David Suzuki’s very own Queen of Green is inviting Canadians to breakup with their household cleaners with a 4 week Spring Breakup Campaign to help rid our homes of everyday cleaners that could potentially be harming us and our family.
Over a 4 week period, Lindsay, aka Queen of Green, will be offering advice on how to avoid toxic chemicals and make healthier choices with the environment in mind And, just to make things a little more fun and interesting, each step along the way, you have the opportunity to win some great prizes from RONA and Sears, among others.
You don’t even have to be Canadian to take part (just need a Canadian mailing address to win). The real prize is knowing that you are putting your best clean foot forward in your green journey. So, what are you waiting for? Sign-up here.
This is the break down throughout the four weeks:
- April 10th- Do you know what toxic chemicals are in many household cleaners?
- April 17th- What isn’t listed on the label of your favorite household cleaners?
- April 24th- Are green cleaners as effective as your favorite big brands?
- May 1st- Is it time to break up with your cleaners
This week, being the second week, Lindsay asks “Do your favorite cleaners have a dirty little secret?”
What would you say if I told you the Canadian government does not require manufacturers of cleaning products to disclose their full list of ingredients on their products? Or, the long-term health and environmental risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals?
Some of your products could very well have phthalates, chlorine, bleach, ammonia, SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulphate), ethoxylated alcohols and fragrances lurking in them and you wouldn’t be the wiser because protecting a brand and its “secret” ingredient list is more important than the health of the public.
These different chemicals are all harmful in their own right and linked to various health issues including asthma, cancer, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivities. Continuous exposure to these harmful chemicals could cause short and long term health related issues. The acute effects of these ingredients could be quite obvious (rash, asthma attack etc.) where the chronic effects on our health and the environment are less apparent
Manufactures market these products as “must have’”, and how could we possibly clean without them. They need the fragrance to accomplish that clean and fresh smell that we have all been accustom to “smell” when cleaning.
With all the different companies marketing that they are “green”, “eco-friendly” and/or “environmentally-friendly”, while not really having a clear definition and understanding to what these terms means, it becomes necessary to read labels and ask questions. If you do not like what you hear or read, move on. I, for one, have learned the best thing I could do for myself and my family’s health is to make my own products whenever possible. It isn’t always easy or convenient. However, I know exactly what is in my products and no guessing game is required.
Looking for versatile, affordable, non-toxic homemade cleaning recipes? These recipes all make me smile knowing the positive impact I am having on the environment and my health.
When will you make the switch and add a little more green to your life?
Tell Canada’s Health minister to come clean about toxic ingredients in our household cleaners.
Let your voice be heard and sign today.
Resources David Suzuki’s Queen Of Green
chemicals, cleaning products, earth, environment, harmful chemicals, household cleaning products, vinegar, water
I am the Good Girl Gone Green. Seeing garbage cans overflowing with recyclables breaks my heart.
Hi,
I am visiting from Friendship Friday. Lots of information on your post and perfect for Earth Day which is this Sunday. Have a lovely weekend!
Thank you for stopping by the Finally Friday Blog hop! I’m now following you back on Instagram and Pinterest.
I LOVE that you are a green mama because over the past 10 years I’ve worked hard to get our family to be more “green”. We’ve gone from paper napkins to cloth, from paper towels to hucky towels, recycle EVERYTHING that we can, make our own laundry soap and household cleaners, plus use a compost bin. Along with being green we have changed our eating habits to the greatest extent. No red meat, and only chicken, turkey or fish maybe 3 times a week, along with lots of veggies, fruit and locally grown. I respect your journey as a mother to find the best for your family.
XO
Allison
http://barretts1234.blogspot.com/
WOW, those are some great changes you have made.
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated!
We still have a few toxic cleaners and my husband loves to use them sometimes. He brings them up and says, “We really need to get the mold out of the bathroom, I NEED to use the bleach.” LOL Our county is doing a toxic clean-up effort where you can dispose of toxic cleaners. I might sneak some out and replace them with eco-friendly options.
FYI- bleach doesn’t actually get rid of mold. It covers the mold and actually makes the mold more toxic. Use vinegar. Look up mild and bleach….;)
These are great tips! I had no idea about bleach making mold more toxic. If you’re interested in more tips, check out these posts on The Green Life called “Going Green in the Kitchen.” http://site.thegreenlifeonline.org/tag/green-in-the-kitchen/. We’ve also written an article about switching to green cleaners! Best, Hope