Organic Goodness: Not Just for the Kitchen

 Mention the word ‘organic’ to most people and they are most likely to imagine food grown on small local farms, sold by specialty markets and purchased by a select community who value a healthier diet.  While this may reflect the early limits of the organic label, the modern meaning has a much broader context, one that reflects a commitment to healthy choices in many aspects of life. In fact, today organic products can be included in nearly every part of your day. This article discusses the use of organic products in the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room.

Bedroom

Enjoy the feeling of waking up surrounded in pure organic cotton or wool bed sheets and pillowcases. These healthy linens help provide a better environment for sleeping as they are free of residual chemicals used in normal textile processing. This reduces your risk for skin irritation, allergic reactions and other unhealthy responses your body can have when faced with minor chemical exposures. Removal of these irritants promotes a more restful environment. The extra level of safety provided by natural linens is important for adults, but even more important for infants and children. Plus, not only linens but the mattress itself can be made of organic wool or cotton, completing your healthy and safe sleeping areas.

Bathroom

When you step into your shower, you expect to cleanse yourself of dirt and grime, not expose yourself to unnecessary dyes and added artificial odors. You can avoid this dangerous situation by making sure your bathroom products are healthy organic alternatives.  Brush your teeth with organic toothpaste that relies on natural, non synthetic, mint extracts for fresh breath. This same toothpaste still promotes healthy gums and teeth, but does so without the use of harsh abrasives that could damage your enamel. Wash your hair with an organic shampoo that is free of stinging chemicals that can cause your scalp to burn or itch, or feel even worse when it enters your eyes. These safe shampoos are often mild enough for children as well, so you save money by having just one shampoo for the entire family. Also, most organic shampoos come with a cruelty-free guarantee, making them a choice in accord with your conscious. Scrub away dirt with a natural organic soap and finally dry off with your thirsty organic wool towel.

Laundry Room

When you wash your clothes with regular detergents, the artificial dyes and scents become infused into your clothing. During the wash, your clothes are literally soaking in potentially harmful or allergy-causing chemicals.  These same clothes will later be in direct contact with your skin for hours at a time. Avoid this risk by choosing dye-free, organic laundry detergents and fabric softeners that are scented with 100% natural essential oils and are pH balanced to prevent skin irritation.  There are many scents to choose from, or you can go with completely scent-free products.  In either case, feel secure in the knowledge that your detergent is fully biodegradable with minimal impact to the environment.

 Being ”organic” is not limited to the choices you make for your produce, dairy and meat products. Your entire household can become a healthier and safer organic environment. Look for ways to replace potentially harmful chemical-containing products in your bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room with alternatives that promote the health of you and your family.