A Safer Glass Cleaner

Part of my journey to becoming more aware and Mother Earth friendly is finding safe alternatives for everyday cleaning products and actually, switching out our cleaning products has been one of the easiest, green choices we've adopted in our home. It takes no extra time for me to buy a safer alternative. What took the most time for me was finding which alternatives were best and one of the inspirations for starting Life of A Hippie Chick Blog was to pass on what I have learned and maybe help you through your journey of being more aware and environmentally friendly. It's a long  road after all, so we may as well keep each other company and share what we learn. :)

If I am being honest this road was a bit frustrating in the beginning. It has taken time for me to find  safe products that are not only really effective but are COMPLETELY  safe. It was also incredibly disappointing to learn just how big of a pain in the ass it is to find out what chemicals you're actually being exposed to when using your common everyday cleaners because the manufactures are not required to list ingredients!! Say what?! I know, it's crazy. Buying some of these products can cost more but I think you and your family's well-being is worth it. Don't you?

I don't know about you, but I do most of the cleaning in our house which means I take in most of the chemicals that are being used.  When I opened my eyes to the risk I was taking and realized that I was putting not only my health, but my family and pet's health on the line by simply cleaning the house and not being aware of what I was really spraying to make surfaces "safe" seemed to be a little counterintuitive. Isn't it? Did you know that most All-Purpose Cleaners you have to let sit on for 10 minutes before you wipe off and then make sure it's rinsed well if it's a surface you plan to eat off of? I didn't. Like most, I would spray and wipe, that is how I saw every person in my life clean a countertop, and like most, I never read the instructions! Perfect, please come over for a delicious meal with a side of cancer causing, hormone disrupting, asthma inducing, pesticides and chemicals. YUM!

I could go on and on about this subject and I definitely plan to a little bit at a time. :) But, for now here are more facts about  women's health and chemicals and other helpful Info about toxic cleaners.

Keep in mind that just because a product is biodegradable does not mean it is safe around people and pets, so read your labels and do your homework. Also don't fall for companies that are marketed to the consumer as a “non-toxic,” “biodegradable,” and “non-hazardous” alternative to presumably more toxic products and yet, the ingredients tell a radically different story. The ingredients never lie.

Window products specifically can contain Propylene Glycol, a controversial compound commonly used in glass cleaners but also in toothpaste and cosmetics. It is considered safe by the U.S. FDA and the World Health Organization. But environmentalists point to studies showing it can cause skin irritation as well as liver and kidney damage. They can also contain; Ammonia, Ethanol, Isopropyl alcohol, and Methanol.  My family and I are not willing to be a guinea pigs to find out the long term effects!

Luckily, there are good guys out there that have a similar, green vision and are formulating some kick-butt, SAFE products!

Here are a few of my favorite alternatives for glass cleaner's  that are tried and true:

 
• Try this  homemade glass cleaner that is much more cost-effective if you prefer to make your own. If you do like the idea of making your own cleaning products here's a great Video of the 8 basic DIY cleaning ingredients.
• OR try Norwex Norwex Window Cloths they rock  and all they need is water!






Honest Glass + Window Cleaner Natural & Streak Free BUY HERE or find at your local Target store.




• 

  
  

• Better Life's I can See Clearly, WOW! BUY HERE or find at Harmons grocery store if you're in Utah