It’s Not Just What You Eat

By Alison Grey, Co-op Staff

Recently, I’ve been hanging around toddlers quite a bit. I may not be a mama, but my house is often frequented by a mini-person with an affinity for exploration, and the first thing I’ve realized about this age group: everything goes straight into the mouth.

They will find a hidden raisin on the floor, eat that piece of lint from in between the couch cushions, or will touch whatever dirt and bacteria is lurking on any available surface within three feet from the ground.

One thing is certain: if they can grab it, reach it or touch it, they will most likely lick it, stick it in their mouth or rub it in their eyes. However, there are also the invisible dangers: How about the petrochemicals you used to clean the highchair tray? Appetizing?

While eating a little dirt seems pretty harmless (gotta build that immune system, right?), it’s hard to imagine that toxic chemicals are. We worry about what our kids eat, so it makes sense to think about their environment and what else we are exposing them to on a regular basis. The same goes for us adults.

While cleaning my house recently, I picked up a bottle of toilet cleaner filled with bleach and chlorine. The lid wasn’t on securely and the liquid ended up spilling on my arm. The resulting stinging and burning were enough to elicit a few explicit words and the overwhelming fumes burned my nostrils and made my eyes water.

My immediate thought: if this affected me, what would happen if children were exposed to it? It may be kept hidden away in a safe spot, but if we’re cleaning with it, on some level are we exposing ourselves and our kids to it?

An article in the New York Times, New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer., by Nicholas D. Kristof details a 200-page report from the President’s Cancer Panel: “Some cancers are becoming more common, particularly in children. We don’t know why that is, but the proliferation of chemicals in water, foods, air and household products is widely suspected as a factor.”

The article also cites a study in which 300 contaminants have been detected in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies, saying: “to a disturbing extent, babies are born ‘pre-polluted.’”

It’s not that we need to live in a state of paranoia and fear, but choosing products that are a little less scary seemed like an obvious, and simple, solution to ease my mind. Surely, I could find something to clean my toilet that would not require a mask and full body suit to avoid the toxic fumes and chemicals, right?

As heart-warming and reassuring as a skull and cross bones warning is, I began to think it was time for a change.

Until this point, I’d been purchasing conventional cleaners for one simple reason: they are cheap. I am on a budget and spending a few extra bucks on something ‘natural’ seemed frivolous. Cleaning isn’t as much fun as cooking up a great meal, so these products never reached the top of my purchasing priority list.

Of course, being around a child and realizing for the first time that even the smallest decisions can affect an innocent life made me think about the value of natural household cleaners and personal care products.

It depends upon the company, but many offer products that do not contain unnecessary chemicals, are non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, have less lasting residue and no hidden ingredients.

Natural brands are typically not tested on animals, are biodegradable and some are free and clear of fragrances, dyes and masking agents. Reading the labels will help you determine what is best for your family and/or personal needs.

The more we learn about the world, the more we realize that most things are connected in some way (cue the “Circle of Life” from the Lion King). I realized that making my own home safer could also have an impact beyond my immediate walls.

Choosing to spend my money on products that are better for my long-term health, the health of those around me and the health of the environment, seems like an investment that is well worth the extra cost. And, the immediate impact of cleaning with products that don’t make me nauseous is certainly a plus!

The Co-op stocks several brands of natural household cleaners and personal care products that are effective for the air, surfaces, fabric and the people in your home, including: biokleen, ECOVER, Planet, Earth Friendly, CitraSolv, Seventh Generation and Meyer’s Clean Day.

For the budget minded among you, I discovered a saving grace when choosing these types of products: buy them in bulk.

Buying in bulk will save you money, allowing you to purchase better quality items while staying within the budget. And, re-filling your own containers helps decrease packaging waste. The Co-op offers dish soap and detergent, baking soda, all purpose cleaner and laundry detergent in bulk.

Beyond cleaning, the Co-op also offers some of your favorite natural beauty care brands in bulk, including shampoos, conditioners, body wash, bath salts, hand soap and more.

When shopping, read the specific labels of each product to make sure they are in line with your values and individual needs. And if you have questions, ask a Co-op staff member or contact the manufacturer directly.

For more information visit Cosmetics Database and Healthy Stuff.Org.

Want to Save a Buck on Body Care?

Sign-up for the Co-op’s weekly e-mail updates, FoodEnews, and you’ll receive a coupon for $1 off any bulk body care product. FoodEnews is also a great way to stay in the know, with info on weekly sales, Co-op events, seasonal items, other special coupons, free giveaways and much more.