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Clean Green

We all want a clean house, but at what cost? Did you know that, earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about the potential dangers that early exposure to chemicals during childhood could cause? Add to that, the potential harm to beloved pets (how often do you see them licking their paws after walking on your just-cleaned floors?).

Household cleaning products, it turns out, are one of the main sources of these chemicals they're referring to. Whether you have children or not, the fact that cleaning your house could make your environment toxic is serious.

To make matters worse, not only are hazardous chemicals in cleaning products often in contact with your skin not to mentioned inhaled into your lungs when you breathe, whether you dispose of them down the drain or in the garbage they're also seeping into the soil and water supply.

Still in the mood to clean? Before using any of the following common household cleaners, check the ingredients labels, or consider more eco- and user-friendly alternatives:

• Antibacterial cleansers. May contain triclosan, a form of dioxin, which is a highly carcinogenic and toxic compound. Try: good old-fashioned soap.
• Air fresheners. May contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Try: burning naturally scented soy candles or simply turn on the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom to circulate the air.
• Oven cleaners. May contain sodium hydroxide (a derivative of lye) that is corrosive. Try: a non-corrosive formula or mix a paste of baking soda, salt and water.
• Bathroom cleaners. May contain corrosive hydrochloric acid and the fumes can be poisonous when inhaled. Try: Vinegar diluted with water can work wonders.
• Dishwashing detergent. May contain a dry form of highly concentrated chlorine that is poisonous. Try: phosphate- or chlorine-free detergents.

Now, there's no denying it's not always easy, convenient or even effective using homemade cleaning products. Luckily, there are plenty of earth-, child- and pet-friendly options.

Method

Method is a naturally derived, biodegradable line of products, and includes household cleaners, supplies, laundry care and soaps. The curvy, tear-drop shaped hand soap bottles look fantastic on the bathroom or kitchen counter and were envisioned by Canadian industrial designer Karim Rashid. Recently, the company launched a book: Squeaky Clean: The Method Guide to Detoxing Your Home, an ideal gift for clean fanatics.

Bio-Life

Bio-Life, an exclusive line from Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand, features environmentally friendly, harsh-chemical free household and cleaning products. Scented with essential oils, the biodegradable, non-toxic and phosphate-free collection includes dish soap, an all-purpose surface cleaner and a tub and tile soap scum and stain remover. It's also the first major national brand to offer the concentrated cleaning power of 3X Cold Water Laundry Detergent - designed to conserve both packaging materials and home energy costs.

Green Works

Green Works, is a line of natural cleaners from Clorox. The company leveraged its world-class expertise with household cleaners to develop a line of products that are made with natural, plant-based ingredients derived from coconuts, corn and lemon oil and just as effective as traditional cleaners. The cleaning agents used in Green Works™ products are sustainable and biodegradable. Green Works products are not tested on animals and are packaged in bottles that can be recycled. The most recent addition to the line is a natural dishwashing liquid, available in 4 scents and a scent-free formula.

CleanPLANET

CleanPLANET is the latest entry into the green clean market, and features a comprehensive range of home cleaning products that are biodegradable, phosphate free and recyclable. This exciting new line bears the trusted EcoLogo symbol, meeting the most stringent environmental criteria and standards in North America. Originally created as green alternatives for commercial purposes, the CleanPLANET line has already proven itself in some of the toughest, high-traffic environments - from international airports to schools to hospitals - and is now available for your own kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

You'll find all of these brands at Shoppers Drug Mart. So now you can really clean up your act, without risking your health or the environment!

For our full listing of all our green products, check out our Holiday Gift Guide.

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