We find harmful toxins indoors and outdoors, including industrial chemicals and pollutants everywhere. These pollutants are in our homes, at our jobs, where we shop, or anywhere else we may go. They are in the furniture we sit on, the rugs we walk on, the clothes we wear, the detergent or cleaners we use to wash our clothes and clean our home. Many are in the foods we eat every day. We ingest them through touch, breathing the air, and through our skin, nose, mouth, and ears.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), at least 25% of health problems are caused or linked to environmental factors. I personally believe that the health problems caused by our environment are much greater than the statistics show. Airborne toxins have been linked to health conditions and diseases like allergies, asthma, diabetes, early puberty, cancer, reduced fertility, early puberty, premature birth, learning disabilities like autism, and more.

There are changes you can make in your environment and in your personal life that can help promote a healthier lifestyle and better overall health for you and your family.

• Switch from toxic chemical cleaners that contain harmful ingredients, including unhealthy fragrances, and use green, eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own homemade cleaners. You can make your own cleaners or clean using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemons, vinegar which are some of the most effective cleaners. The best part is that there are no health risks and it will save you money. Add some essential oils for an attractive fragrance: like peppermint, orange oil, or rose oil.

• Change of chemical pesticides and use green and environmentally friendly alternatives. No one wants bugs crawling through their homes, but be sure to make healthy choices and search online for natural, organic pest control that is safe for humans and animals. One way I like to control bugs is to take peppermint essential oil and put a few drops of the oil in a spray bottle filled with water and spray anywhere you find bugs. Most bugs hate the smell of mint. Another helpful tip is to try growing your own mint plants indoors which help clean the air while keeping bugs at bay.

• Get a high-quality air filter or purifier. A high-efficiency particulate air filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through the filter. Many healthcare providers recommend hepa-filtered air purifiers. Check to make sure you buy one that will clean up chemicals, dust, and mold, and do your research before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money.

• take off your shoes at the door and have a comfortable pair of shoes that you only wear inside at the door for sliding. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your home will stay and how much cleaner your air is.

• Check your kitchen for toxic products. The plastic container should not be used especially for heating food or storing food. Use glass jars or storage containers that won’t leach toxins into your food. Don’t use toxic cookware like Teflon coated frying pans or skillets which have been linked to many health problems. Ceramic cookware is promoted as being very safe.

• Try growing your own food with an organic garden. Make your own compost with food scraps and remove weeds instead of using pesticides. Use natural ways to control insects like Neem oil, or check online for many DIY recipes that are very effective.

• Learn to find time each day to be quiet. Noise is everywhere we go and surrounds us Noise pollution is a reality that many of us have to deal with every day. Make a daily effort to find quiet time and turn off your TV and any other electronic devices. Let your mind quiet and try to meditate even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes.

It’s time to take control of your health. It is not always possible to control what happens outside of our home, but we can control what happens inside our home. Make your home a haven of health for a healthier, happier and longer life for you and your family.