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ACT FOR CHANGE

Ask for clear labeling on household cleaners.

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Safer Products in California

We championed legislation that guides the California Green Chemistry Initiative, which will mean less toxic products for everyone in the state.

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PeopleTowels, featuring Prevention Is Power
Limited-Edition PeopleTowels

These limited-edition PeopleTowels celebrate the power of prevention.

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Create a Healthy Home

Prevention starts at home. These simple tips will reduce the whole family's exposure to the toxic chemicals commonly found around the house.

Toss (or Cover) the Crumbling Furniture

Older furniture with foam stuffing, cushions or mattresses could contain harmful flame-retardants called PBDEs, and, if the foam is falling apart, the PBDEs are more likely to be released into the environment. Exposure over time could increase the risk for breast cancer, so it may be time to upgrade that hand-me-down easy chair!

CLEAR SCIENCE

Which chemicals might you find under your kitchen sink or in the garage? Take our science tour of your home.

Science overview of chemicals in household products >

Use Simple, Non-toxic Cleaning Products

With all the warning labels on cleaning products, it's no surprise they're full of toxic chemicals. Seek out non-toxic cleaning products or make your own. A little baking soda and vinegar go a long way toward everyday household cleaning, as well as tackling larger jobs.

Go Easy on the Pesticides

Commercial pesticides are chemicals designed to poison ants, roaches and mice. They've also been linked to a variety of human diseases, as well, including breast cancer. They don't just disappear, either; they can hang around for years, allowing for multiple exposures. The best way to minimize insects is prevention, through careful and regular cleaning.

Avoid Chemical Herbicides

It's no surprise that weed killers aren't all that great for humans, either. But what are your options? Weeding by hand, of course. Frequent mowing makes it hard to spot the difference between weeds and grass in your lawn. And vinegar, salt, soapy water or rubbing alcohol may help control weeds in limited spots.

Avoid Chlorine Bleach and Bleached Products

A big change you can make is to use non-chlorine alternatives to bleach for household cleaning and laundry. And since paper products are often bleached to make them whiter, choose toilet paper, tissue and office paper labeled "Processed Chlorine Free" (PCF). Look for unbleached coffee filters and organic, unbleached tampons as well.

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