Where is it? from dry cleaning and storing dry cleaned garments in your home
Why? Linked to birth defects, cancers, nervous system damage
Alternatives: Wet cleaning, using clothes that do not require dry cleaning. At the
least, let clothes off-gas in a secluded closet for at least a month before wearing.
3. Benzalkonium chloride
Where is it? In disinfectant cleaners, soaps, and sprays.
Why? Highly toxic. Causes growth of resistant bacteria, a huge problem for our
future health.
Alternatives: Non-toxic cleaners. A naturally strong immune system that is
resistant to viruses and bacteria.
4. Parabens (AKA methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben)
Where is it? In most body care products: shampoos, lotions, suncreens, deodorants, etc
Why? Linked to infertility, hormonal problems, and cancers.
Alternatives: Paraben-free body care products.
5. Propylene glycol (AKA polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol)
Where is it? In cosmetic products, supplements, food, antifreeze, inks, printing fluid,
solvents, paints.
Why? Linked to nervous system, cardiovascular, and liver problems, birth
defects, skin irritation.
Alternatives: Replace with products not containing these
Instead of cleaners loaded with chemical, artificial scents, and irritants, you can now find many
alternatives in your local health food store. Or, you can use many non-toxic household items to
make your own cleaning products, and know exactly what’s in them. Use the following recipes:
All-purpose cleaner: ½ cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda in ½ gallon water.
Air freshener: 8-10 drops essential oil and 1-2 Tablespoons vinegar in a l ounce spray
bottle
Mold Remover: 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Leave on 1
hour then rinse.
Drain cleaner: ½ cup baking soda, then ½ cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, rinse with
boiling water. Metal pipes only.
Floor cleaner: equal parts vinegar and water
Furniture polish: 3 drops lemon essential oil to ½ cup warm water. Wipe with soft cloth
Metal cleaners: Brass- baking soda and lemon juice; copper- soak rag in 1 tablepoon salt,
1 cup vinegar, and boiling water, apply to copper and let dry; gold- salt, vinegar, and flour
to make a paste; silver-line pan with foil and water, add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon
baking soda, boil and immerse silver in it, then polish
Toilet bowl cleaner: 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, let sit 10 minutes then scrub.
Window cleaner: 2 teaspoons vinegar with 1 quart water in a spray bottle.
To get that fresh, clean scent, use natural essential oils in your homemade products. They are free of synthetic chemicals that can mask toxic chemicals and cause respiratory damage in the process. They can help in transitioning from synthetic to natural products, because it gives that “clean” smell we’re used to having. Many of the oils are antibacterial/ fungal if used in sufficient strength. Also, you can benefit from the aromatherapy principles of the oils themselves. Use 8-10 drops per ounce of liquid.
Calming: lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang
Energizing: lemon, orange, tangerine, lime, bergamot, tea tree
Clarifying: rosemary, cinnamon, eucalyptus, peppermint
For ready-made products, here are some brands to look for (available in health food stores,
groceries, or on-line):
Ecover (cleaning products)
Green Forest (paper products)
Planet (cleaning products, detergent)
Seventh Generation (cleaning products, detergent, paper products, feminine hygiene)
For organic, unbleached feminine hygiene products, cotton balls and swabs:
Natracare
Organic Essentials
Seventh Generation
