From Guest Blogger Anica Oaks: Going Green–Four Eco-Friendly Products For Your Home

Health researchers and public safety groups seem to release new reports about home environmental safety problems related to toxic chemicals in commonly used products almost every week. Harmful chemicals undermine both human and pet immune systems and cause serious health problems like cancer. The following four eco-friendly products help reduce these hazards and make indoor and outdoor environments healthier.

Lightweight Metal Storage Containers
A lot of people love plastic storage because plastic containers are easy to stack, lightweight and low-cost. Plastic containers also come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors. After repeated reports of plastic leaching harmful chemicals into the air and food even when stored away from heat sources, some manufacturers decided to produce low-cost metal alternatives made of lightweight metals. These containers offer the same range of design possibilities as plastics, but without all of the associated dangers.

Glass and Concrete Countertops
Natural stone counters are well-known for their lack of eco-friendliness. Quarrying them uses a lot of energy and some slabs release radiation and radon gas into homes. Although these levels are rarely high, the government does not have enough quality control measures in place to guarantee that every slab is 100 percent safe. Traditional counter sealants also produce toxic fumes during application and often release volatile organic chemicals for years. Highly durable engineered eco-friendly glass and concrete aggregate counters are made of recycled materials, and green manufacturers use resins that produce low VOC emissions.

Enzymatic Drain Cleaning Products
Standard commercial cleaners use harsh chemicals that create toxic fumes to clear clogs. Afterward, these cleaners leave behind harmful residues in pipes and in water waste systems. Some chemicals continue to contaminate water even after recycling efforts. Additionally, they can erode pipes seals after repeated use and cause leaks. An enzymatic cleaning product like those offered by Rapid Rooter Plumbing uses bacteria that break down materials without all of the dangerous byproducts.

Natural and Non-Toxic Detergents
Many standard dish washing and laundry detergents contain chemicals that produce toxic fumes and other byproducts that harm the environment and human, pet and plant health. Natural plant solutions like soapnuts produce surfactants known as saponins that break down dirt and grease without harming the environment. Other natural products use derivatives of coconut, citrus and other plants.

No one should ever have to live in an environment that damages their health and well-being. You can see positive changes in your life by going green with these four eco-friendly products.