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Remember...Once viewed as part of a fringe lifestyle, rooted in the hippie movement - natural,non-toxic products, are going mainstream:

Toxic synthetic chemicals tend to persist in the environment, because their chemical structures donot break down under normal conditions. The cumulative effect of exposure to these toxicchemicals is only now being explored. Persistent chemicals that are not easily broken downaccumulate in soils, plants, animals and other organisms. They are then eaten by other animals,which are eaten by predators, even higher in the food chain and so on.

Many of the chemicals present in personal products, are actually derived form the petrochemicalindustry, toxic substances, that are effectively absorbed through the skin, scalp and mouth andwhich, over time accumulate in the bodys organs and tissue, leading to irritations andcompromised immune system functioning.

Biodegradable, naturally occurring substances can be broken down efficiently into simpleelements by nature. The word biodegradable is often misused. Everything will break down,(biodegrade) eventually, but the important consideration is not whether a substance willeventually break down, but how fast and how easily the environment can break down thatchemical.

Recognise... Beware of fluoride!! It is not being promoted as a safe product any more, at least not by

consumer groups who collect data on its toxicity. Robert Carson PhD, a former scientist with theUS Environmental Protection Agency, says fluoridation is the greatest of scientific fraud of thiscentury, if not of all time.

Though toilet cleaners and body lotions may not save the planet, they are the first steps towardsweaning its human inhabitants from their toxic chemical dependency.

We believe that the small act of scouring the sink can be part of the giant act of saving the world.R Barnett, chief executive of Shankee Corporation

There is a good news story happening all the time; individuals, groups and corporations aretaking steps to save our planet. Cf Time Magazine

Now, in a fresh take on the pre-World War 11 slogan, Better living through chemistry, somesmall chemical companies and giant corporations are implementing the tenets of green chemistry,creating safer substances that wont seep into our bloodstream, endanger wildlife, or polluteresources.

Innovations in designing green chemicals are emerging in many industries, from plastics and

pesticides to toys and nail polish

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Rectifysome how tos from various sources... Clean or replace filters on your air conditioner once a month.

Turn off unneeded lights when leaving the room for a short time

When using an oven, minimize door opening while it is in use; it reducesoven temperature by 25 to 30, every time you open the oven.

Clean the lint filter in your dryer after washing so that it uses less energy.

Unplug seldom used appliances. Only use electrical appliances when they are needed.

Wash clothes with warm or cold water.

Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.

Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.

Use only the required amount of fertilizer; minimise pesticide use.

Water grass early in the morning.

Reuse where possible, folders, paper clips etc.

Minimise the use of disposable cups etc.

Avoid products with several layers of packaging; about 30% of what we throw away is packaging.

Reuse items like bags and containers, when possible.

Shop with an eco bag.

Check the website SEQL, Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life:www.seql.org

Acknowledgements: www.seql.org (Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life)The Green Cleanerby Barbara Lord, best seller

Some friendly cleaning products from way back... Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, salt Distilled white vinegar; rubbing alcohol Lemon juice; borax, citrus solvents

Liquid soap Non chlorine scouring powder

There are several recipes for cleaning with these friendly products on the websites, but we probablyknow them from the good old days.

Prayer: Lord, may we tread lightly on the earth, and leave a legacy of care to the next generation.