If there’s one place that we don’t want toxins, it’s in our home. We spend so much money investing in modern-day inventions that are designed to make our lives better, when, in fact, they are doing just the opposite.
Should you be alarmed by this? Well, not necessarily, but you should be conscious of it.
Cleaning products, cosmetics, foods and pesticides all contain toxins that you need to be aware of, as these are the items that we use and come into contact with every day. Toxins can be broken down into 4 categories: toxins from the air, water, food and chemicals in our environment.
Toxins are poisons that have harmful effects on both the body and the eco-system, so we should try to avoid toxins as much as possible. Here are a few useful tips to avoid toxins in your home and look after your health & the environment!
BPA-Free Plastics
The plastics additive BPA is one of the most common chemicals found in North American kitchens. They are widely found in food and drinks containers and have been found to cause harmful disorders, behavioural effects and even some cancers (yikes!).
While many manufacturers have made the switch to BPA-free, some still use BPA in their containers. For example, BPA is often used in aluminium cans that hold acidic foods, such as tomatoes. So how can you avoid this nasty plastic poison? Refrain from microwaving food in plastic containers, store foods in glass jars and opt for wooden or stainless steel cooking utensils. It’s well worth it.
Safe Cleaning Products
If you do just one thing, then replace your cleaning products. You’ll be surprised at how many toxic chemicals make their way into the products that you use everyday (we’re talking thousands!). Cleaning products actually account for 1 in 5 cases of child poisoning in the home, and can be toxic to both the body and the environment.
There are many common myths surrounding the efficacy of eco-friendly cleaning products, but all-natural ingredients are in actual fact just as effective. And how do we know this? Because we use them when we do residential cleaning! Use natural cleaning products to avoid toxins in your home and keep your family safe.
Eat Organic
It’s pretty simple – organic foods are better for you and the environment. Yes, they may be slightly more expensive, but the benefits of eating organic are plentiful. Organic foods are free from harmful chemicals, bursting with more flavour and fragrance and are sustainable for the environment.
When you eat organic, you avoid that toxic cocktail of chemicals that can be found in non-organic fruits and vegetables. In fact, over 500 chemicals are regularly used for agricultural use in America, which guess what? Falls right onto our food.
Aside from being much safer, organic foods taste much more delicious too. Organic farming supports a sustainable eco-system and helps to preserve the environment around us. So why wouldn’t you go organic?
Do you have any great tips to avoid toxins in the home?
Information Source: http://www.canadianliving.com/life/green_living/how_to_avoid_toxins_in_the_kitchen_2.php // http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/top-reasons-choose-organic-foods
Photo Credit: Condesign / Jess Pac
