April is all about cleaning, inside and out. It's a great time to think about detoxing our bodies, cleaning out our homes, and tidying up outdoor spaces. There’s nothing like a good spring cleaning to reinvigorate, though some cleaners may be doing more harm than good. Do it right with truly green cleaners that are kind to your body AND the environment, while being tough on dirt.

Start at home to reduce indoor pollution and the toxic burden on your body. After all, most people have been spending a lot of time indoors, where EPA estimates pollution is 2-5 times higher than the outdoors. Household cleaning products can be sources of this type of pollution, by giving off harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Chlorine bleach, ammonia, and other compounds commonly found in cleaners and detergents can be irritating to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Frequent use of many ordinary cleaners is linked to allergic reactions, asthma, and exposure to carcinogens.

When faced with dozens of cleaning options, beware of deceptive, green-washed brands that advertise "natural scent" or just have "green" in the name. Manufacturers sometimes selectively share ingredient info, only listing some of the ingredients on the label, if at all.

You can breathe easier when shopping our shelves, knowing we have done the research - and use them ourselves! We carefully choose products that we know work well, are NOT tested on animals, and do NOT contain irritating, harsh chemicals. The products we carry from brands like Better Life, ECOS Earth Friendly, and Biokleen get mostly A and B ratings on EWG and most are certified green cleaners (from a 3rd party certifier).

Check out our new Better Life Dispensers (located near the Alkaline Water Sinks) to purchase by the fluid ounce and save money!

April 22nd marks 51st Earth Day! As individuals, small changes in routines can cumulatively have a big impact. Let's take steps to make our global home a cleaner, healthier place to live for ourselves and others by using products that are safe for your body and the environment. Make the switch to a green cleaner, pick up trash in your neighborbood, or find a spot to plant a tree. Need more ideas? Read 51 tips to make a difference every day.