Candle in the wind

source of the photo: http://www.heathmonthoney.com.au

Having experienced frequent power cuts in my hometown, I felt quiet relieved after I migrated to Australia. No power cuts except on very rare occasions. Hurrah!  But my heart does miss those times! Power cut in the night provided a good excuse to do nothing. I still remember how I and my bro used to abandon our school homework and sit together as a family around the candle light and listen to our father telling stories and anecdotes. When it is dinner time, we all in unison will decide to go to the terrace, sit beside the subtle glow of the candle light and eat our hearty comforting meal of rice and veggie made by our dear mother. If the power cut gets extended, our time in the terrace gets extended. We end up sleeping in the terrace listening to the lullaby of twinkling stars and the gentle breeze blowing the candle. Pure bliss!

I wanted to bring back those sweet memories to the present times as well. So I came up with the idea of "No lights from electrical source on some Saturday nights except for the light from the candles". On Saturday nights my husband and I enjoy spending quality family time at home with our daughter. We listen to music, dance to its tunes, play some board games and finish off with a detox candle light dinner. It is relaxing and fun with just the lights from the candles in our lounge, family room and the dining room. There is something so serene about the warm glow of the flame. They warm up the room, and smell great.  

I have become a conscious buyer in recent times. When buying things for home, I make sure that I leave a green foot prints on this earth. In this context, I want to share my opinion on the candles that I use.

What type of candles are my favorite?

On our holiday to Tasmania in 2011, we were in a beautiful small country town called Chudleigh. Chudleigh is famous for ‘The honey farm shop’. The shop stocks a wide array of Beeswax, honey and propolis products. I went to the section of the shop selling 100% beeswax products and the first thing that captured my attention was the beeswax candles in different forms and sizes. I took one out of the display shelf to capture its aroma and instantly I was transported to the land of honey, nectar, flowers and bees. I got a pack of beeswax tea lights and a small pillar candle. After we got back from our holiday, I straightaway wanted to light the beeswax candle. I lit the candle and waited for the suspense to break. Just as how I thought, this beeswax beauty released its natural aroma of honey and nectar of the flowers found in the honeycomb.

                                           Rows of Beeswax candles 

source of the photo: http://www.heathmonthoney.com.au/images/products/Candles/row-of-beeswax-candles.jpg)

Why Beeswax candles are good?

Apart from the aromatic reasons, beeswax candles have other benefits too:

-      It is economical and has a longer burning time.

-      Pure beeswax candles are made from renewable source – only beeswax.

-      Beeswax candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles, producing very little soot.

-     It is smokeless and drips less.

-     Pure beeswax candles contain none of the harmful chemicals found in the paraffin candles.

-     They have a natural honey scent which smells great and there is no need for artificial      fragrance to be added to make it smell nicer. They are great for people who are sensitive to perfumes and fragrances.

-      No toxic wastes are produced in production and burning.

-     The soft warm glow and the beautiful halo which appears around the flame accompanied with the subtle aroma of honey helps to reduce your stress. It has got a calming effect on the mind.

-     For years alternative health practitioners, entomologists and most notably beeswax candle  makers have celebrated the fact that beeswax is the only candle fuel that emits negative ions which in turn cleanse the air. So while beeswax is not the only fuel to emit negative ions it is definitely superior to paraffin and does not contain carcinogenic compounds that paraffin does.  (http://www.smallbones.ca/blog/finally-evidence-that-beeswax-emits-the-most-negative-ions)

A perfect example of this phenomenon is rainstorms. A rainstorm is a negative ionic event, which is why we say the air smells so fresh after a rainstorm.

What are the other natural alternatives?

Soy wax candles: Soy wax is an all vegetable-based wax which contains roughly 85% soy-based material. Soy wax is non-toxic and burns very cleanly with almost no soot residue. It has a low melting point and thus the burn pool in a soy wax candle is created quickly and reaches its maximum diameter quickly. Generally speaking, soy wax has a longer burn time than paraffin but shorter than beeswax. It is ideal for container candles. Not all soy candles are created equally. Make sure your soy candle is made from 100% soy bean wax.

What types of candles to avoid?

-     Stay away from Paraffin candles. It is derived from petroleum by-products and emits harmful vapor and black soot. It must be blended with chemicals to release its fragrance.

Lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems related to cancer and asthma. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8211543.stm)

-     Avoid artificially fragranced candles: Choose natural beeswax or 100% soy wax candles blended with pure essential oils.

Burn a candle today and enjoy the full ambiance of light and fragrance all from a natural renewable source. As I finish writing this post, I can hear a beautiful song playing on the back of my mind – “candle in the wind” by Elton John. Pure bliss!

