Easy ways to have a healthier house...

Once I started doing more of this research I realized that while some of the changes are hard (and/or expensive) there are some things that we can easily do to reduce the toxins we have in our house. Different sites offer different ideas, I've compiled this list of five of my favorites and linked some websites with good suggestions. These are, of course, in addition to the posts I've already shared about DIY cleaners and the personal care products. 

1. Don't wear shoes in the house (my sister is going to love this one!) - We track in a lot more than dirt: think bacteria, chemicals, and lead. This is especially important in carpeted areas, which can maintain traces of toxic chemicals for years.

2. Dust/Mop Often - House dust is one of the leading ways children are exposed to toxic chemicals. Make sure that you dust with a wet cloth - dry dusting just circulates everything back in the air. It is recommended that we dust and mop at least once a week (more with small kids around). You can also look for a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter (it removes the allergens and other small particles).

3. Ditch the plastic - or at least be safer about the type you are using and how you are using it. I've switched all my plastics and now store food in glass or ceramic containers. Not only is it safer, but they seem to make the food last longer. On a related note, it's recommended that we should eat fresh and frozen foods whenever possible because to avoid Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in the lining of most food and drink cans. BPA has been linked to a wide range of potential health effects, including impacts on the developing brain and the disruption of hormone functions.

4. Don't buy bleached products - The EPA found that chlorine byproducts (dioxins) are 300,000 more times as carcinogenic as the chemical pesticide DDT. Where do you find bleached products? Often paper towels, toilet paper, and bleached coffee filters. Also look for chlorine-free (or PCF) paper products, including toilet paper, as well as oxygen-bleached coffee filters.

5. Ditch the toxic pesticides - Researchers say that our lawns contribute to approximately 2 percent of our nation’s fossil-fuel consumption and 10 percent of the country’s air pollution (that's mowing, watering, and fertilizing).  Lawn treatment companies commonly use a weed killer called atrazine that is a known endocrine disruptor and don't even get me started on Round Up. I am a little obsessed with dandelions and as much as I used to get satisfaction from spraying the chemicals to kill those suckers, now I get the same satisfaction from seeing how much of the root I can get and now that I am not adding anymore chemicals to my yard and the air and water supply :)

Man, stopping at five is hard! I have to add the benefits of houseplants - maybe that will be another blog post :)

Here are some additional ideas:

WebMD has this list
Everyday Health has this list