Simple changes to what we buy and how we live can make a big difference in reducing the chemicals in our homes.
Buy differently Removing harmful chemicals from your home begins with the products you buy.
- Read the labels. Buy products labeled non-toxic, biodegradable, all-natural, and those that contain plant-based ingredients. Look for the following signal words. Buy products that are the least harmful.
- Caution – Mild/Moderate hazard
- Warning – Moderate hazard
- Danger – Extremely flammable, corrosive, or toxic
- Poison – Highly Toxic
- Buy only what you need. It will save money and reduce the negative impact on you and the environment.
Make your own cleaners
You can use common household products to create cleaners that are as effective as and less costly than store bought cleaning products.
Keep a clean house
- Remove your shoes when you enter your house to keep from tracking in harmful chemicals including pesticides and lead.
- Place a floor mat at your doors to keep unwanted chemicals in one place that can be easily cleaned.
- Vacuum carpets and floors on a regular basis. Children playing on your floors are more susceptible to come into contact with chemicals. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum.
- Use cleaning services that use less-toxic chemicals. If your carpets are professionally cleaned, find a service that uses chemicals low in VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
For additional information on reducing harmful chemicals in the home, visit www.reduce.org.