In today’s world, being totally toxin-free is nearly impossible, as toxins have infiltrated every aspect of our environment.

 

However, there are a few things you do have control over, like what you deliberately put ON and IN your body (click here for natural DIY shampoo and home-made deodorant recipes!) 

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Since there are no laws in place that require dryer sheets to list ingredients used (see below for a shockingly-toxic list) you’re better off with one of these alternatives:

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• Wet a face cloth with white vinegar and throw in the dryer with your clothes for each cycle. Your clothes will smell fresh (not like French fries) and they’ll be soft and static-free. Note: For a natural and fresh scent simply add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil onto a lonely sock!
   

• Take an arm-length of aluminum foil and crumple it into a ball. Throw in the dryer with your clothes. It will eliminate static cling and last a long, long, long time! (You may want to keep this method away from nylon stockings however…)
   

• Put three tennis balls in the dryer along with your load and let the cycle begin! A bit noisy, but quite effective in reducing static cling.
   

• Make your own Wool Dryer Balls! Check “As The Bunny Hops” website for a step-by-step process: asthebunnyhops.com

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What's so bad about dryer sheets?

 

Here are the seven most common chemicals found in dryer sheets and their effect on the central nervous system:

1. Alpha-Terpineol causes central nervous system disorders. Can also cause loss of muscular coordination, central nervous system depression, and headache.

2. Benzyl Alcohol causes central nervous system disorders, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system depression, and, in severe cases, death.

3. Camphor - on the US EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Central nervous system stimulant, causes dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles, and convulsions.

4. Chloroform on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Neurotoxic and carcinogenic.

5. Ethyl Acetate on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Narcotic. May cause headaches and narcosis (stupor).

6. Linalool causes central nervous system disorders. Narcotic. In studies of animals, it caused ataxic gait (loss of muscular coordination), reduced spontaneous motor activity, and depression.

7. Pentane causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapours causes central nervous system depression.

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With thanks to Healthy Living How To for references.