Bye for now. With love from PetalDew – Nature’s nurture.

Nature worship - Stalavriksham (temple tree)

Ancient education system 'Gurukul'. Students learnt under a tree from their Guru

Yesterday, I visited a very beautiful Hindu temple in a place called Nemilichery, Chennai, India. I used to visit this temple in my childhood days regularly. I remember walking on the ever-green beautiful paddy field to reach the temple. Sadly, the scene is different now .There is no paddy field or greenery left .Every inch of the land is eaten by the growth of sprawling urbanization. 

The Nemilichery temple is nearly 1000-2000 years old. The presiding deity of this ancient temple is Lord Shiva - one of the Hindu trinity gods. The temple and its close surrounding have a Peepal tree and a pond. After worshiping the deity, I usually sit under the peepal tree. I am sure that it is the effect of sitting under the glorious and gigantic peepal tree that my mind is completely transformed into a calm and serene one and the air I breathe in is pure and fresh.

What we notice about many ancient Indian temples is that the temples would have been built incorporating Mother Nature into its fold. You will find a pond/lake and a tree with healing and medicinal properties. Trees such as Peepal, Neem, Bilwam, and gooseberry can be found planted in the temple.

Indian civilization and its culture is unique on the earth planet. Traditionally, the Indian population has been worshipping rivers, lakes, mountains, trees and other natural resources. People of India have been living very closely with the nature and thriving well on the natural resources.

Traditionally, every Hindu temple will have a stala vruksha (sacred tree) in different kinds. The Five Natural Elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) are treated with veneration, as they are inevitable to the progress of the humanity and very indispensable in day-to-day life of mankind.

Trees are well associated with human life. Even before some trees were regarded as Sthala Vrikshas (Sacred Trees of the Temple), those were worshipped by ancient people as they believed in Nature worship. Our ancestors who planted the tree in the temple did with a good intention. The trees that were planted have religious and medicinal importance. The worshipper who comes to the temple attains a healthy spiritual enlightenment!

We will see the benefits of some of the trees that can be found in ancient Hindu temples.

Peepal Tree:

Those days, our elderly ancestors advised married women who wished to have a child to go around the peepal tree and carry out their prayers. Our ancestors believed that Peepal (Sacred fig) has an effect on the chance of conception. 

The origin of Peepal tree can be traced back to the times of Indus valley civilization (3000 BC - 1700 BC) in the Mohenjadaro city. Scientific research has revealed that among trees, Peepal is the only tree that produces oxygen in abundant quantity day and night which is so essential for sustaining life. Those days Peepal tree were planted along with the neem tree. When they are together, the magnetic field created by both the trees along with pure oxygen generated combined with a focused mind of the praying ladies influences the body organs which could stimulate FSH/LH (Follicle stimulating and Luteinizing hormones) which helps in the reproductive process.

In Ayurveda, leaves, fruits and bark of the Peepal tree were used to cure diseases related to bacterial infection, cure speech irregularities, cure wounds, bile, phlegm, inflammation etc.

Gooseberry tree:

There is a mention of Gooseberry tree in Hindu Upanishads, puranas and many other ancient medicinal works. 'Amla' fruit is believed to be very nutritious. It is associated with the fertility cult. Women tie red and yellow threads around the gooseberry tree branches to get their wishes fulfilled. Women, who aspire for a son, tie a cradle to the tree and most of them beget children. They untie the thread after the fulfillment of their wishes. Women decorate the tree with sandal and turmeric paste, kumkum, flowers and offer camphor too. The sthalapurana of the temple says that this tree is to be planted in the southern side of the temple. 

Apart from its religious value, the gooseberry tree has medicinal values. Its bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and nut are useful to prepare many medicines. It has been proved that one gooseberry fruit's nutrition is equal to three apples. It is rich in vitamin C. Asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, diabetes, bleeding of the gums, blood infection, cancer etc could be prevented if its juice is taken with honey. It also relieves stress and tension and proves to be a good liver tonic. If taken raw, it gives a cooling effect to the eyes and body. For constipation it is a good remedy. It is experimented successfully that fermented liquor obtained from its fruits could be used for indigestion jaundice and nasal problems. (Dastur, J. F. Medicinal plants of India and Pakistan, Bombay, 1962) Various parts of the tree are used to prepare medicines for tooth ache, fever, anemia, nervous disorders, sores, pimples etc. It is used by women to strengthen the uterus. For scorpion sting the juice of onion and gooseberry bark works an antidote.

