King County EcoConsumer develops home detox plan

Tom Watson, King County EcoConsumer, has developed a six-step program to help residents “cleanse” their home of toxic chemicals.

The regimen is designed to help residents detoxify their home in ways that protect their family’s health and protect the environment. Along with offering advice on how to properly dispose of toxic products, the detox program suggests greener and safer alternatives.

The detox plan includes the following steps:

Step 1: Clean Green
Change out chemical-heavy household cleaners for greener, safer alternatives. Powerful cleaning products may actually make your home less healthy, the EcoConsumer cautions, adding, “Beware of greenwashing – be skeptical of unsubstantiated claims like ‘toxic-free’ or ‘eco-friendly’.”

Step 2: Purge the Garage
Properly dispose of leftover oil-based paints and household hazardous waste. Don’t let your garage or basement become a wasteland of hazardous products. Learn about household hazardous waste products from the federal government’s Household Product Database or any number of other resources.

Step 3: Do an About Face
Check your cosmetics and hygiene products for toxic substances. The average adult uses nine cosmetic products every day, with a total of 126 chemical ingredients.

Step 4: Buy Organic, Garden Organically
Reduce use of chemical fertilizers, use more compost and shop for organic products. Practice natural yard care and eat healthier and greener.

Step 5: Uncover Hidden Toxins
Reconsider products with questionable chemicals such as vinyl shower curtains, mothballs and nail polish.

Step 6: Take Back Your Meds
About one-third of medicines sold to households in Washington State every year never get used. Properly dispose of all unused or expired medications.