Green Side Out - The green lifestyle

There are a wide variety of earth friendly products now available for a multitude of uses, ranging from home and garden to personal care. These products are made without harmful substances such as chlorine bleach, petroleum distillates, ammonia and other toxic chemicals. Choosing nontoxic, natural products will promote a safer home and a cleaner, healthier environment.

It is easy to maintain a clean and sanitary home without using harsh chemicals. Among the many earth friendly products available for home care are biodegradable, plant-based dish and laundry detergents, oxygen-based bleach that removes stains from clothing without toxic chlorine, and multi-purpose cleaners that can be used on walls, countertops, windows and floors.

For the bathroom, shower cleaners are available that contain plant-based surfactants, ethanol derived from corn, and essential oils, which effectively remove soap scum. To open clogged drains, avoid dangerous products containing caustic lye by choosing alternative products that use enzymes that digest and clear clogs naturally.

Other earth friendly products for the home include compostable trash bags, disposable dishes and utensils made of biodegradable materials instead of plastic, unbleached coffee filters, and many products made of recycled paper including bath tissue and paper towels. Beeswax and soy candles are a natural alternative to petroleum-based wax candles, and do not release toxins into the air when burned.

Natural personal care products include soaps and shampoos made with essential oils and botanicals, deodorants that use natural mineral salts instead of aluminum chlorhydrate, and chemical-free sunscreens. These earth friendly products are hypoallergenic and not tested on animals. There are now recyclable toothbrushes and razors available, as well.

There are many natural products especially for baby care, including biodegradable diaper liners, cloth diaper covers, hypo-allergenic shampoo and soap, and diaper rash ointment containing calendula and other herbal extracts.

Environmentally friendly clothing is made from a variety of natural fibers including organic, non-genetically modified cotton, wool, and silk. Hemp, flax, and bamboo are also becoming popular materials for clothing. These crops require less water than cotton, and can easily be grown organically without the use of chemical pesticides because they are naturally resistant to pests. As an alternative to leather, comfortable and stylish vegan shoes that are made with no animal products come in many styles, from casual to dressy.

It is not necessary to use toxic pesticides to control fleas on your pet or in your home. Earth friendly products include herbal pet shampoos and flea collars for dogs and cats. To control fleas in your home, diatomaceous earth is an effective alternative to toxic chemicals. This natural, non-toxic powder comes from the shells of microscopic sea organisms called diatoms. It can be applied to floors and carpets in the home to control fleas, and it also kills roaches, ants and other common insect pests.

For the lawn and garden, many environmentally safe products are available. Herbicidal and insecticidal soaps control weeds and insects, and then decompose without leaving toxic residue in the soil. All-natural fertilizers supply nutrients to give vegetables and flowers a boost without artificial chemicals.

Choosing natural, earth friendly products is a way to make a positive difference in the world.