More than these religious, mythological and medicinal aspects, to safe guard the environment, trees play an important role. The ecological factors reflect on the prosperity of a country for which nature is to be well taken care by the people. The Sthala vrikshas reveal the socio-economic aspects of the region concerned. People's knowledge of the trees and the veneration of the sthala vrikshas inculcate in them a sense of responsibility to protect the environment. In India it has been the tradition that anything would be appealing to the people if it has some religious sanction. Sthala vrishas are one of the best examples of the same. (Source: http://murugan.org/research/balambal-trees.htm#.UG22UZiP2So)

If you would like to know more about sacred trees please see http://murugan.org/research/balambal-trees.htm#.UG22UZiP2So.

Bye for now. With love from PetalDew

Passion fruit cups

                             Passion fruit cups after 5 days of sun drying

Who is not passionate about passion fruit? They are so yummy when added to yogurt, ice-creams and smoothies and it is equally delicious when eaten on its own.Passion fruit seeds are edible to eat and provides that added delicious crunch.It is not very sweet like other fruits but it is very aromatic and is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Carotene.

Passion fruits are in season now and my local vegetable grocer stocks it. My daughter loves to eat passion fruit everyday.

Passion fruit is good for skin also. I thought "Why not use the outer skin of passion fruit for something good ?" After the inner content of the fruits were eaten with a spoon, I washed it thoroughly and removed the excess moisture with a paper towel and left it to dry on a plate near the windowsill. The natural sunlight will help in drying the skin. I did not want to keep the cups under direct sunlight outside as the skin will shrivel quickly. The skin will also lose its natural aroma quickly when left it to dry under direct sunlight.

Look at the passion fruit cups in the photo. I want to share some ideas on how to use these lovely beauties apart from the skin care recipe I am about to share with you.

The photo of the cups is taken after five days of drying near the window sill. I had a brainwave to use the cups in few different ways -

1. I used the cups as mini disposable cups to serve dipping sauces to go well with the crackers/ fritters or any snacks you make. The skin is non-permeable and the sauce kept  in them will look just pretty. When you serve the sauce in them to your guests, they will be amazed at how eco-friendly and creative you are!

2. You can use the dry un-shriveled cups as a tea-light candle. It is wax-free and very environmental friendly. All you need is 1 to 2 tsp of gingely oil and 3 cm wick made with cotton. The "Diya"/ lamp will burn as long the oil remains in the cup.

                                     Diya made from Passion fruit cup

3. Skin care recipe using powdered passion fruit outer skin:

I am waiting for my passion fruit outer skin to dry fully so that I can powder it to a very fine consistency and use it as an natural additive to my face scrub. I will update this post with a photo of the passion fruit powder I am planning to make in a few days time.

Enjoy using your passion fruit cups at home and do share your tips and ideas on how to use passion fruit cups for different purposes in this posting.

Until then, Bye from PetalDew - from Nature with love.

Observe Nature

I read this quote in a book (sorry I forgot the title) and I liked it so much. After I read it, I wrote the words in my dairy and I wanted to share this with you all as it aptly describes Nature.

Nature is a wonderful teacher,
Whether you live in the city or the wilderness,
lessons abound.
See how nature adapts to the changing world around it.
Admire its persistence
and marvel at its resilience.
Appreciate.

H.G Wells (1866-1946) quoted -

"Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative".


Bye for now. with love from PetalDew.

Dear old Cast iron/Stainless steel cookware - Here I come...

Our moms and grandmas understood the importance of investing in good quality cast iron/stainless steel cookware. Long before non-stick finishes came on the market, our mother, grandmas and aunts were cooking successfully in super effecient and non-toxic cast iron/stainless steel pans.

Nowadays we seem to ignore the old and efficient ways and resort to cooking in non-stick cooking utensils ranging from pans, skillets, woks with additional non-stick accessories like ladles, tongs and even non-stick baking wares.It is a matter of convenience, Right? It means there is a need for using less fat (oil/butter) for cooking and easy cleaning after usage because the coating used on the non-sticks prevent food from sticking to the surface during the cooking process.

We have to first understand what goes into making non-stick pans.

Non-stick pans are cooking pans made from or coated with materials designed to prevent food from sticking to their surface during the cooking process. Most non-stick pans are made using  perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — a key chemical found in Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)(e.g.DuPont's Teflon) coating although newer materials are also used. 

Health concerns have been raised over the possible negative effects of using PTFE coated cooking pans. When pans are overheated beyond approximately 349 °C (660 °F) the PTFE coating begins to dissociate, releasing byproducts which can cause polymer fume fever in humans and can be lethal to birds. 

