The rapid changes in the world affect the environment so it is our duty to take necessary steps and protect the environment. Going green is an excellent way to protect the environment. “Going green” means to adopt practices that bring environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles which help to protect the environment. People can reduce their exposure to toxins in their daily life by making simple changes in lifestyle. These simple things also maximize their health and the health of our planet. Daily chemicals in our bodies cause many health problems such as autism, learning disabilities, infertility and cancer. When these chemicals from different sources come into contact what happens in our body. Read on the article to know the tips to going green with healthy lifestyle.
Tips to going green with healthy lifestyle
Personal care products
Daily we use 10 cosmetic and personal care products. As per the Environmental Working Group, everyday people apply around 126 unique ingredients to their skin. Personal care products such as toothpaste, chapstick, deodorant, lotion, talcum powder, lip gloss, eye liner, lipstick, makeup, mouthwash, perfumes, shaving cream, personal lubricant, shampoo, skin cream, toothbrushes, etc which we use daily contain harmful chemicals. People think these personal care products are thoroughly tested for safety but most of products are not tested by any publicly accountable organization. Personal care products contain many chemicals which may cause cancer, learning disabilities, skin irritations, hormone imbalance, birth defects, immune system toxicity, infertility, asthma, organ damage and other harmful effects. Chemicals such as propylene glycol, Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl urea, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, parabens (propyl, methyl, butyl, or ethyl), triclosan, triethanolamine, synthetic colors are used in personal care products which can cause many health problems. So to stay away from these chemicals, use natural brand products that does not have these chemicals.
Drinking water
In U.S., 42 states contaminated drinking water have been found. Drinking water is contaminated with 141 unregulated chemicals such as antibiotics, prescription drugs, antidepressants, anti-convulsants, birth control, pain medications, over-the-counter medicines, heart medications, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones. Consumption of these chemicals in small quantity can cause harm over the time. Drinking water contains these chemicals in small quantity which is lower than medical dose levels. But scientists are worried about the effects of these chemicals on health if chemicals are consumed for long time. So install a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system on cooking & drinking water or buy a water filter. Buy a reusable stainless steel, metal, BPA-free type or glass water bottles and fill it at house. Avoid plastic water bottles as these bottles become garbage or end up in a landfill.
Household cleaners
Household cleaners have synthetic chemicals which can be hazardous than the germs themselves. In common household products, around 17,000 chemicals are found. Household cleaning products contain chemicals such as acids, alkalies, detergents, etc. These chemicals can cause allergies, psychological disorders, cancer and birth defects. Only 3 out of 10 household products are tested for their effects on human health as “the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission” doesn’t need manufacturers to test products prior to they appear on store shelves. So use non toxic or natural household cleaners. To clean home, use vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. To make creamy soft scrub, mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup vegetable-based soap and 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin. Use this scrub to clean tubs, toilets, showers, sinks and countertops. You can also make all-purpose green cleaner by mixing 2 cups white vinegar with 2 cups water.