Cleansing. Fasting. Detoxing. This recent health trend finds people making dietary changes to flush their systems and feel better from the inside-out. King County’s EcoConsumer program is taking this trend one step further with a detox plan for homes. This six-step regimen is intended to help residents detoxify their home in ways that protect their family’s health and protect the environment.

“Each day we’ll give you another step to help make your home a safer place, whether it be evaluating the contents of your medicine cabinet or sorting through the chemicals gathering dust in your garage,” said King County EcoConsumer Tom Watson. “The program will also give advice on how to properly dispose of toxic products and suggest greener and safer alternatives.”

The plan includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Clean Green: Change out chemical-heavy household cleaners for greener, safer alternatives.

Step 2 – Purge the Garage: Properly dispose of leftover oil-based paints and household hazardous waste.

Step 3 – Do an About Face: Check your cosmetics and hygiene products for toxic substances.

Step 4 – Buy Organic, Garden Organically: Reduce use of chemical fertilizers, use more compost and shop for organic products.

Step 5 – Uncover Hidden Toxins: Reconsider products with questionable chemicals such as vinyl shower curtains, mothballs and nail polish.

Step 6 – Take Back Your Meds: Properly dispose of all unused or expired medications.

Partner organizations that advised on the content include the Washington State Toxics Coalition, the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, King County Water and Land Resources Division and the Take Back Your Meds program.