Most pans get too hot in our day-to-day cooking, releasing PFOA and other toxic substances. Then, as they age and wear the coating can flake off into our food. PFOA is a suspected carcinogen and hormone disruptor that we know stays in the body and our environment forever. About ninety-five per cent of us have PFOA in our bloodstream, including newborn infants. It has also been detected in marine animals and animals eating fish.

Dupont, one of the eight major manufacturers of PFOA, plans to phase out the chemical by 2015.

what can we do?

Aside from choosing safer cookware, we can reduce the exposure by avoiding consumer products coated with non-stick chemicals. These include some types of dental floss, microwave popcorn bags, windshield cleaning solution and even pizza boxes. Also, watch for products that may appear safe but have non-stick inserts, like rice cookers.

Before you ditch your scratched-up frying pan, check out your city's recycling guidelines or give its recycling hotline a call. Old non-stick pots and pans cannot be placed in the normal garbage bins. Chances are you will need to drop them off at a depot that accepts scrap metal.

I do admit that I use non-stick cookwares for cooking as I have never thought about the health consequences. I have decided to use less non-stick cookwares and resort to dear old "Illapa Chatti" , Cast iron cookware and stainless steel pans. We should be careful in choosing a good quality cast iron and stainless steel wares as additional metals may be used to manufacture the utensils. Buy the utensils made by a reputed manufacturer.

Do we all remember the times when our mother lovingly roasted the potatoes (for potato curry) in the(Illapa chatti) iron pan, there is a delicious caramelization brown that sticks to the surface of the pan. I still remember fighting with my brother to have that brown crust. When foods are browned, carmelization begins, and the "fond", that mess of brown goo and dark bits stuck on the bottom of your pan, becomes a goldmine of taste, flavor, aroma, as well as adding visual appeal to the finished dish. That brown stuff is highly desirable as it provides the base for the delicious, savory underpinnings of all your sauces,curries, soups and gravies. This develops because the drippings, the juices, sugars and fats, spices from the food stick to the pan and brown; so no sticking, no browning = no taste. Got it?

 Also while new nonstick pans' ability to repel sticky foods fades over time (often just a year or two), a well-seasoned cast iron pan/ good stainless steel pans will only get better with age, and will last you for a lifetime. This ultimate longevity is what makes cast iron and stainless steel such a great, green addition to any kitchen.

If you still like to use non-stick cookwares make sure that you do not overheat the utensils as overheating causes toxic fumes to be released into the air. Use silicone/ non-stick spatula to avoid scratching the pans.

But I have decided to resort to olden ways by using less non-stick cook wares and start cooking in Illapa Chatti and stainless steel! 

Source about Non-stick cookwares:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-stick_pan

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/toxics/how-to-avoid-toxic-non-stick-cookware/

Until then - Bye from PetalDew, From nature with love.

Harmful Chemicals in Household cleaning products.

                  I am on a mission to detox my home - replacing harmful cleaning liquids, powders with Eco-friendly alternatives because of the adverse health effects caused by those "liquid monsters". It is harmful for the aquatic plants and animals as well. I am trying to get rid off all the cleaning powders/liquids stocked in my laundry room which looks suspicious to contain harmful chemicals/toxins. I straight away threw the Vanish carpet cleaner and bleach into the bin. (Later on I realized that I should have disposed it off in a careful manner. Please check with your local municipality and ensure you follow their rules for disposal; the nasty stuff you're getting rid of isn't good for anyone or anything, and it'll be in the landfill for a long time.

               I wonder why manufacturers do not list the Ingredients in their cleaning products. Have you ever seen an ingredient list on your laundry liquids, laundry powders, dish washing liquids, dish washing powders, window cleaners, Mold removing cleaning liquids?
I suspect that many chemicals contained in household cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are now becoming concerned that long-term low-level exposure to chemicals may be as dangerous as short-term high level exposure. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposures to the cocktail of chemicals found in household cleaning products.

                Most cleaning chores can be easily handled without these toxic products. Everyday ingredients like baking soda, borax ,white vinegar, salt, lemon juice, Eucalyptus oil can do the job as they did in the olden says. 
                     
                Common Hazardous Ingredients in Cleaning products:

Acetone - A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney damage, and damage to the developing fetus.  It is a skin and eye irritant.  Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, and other products.

Aerosol products- Aerosol propellants  may contain propane, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant, methylene chloride, a carcinogen,  neurotoxin and reproductive toxin, and nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute particles, which can be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may increase their toxic effect.

Ammonia - Undiluted, ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause severe burning pain, and corrosive damage including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage.  It can also cause kidney and liver damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours can result in bronchitis and pneumonia.  Found in a wide range of cleaning products.  Ammonia will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth.

