Here are some steps to decreasing the amount of chemicals in your daily life. Not only will you be healthier, you will also be contributing to a healthier planet!

1. Eat organic, pesticide-free foods.
2. Drink filtered water. Avoid plastic water bottles.
3. Use non-toxic natural cleaning products. You can easily clean your home with a few simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, salt, and natural liquid soap. Another option is to buy pre-made non-toxic cleaning products. Avoid chlorine bleach, strong solvents, ammonia, and antibacterial products (made with the pesticide triclosan) as much as possible for general cleaning.
4. Use natural, chemical-free body care products. Choose products that are free from unhealthy preservatives-for example parabens. Choose products that are free from phthalates. Check out www.safecosmetics.org for a list of safer body care products.
5. Avoid products with "fragrance" including perfumes, candles, cleaning products, deodorizers and body products. "Fragrance" will usually be listed on the ingredient list. Essential oils are generally safer.
6. Avoid plastics. Avoid food wrapped in plastic and cut down on the amount of plastic you use. Choose glass or stainless steel food and water containers. Use waxed paper bags for sandwiches and snacks.
7. Choose clothes, towels, and bedding made with organic cotton.
8. Get rid of non-stick, teflon cooking pans. Use cast-iron, stainless steel, enamel, and glass cookware.
9. Avoid pesticide use. Use natural pest control techniques for your garden and home. Use natural pest control against fleas on your pets.
10. Avoid chemicals in general: dry-cleaning clothes, paints, nail polish, etc.

Also think of the health of your pets! The rates of cancer in dogs and cats has increased dramatically. Keep your animals healthy by applying these steps to their daily life.