This post is written for the “Save the Ocean” group-writing project.

Many household cleaning products contain toxic chemicals. So do some types of carpeting, insulation, maintenance materials and construction materials. Batteries, thermostats with mercury switches, computers containing lead and other electrical household products are particularly hazardous.

Small amounts of these chemicals tossed into the garbage eventually leach out of landfills and into the water system. They concentrate in plankton, which feed small baitfish, which in turn feed larger predator fish, which are consumed by humans, bears and marine mammals. Certain top-of-the-food-web predator fish and many fish caught in urban harbours have become a health risk to consumers, particularly children, pregnant women and people with medical problems.

Image credit: Bart

And here’s how you can keep your household refuse non-toxic:

• Remove your shoes when entering your house to avoid tracking in harmful amounts of pesticides, lead and other contaminants. Keep a welcome mat at the door for people to wipe their feet on before they enter your home.
• Use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and water for cleaning a range of items instead of using more harmful and expensive cleaning agents. Baking soda also freshens drains.
• Substitute cedar chips (shredded cedar wood) for toxin-heavy mothballs.
• Keep herbal mixtures or lemon, vinegar and water in spray bottles to use in place of air fresheners containing potentially harmful chemicals.
• Choose carpets with non-toxic backings and “green” building materials.
• Never throw household batteries, computers, TV sets and other appliances containing harmful components into the trash. Instead dispose of them through your local recycling center.

Recommended reads:

• Eco-friendly stain removal tips
• Non-toxic home cleaning

January 2008 is “Save the Ocean” month here at The Giving Hands. Click here for more information on how you too, can save our oceans, and remember to subscribe to The Giving Hands for your daily updates!