Limiting harmful washing
Many cleaning products, whether for washing clothes or cleaning houses and buildings, contain a number of toxic chemicals.
According to the US Environmental Protection agency the air inside our homes could be 2-5 times more harmful than the air outside. In some extreme cases it can rise to 100 times more harmful due to a mixture of pesticides and household cleaners.
So what can we do about reducing and replacing them with non-toxic alternatives?
What you can do
Avoid the worst chemicals in laundry detergents
Research alternative non-toxic, plant-based and natural household cleaners and green laundry detergents.
Look for websites in your specific country or region, but here's an example of a website that helps to know what to look out for:
https://naturallivingfamily.com/chemicals-laundry-detergent-ingredients-dangers/
A checklist
If you don't have the option to make your own, look for detergents that don’t contain enzymes and phosphates, main polluters of water.
Picking Green is better than doing nothing.
Call for change
Go for greener brand alternatives, check the packaging for some clues.
Green symbols on products can vary depending on which country and the relevant standardization regulatory bodies. Some are more stringent than others.
You can always write to the manufacturer for clarification. Remember as a customer you are an important stakeholder. If they fail to respond or you’re not happy, switch and tell others.
