Home chemicals

• Be aware that many chemicals commonly used around the home are toxic. Select less toxic alternatives. Use non-toxic substitutes wherever possible.

• Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use, and apply them only as directed. More is not better.

• Take unwanted household chemicals to hazardous waste collection centers; do not pour them down the drain. Pouring chemicals down the drain may disrupt your septic system or else contaminate treatment plant sludge.

• Never pour unwanted chemicals on the ground. Soil cannot purify most chemicals, and they may eventually contaminate runoff.

• Use low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergents.

• Use water-based products whenever possible.

• Leftover household pesticide? Do not indiscriminately spray pesticides, either indoors or outdoors, where a pest problem has not been identified. Dispose of excess pesticides at hazardous waste collection centers.

• Use tea tree oil as disinfectant

• Make your own natural disinfectant

• Remove rust with a environmentally friendly rust remover

• See here for a vast list of non-toxic or less-toxic alternatives to hazardous household chemicals.

• Look here for recipes to make your own non-toxic cleaning products - from all purpose cleaner to stain remover, bleach and wood floor polish.

• Paint tips