It is impossible to avoid all toxic chemicals, but you can certainly be green by lighten your toxic load by taking realistic measures that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few things I do in my everyday life to avoid toxic chemicals:
1. Cookware: I only use stainless steel, 100% cast iron (not pre-seasoned), and stoneware cookware to prepare all of my home-cooked meals. I avoid aluminum, non-stick and pre-seasoned cookware as these types of cookware leach harmful chemicals into our food that are known to cause neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer.
2. Water Filters: I only drink filtered water and avoid drinking or cooking with water from the tap. Tap water, especially in urban cities like Santa Barbara, has many chemicals as well as trace amounts of antibiotics and prescription medication. If you drink from your faucet everyday, these amounts add up quickly. I also have a filter on my shower head which filters out harmful chemicals such as chlorine.
3. Cleaning Products: Many people think you need a cleaning product for every type of job: bathroom spray, kitchen spray, toilet bowl cleaner, degreaser, tile cleaner, etc. This can be overwhelming on your pocketbook AND your body! I use only all-natural and biodegradable cleaning products and keep it simple with a few staples that clean just about any mess: clorox bleach (for sanitizing only), all-purpose Seventh Generation spray (for all surfaces), baking soda (for cleaning out the bathtub, sink), and vinegar (to cut through soap scum). No matter what type of cleaner you use, always make sure to ventilate the area to reduce inhaling fumes.
4. Laundry Detergent: I use a non-toxic, biodegradable laundry detergent to wash my clothing, bed linens and other household items to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that are usually found in detergents. Since you spend almost your entire life wearing clothing, sleeping in your bed, or wrapped in a towel, your skin is constantly in contact with the chemical residue that is left behind on your washed items.
5. Food: I avoid all food that contains or is made with toxic chemicals, such as soda, processed foods, pesticide laden produce, and treated meats. Eat organic, minimally processed foods and read labels carefully to ensure you are not eating foods that contain chemicals.
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