Non-Toxic Alternatives for Daily Living in The Most Toxic City
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Forbes just named Atlanta the nation’s most toxic city. Really??!! More toxic than Detroit and Los Angeles? Wow. That is a dubious honor. Funny, we never hear Shirley Franklin demanding accolades for that distinction. It would explain The Real Housewives of Atlanta though… the nasty cat fights, poor wardrobe choices, Kim’s inability to grow her own hair… I digress.
For a slight hypochondriac like myself, this is not good news. Face masks, much like hats, just don’t look good on me. And in an effort to be a little “green” or the less flattering term, frugal, I pretty much gave up buying bottled water. So, while I ponder whether or not to invest in a personal air filter to wear around my neck, I thought I would highlight some products and services that provide non-toxic options for our everyday lives. It certainly wouldn’t hurt for us all to consider what we subject ourselves and our families to on a daily basis.
Method Home Products (http://www.methodhome.com)
Methods’s motto is “people against dirty”. I fall into that category one hundred percent. I am definitely against “dirty”, unless the word “martini” follows it. For years, I was somewhat skeptical of the cleaning powers of all-natural, green cleaning agents. I started out purchasing Method’s hand soaps and eventually picked up some household cleaners. I have to say I love their Le Scrub for the bathroom. My tub/shower has a grainy texture that traps every bit of dirt and makeup that I wash off. I have used multiple cleaning products over the years, and I have to say that the Le Scrub applied with a scrubby sponge works better than anything I’ve tried. And since I inevitably forget to wear gloves half the time when I clean, I don’t kick myself when I’m done, because my hands still feel soft.
Norpest Green (http://www.callnorthwest.com)
Northwest Exterminating has been serving Georgia for decades. They have a “green” pest control solution that is not only non-toxic to the environment, but your family and pets as well. I have not personally tried their services, but I have heard great things about them from others. I cancelled my pest control service with Orkin more than a year ago and haven’t had the need to engage pest services since then. If those darn ants rear their ugly masses again though, Northwest will be my first call.
Mercola Healthy Skin (http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com)
I am a product junkie. I have started skipping over any articles to do with skin care products in Lucky magazine, because I will always think “Hmmm. Maybe that is the miracle youth elixir that I’ve been missing”. Well, much like the exercise pill that I dream about, no time machines exist in moisturizer format that I’ve been able to find. Sadly, many of the self-advertised miracle creams have the adverse affect on my sensitive skin. So, I recently decided to give organic skincare a try. I already take daily organic supplements that I purchase from http://www.mercola.com, and I’ve been very pleased with the results. I love their skincare! My skin is soft, supple, smooth and has a rosy glow. The products don’t make my skin break out, and I feel good about using them on my skin. Next, I’ll try the body skin care balms and see if they will melt cellulite… a girl can still dream.
Morningside Farmers’ Market (http://www.morningsidemarket.com)
Morningside Farmers’ Market has been providing organic produce to intown neighborhoods since 1995. Every Saturday morning, 8 AM - 11:30 AM, you’ll find the farmers and artisans set up for business in the parking lot next to Rosebud, across the street from Alon’s Bakery. Previously, I was part of an organic CSA that received produce each week, brought in by farmers outside the city. The organic produce was not only healthy, in season and free from pesticides, but it also was delicious. It was a great program, but I decided I preferred choosing my own produce for the week at the Morningside Market, which also allows me to interact with the community I serve. Our Fourteen West, REALTORS office is just a few doors down. A friend and fellow actor, Karen Morgan, has a booth there. Her company, Pure Bliss Organics, makes the most delicious fruit and nut bars. I plan to pick some more up this Saturday morning. Hope to see you there!
Well, that’s all I’ve got for today. Feel free to join in the discussion with your own suggestions for non-toxic everyday items. - Ashlee Heath
Posted in: Intown Living