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FEATURESPRINGCLEAN
Spring is here, so let’s
Get Cleaning
Naturally!
Spring is the traditional time to throw open the windows and get to grips with
grime. But did you know that many chemicals in household products are
hazardous to both health and environment? A simple, natural approach to
household chores will leave your home cleaner – and greener!
A Fresh Start home is good - but a sterile environment is have a scheme for disposing of paper,
Go on – take a look in your cupboards! not a healthy one. The rise in asthma, card, aluminium, glass, plastics and fabrics.
What does it say on the labels of your allergies and other immune-system Transporting goods to supermarkets also
household products? Powerful alkalines disorders has been associated with the over- stamps a carbon footprint on our fragile
such as sodium carbonate and substances sterilisation of our environment. The fact planet. So thinking twice about the
such as silicate, propylene glycol and is, we don’t need the excess of chemicals products you use could not only have
optical brighteners are found in washing for everyday cleaning. Some old-fashioned benefits for your health and
powder, soaps, cleaning fluids and elbow power and a clean, wet cloth can do home, but is also doing
dishwasher products. Did you know that the job just fine, whilst also providing a that little bit for the
these substances should not touch skin perfect workout! Use vinegar to cut environment!
and can irritate the human body? What’s through grease and a small amount of pure
more, they end up in our drain system, olive oil with lemon juice for cleaning and
where they can harm the environment. polishing. Screwed up newspaper makes
The truth is, we just don’t need all these an excellent, smear-free glass cleaner and
chemicals – there are safe, natural old t-shirts, washed and cut to size, make
products for all your household needs. Be perfect cleaning cloths and dusters.
brave – have a clear out!
Clean and tidy
Back to Basics These days everything comes wrapped and
We are encouraged to over-use products by packaged, often quite unnecessarily.
large manufacturing companies. A clean Always recycle; your local authority will
Want to green clean? Try these:
Look out for products by Ecover. They have a
wide range of cleaning and household products
all based on ecological principles – good for
you and your home and good for the
environment. Made from renewable
ingredients, with low aquatic toxicity and
compatible with skin, all Ecover products are
degradable as well as hard working.
Straight from Australia and containing no chlorine or ammonia, the OzKleen range
includes Bath Power, Kitchen Power, Carpet Power, Pre-wash Power and now new
Power Wipes for when you need that extra cleaning power.
22 GOHEALTHYMAR/APR2008
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