Doesn't anyone use anything natural anymore? Why is there a need to buy a product filled with supposed carcinogens just to make our hair shiny? We constantly slather chemicals all over (and in, but that's another issue) our bodies from the start of the day to the finish. The experts tell us that all of these products are perfectly safe for us and that they will make our hair, skin, clothes, and counters strong, smooth, soft and bacteria-free respectively. How did we ever manage to live without these expertly concocted products before their arrival? Quite easily in fact. Before we began applying mousse to our hair and styling it just so, we managed to get through the day. Before we had to have clothes that smelled of "fresh laundry" scent and were oh-so-soft to the touch we just wore clothes smelling of actual fresh air and had them soften as we wore them. Before we sprayed chemicals on our counters, we used a little elbow grease and scrubbed them with hot water. Somehow the generations managed to live long enough to get us here today.
Also something to consider: Why do we rely on the media and the companies who have a financial interest in the issue to determine what we need? The internet is full of research, from all sides of the argument, describing the pros and cons of using any and/or all of these "necessaries". The product companies tout their wares as safe and beneficial while the independent researchers show reports of adverse affects with the use of any given product. Who's telling the truth? I don't have time to research each and every ingredient in every product in our house. So what do I do? I try to use something I know is safe for my family. That's my job as a wife, mother, homemaker and part of what it means to be a good steward of what I've been blessed with. Most of these products are not necessary in the slightest, and with countless studies now claiming that they are in fact harmful, especially with prolonged use, why take a chance? Don't take my word for it, do a Google search and read for yourself. However, I'm not here to tell you why your favorite toothpaste is going to poison you (although, have you read the ingredients list on the box?) or that you have to stop using that particular brand of soap. I will ask you a question though. Wouldn't it be better for you, your spouse and children, your neighbor, and the environment if you used something that isn't steeped in so much questionable and conflicting data? No one is arguing that aloe is bad for your skin, are they? Have you read anything about the dangers of baking soda or vinegar lately? Interestingly enough, lab-made household products usually come perfumed in some way to mimic naturally occurring scents. Why is that? Why not just use the real thing? If you can pronounce the ingredients (and know what they look like) wouldn't you feel good knowing you aren't possibly worsening your health? An added bonus is that most of these at home cleaning remedies are much less expensive than their commercial counterparts!
I don't just suggest you question the use of these toxins all the while using them myself. We don't use most mainstream products in our house either. I make homemade castille soap for our bodies and our hair. Even our young son uses it. I don't use antiperspirant, in fact I use Nature's Gate deodorant and a deodorant "poof" that I crafted (if you're interested, I'll tell you how to make it). I use aloe vera gel in my hair instead of hairspray. I also use the aloe instead of lotion. Toothpaste is replaced with homemade tooth powder and since the switch our teeth stay cleaner between dentist visits. We use natural/organic laundry detergent and I'm about to start making my own with our homemade soap. I use vinegar as a fabric softener (it's a natural color-safe "bleach" and disinfectant as well). Vinegar is used on the counters and for the bathrooms (a friend just posted a link for homemade citrus cleaner). I also have a spray bottle in the shower to use instead of conditioner (it makes my hair incredibly soft!).
To be honest, my husband hasn't given up on his toothpaste, hairspray or antiperspirant, but it's not because he doesn't see the possible harm in them. He just hasn't made it that far down the list of items to change yet. As with my husband, don't feel you have to throw everything out and start from scratch right now! Most people do not switch gears that easily. Take one product at a time and replace it with something more natural. Once you find a suitable replacement, switch a different product and then another... and then another. By the way, simply because a product says "natural" does not mean it's good for you. Read labels and be informed about what you spend your money on or make it from scratch. Don't defer to the media. Your health and home are your responsilities
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