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Borax: Friend or Foe?
Borax is used frequently in homemade laundry soap, dishwashing powders, and personal care products. The question often arises: Is borax safe to use?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. (The scientific name for borax is sodium tetraborate decahydrate.) It is a white powder consisting of soft, colorless crystals that dissolve quickly in water.
Borax can be found in most grocery stores under the label 20 Mule Team (pictured here). Mountain Rose Herbs offers a version without the surfactants and detergents commonly found in commercial products.
Guidelines for Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning dates back to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the springtime memorial feast of Passover.
In Persia, the new year falls on the first day of spring. Iranians continue the practice of khooneh tekouni, which means "shaking the house." Everything is cleaned, from drapes to furniture.
People have long understood the connection between cleanliness and health. When we do a thorough cleaning of our home, we improve the air quality and therefore our health. By investing time and energy in this time-honored custom, we offer a much-needed boost to our own and our family's immune systems.
Spring is the ideal time to do a deep cleaning, as the windows can be open without intrusion from bugs and heat. Here are ten suggestions for making this year's spring cleaning a resounding success!
Twelve Treats for the Toxic Trainee
Have a friend or family member trying to detoxify their life? Here are 12 gift-giving ideas designed to encourage and enrich their efforts.
- Books. There’s nothing better than reading how others have created a less toxic environment. Options include:
- Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie Berthold-Bond. This is one of the most comprehensive books on the market. From personal care products to cleaning supplies to non-toxic art supplies, the author offers an abundance of recipes and explanations.
- The Naturally Clean Home focuses exclusively on cleaning your home environment. Karyn Siegel-Maier creatively incorporates herbs and essential oils into her unique recipes.
- Super Natural Home. Beth Greer explains how small lifestyle shifts make a big difference in your health and well-being. Her explanations are thorough and concise!
- Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie Berthold-Bond. This is one of the most comprehensive books on the market. From personal care products to cleaning supplies to non-toxic art supplies, the author offers an abundance of recipes and explanations.
Holiday Awareness Tips
Awareness plus creativity can go a long way toward a healthier holiday! Here are a few tips and suggestions for making your home both beautifully festive and safely toxic-free this holiday season.
Poinsettias:
Poinsettias are officially a non-toxic plant, contrary to popular myth. They are, however, commonly sprayed with chemicals as part of the growers' height control program. Organically grown poinsettias are the best option and worth a call to your local greenhouse. (New York City, for example, boasts this greenhouse offering poinsettias and many other indoor plants that are organically grown.)
In addition, poinsettia plants contain a latex protein. People with a latex allergy can quickly become ill, and often don’t know exactly what they are reacting to when walking into a room containing poinsettias.