• It embraces natural ventilation by opening windows and doors to introduce clean outdoor air and expel stale indoor air, reducing airborne contaminants.
• It utilizes HEPA filters and air purifiers to seize allergens, dust, and particulate matter, significantly purifying the atmosphere.
• It prioritizes appliance maintenance through routine maintenance and swift repairs to minimize the release of harmful pollutants and ensure a healthful atmosphere.
• It controls humidity levels between 30-50% with dehumidifiers and air conditioners to curb mold and dust mites that thrive in damp conditions.
• It adopts regular cleaning routines like dusting, vacuuming with HEPA filters to eradicate dust, pet dander, and other allergens from surfaces and textiles.
• It establishes a smoke-free zone with a no-smoking policy indoors to significantly improve air purity and promote a more healthful living space.
• It opts for low-VOC products like paints and adhesives that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds to reduce toxic chemicals introduced into the air.

Cleanliness doesn't need to be associated with any particular scent. For many years, people have been conditioned to think that if something is "clean," it should have a strong, fragrant smell. Companies have sold commercial cleaning products containing artificial fragrances for decades, designed to make consumers believe that their homes and businesses are clean simply because of the scent they emit.

However, this is a misconception. Having a fragrant scent in the air does not equate to a room being truly clean. In actuality, there is no single smell that could be considered "clean," as the term only refers to how free an environment is from dirt and germs. When a space has been properly cleaned, there should be no trace of any odor at all - including artificial fragrances.

What's more, artificially scented cleaning products can often cause more harm than good by introducing toxins into the environment which can adversely affect respiratory health over time. Certain chemicals that are commonly used to create these scents can trigger allergies or cause headaches for those who are exposed regularly. In some cases, these substances can even contribute to asthma attacks or other serious illnesses which can've long-term implications for those affected - making them much worse off than before they decided to use these heavily-scented cleaning solutions in their home or workplace environment.

Therefore, it's important for both homeowners and business owners alike not to rely on artificially scented cleaning products as indicators of a truly clean home or office space. It's much safer (and healthier) in the long run to opt instead for natural cleansers like MamaSuds which serve just as well at removing dirt and grime without exposing occupants unnecessarily to potentially harmful chemicals found in heavily-scented commercial cleaners.

Overall, while it may seem like cleanliness comes hand-in-hand with certain smells - this is almost never the case; instead, opting for natural cleaners without artificial or "Plant-based" scents (always always choose unscented or pure essential oils) will ensure that your living and working spaces remain safe from germs without sacrificing your health in the process!

The recent Unilever Dry Shampoo Recall has many of us in the health and wellness industry shaking our heads and asking, "Why is benzene used at all?". In all, NINETEEN products were voluntarily recalled (oh how nice of them, we should definitely trust them in the future) because of the "potentially elevated levels of benzene." 

According to the FDA:

"Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening."

According to the CDC: 

• Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable.
• Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas.
• Benzene dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water.

The main way people are exposed to benzene is through personal care products that use benzene in their spray propellants. "

"The highest detections of benzene have been in aerosol spray products. FDA scientists hypothesize that contamination may come from inactive petroleum-derived ingredients, such as carbomers, a thickening agent, or isobutane, a spray propellant."

Wait, did you read that? FDA scientists HYPOTHESIZE? So they aren't testing products for it? Hmmmm.

How about banning aerosol products in general so we don't expose humans to daily contact? 

What are safe alternatives? We love the Dry Shampoo that Red Oak Refillery sells. 

Hello, My name is Michelle C. Smith and I am formally addicted to bleach. I used it in my laundry and I used on every one of my hard surfaces. I was convinced it kept my family healthy. From the research I have done on germs (partly to help my germaphobia), I have learned germs help our autoimmune system become stronger. I have also read so much about the horrible impact bleach and its manufacturing process has on our environment. 

Dioxins- have you ever heard of them? They are one of the most toxic chemicals known to our planet. 

Without giving you a boring chemistry lesson... "Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants" and they are a by-product of the manufacturing of bleach. Do dioxins cause cancer. YES. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dioxins are a "multigrain carcinogen in animals. Target organs include the liver, thyroid, lung, skin, and soft tissues." That sounds scary. And it is, because dioxins are found in our food. More than 90% of human exposure is through food. It's mostly found in our meat. dairy, fish and shellfish. 

Ditch Bleach!

Bleach is caustic and corrosive. But the real problem is how it's made. Bleach manufacturers often release the solution in water and other industrial waste. It eventually gets in the water system which harms aquatic life and can mix with other organic compounds and create more harmful toxins.  

Bleach is in or contributes to the manufacturing of about 15,000 products. It's a big deal. So let's stop using it. 

It's hard to read about ideas and facts that make us question what we thought to be true. When I first started reading about all this information more than 15 years ago, it made me start questioning a lot of what I thought was the truth. It’s hard for some people to question things.  It makes you question more things. It has a domino effect. I find that once people learn about the real harmful effects that bleach has on us as people, as a human race, on our ecological system.... they change a lot of other aspects of their lives. It can be frightening. I don't even think that word captures the true feeling, but it's hard to think about how some tiny chemicals can wreak havoc on our environment and nobody seems to be talking about it. 

How does this information about bleach and how it affects us make YOU feel? 

Need bleach alternatives? Find them here.

 

As the world becomes more aware of the environmental challenges we face, green remodeling has become more popular. Green remodeling differs from conventional remodeling because it focuses primarily on energy conservation and efficiency. A successful green remodel results in lower energy costs for you and your family as well as a lighter energy footprint, which has a beneficial impact on the wider environment that we all share. Here are a few reasons that you should consider a green remodel of your home.

Reducing Allergens

Many older homes and those built with certain materials can create a toxic stew of allergens that travel throughout the home. Allergens commonly found in the home include mold, dust, shed skin from household pets or unwanted pests and more. Kids, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions and the elderly are especially sensitive to these indoor allergens. Some allergens, like mold, can be detected with in-home test kits. Air filtration is one of the most effective means of reducing the number of allergens in the house. Inexpensive air filters can be placed around the house strategically to clean the air continuously. If your HVAC system is older, consider replacing it. Decluttering your home by removing as much furniture and accessories throughout the house that tend to collect dust can also reduce the allergen burden.

Improving Air Quality

Some home renovations improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment in addition to improving energy efficiency in the home. As mentioned previously, airflow is crucial for improving the quality of your home’s air. If you are considering new flooring, then hardwood surfaces might be a better bet than carpet because they tend to collect less dust, creating healthy air. If you live in an area with clean outdoor air, consider renovations that increase outside airflow into the home, such as a trickle ventilator placed in the kitchen.

A Healthier World for Everyone

The best green remodeling jobs can create as much as a 75 percent reduction in energy consumption. Not only does this mean lower monthly bills, but you are making a small but important contribution to our collective action to reduce carbon emissions and save the planet. We are all part of a global community, so why not do your part to be a good steward of the planet?

Remodeling your home can be a messy process, but it doesn’t have to be harmful to the environment. Invest in a green remodel of your home to save money and make the environmental future brighter for everyone.

Once you’ve got your green home remodel finished, keep helping the environment by cleaning with our all-natural household cleaning products!