I've blogged before about the difference between the developed and the developing countries as far as the incidence of allergy woes. 1 in 3 people in the States presently suffers from allergy problems, or asthma, and the fear is the problem is growing. There is more than one theory about why the problem is so much worse in the developed part of the world, one being the hygiene theory. Another one thrust itself at me last night while I was knitting a few rows in front of the History Channel. It's one of the few I will watch, but unfortunately, it shows its share of commercials too. I was struck last night by the number of ads for "Febreze", a room spray that is supposed to leave your whole house smelling more wonderful than the garden of Eden. The manufacturers of said spray suggest the consumer coat pretty much everything in the house that stands still long enough for them to aim the nozzle at it.
   Doesn't anyone who buys this stuff wonder what exactly it is that they're filling their lungs with? Do they realize that it works not by actually eliminating odours, but by coating nasal passages, thereby dulling the ability to detect any odour? Why doesn't anyone who buys this stuff try the other less potentially harmful ways to keep the house smelling pleasant, like filling a vase with some fresh-cut flowers, or mixing a few drops of an essential oil into some hot water and letting air currents waft the fragrance through the room.? Come on people, how many chemicals do you need in your life? Give your heads a shake and then throw that stuff out!
   If you're interested in trying the chemical-free approach, make a visit to this website, to read some good suggestions about non-toxic house cleaning. Sign up for the "earth-easy" newsletter while you're there. You don't have to throw away all your current commercial favourites, but you might make one or two adjustments to your style. You might find it's easier than you thought to be kind to the earth and to yourself, all at the same time.