I've written about how to substitute a variety of dangerous chemicals with non-toxic alternatives to benefit your family's health.
Now it's time to get you thinking about how to handle them on the back end of their life cycle: disposal.
Create a collection area to track your hazardous wastes as they are used up.
I do quite a bit of painting at home, whether it's for personal enjoyment or to paint a bedroom.
Always consider the low or no-VOC paints for use, and I recommend using the water based paints to minimize their effects.
I keep my empty paint outside of the house in order to omit the vapors inside.
Underneath my stairs in the back of the house, I have a large plastic box for storing my paint cans until I can dispose of them properly.
Most cities will hold a monthly or quarterly hazardous waste disposal day in which you can drop off your materials.
This also goes for cleaning chemicals and pesticides.
Look for alternatives to your cleaning chemicals, right in your kitchen.
The magic natural cleaners that can substitute nearly every nasty chemical cleaner in your house includes: white vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, tea tree oil.
It's funny to me that natural cleaners will not only do the job that hazardous chemicals will, but you'll save some money too.
Instead of a nasty tile cleaner, try a hand held steam cleaner first.
Seems a little simple, I know.
These things are an awesome investment that will pay themselves off quickly.
They're also especially handy for cleaning wooden floors.
Instead of stain or odor removers, try white vinegar.
It takes a bit longer to work, but the results will shock you.
I'm really surprised that there's not more of a dialogue about why the most common cleaners all contain toxic chemicals.
Further, I think it's funny when these things are kept under a kitchen sink where a kid can easily get to them.
Keep your stuff up high or outside until you use it up, and start practicing with natural cleaners.
You won't go back once you get it down.
Keep track of (and replace!) your nasty pesticides.
It seems to me that most households will use pesticides once a year, if that.
More often than not, they forget they have them and buy new products each time.
I recommend making a list of each task you have a pesticide for.
Next, decide if you really need to take care of the issue, and if so look for a natural alternative.
They're out there! For example, when I purchased my house I found a ton of weed killer containers in the basement.
I discovered quickly that there are a bundle of alternatives found in the house.
Boiling water will kill any plant it touches, all the way to the base.
White vinegar also works, as does salt.
I really want you to start identifying the hazards in your home in order to protect your family's health and to enjoy the benefits of natural alternatives.
You'll end up saving some cash and also enjoy a safer, cleaner house.
Safely dispose of those toxic products for good and be assured you can breathe easier.
So remember, to put those toxic chemicals to rest: -Identify your toxic chemicals in the house, and see what you really need.
-Look for natural alternatives to these products.
-Safely dispose of hazardous wastes via your town's collection program.