When my husband, Dave, and I first started housekeeping
together (we are still newlyweds...), he used to shake his
head and occasionally comment on my refusal to use
artificial chemical cleaning products in the home. Yes, it
is a bit unconventional to say the least! But even he will
tell you that he likes that our house is free of toxic
chemicals.
Only ten years ago, I too believed the only way to really
clean was with smelly household cleaners. Here's the story:
Have you heard of the hygiene hypothesis? First proposed
in England in 1989 by David Strachan, it was a possible
explanation of why kids raised in larger families have a
lower incidence of allergies. It has been studied
extensively and has now been expanded.
The current thinking is that early exposure to bacteria,
viruses, parasites etc. are important for the development
of a healthy immune system. This is a radical shift in
thinking from the antibacterial paradigm most of us were
raised with years ago.
Ten years ago, I had a baby. I was living in England at
the time. The medical community there was beginning to
discuss and apply this new hygiene paradigm. I was
encouraged to breast feed, of course, but also to not worry
so much about sterilizing bottles and utensils after the
baby was a few months old.
Naturally, as an over tired new parent, when the hygiene
hypothesis was explained to me, I happily followed along.
It did make a lot of sense. After all, babies have lived
for thousands of years with lots and lots of dirt around
and have thrived. Besides, sterilizing everything WAS a lot
of work....
Well, guess what? At age 10, that same child rarely gets
sick and has no allergies so far...even with a genetic
predisposition to asthma from both parents!
For me the hygiene hypothesis paradigm shift led to a
"re-think" about all the chemicals and insecticides that
were being used in and around the house to keep it clean
and "pest" free. It's really quite incredible what a young
child and parents are exposed to in terms of household
chemicals these days. The question is why? If early
exposure to microbes is good for baby - why expose a child
to pollutants in the name of killing them?
So, the search for healthier alternatives began....
Through trial and error and speaking with other parents who
have gone in favor of "green cleaning", I learned that
pretty much all household cleaning can be done using a bit
of creativity and things you already have in your kitchen.
Using greener alternatives is easy, inexpensive, good for
your family and good for the earth.
Here are some ideas:
1. Baking soda: Acts as a scrub, polishes metal and
deodorizes things. (a must have if you have a baby in
diapers).
2. Lemon: Deodorizes, cuts grease, bleaches stains and
disinfects. Mixed with baking soda, it removes stains from
plastic food storage containers.
4. Salt: Another scrubber (more course than baking
soda)—good for cookware and ovens. Combined with
citrus juice it removes rust.
5. White vinegar: Deodorizes and disinfects (again acid).
Mix with water and a little dish soap and you've got a
great all purpose cleaner for windows, floors, bathrooms
and all the rest. Used full strength it fights mold and
mildew and body odor in clothing.
6. Olive Oil: Mix two parts oil with one part lemon juice
and use as a furniture polish. It smells great.
So, if you are thinking of going organic with the food you
eat, why not go all the way and get rid of the pollutants
in your house. You and your family will benefit with
better health and more pocket money. If you have children -
you won't have to worry about poisoning. After all, what's
the worst thing that can happen from drinking vinegar
except a tummy ache?
And, when you say you can eat off the floor in your home,
you will really mean it!
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis
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About the Author:
Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 27 years
and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds
certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and
Personal Fitness Training. She is also a professional
engineer and mom. To see more articles by Ainsley visit
http://www.bodyformind.com or the blog at
http://www.bodyformind.blogspot.com
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