For at least a century, manufactured chemicals were all the rage. Whether cleaning the house or cleaning the body, the feeling was that laboratories had the answers and could provide us with products that overcame our every problem. Nature couldn’t solve our cleaning, health, and personal care concerns.

But things have changed, and in the new millennium, everyone wants organic, natural products that still do the job, but without the harsh and frightening chemical compounds and waste by-products of yesteryear. Whether it’s caring for one’s body, house, or merely finding less wasteful ways to perform everyday tasks, Nature is once more tasked with solving our needs. The following five products can help people do their part:

Reusable Shopping Bag or Tote
One obvious product that can replace a wasteful habit is the reusable shopping bag. Imagine how every time you go to a grocery store, you leave with five or six plastic or paper bags. Now imagine that multiplied by everyone you saw in the store, times every day, times ten years. And that’s in just one community. Not only that, but the manufacturing of these bags as well as recycling them uses valuable energy resources. If everyone bought a few of these bags and was diligent about taking them into the store with them, then an enormous amount of waste would be saved. There are a hundred choices, from recycled reusable bags to natural hemp or cotton bags.

Getting Rid of Toxic Cleansers

Another way people are looking to replace is bath and shower gels, as well as soap for washing hands. For years we’ve been sold on the need for antibacterial solutions that kill 99.9% of germs, and for some that .1% was probably too much left behind. Now we’re finding out that the chemicals used in these soaps are potentially far more dangerous than any germs they were killing. Not only that, they destroy the good bacteria we’re supposed to have on our bodies, and give rise to super bacteria that is truly dangerous. If you’re looking to get rid of the chemical soaps, but you’re still squeamish about cleanliness, there are a few solutions. Tea tree oil, lavender, or even sulphur soaps are becoming more and more readily available. These soaps are good for the skin and do a fantastic job of cleaning. The smells might be a little strong or unfamiliar and weird, but once you begin to associate them with cleanliness, you’ll find they do the job as well as any man made chemical soaps.
Cleaning Naturally
There’s also a natural way to clean the home. Vinegar and lemon juice are two products that are safe to use around pets and children, but that actually do a good job cleaning. Various sites around the net offer formulas and recipes that show you how to make a truly effective household cleaner that can be used in the kitchen, bathrooms, and even as a streak free window cleaner. You can also purchase these products pre made if you’re uncertain about making them yourself. Just be sure to read the ingredient lists so you know what you’re getting.

How you wash your clothes

Drier balls like those are another great option for reducing chemical use in your home. Fabric softeners may make clothes feel and smell good, but they also leave chemicals in the clothes you’re wearing right next to your skin. Drier balls are an effective way to enhance the drying cycle of laundry, and leave clothes fresh and soft. They’ll also save you money in the long run.

Microfiber
As an alternative to those amazing but disposable dusters that have been on the market, try using a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is adept at catching dust particles but can be reused indefinitely. Just shake them out outside or give them a wash every once in a while. It may be slightly less convenient than the disposable dusters, but convenience has a cost.
The preceding five methods only scratch the surface of the changes that can be made to a more earth friendly home. Talk to friends and spend some time on the internet to find other ways you can fill your life with organic, green products that will not only help the environment, but keep you and your family healthier.