Q: I tend to believe that the "greenest" thing I can do in my home is to make due with what I have — buy less, use less, make what I have last. But I'm also pretty sure that there are things in my home it could be necessary and worthwhile to replace for my own health, but I'm wondering what those are...? Teflon pans? Plastic containers?
Where do I draw the line between using what I already have and making the decision that it would be better to upgrade to a greener option? And then, what do I do with those things I want to get rid of, if they're so unhealthy to begin with?
Sent by Melanie
I actually just love the picture this post came with... Does anyone have a larger version?
I'm currently in the process of phasing out my chemical cleaning products. I'm not dumping them as that would be wasteful, I'm just not replacing them. Yes it would be great to start fresh but as I've paid for all these items I am going to use them until they are empty or in the case of pans and containers - until I simply can't use them anymore.
I personally think 'going green' is more of a gradual process rather than an overnight overhaul.
view forecastisrayne's profile
I recycled my old plastic containers as they leach chemicals into my food. That was a health consideration for me. I also bought a stainless steel skillet to use instead of my non-stick ones. I didn't get rid of the skillets as they weren't cheap and I do use them occasionally if I'm cooking a lot and need multiple pans. I also got rid of old personal care products containing parabens, sulfates, etc due to the effects they have on the body.
In my opinion, keeping things that can make you sick isn't worth it, but also keep a green mind set. Use what you still can without putting yourself at risk. And always recycle what you can.
view designedtoteach's profile
Ran across this and know am way late to the party, but just in case somebody comes a-Googling...I rather suddenly stopped using chemical cleaning products several years ago and actually put all my old stuff on Craigslist, in the "free stuff" section. I itemized the list, called it "assorted household cleaning products - 19 items," and included an explanation of why I was getting rid of them and a request that if the taker wasn't going to use something out of the lot, they'd pass it on or take it to the household chemical disposal place [address and phone included]. Got a lot of takers, the first being this nice old retired couple. The lady said that she was used to using "regular cleaning things," but said that her granddaughter was a burgeoning "hippie," and would be glad to hear that Grandma was at least using "recycled" "regular" cleaners. It was adorable.
Anyway. Not always economically feasible, but I was starting to be quite concerned about some chemical sensitivities I was experiencing during and after cleaning, and figured that switching to vinegar/etc. and passing the chemicals on to someone who would've purchased them anyway was the "greenest" way to make the change quickly.
view shanalulu's profile