Ever walk into a bathroom after someone had left it a little… smelly?

I’m not talking about that kind of smell. After all, we are all mammals. I’m talking the un-natural, flowery (or fruit) chemical-laden smell of an air freshener spray. Air fresheners are a billion dollar business and are linked to numerous health problems including headaches, alter hormone levels, allergic symptoms and asthma. Plus, they contain phthalates which are bad news for your reproductive system (male or female) and are linked to birth defects – even in your cosmetics (regardless of what Katie Couric’s “experts” say).  Personally, I’ve gagged a few times at the now petunia-‘fresh’, artificially-flavored overwhelming.

What are viable alternatives?

Try soy candles, dried flowers and nature’s scents like lemon and oranges with baking soda. In fact, try any of these 12 natural DIY air fresheners.

Readers, what do you use for a natural air freshener?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher