Consider Using Natural Pesticides and Fertilizers

In spring, there is a high volume of pesticides and fertilizers being used to keep lawns green and weed free. Before using your normal chemicals, consider using green or natural alternatives.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are known carcinogens and have also been linked to asthma, birth defects and neurological disorders. (for more citations on health, visit the Kids for Saving the Earth). These chemicals are also affecting our wildlife too. Particularly our bee population which chemical pesticides have been proven to be one of the primary reasons we have had such decline in our bee populations. (To learn more visit E-Magazine’s article on Pesticide Linked to Honey Bee Deaths)

Here are some resources for natural pesticide and fertilizer use;

• OrganoLawn is a Colorado based lawn care service that only uses natural and organic pesticide and fertilizer products.
• Natural Pesticide Recipes Provides a list of ingredients to make your own green pesticide products.
• Plant Talk Colorado: A robust site on garden and lawn care by the Colorado State University. Click here for their page on natural pesticide product recommendations.
• Clean Air Gardening: Provides a comprehensive list of all the environmentally friendly lawn care products including organic fertilizers and pest control products.

Spring Cleaning: Using Natural Cleaners for Your Home

According to the EPA, of the nearly three thousand top selling chemicals in the U.S., only 7 percent have a full set of basic toxicity information. Most of the chemicals that are used in conventional cleaners have known carcinogens that are harmful to your family and pets. Not to mention the cleaners and chemicals that get into our potable water supply.

With your spring cleaning, try to use natural cleaners for your home. There are some great natural home cleaning products such as Method, Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers found at your local natural food or hardware stores. The EPA also has a great guide on purchasing green cleaning products.

You can also try to make your own cleaners, and here are a few websites and articles that have some good information;

• In Natural Home and Garden, they had a great article, Naturally Clean Home,  that provided receipts and ingredients to create your own natural cleaners. Good, clear and simple directions.

• Earth Easy, Non Toxic Home Cleaning offers a recipe for almost every cleaner you would ever need.

Body Care and Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid

Method, a green cleaning product manufacturer, came out with the “Dirty Ingredient” list which catalogs a list of toxic ingredients common in personal care and cleaning products. There are currently more than 85,000 synthetic chemicals registered for use in North America. Only 10% of them have been fully tested for their effects on human health and the environment.  It is difficult to know about all of the harmful chemicals, toxins, and products in your office and home when you don’t necessarily see, feel, or even smell them.

Here are some other resources for choosing non-toxic and safe body care and cleaning products;

• You can download a pocket guide from the Environmental Working Group called Shoppers Guide to Safe Cosmetics which is a quick list of ingredients to avoid.
• Another good shopping guide from the Organic Consumers Association called Personal Care and Cleaning Products suggests brand name products to purchase that are safe and non-toxic.
• Consumer Reports Greener Choices also has a good information and listing of things to avoid when purchasing cleaners.