Cleaning Brands:

While there are numerous brands that are now environmentally friendly and natural…here is a list of products I use, have used, or friends use and recommend.
Be sure to check out EarthEasy for homemade substitutions.

Why Use Non-toxic/Natural Cleaning Products? Read this report from the World Watch Institute and then read this report from WebMD.

Seventh Generation

“One of the country’s first self-declared “socially responsible” companies, Seventh Generation is a business that operates according to a new and different set of principles and values that in many ways are a marked departure from those long considered “traditional.” Its business practice is focused on offering people avenues to express their idealism, passion, and commitment to causes larger than themselves at every point along its supply chain—from suppliers and partners to shareholders, customers and its own staff.”

Biokleen

“Jim Rimer founded Biokleen in 1989. As a previous sales representative of cleaning chemicals in the commercial and industrial industry he became more and more aware of the dangers of the products he was selling and the ingredients they contained.

He saw first hand his chemicals were creating health problems for his customers, causing negative effects – including cancer – on families and pets in the homes and businesses where these supplies were being used.”  Read more…

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

“Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps are synonymous with Old-World quality and time-honored simplicity, which can be traced back to the family’s German-Jewish soapmaking tradition. Born in 1908 to a Jewish family that had been making soap since 1858, Emanuel Bronner was the third generation certified as a master-soapmaker under the guild system of the time. In 1929, he brought his formulas for high-quality liquid and bar soaps to America, starting Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps in its current form in 1948.”

Ecover

“Ecover is an international company active in the production of ecological cleaners. Founded in 1980 in Belgium,we have been a trendsetter from the very start: as a pioneering company,  marketing a phosphate-free washing powder even before phosphates were branded as a problem.”

Household Traditions

“Various cleaning products for around the home, made of “A botanical solution comprised of: purified water, amino acids, minerals and other ingredients derived from leafy green, edible and seed-bearing plants.”

Soy Clean

“SoyClean harnesses the natural solvency and lubricity of soy to produce powerful cleaners, lubricants, and various other industrial products. These non-toxic products are safer for the user and better for the environment than traditional products. Product categories include: solvents, fluids and oils, wood and concrete sealers, industrial strength cleaners, lubricants and greases, concrete and asphalt release agents, and several specialty products. SoyClean is the non-toxic alternative to traditional products.”

Vermont Soapworks

Carpet and Furniture:

Things such as carpet and furniture in the home should not be overlooked.  Children and pets chew on woods, plastics, cloth items…what have you.  They also spend a lot of time on the floor playing and many pets of course sleep on the floor.  Here are a few resources to enable you improve your lifestyle by making smart choices in furnishing/decorating your home.

From EcoByDesign: “There are over 200 chemicals used in conventional carpets. No one has made a serious attempt to determine which of these chemicals is responsible for acute illnesses in certain new carpet owners. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty breathing, weakness, hair loss, skin rashes, dizziness, depression, loss of memory, confusion, headaches, and burning throats, noses, and eyes. Anderson Laboratories conducted a study of several hundred carpets under carefully controlled conditions. The data demonstrated that certain carpets release toxic (poisonous) chemicals into the air. The mice had the same reactions as the carpet owners: altered nervous system (falling, tremors, paralysis of legs, stupor, and convulsions), irritation to the throat, eyes, and nose, and difficulty breathing. The study can be found in Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, 1997, Vol. 7, pp. 177-185.”

Eco by Design and EcoPlanet:

“EcoPlanet is a Nevada based corporation with an unusual philosophy for conducting business. We continuously work towards making our products more creative and as environmentally friendly as possible. Our primary focus is our internet web sites, which include 3 ecommerce shops, 3 online communities, an online comic strip, and several smaller web sites that provide resources to consumers.”

Shaw Carpet and Flooring

“Shaw is noted for its leadership, both in the flooring industry and the communities in which we operate. Environmental stewardship is an example this leadership. While environmental awareness is clearly a trend today, we’ve of been working for years on innovative ways of reducing waste, improving our manufacturing processes, and preserving our natural resources. It comes back to our commitment to our employees and customers,and the communities where we live and work. This brochure illustrates many of our accomplishments and explains our goals for the future.”

Natural Home Source

“Susan Bahl began the natural path to interior health in 1989 when after several years in the commercial interior design field she developed sensitivity to the chemicals inherent in commercial grade carpet. Realizing that she was among the growing numbers of multiple-chemically sensitive individuals, she started researching the purest, most natural alternatives to the products. To her surprise these products were still available, mostly in Europe where natural products remain in demand because of their incredible beauty and serviceability.”

Health eHome

“As part of our commitment to bring you trustworthy and credible information that empowers you to maintain a healthy and safe home, we are proudly collaborating with WebMD – America’s #1 most-trusted online site for health information – to unveil our ALL NEW Health eHome.

• Navigate virtual rooms of a family home
• Explore potential dangers and how to avoid hazards
• Learn easy solutions and new tips
• Watch short videos and join the Blog conversations

Visit today and open the door to your NEW Health eHome!”

Green Building Supply

“If you’re looking for natural and non-toxic building materials — that are certified, safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable — click on any icon above.

Improve indoor air quality, eliminate toxic chemicals and create a healthier home, office or apartment with hundreds of the best name brand products, most of which are sustainably certified and qualify for LEED points.”

Nirvana Save Haven

[organic mattresses, bedding, flooring and more]

IKEA

“IKEA works to ensure that products and materials are adapted to minimize any negative impact on the environment, and are safe for customers from a health perspective. As part of our business idea, we insist on keeping costs low and always try to use resources wisely when designing our products.”

A Happy Planet

[Organic mattresses, bedding, clothing, flooring and more!]

“In an effort to preserve our own health, and the environmental health of the planet, many people are choosing a simpler, more natural way of life. Since 1996 A Happy Planet has been proud to bring you quality merchandise, made with respect to humanity and the earth. We provide sensible, durable products created only by those manufacturers who are committed to using organic and natural materials.”