The garage is often full of miscellaneous chemicals for use in the garden, for cleaning or maintaining the car. These can often be replaced by simple ingredients which do not pose a threat to you or the environment.

Found in the garage are products with a number of harmful chemicals, such as paint, motor oils, gasoline, mineral spirits and turpentine. Paint thinner is known to contain hydrocarbons which are associated with liver and kidney damage.

Also associated with kidney and liver damage are ketones and toluene found in wood putty. Toluene and ketones are also known to harm the central nervous system, skin, and the reproductive system.

Causes of respiratory ailments (including lung cancer) are chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons and mineral spirits. Petroleum hydrocarbons are ingredients of gasoline and motor oils, and mineral spirits are found most commonly in oil-based paint, known to also be an irritant to the skin, throat and eyes. Long term exposure or high concentrations in the environment can cause unconsciousness or death.

When cleaning the car, avoid chemical cleaners - liquid soap and hot water do the job just as well. To reduce runoff in the street, park your car on the lawn before washing. Chrome can be cleaned and polished with vinegar.

Using natural ingredients does not mean missing out on a polished car. Heat in a saucepan 1 cup linseed oil with 4 tbsp caranuba wax, 2 tbsp beeswax and 1/2 cup of vinegar. When the wax has melted pour the liquid into a heat resistant container. This solution will solidify, and can be rubbed onto the car with a cloth dabbed in vinegar (preferably lint free).