What you can do

Living Sustainably

Chemicals

Where do I start?

Choose and use less toxic products

Using less toxic products does not mean you have to compromise on quality or accept an inferior result.

Selecting safer products means we reduce the risk of accidents and improve the health of our family and the environment.

Domestic products containing chemicals include paints, cleaning agents such as detergents, varnishes, cosmetics, weed killers, insecticides, baits and treatments for timber, pools and pets.

Product packaging and most manufacturing processes involve the use of chemicals too. Look for unbleached paper products or packaging, or those bleached with hydrogen peroxide or oxygen as this method produces less pollution during the papermaking process.

Many commercial cleaning products contain a range of toxic chemicals, these include:

Petroleum-based detergents - slow to biodegrade
Phosphates - stimulate algae growth in waterways
Chlorine bleaches - highly toxic and carcinogenic
Synthetic perfumes and colours - usually petroleum-based and often toxic
Optical brighteners - slow to biodegrade, and
Formaldehyde (a preservative) - highly toxic and carcinogenic

There are many natural alternatives that are equally effective and often cheaper too - the Easy Guide to Natural Cleaning is a great source for safe and effective cleaning ideas.

Informed choices and purchases directly influence industry. Request and select plant-based products and remember, regardless of product, only buy and use as much as you need.

If you must use chemicals, then buy the least poisonous variety available – use the label as a guide:

The most toxic feature a strong warning:
Dangerous Poison – Keep out of reach of children
The next level states:
Warning (or Caution) – Keep out of reach of children
And the lowest level:
Keep out of reach of children

For a guide on hazardous materials and safer alternatives download the information sheet from the Total Environment Centre.

For more information on toxic chemicals visit the Total Environment Centre.

For a guide to reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, visit the World Wildlife Funds' Chemicals and Health in the Home.