Green Cleaning Ideas for Your Home
Copyright © 2008 Ainsley Laing
When my husband, Dave, and I first started
housekeeping together (we are still newlyweds...), he used to
shake his head and occasionally comment on my refusal to use
artificial chemical cleaning products in the home. Yes, it is a
bit unconventional to say the least! But even he will tell you
that he likes that our house is free of toxic chemicals.
Only ten years ago, I too believed the only way to really clean
was with smelly household cleaners. Here's the story:
Have you heard of the hygiene hypothesis? First proposed in
England in 1989 by David Strachan, it was a possible
explanation of why kids raised in larger families have a lower
incidence of allergies. It has been studied extensively and has
now been expanded.
The current thinking is that early exposure to bacteria,
viruses, parasites etc. are important for the development of a
healthy immune system. This is a radical shift in thinking from
the antibacterial paradigm most of us were raised with years
ago.
Ten years ago, I had a baby. I was living in England at the
time. The medical community there was beginning to discuss and
apply this new hygiene paradigm. I was encouraged to breast
feed, of course, but also to not worry so much about
sterilizing bottles and utensils after the baby was a few
months old.
Naturally, as an over tired new parent, when the hygiene
hypothesis was explained to me, I happily followed along. It
did make a lot of sense. After all, babies have lived for
thousands of years with lots and lots of dirt around and have
thrived. Besides, sterilizing everything WAS a lot of
work....
Well, guess what? At age 10, that same child rarely gets sick
and has no allergies so far...even with a genetic
predisposition to asthma from both parents!
For me the hygiene hypothesis paradigm shift led to a
"re-think" about all the chemicals and insecticides that were
being used in and around the house to keep it clean and "pest"
free. It's really quite incredible what a young child and
parents are exposed to in terms of household chemicals these
days. The question is why? If early exposure to microbes is
good for baby - why expose a child to pollutants in the name of
killing them?
So, the search for healthier alternatives began....
Through trial and error and speaking with
other parents who have gone in favor of "green cleaning", I
learned that pretty much all household cleaning can be done
using a bit of creativity and things you already have in your
kitchen. Using greener alternatives is easy, inexpensive, good
for your family and good for the earth.
Here are some ideas:
1. Baking soda: Acts as a scrub, polishes metal and deodorizes
things. (a must have if you have a baby in diapers).
2. Lemon: Deodorizes, cuts grease, bleaches stains and
disinfects. Mixed with baking soda, it removes stains from
plastic food storage containers.
4. Salt: Another scrubber (more course than baking soda)—good
for cookware and ovens. Combined with citrus juice it removes
rust.
5. White vinegar: Deodorizes and disinfects (again acid). Mix
with water and a little dish soap and you've got a great all
purpose cleaner for windows, floors, bathrooms and all the
rest. Used full strength it fights mold and mildew and body
odor in clothing.
6. Olive Oil: Mix two parts oil with one part lemon juice and
use as a furniture polish. It smells great.
So, if you are thinking of going organic with the food you eat,
why not go all the way and get rid of the pollutants in your
house. You and your family will benefit with better health and
more pocket money. If you have children - you won't have to
worry about poisoning. After all, what's the worst thing that
can happen from drinking vinegar except a tummy ache?
And, when you say you can eat off the floor in your home, you
will really mean it!
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis
About the Author:
Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 27 years and
writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds
certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Personal
Fitness Training. She is also a professional engineer and mom.
To see more articles by Ainsley visit http://www.bodyformind.com or the blog
at http://www.bodyformind.blogspot.com
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