Bleach: see sodium hypochlorite

Diethanolamine (DEA) - Listed as a suspected carcinogen by the State of California, this chemical is a skin and respiratory toxicant and a severe eye irritant.  Used in a wide range of household cleaning products.

D-limonene - This chemical is produced by cold-pressing orange peels. The extracted oil is 90% d-limonene. It is a sensitizer, a neurotoxin, a moderate eye and skin irritant, and can trigger respiratory distress when vapours are inhaled  by some sensitive individuals.  There is some evidence of carcinogenicity.  D-limonene is the active ingredient in some insecticides. It is used as a solvent in many all-purpose cleaning products, especially 'citrus' and 'orange' cleaners.  Also listed on labels as citrus oil and orange oil.

Ethoxylated nonyl phenol -  Nonyl phenols are hormone disruptors and some contain traces of ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen.  They are eye and skin irritants.  Used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products.

Formaldehyde - In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA.  Formaldehyde is also a sensitizer, with the potential to cause asthma. Several laboratory studies have shown it to be a central nervous system depressant. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep.  While formaldehyde naturally occurs in the human body in minute amounts, it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to it will experience an allergic reaction. Used in a wide range of products, including some furniture polishes. Formaldehyde may be released by other chemicals, eg.quaternary 15.

Fragrance (Parfum) - Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. Synthetic fragrances are known to trigger asthma attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus. Symptoms reported to the FDA from fragrance exposure have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations  by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes. Fragrance is a common skin irritant.

Methylene chloride - Methylene chloride is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and a reproductive toxin. On inhalation, it can cause liver and brain damage, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It is a severe skin and moderate eye irritant. Used in stain removers.

Monoethanolamine - This chemical may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, as well as depression of the central nervous system.  Inhalation of high concentrations - when cleaning an oven for example - can cause dizziness or even coma.   The chemical can also be absorbed through the skin.  It is a moderate skin irritant, and a severe eye irritant.  Found in many cleaning products, including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners. 

Morpholine - This corrosive ingredient can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and can even cause blindness if splashed in eyes.  It can cause liver and kidney damage, and long-term exposure can result in bronchitis.  It reacts with nitrites (added as a preservative in some products, or present as a contaminant) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines.  Morpholine is a moderate to severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Used as a solvent in a number of cleaning products, including some furniture polishes and abrasive cleansers.

Naphthalene - This registered pesticide is listed as a suspected carcinogen in California and is most commonly found in mothballs, and some other pest repellants, as well as in deodorizers.  As a reproductive toxin, it is transported across the placenta and can cause blood damage.  It can cause liver and kidney damage, and corneal damage and cataracts.  Skin exposure is especially dangerous to newborns.

Parabens - Parabens are hormone disruptors. Widely used in cleaning products as preservatives, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl.   Parabens may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals

Paradichlorobenzene - This highly volatile registered pesticide is in the same chemical class as DDT.  It is a suspected carcinogen, and may cause lung, liver and kidney damage.  It is used in mothballs and some washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.

Phosphoric acid - Extremely corrosive, it can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes.  Breathing vapours can make the lungs ache, and it may be toxic to the central nervous system.  Found in some liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners, especially those that remove lime and mildew.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate - This corrosive chemical is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. It may cause liver and gastrointestinal damage, and may be toxic to the central nervous system.  It will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. It is found in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers, as well as industrial detergents and some institutional dishwashing detergents.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) - A corrosive chemical, sodium hypochlorite is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, as well as a sensitizer.  It is especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma, and can be fatal if swallowed.  It may be a neurotoxin and toxic to the liver.  Found in a wide range of household cleaners.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate  - Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a lathering agent.  This chemical is a known skin irritant. It also enhances the allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient.  SLS can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines.

Toluene - Exposure to toluene may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. It is also a reproductive toxin which can damage a developing fetus.

Turpentine - This chemical can cause allergic sensitization, and kidney, bladder and central nervous system damage. It is an eye irritant.  Found in specialty solvent cleaners, furniture polish and shoe products.

Xylene - Xylene has significant neurotoxic effects, including loss of memory.  High exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.  It may damage liver, kidneys and the developing fetus. It is a severe eye and moderate skin irritant.  Used in some spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other products.

                        When natural alternatives are available, there is less need to buy harmful cleaning liquids. There are less toxic eco-friendly cleaning powders/liquids available in the market. Do a careful research, ask the manufacturers for ingredients list by calling hotline number stated on the back of the product if you are unsure if the product is toxic or not. 

In my next posting, let us look at some non-toxic home cleaning solutions which can be easily prepared at home and used for a greener living !


                               Your health. Your choice. Your Decision - PetalDew with love from Nature.