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Take the first step to greening your kitchen and replace this lineup of chemical culprits with the Method experts green alternatives

1. Antibacterial soap, a registered pesticide
Antibacterial soap and cleaners are registered pesticides and can do more harm than good since they don't actually kill viruses.
Solution: trust non-antibacterial products to get the job done and keep you healthy.

2. Microwaving plastic radiates petroleum
Microwaving plastic with food means you are essentially radiating a petroleum product that can leach into your food.
Solution: only microwave food in ceramic or glassware.


3. Nonstick coatings can get into your blood
Nonstick coatings may contain a contentious chemical that can leach into food and has been found in human blood.
Solution: switch to silicone bakeware, cast iron, or, if you must use nonstick coated cookware, cook on medium or lower heat, and dispose of it if it becomes scratched—scratches make them much more dangerous.

4. Dishwasher detergent loaded with phosphates
Traditional automatic dishwasher detergent is loaded with phosphates and other chemicals that can leave residue on your plates, glasses, and silverware, as well as release toxic fumes.
Solution: use only nontoxic dish detergents that pledges to contain no phosphates.

5. Paper towels are full of plastic
Paper towels are not actually made from just paper. Many use a plastic binder that has been bleached and can survive centuries in a landfill.
Solution: go to reusable microfiber towels and 100 percent natural nonbleached paper towels when necessary.

6. Floor cleaners leave residue of chemicals
Traditional floor cleaners can leave residue of harsh chemicals, including 2-butoxyethanol and methoxyethoxy ethanol, which are health hazards.
Solution: before your kid or pet takes another bite off the floor, ditch the 1950s mop and bucket and go to a microfiber mop with nontoxic cleaning solution.

Excerpted from Squeaky Green: The Method Guide to Detoxing Your Home by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry. Text copyright © 2006 by Method Products, Inc. Photographs copyright © by David Tsay and Method Products, Inc. With permission from Chronicle Books (

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