"In the safe haven of home," as the saying goes. And surely home should be a safe place even when it comes to chemicals. Unfortunately, there can be many hidden chemicals lurking in our homes. Chemicals enter our homes in various ways. And most of it we actually bring into our homes voluntarily through the purchases we make. Often completely unaware of what substances are hiding in our tools, gadgets, and furnishings. When it comes to chemicals in the home, perhaps the first thing we think of are the chemicals in cleaning products.But then we have a lot of chemicals that we often don't even think about, which are constantly emitted from our electronics, plastic floors, furniture, and textiles. Chemicals that can disrupt our hormone balance or cause allergies or cancer. Plastic is a fantastic material and is, despite everything, necessary in our modern society. But various chemicals are used in plastic to give it different properties so that, for example, it doesn't crack easily or can withstand strong sunlight. Color and fragrance additives can also be added. Unfortunately, these chemicals slowly leak out of the plastic. And as a consumer, it's almost impossible to keep track of which plastics are dangerous and which are not. Legislation, controls, and labeling make it a little easier.
Chemicals in Toys
Children are more sensitive than adults, and therefore we need to be extra careful about which chemicals they come into contact with. The EU's chemical legislation is the best in the world, and the rules for toys are even stricter. Therefore, always choose toys manufactured within the EU. And if you buy second-hand toys, make sure they were manufactured after 2007, or even better after 2013 when the regulations were further tightened.Choose toys in natural materials such as wood, fabric, wool, porcelain, stainless steel, paper, and ceramics. Don't give children old electronics or other items that aren't toys to play with, as they don't fall under the same strict legislation as toys. Also choose chemical-free organic textiles such as blankets, sheets, and children's clothing. Always wash all clothes and fabrics before use. Conventional textiles can contain dye residues, anti-mold agents, and other toxic chemicals that you don't want against your skin.Good environmental certifications for textiles are GOTS and OEKO-TEX. Replace foam mattresses with ones made of natural materials. Or check that they are not treated with flame retardants. Textiles, mattresses, and even building materials release the most chemicals when they are new. Electronics don't belong in playrooms or bedrooms as they are often treated with flame retardants and contain other hazardous substances, and the dust closest to them often contains substances you don't want your child to ingest.
The Kitchen
In the kitchen, it's important to try to reduce the number of chemicals, especially when it comes to materials we use for cooking that get heated. This includes, for example, plastic food containers and plastic utensils we use when frying. When plastic gets hot, it generally leaks more than usual.Think about your plastic spatula or television that both heat up when you use them. You then breathe in these substances, get them in your food, or absorb them through your skin. Food packaging can also pose a threat. Some cardboard packaging designed to resist water and grease may contain extremely persistent and harmful environmental toxins called PFAS. Other packaging, such as canned goods, can contain hormone-disrupting Bisphenol A. Choose packaging like Tetra Pak or BPA-free metal containers whenever possible. Frying pans, baking sheets, and molds with non-stick surfaces, such as Teflon, also contain PFAS.Opt for cast iron and steel instead.
Reduce plastic use, and don't buy any new plastic for your kitchen. Don't heat plastic in the microwave and avoid melamine dishware (hard plastic) which can leak melamine when heated or exposed to acidic foods. Use food containers made of stainless steel or glass. Choose stainless steel, cast iron, glass, and ceramics for cooking. Use cutting boards made of bamboo or wood and kitchen utensils made of stainless steel or wood. Oil the wood regularly and occasionally sprinkle salt over it overnight to kill bacteria.
Cleaning
Chemicals also accumulate in dust. Therefore, it's important to air out your home and vacuum frequently. Vacuum first and then wet-clean so that environmental toxins end up in the garbage that gets incinerated rather than in wastewater. When it comes to cleaning, eco-cleaning is actually quite simple. Choose an ecological, environmentally certified dish soap and mix 1/5 with water in a spray bottle when hand washing.Sonett has two types of dish soap (Calendula & Citrus) that both effectively remove dirt while being gentle on hands and the environment.
Vinegar removes lime stains and odors and is excellent for window cleaning. Baking soda works as a metal polish, on cookware with burnt-on food, stains, and odors. Wash clothes with washing nuts or with an eco-labeled detergent such as, for example,Sonett's Liquid Laundry Detergent Sensitive or Liquid Laundry Detergent Lavender. Use soap for floors and ovens. The toilet can be easily cleaned with Sodasan's WC Power Gel or Sonett's Natural Toilet Cleaner. Avoid expensive specialty cleaners and products containing synthetic fragrances. Houseplants have an amazing ability to absorb harmful chemicals from the air, rehumidify it, oxygenate it, and absorb carbon dioxide. So feel free to fill your home with Pothos, English Ivy, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and other air-purifying plants.
Summary
Choose furnishings made of natural materials.
Choose environmentally certified products.
Avoid buying more plastic for your home from now on.
Choose toys made of natural materials.
Choose toys that were manufactured after 2007 and within the EU.
Wash new textiles.
Reduce plastic in your kitchen as much as possible.
Choose eco-labeled laundry and cleaning products.
Vacuum and air out your home to remove dust that contains many chemicals.
Keep living houseplants at home.
Here at Glimja, you'll find environmentally friendly laundry and cleaning products and everything else you need for a sustainable lifestyle!
