1. Just because a chemical or compound occurs in nature does not make it safe or healthy. Many plants, berries and mushrooms are poisonous or toxic. Lead occurs in nature but it is harmful to living organisms.
2. You should minimize your expose and your family’s exposure to chemicals wherever possible. You should reduce how many different chemicals you use because of their possible harmful interactions. You should also minimize the amount of the chemicals that you choose to use. These actions can improve the health and well being of your family.
3. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), also called sodium hydrogen carbonate is a naturally occurring chemical compound, NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a slightly alkaline white crystalline solid often sold in a powder form.
4. Sodium bicarbonate IS SAFE for people, pets and the environment BUT it should be kept away from children as too much of almost anything can be bad. It has been used as a “soap” and as a cleaner for thousands of years. It is consumed as an antacid, and it is used in baking foods. It has a long history of safe use.
5. Baking soda can be used for many tasks around the house.
6. Use an open container with baking soda in your refrigerator or freezer to keep foods fresh longer. Avoid boxes with a NON BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC MESH! That really helps defeat the idea of reducing pollution. Simply spread a layer of baking soda ½” deep in a re-usable container at least 4″ x 4″. Replace this baking soda monthly but do not throw it out. Keep it to clean your toilets (per step 9).
7. Sprinkle some baking soda into the bottom of garbage bags to eliminate odors rather than using chemical perfumes to mask odors.
8. Eliminate chemical deodorizers in the bathroom by using baking soda as an odor absorber. Simply spread a layer of baking soda ½” deep in a re-usable container at least 4″ x 6″. A small container with vanilla, mint extract, or other essential oils from which one drop can be dispensed into a small dish (which you can fill with dry flowers, pine cones, etc) can acts as a “quick cover up” to avoid toxic sprays and their environmentally unfriendly packaging. Avoid the harsh toxic chemicals found in many commercial deodorizers. Replace this baking soda every month and keep it to clean your toilets (per step 9).
9. Sprinkle the toilet with baking soda and then spray a layer of vinegar over it. Scrub with a brush. This cleans and deodorizes without the harsh chemicals found in toilet bowl cleansers.
10. REMEMBER: Whatever you flush ends up in the water supply from which you drink!!
