Going GREEN Starts at Home

We started think GREEN and sustainable when we started Chaé® Organics. Now, nearly three years later, we’re continuing to make GREEN solutions and self-help a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability. The last time I wrote about ‘quick tips for going GREEN’ we dealt primarily with the inside of our home. But, as we all know, our yards, garages and storage spaces are just as important to treat with green solutions are the living quarters.

This article will deal with safety issues for our families – from infants to seniors! We’re all hearing about new research which is revealing toxins/unhealthy substances in everyday products. I want to point out that toxins pose higher risks for children and seniors than for the rest of the population.

The issue for older adults may be that they have accumulated exposures which may result in illnesses after long latency periods – illnesses like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and Parkinson’s. These factors make it harder to cope with toxic environmental burdens. As we age, our bodies become less efficient – and we process and eliminate toxins more slowly. According to Sandra Steingraber, author of Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment, older people are more like babies and children in their ability to deal with the impact of toxic body burdens. In other words, they are more fragile and can become overwhelmed from exposure to toxins.

So, is it possible to GREEN your outdoors? It is if you know how to find and avoid some common hazards. Start with groups of problem products – like paints, solvents, pesticides and cleaners. Paints and solvents can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can affect the lunges and heart. Often older, partially used paints are stored improperly, leaking chemicals into the air. You can ask for VOC-free paints so you don’t have to deal with VOCs at all.

Cleaners often contain chlorine or ammonia, either of which can irritate you lungs or trigger asthma. While they’re used to clean away dirt & grime, they’re also easily absorbed through the skin and may cause nerve damage. At a minimum, be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask if you must use them. Just realize that baking soda or apple cider vinegar is far less toxic, doesn’t harm your lungs and is an effective alternative.

Another item often found in garages or outbuildings is pesticides or herbicides. Some studies have suggested there may be a link to Parkinson’s disease. The EPA warns that pesticides can affect weakened hearts, lead to arrhythmia or even heart attack.

Wow – Scary, right? So, what’re the alternatives?

These may sound hard to deal with, but National Geographic’s Green Guide reminds us to just take one step at a time. Properly dispose of old paints and solvents. Trade your toxic cleaners for safe, green alternatives. And try natural pest repellants instead of commercial pesticides:
• Cinnamon, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, baby powder will handle ants.
• Equal parts baking powder and confectioner sugar deal effectively with cockroaches
• Place cotton dipped in peppermint oil where you have a mouse problem – or dust some used kitty litter on the area
• To repel mosquitoes, mix 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and place on your deck – or rub a bit of lavender oil on your wrists
• Small sachets of crushed mint placed around the house will keep flies away – or keep a potted sweet basil plant nearby.

Our new household care products from Chaé are safe and green – perfect inside the living space and outdoors as well. Start with the Chaé Glass Cleaner to leave your windows sparkling – and the air free from toxins. Use the All Purpose Cleaner for hard surfaces like tiles, granite steps, etc. The Bath & Tile Cleaner is a good option as well. Leave the area smelling fresh and clean with OxyOdor™ Clear – a ToxicFree® air freshener with a hint of peppermint.

Chaé uses a wide variety of essential oils, many of which serve the house handy man or woman in a variety of ways. And all Chaé products are Certified ToxicFree – your assurance they contain no hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, carcinogens or any other known toxic ingredient.

Watch for more ideas to keep you ‘Going GREEN’!

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