plant-based ingredients. Look for Multi-Purpose Products – Many multi-purpose cleaners are just as effective as the specialty cleaners. For instance, white vinegar can be used to clean floors, glass surfaces, coffee pots, and copper products. It is also effective at removing some kinds of stains. I just went to the grocery store last week, and was looking for toilet bowl cleaner, they had a One day promotion on their new Green Toilet bowl Cleaner, it was as cheap as the lowest priced Clorox Brand Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Check out your grocery store for local promotions.

Here are some RECIPES to make your own Green household cleaning products.

Teflon Pan alternatives

Nonstick cookware is made with a substance that’s a probable carcinogen. But the biggest threat, experts say, is all the air and water pollution caused by the factories that make the chemical. So copper or aluminum are the more eco-friendly options, but you don't have to throw away your pans if you already have them until they are scratched. 

Heres some alternatives when going shopping for new pots and pans:

• Cuisinart Greenware™ Eco-Friendly Non-Stick 10-Piece Cookware Set

• Starfrit Eco Friendly Cookware

• Green Pan Cookware

Can't live without dry cleaning?

I know I can't afford to dry clean except for special occasion dresses and things, but I know some family members who dry clean often, and would never even think of it as a harm to the environment. Although there isn't conclusive research, a large amount of dry cleaners use a chemical that has been linked to reproductive damage and cancer. Also the plastic bags are a waist, and take a lot of energy to produce. Try asking for NO plastic next time, or letting your clothes air out for about an hour after you bring them home, preferrably outside. Read this article for more info on dry cleaning alternatives.

Read the label. 

Read labels and look for signal words — DANGER, POISON, WARNING, CAUTION — that indicate the level of hazard. Products labeled DANGER or POISON are most hazardous. Pay attention to other messages on the label such as “causes burns on contact,” “vapors harmful,” or “extremely flammable.” Learn to recognize these phrases and take them seriously.

Got something to add? please email me, or add it in the comment section, I am sure our readers would surely appreciate it!