One gallon of organic milk 3.89
One large box of baking soda cleaner 2.15
A clean and toxin free kitchen?
Priceless.
Most of us are well aware of the germs and bacteria that can exist in our kitchen if we do not take action in keeping this area of our home clean. Though these microscopic problems can lead to ill health, there are other areas of your kitchen that can be just as, if not more, harmful to you and your family. As we discussed in our other two home detox posts found here and here, there are many ways big and small to create a home that fosters green, clean and healthy living.
Having a green and healthy home is not something that can be done overnight. For many of us, it is a journey involving small changes everyday towards a healthier lifestyle. What steps can YOU take to create a kitchen that promotes wellness?
1. Replace plastic! Opt for a healthier alternative by avoiding plastics and instead packaging food in glass. This also includes those “cutesy” plastic cartoon character plates and cups made for our little ones.
2. Use cast iron or stainless steel pans instead of non-stick. According to the EWG “In two to five minutes on a conventional stovetop, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces can exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases…” Good enough for me! I personally don’t care for Teflon being stuck between my teeth after eating. The floss just doesn’t quite reach it all. Sigh.
3. Ban cans! Refuse to purchase anything canned due to concerns of BPA toxicity. This particular chemical is just one that has been associated with a growing number of health concerns. Tests show that “BPA is at unsafe levels in one of every 10 servings of canned foods (11%) and one of every 3 cans of infant formula (33%).
4. Get Real! Artificial food colors and flavors have been linked to ADHD, hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children. In many cases, Eczema flares have been reported due to synthetic ingredients including preservatives and high fructose corn syrup as well as the negative affects on otherwise “healthy” children. There is still much needed research in this area, but the consensus remains – natural is better!
5. Go Organic! Purchase organic fruits and vegetables that have not been grown with the use of chemicals pesticides or fertilizers – or reduce your exposure by keeping this handy list of the “Dirty Dozen/Clean 15″ with you while shopping. Download here for your personal copy!
6. Filter your water! The EWG offers a drinking water quality analysis and tap water database where you can see how safe your water supply is here.
7. Whole-y Health Batman! Go whole foods and eat nutritionally-sound food. By choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables, you are not only supporting local farming but you are also creating a relationship between yourself and the person growing your food. This gives you the ability to know what you are eating and how it was grown/raised. Whole grains are much helathier for you than enriched and whole-foods contain many beneficial nutrients.
8. Baking Soda and Vinegar are natural cleaners that you can use in your kitchen and your entire home. They are inexpensive and do not contain harmful ingredients or fumes that could pose a threat to your health. Cheap, natural and works!!
There are many ways that we can all transform our homes into healthier living spaces that promote wellness for ourselves and our family. These steps can be big or small – but the bottom line is that they are vital components to a long and healthy life!
Baking soda and vinegar are some of my home’s best friends.
Hi there Dee!! Thanks so much for visiting!! I know – don’t you just LOVE those two? It is especially great to be able to store my vinegar under my sink without any worries of the kids being around something dangerous – plus it does clean well
So glad you left me a comment!
I’m probably going to sound like a moron, but I’m going to ask it anyway. How do you clean with baking soda and vinegar? You just make a towel moist and put some baking soda on it (and with vinegar you just make a towel moist by putting vinegar on it)? I would love a cheap and safe way to clean our apartment!
LOL! You are definitely NOT a moron
We are all learning and figuring out how to be more green for sure! I actually have a spray bottle that I added vinegar to and whenever anything needs a little wipe down – I just spray and wipe clean! Sometimes, for the extra build up, such as a sink, I will spray it with vinegar first and then sprinkle the baking soda on top. You can hear it working as it fizzles 
Then, using a wet cloth – I scrub it clean! The vinegar can then be used for your faucets too as they really shine things up! I hope this helps – it has worked great for us 
Keep me posted!!
Awesome! Can’t wait to use it! …I can’t believe I’m excited about cleaning supplies, lol.
I buy organic milk, but my question is where to you find it for $3.89? The cheapest I find it for is more like $5.89.
I already am working on some of your suggestions! Thanks.
LOL! I think you are right – I actually posted the price for the half-gallon!!! GAH! Although our gallon is still not as much as yours…ouch. They all cost so darn much (worth every penny but still)! I am so glad you came to visit and I can’t wait to hear how it all goes for you
Take Care!
Hello Lynn!! Glad I found you!!! (Marcus’s mom here)
We are doing alot of this….eating healthier, my boys were so excited to get Soy or Almond milk as we are ditching the dairy, or at least trying to.
Anyhow…question….what type of cookware are you using in your kitchen?? I’m just now needing some new pots and pans….I did get for my birthday a Le Crueset pan, just one so far since they aren’t cheap and I’m just learning how to use it and care for it….so far so good!!
OH MY GOSH Melinda! I am so so glad you came here and found me
{{hugs}} to the kiddos! Doesn’t it feel so awesome when you know that you are taking care of your body and eating well – I just love it when our kids choose healthy snacks and really get excited about it too! They freak out over oranges, pomegranates etc and it is great! I am so happy you came here! We are using stainless steel pans btw – I have not heard of Le Crueset but will certainly look into that! Come back again soon 