What you can do

Living Sustainably

Think about making these changes today:

Avoid having clothes dry-cleaned where the toxic chemical perchloroethylene is used as the primary cleaning solvent - this is classified as a probable carcinogen. Ask for a safer alternative such as 'Wet Cleaning' or buy clothes that don't need dry-cleaning
Use a laundry detergent that doesn't contain phosphates, is readily biodegradable, is made without petrochemicals, is low allergy, and contains no optical brighteners or enzymes
Avoid bleach when possible – if whitening is needed use non-chlorine bleach
When possible hang clothes to dry outside to avoid using the dryer, which uses energy and depletes resources

Are you concerned about the products you use?

Here are some ideas you may like to try:

Avoid using antibacterial soaps, as antibacterial agents, while not directly harmful to you, contribute to the growing problem we face when bacteria mutate to strains that are more drug-resistant
Use eye drops, contact lens solutions, and nasal sprays or drops that are free of thimerosal or other mercury-containing preservatives
Look for unscented and natural dyes in products – this will also avoid potential allergic reactions
Choose pump spray containers instead of aerosols, as pressurised aerosol products often produce a finer mist that is more easily inhaled – aerosols also put unnecessary VOCs into the air you breathe
You can create your own personal products – visit recipes for personal products using natural ingredients – baking soda, lemon juice, etc.