Most home owners and renters fail to realize that their homes are unhealthy environments filled with toxic substances that can cause a wide variety of health problems including asthma, immune system dysfunction and even cancer. Although you can't remove every hazard, you can reduce the amount of exposures by following these four tips.

Use Homemade Cleaning Supplies
Many people have heard stories from relatives, friends or co-workers about the fantastic benefits of using natural cleaners over manufactured products that contain harsh chemicals. Natural cleaners contain ingredients that you already safely use for cooking or personal hygiene, such as vinegar, baking soda and toothpaste. Homemade supplies break down quickly inside of septic systems and do not release any harmful toxins into nearby waterways and landfills.

Choose Green Septic Solutions
Harsh chemical toilet and drain cleaning products and non-biodegradable items like kitty litter, baby wipes and cotton swabs can damage plumbing and your septic tank. Some companies, like Econocycle, know that choosing cleaning alternatives that break down easily is the best bet. Remember to never flush anything other than human waste. Additionally, choose a green septic system by using an oxygenated bio-solution product that utilizes aerobic bacteria to improve the breakdown of materials in your septic tank. And instead of throwing organic trash down a garbage disposal, create a compost bin. 

Invest in Air Purifiers
The air inside a house is rarely clean because many common household items release harmful substances into the air as they break down or come in contact with heat from sunlight and cooking. You also allow harmful substances into your home when you open windows and doors and bring particles inside on clothing and shoes. Air purifiers remove the majority of these substances so that you and your family can benefit from cleaner air.

Pick Greener Household Products
Whenever possible, pick household products that have been crafted using green material-harvesting and manufacturing processes. Additionally, pick products that break down into non-harmful byproducts. For example, choose natural materials like untreated wood, bamboo and stone over plastics. If you do not want to make your own household cleaners, choose ones that organizations like Consumer Reports or the Environmental Working Group have confirmed as healthier and greener alternatives. Keep in mind that you can also find personal and pet grooming products that are cleaner and greener too.

You do not have to give up a modern lifestyle to have a home that is safe for you, your loved ones and the environment. You just need to make safer and healthier choices.