Planet in Crisis

The beautiful planet we inhabit is increasingly toxic and polluted.  Chemicals and germs are everywhere – in the food we eat, in the air we breathe, on every imaginable surface we encounter.

 

The fight for safety and protection of ourselves and our families often feels futile.  Many are simply resigned to the likelihood of getting cancer and dying young.  Statistically, Millennials are the first generation with a life expectancy shorter than their parents, so I understand the cynicism.

 

However, expectations don’t have to become reality.

 

Do you remember the Y2K scare?  None of the predicted disasters took place – not because the threat wasn’t real.  It was because people understood the danger and started scrambling to fix the problem.  And everyone working together averted disaster!

I don’t hold much hope for our current population coming together in agreement on the critical health issues necessary to really turn this ship around.  Too much money is on the line.  But we individuals still have the power to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of our children.

 

And I believe those of us who understand the serious threat to human health have a duty work for the well-being of our planet – and that starts with our homes.

 

While we can’t control the toxic world we live in, we can make our homes a mostly poison-free safe haven.

 

Say “NO” to Poisonous Cleaners

 

The first, most basic step in this process is eliminating conventional, chemical-based cleaning products.

 

Some will say, “of course” – but many still suffer from our Madison Avenue training to believe clean smells like a chemical.  Clean really has no smell, but if we must have an odor to feel good, let the odor be fresh lemons, cinnamon, or lavender oil. (I don’t like vinegar, but even that would be healthier than the chemically “pine-sol” smell.)

If we don’t use chemical cleaners, how do we get rid of dirt and, more importantly, germs?  I personally use Shaklee cleaners primarily because of the low cost and high efficiency of the products.  But others prefer to make their own cleaning solutions from natural ingredients like lemons, baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, etc.  Either route is a good way to clean our homes without leaving behind toxins more dangerous than the ones we are trying to clean.

 

When threatened with really nasty, dangerous germs it can be tempting to go for an “antibacterial” cleaner or more caustic substance like chlorine.  However, the ingredient (triclosan) that makes a product “antibacterial” may pose a health risk and has not been shown to provide additional protection.  And chlorine does not have better outcomes than hydrogen peroxide or Basic G in killing viruses.

 

Clean the Air

 

The next step in creating safer homes is improving air quality.  If you can afford air purifiers, that would be great, but simple steps like changing the filter on the heating and air-conditioning system every other month (or more if necessary) and opening windows whenever possible will also make a big difference.

 

Real plants clean and replenish the air in enclosed spaces.  Some of us are plant-challenged, so this can be difficult . . . but the benefits are worth the effort.  Keep at it.

 

And don’t use air fresheners!  They offer a quick fix for offensive odors – but the benefits are not worth carcinogen laden air.  Better to locate and eliminate the source of bad smells.  And if you need some pretty fragrances, get a warming plate and heat water with vanilla (or other extract), spices, or fresh squeezed fruits.  Essential oils are another option, but check ingredients . . . some contain chemicals as well.

 

Keep Bad Stuff Out/Be Kind to Earth

 

And lastly, avoid bringing unwanted contaminants into the house by way of shoes and other chemical products like used paint, lightbulbs, and batteries.  Leave shoes at the door and properly dispose of all hazardous household items (i.e. don’t toss in the household trash).

 

Our planet was created to support life.  We can’t poison and pollute the earth and expect it to continue providing good health.  Everyone doing their part toward preserving and reclaiming the health of our environment can add up to real change for all human health.

 

One way I do my part:  my family does not add plastic cleaning bottles to the landfills.  We have three sets of spray cleaners which I refill with different concentrations of Basic-H (all-purpose cleaner) or Basic-G (germicide).