Great Green Idea: Green Products: Making the Switch to Chemical Free Eco-Friendly Products

Making the Switch to Chemical Free Eco-Friendly Products

Trying to be more eco-friendly but not sure where to start? Realize this: From the morning till the evening we are constantly bombarded by chemicals that hurt both the environment and our bodies.

Unfortunately, many of these unnatural substances are found in everyday products which may not appear harmful but over time have the potential to cause serious damage and health issues.

That's why being better to yourself and the environment means understanding more about where they are found and how to avoid them. Some examples include the following:

* Cleaning supplies: Whether they are for the home or used by commercial cleaning services cleaning supplies are full of toxic chemicals. Very often their fumes cause unhealthy reactions in people and when dumped will eventually pollute local aquifers. Making natural cleaners from household ingredients is easy and there are a growing variety of natural products on the market that will make our homes shine the same or better than the noxious ones.

* Bug spray: Summer is a great time to go outdoors but when the sun sets the bugs come out to bite. For years we sprayed ourselves with bug spray without understanding the chemicals which are effective against bugs may also harmful to humans. Today, healthier products are available but it's important to check the ingredients well. Furthermore, if you feel like taking a more holistic approach try essential oils made from herbs like citronella, mint, and rosemary.

* Plastics: Plastic packaging for food and drinks can be a serious problem because there is a strong likelihood chemicals that make up the material will leach into the contents themselves. This usually occurs when temperatures are not well balanced but can also happen when products are left standing for long periods of time. The best strategy is to stay away from as much food as possible packaged in plastic and adhere to expiration dates.

* Pesticides: Unless fruits and vegetables are properly certified most of them have been in contact with some form of pesticide. Rinsing with water usually isn't enough as produce should be scrubbed with a special brush and if possible washed with one of the 100% natural cleaning solutions on the market. Just make sure not to use detergents and soaps because they contain their own chemicals that are very likely to leach.

* Cosmetics/Personal care products: There was a time more than a half a century ago when perfumes, cosmetics, and other personal car products were all made from natural ingredients. With the advent of synthetics the industry drastically changed adding toxic chemicals like lead, arsenic, and mercury in large percentages to some of the most commonly used substances. If you are unfamiliar with the ingredients in your cosmetics/personal care products investigate them as many contain carcinogens directly related to various forms of ailments including cancer, immune system disorders and disruptions in the reproductive system.

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com. He covers various home improvement topics including eco-friendly house cleaning and grounds maintenance .