Do you go out of your way to make sure you are using products that are free of harsh chemicals or toxins? Do you really even know what is in the products you are using?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Millennial Central for Seventh Generation.  I received a promotional item and product samples as a thank you for participating.

I truly never used to think twice about what products I was using.  When you are on a tight budget as we have been over the last year household products are usually not on the top of the list on products we should spend money on.

The first eye opening experience I had was a couple months ago. On one of our shopping trips to the store I picked up the cheapest all purpose cleaner I could find.  Our budget was tight and I didn’t see the need to buy an expensive cleaner.

Later that night as I began cleaning the kitchen I noticed not only was I having trouble breathing, but my nose was burning and the chemicals in the spray irritating my hands and causing them to peel. It was awful. I felt like I was bathing in a shower of chemicals.

What’s the problem with toxins and chemicals in many of our household items?

• More than 80,000 chemicals in the United States alone have never been tested for the toxic effects to on our health or environment.
• Science has shown that toxic chemicals have been linked to: cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects and various reproductive problems.

• The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1976, but has never been updated.  As it stands now there are tends of thousands of potentially harmful chemicals that can continued to be used in the marketplace since the 1970s.  These companies do not have to provide any sort of disclosure to consumers.

What is Seventh Generation trying to do about it?

Seventh Generation is one of the biggest green and chemical free brands in the United States.  They want to spread awareness for Congress to reevaluate the Toxic Substances Control Act for the first time since 1976.  They want parents and the public in general to understand that since 1976 Congress has only required testing on less than 10% of the 80,000 synthetic chemicals that have been introduced.

Their goal is to collect 100,000 signatures on their petition to get Congress to make changes to this outdated law by April 24th, 2014. 

Take a few seconds out of your day and go sign the petition!

Interested in learning more?

You can learn more about Seventh Generation and the dangers of toxins on your family in an upcoming Twitter chat.  Join the #FightToxins Twitter chat on Thursday, April 10th from 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST. They will be chatting about tips for living a health, green and toxin free lifestyle.

You can also visit the National Resources Defense Counsel website here.

Do you make it a point to buy all natural products?

How concerned are you with the toxins in your cleaners?