by diy naturally 08.07 Every drop counts when it comes to water conservation. Our planet is two-thirds water but only 3% of that is fresh water and less than 1% is fit for us to use. On top of this, much of our freshwater supply is being contaminated by billions of tons of toxic chemicals being dumped into the oceans, lakes, rivers and other natural water sources.
These toxic chemicals come from our use of toxic household cleaners, petrochemical based laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos… and this is just in our homes. Think about all the chemicals being deposited into our environment by irresponsible companies and countries.
Our primary concern should be that of our future because if you think about it, we are slowly poisoning ourselves each time we rinse those chemicals down the drain.
What you can do right now
- Get rid of ALL your chemical cleaners.
There is a long list of chemicals that are harmful, toxic and dangerous for us to be using in our homes and yet, we continue to use them. And you know which ones they are, too. They burn your nose when you inhale the fumes while cleaning. They give you a headache after using them. These are all harmful toxins.
Better Alternatives – There are several different ways you can clean your home without the use of harmful chemicals from natual cleaning sources like baking soda and vinegarto environmentally friendly cleaners from companies like Seventh Generation, Biokleen and Earth Friendly Products. All of which, by the way, can be found in our Green Living shop and have been personally used in my home for several years.
- Stop using petrochemical based laundry detergents.
Your laundry detergent is not soap. Not sure if many people know that. Everyday laundry detergents are actually petrochemicals derived from crude oil and are listed as “toxic substances” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
When you use these detergents, the chemicals stay on your clothes and are absorbed through your skin and into your blood stream, causing everything from headaches to rashes and certain cancers. In terms of our freshwater, when your machine goes into the rinse cycle, it’s washing all those chemicals into our freshwater supply.
Better Alternatives – There are options in this category and they are effective, non-toxic and get the job done just as well, if not better than traditional laundry detergents. I was using an eco-friendly soy-based laundry detergent by Earth Friendly Products for a few years and I loved it. I especially, prefer the Lemonagrass scent.
However, recently, I’ve been using laundry magnets from ZenLaundry instead of the above laundry detergent and I will never go back. These magnets I recommend highly. First, it’s a one-time purchase and I love the fact that I can skip the detergent aisle at the grocery store knowing, that I will never have to buy detergent again. This is a great money saver. Second, they are completely non-toxic, chemical-free and they get the job done just as good as any detergent, natural or chemical based.
- Stop using Chemical Pesticides
Pest control is an ongoing problem for all of us. For years, we have been dependent on chemical pesticides to help protect our homes. Every time you use a pesticide, some of it will be consumed by you as well, whether you inhale the spray or absorb it through your skin, small particles are released in the air and make their way into your lungs and/or blood stream.These toxins have been linked to many forms of illness and disease, including cancer.
Better Alternatives –
- Cockroaches: Block the point of entry into your home. Fill in all cracks around cabinets, shelves, baseboards, doors, windows, bath tubs, pipes and so forth. A light sprinkling of borax around each point of entry will deter them from attempting to come into your home.
- Ants: Sprinkle talcum powder, damp coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, bone meal, charcoal or chalk around the source of entry. But the most natural and most effective alternative is a little bit of lemon; squeeze the juice and lave the rind.
- Flies: Use a dab of honey on a piece of yellow paper. very simple and effective.
- Ticks and fleas: A routine bath goes a long way in regards to pests and your pets. You might also try an herbal rinse with rosemary. Just bring 2 cups of boiling water to a boil, add 2 tablespoons of Rosemary, and let soak for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Apply to your pet after you have washed and towel dried. Use a sponge and dab it on or spray it on with a spray bottle.
- Mosquitoes: One of the most annoying pests around, in my opinion. Natural repellents include citronella oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, and lemongrass oil.
Calculate Your Water Footprint
- 1 lb plastic = 24 gallons of water
- 1 lb cotton > 100 gallons of water
- Average Person = 1,189.3 gallons of water per day.
Every drop saved today is a drop for tomorrow.
