A green home is an ideal that we all wish for but that is difficult to attain, no matter how dedicated, informed or conscious we may be. The latest research from The Silent Spring Institute in the United States showed that if you are a female who regularly uses household cleaners and air fresheners your risk of developing breast cancer is double that of those who never use the products. Solid slow-release air fresheners and anti-mould products had the biggest effect while insect repellents, oven and surface cleaners also produced a slight increase.

The researchers themselves say that there could be some bias to the results as women with breast cancer may over estimate their use of cleaning products. Even so, other research has shown that these products are toxic and contain ingredients that can cause cancer. Source   We are surrounded by chemicals. Just how do we limit our exposure?   Here are some easy tips:   First, be aware and beware. Read the labels on all cleaners, chemicals, soaps and household products. Try to use naturally based cleaners whenever possible - there are increasingly large ranges of these products available, some green wash, some really green. So read and understand those labels!

	There are many natural substitutes for potent chemical cleaners that do the job just as well and often better. And often at a lower cost!   Do you know that tomato sauce makes a great copper cleaner? Did you know that good old-fashioned vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) are wonderful cleaners?   When it comes to cleaning, natural is key.

Vinegar cleans toilets very well and also removes scale from kettles and plumbing.    Bicarb removes smells from fridges and carpets - just scatter it on smelly carpets brush in and vacuum off after a few hours.   Lemon juice is another good cleaner and has a far nicer smell than vinegar – grow your cleaner on a tree in your garden.   Essential oils such as tea tree and rosemary are potent anti-bacterials, as is vinegar.      With a little innovation, the possibilities are endless. Start small and you won't believe the difference the little things make!