Eco Friendly Products : Home
Let's face it were consumers.
We live in an age where we consume and consume and consume some more. While this isn't a bad thing, it can be harmful to our planet and our bodies. We face daily exposure to massive amounts of pollutants - in the environment and our home. So, let's talk about our homes. Our homes are where we spend a good amount of our time, and it should be our sanctuary. We also only have one earth (also our home) and it needs our protecting. I believe we can protect the earth without sacrificing our needs as consumers.
The pollutants we face on a day to day basis can cause serious damage to our bodies and environment. Bleach, a common household chemical is a neuro-toxin and skin irritant. BPA is found in plastic products and it's exposure, over time, can affect the endocrine system. In a study conducted by the CDC, 93% of the studies participants tested positive for BPA exposure. That is a scary number!
The pollutants that we are exposed to also affect the environment. Plastic ends up in a landfill or the ocean and stays there, plastic does not decompose into an organic material that is helpful to the planet. All the paper products we use depletes our natural forests and exasperates our greenhouse gas problem. I could go on for days about how our consumerism is directly related to the health of the earth, but I'll stop here and offer some solutions.
Reusable Water Bottles
I'm not a huge fan of tap water, because depending on where you live tap water can be toxic. But buying pallets of bottled water can be expensive, and a leading problem in our landfills. My solution to both of these problems has been Bobble water bottles. They have pitchers for the fridge and bottles for on-the-go. They have built in carbon filters that filters out debris and chlorine.
Glassware
Opt for glass over plastic. Glass lasts longer, doesn't hold onto smells and stains, and doesn't contain toxins that deplete our health. When searching for glass products to use in your home, consider those made from recycled glass to reduce your carbon footprint.
Cleaning Products
I love to clean (most of the time). I think a clean house helps me be more creative and productive. It's best to use products that are natural and non-toxic. There are quite a few reputable companies that make cleaning products with a variety of price points, so choose what works best for you and your budget. You can also go the DIY route - you can make some really effective cleaning products with basic ingredients.
Rechargeable Batteries
Batteries are consumables - they are constantly needing to be changed out. We use batteries in our remotes, flashlights, and various other things. We can reduce a good amount of waste by using rechargeable batteries.
Cloth
Cloth over paper everywhere possible. I love paper towels, they're a wonderful commodity. However they clutter up the landfills and lead to deforestation. I've switched from paper towels to cloth. Dishtowels clean up spills and messes just as effectively as paper and they're reusable.
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