Air Fresheners: Commercial vs. Natural

(pictured: Fresh Lavender)

I hate to admit this but I used to be an air freshener junkie. When the glad plug ins first came out I had them in every room of my house. Same thing with the scented candles I used to have those burning every evening. However this all came to a screeching halt when I read the book “Toxic Overload” written by Paula Baillie-Hamilton, MD. I was surprised to find that air fresheners contain plasticizers which we certainly don’t want air borne in our house. Immediately after reading the book the air fresheners were out of my house.

Initially I tried opening the windows to air out the house every morning but that just didn’t do the trick for me I really missed the fragrance you get from air fresheners. Next I tried simmering a pot of water with orange slices, a cinnamon stick and cloves. That smelled good but reminded me too much of Christmas and I wanted something that didn’t require the stove. Then I found the answer, distilled water and essential oil in a spray bottle. I used lavender in the bedroom and it seems to help me calm down so I can sleep. I like lemon, orange or grapefruit in the living room and kitchen.  In the bathroom I use tea tree oil. Not only is this healthier, but it is easier and cheaper. Additionally many essential oils are natural disinfectants which is an added bonus. I use a cup of distilled water and about 10 drops of essential oil. I pour this in a spray bottle and use it as you would aerosol air freshener, though I do shake it up before I spray. They also sell little ceramic disks you can put a few drops of essential oil in an place on a light bulb. When the lamp is on it releases the fragrance. 

Farmers’ Market Update:

We had quite the haul from the market this morning. Someone we managed to get out the door at 6:30 this morning and do three laps at the market before we started our shopping. We got a chance to see what the farmers were unloading and got our blood pumping. Not being morning people we both need that extra wake up time.

The organic farmers that come to the market must have their farms in full swing now. This morning we picked up: collards (for wraps), rainbow chard, kale, beets (both ruby and golden), oyster mushrooms, black raspberries, peaches, leeks, dill, cauliflower, cucumber, snow peas, potatoes, tomatoes and green beans. In the end we have 5 reusable grocery bags overflowing for the two of us.

Summer is Here:

Today the temperatures are supposed to be in the upper 90’s and stay there all week. So much for having as much time to open the windows as I would like. I will take the opportunity to open the house up each early morning for at least 30 minutes to freshener the air but that will be it for the foreseeable future.

Do any of us worry about your carpet or furniture off gassing and open up your house to freshen the air and reduce the VOCs?  Is this a topic you would like to know more about?

Food today:

Given the heat I am definitely making cold food today. There is no way I want to turn on the stove in this heat. The plan is to make a salad loosely based on Pad Thai for lunch. Dinner is still up in the air. However I have two mangoes to use so I may actually make the mango and veggie filled spring rolls today for dinner.

I will be back later with Pad Thai inspired salad. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Our day has been hectic but otherwise very pleasant. Talk to you all later.