10 Shopping Tips for a Healthy Home
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Here are some quick tips for your routine shopping trips.1. Learn to love your labels! Stay away from products labeled as “hazardous", "flammable", "corrosive" or "toxic.”
2. Look for “mild,” “biodegradable” soaps, lotions, cleaners and detergents.
Many doctors don’t recommend anti-bacterial soaps and “extra-strength”
cleaners, because they contain chemicals that might irritate baby’s
skin, eyes, nose and lungs.
3. Choose low-toxic products.
- Look for “PVC-free” and “phthalate-free.”
- Look for “non-aerosol.”
- Look for products made from solid wood (vs. particle board).
4.
Buy organic and locally grown products as much as possible.
5. Purchase natural fiber products for bedding, mattresses, carpets, rugs and furnishings.
Wool is an all-natural fiber with fewer allergens, and has natural
anti-bacterial as well as non-flammable properties. We recommend you
stay away from foam pillows, mattresses and furniture. They are often
sprayed with highly toxic chemicals and flame retardants (PBDEs) shown
to have adverse health affects.
7. Avoid bad plastics. In addition to avoiding PVC and phthalates, avoid #3 and #7 plastic containers. Look on the bottom for these numbers.
8. Don’t purchase or use pesticides. Pesticide use, including use of herbicides and insecticides, has been linked to cancer and other serious health problems.
10. After shopping, leave your shoes at the door! By removing your shoes upon entering your home, you avoid tracking in many harmful chemicals.