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
WOW, those are some great changes you have made. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated!
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….;)