In April of every year since 1970, people all over the world celebrate Earth Day. We are bombarded with information about the state of the environment, pollution threats, and suggestions about how we, as individuals and as communities, can help save our planet.

This day and time, most of us practice recycling. But to truly make a difference, we must make a commitment to do everything we can to live green and protect the environment every single day. Whether or not our natural resources are indeed being used up at a tremendous rate; whether or not we’re going to run out of easily available energy resources; whether or not global warming exists, stewardship is and has always been, a wise and thoughtful choice.

A great place to begin green living is by evaluating our household cleaning products. “Green” living was practiced by our grandparents and they didn’t even know it. They used vinegar and baking soda to clean house. Living “Green” means that we will use the least harmful solution for both environment and human health reasons. We strive to reduce our negative impact on the planet in small, everyday ways, living in harmony with nature. It means choosing alternatives that have less of a toxic impact on our homes and the environment.

In the 1950’s, there were many commercials for an increasing array of household cleaning products. Household cleaning products were some of the first products advertised and after a couple of years, the same brands promised “new and improved”, “whiter than white, and “cleaner than clean”. This was the beginning of synthetic chemicals finding their way into American homes.

To date, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 75,000 synthetic chemicals are registered; 250 billion pounds produced each year in the U.S. alone and only a small fraction of them have been tested for human health concerns.

Scientists at the National Toxicology Program found 150 chemicals present at the home are associated with allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders. Some of these chemicals may be in household cleaners.

A recent study, conducted over 15 years, found that women who work at home have a 54 % higher death rate from cancer than those who work outside the home. Scientists concluded that this was a direct result of increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.

Using safe green products is healthier and more considerate for everyone. Living in harmony with nature can become a part our everyday habits; habits that our children will adopt as they see us practicing these routines. Green cleaning is simple and healthy, yet powerful and global. By choosing eco-friendly products, we transform our homes into a place of comfort and health while doing our part to protect local waterways, soil and landfills, promoting the health of the entire community. There is no greater gift we can give to our planet on Earth Day than generations of our offspring who care about the quality of life, all life, and then pass the gift on to their future generations.

For questions or information on quality cleaners that are always safe, always work and always green, email mel2urhlth@aol.com or call 336-643-6494.