What goes into our body is important, but our surroundings also greatly impact our health. We spend much of our life at home, and the toxic chemicals we are exposed to are not only bad for the environment, they also have a negative effect on our well-being. By following these tips you can detox your living environment.

Pesticide-free produce

Baking soda and apple cider vinegar are great for cleaning produce. Wash your fruits and vegetables with 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda and water or add apple cider vinegar to the water you wash your produce in to remove chemicals and pesticides.

Improve the air you breathe 

The air in our homes is full of chemicals and pollution, which we breathe on a daily basis. These simple tips can help reduce your exposure.

• Open the windows frequently. Houses today are sealed so tightly, preventing the air inside from being circulated, so we constantly breathe the same chemicals each day.
• Use an air ionizer, which removes pollution by generating negative ions.
• Indoor plants are great for freshening up your house. The oxygen they release helps to purify indoor air. Plants such as pathos and peace lilies are easy to care for and offer maximum benefits.
• When purchasing furniture and carpets try and buy natural instead of synthetic. Many home decoration items are made with chemicals and substances that are believed to be carcinogens.
• Natural fabric covers verses synthetic can make a huge difference in the air quality of your home.
• Use eco-friendly paints that have a natural base like clay, lime or milk.
• Use organic sheets and blankets to make your bed.
• Air out and flip your mattress seasonally, to keep your mattress mold free. Sprinkling baking soda on your mattress will also help control humidity.
• Use a bamboo or organic cotton shower curtain. Clean frequently with baking soda and water.
• Place a bowl of baking soda under the sink or in a damp corner to prevent mold and control humidity. Stir often for maximum benefits.
• Eucalyptus oil mixed with water makes an invigorating air freshener.

Let there be natural light 

Use as little artificial light as possible, and use natural light to maximum advantage. Decorating your house with light colors will enhance the brightness of the room, while darker colors will require more artificial lighting.

Keep bugs away

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our houses can host critters such as ants and cockroaches. The pesticides used to exterminate them are hazardous to us, and deadly for our pets and small children. Here are some safe ways to prevent and eradicate these common household pests.

• Grow an herb garden in your kitchen. Mint and basil in particular are a natural deterrent to flies and mosquitoes.
• Naphthalene, found in mothballs, not only smells bad but is hazardous. Wash your clothes and blankets before storing them in a sealed place. Store in cedar lined drawers, with fresh lavender and cinnamon sticks.
• Deter ants and cockroaches in general by keeping your house clean, washing dishes immediately and pet food containers daily and taking out garbage frequently.
• To get rid of ants sprinkle their area of entry (or where they like to congregate the most) with lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, baking soda, chalk, vinegar, or cloves. This will deter them from entering. 
• To kill ants, sprinkle dry yeast or dry grits where they congregate. Both will expand in their stomachs and kill them.
• Cockroaches love moisture. Put bowls of dry baking soda in damp places to control humidity.
• Place water and plaster of Paris out at night. The plaster will set inside the cockroaches and kill them.
• Oil the inside of a glass jar and place sugared bait inside. The cockroaches will be able to climb in but not out. Dispose of them outside or flush down the toilet.

Related article: Green House Cleaning Tips