The weather forecast may still say "summer," but in millions of homes around the country, the calendar has a different message: another school year is almost here, and with it the season for new clothes, fresh supplies, and all the other gear that kids will need to continue their adventures in learning.

Few products typify American consumerism as well as household cleaners. Capitalizing on our insecurities, manufacturers and marketers have transformed a mundane collection of products into over an $18 billion market of household helpers. We’re constantly told we’ll humiliate ourselves if our toilet bowls and counter tops don’t sparkle as well as our neighbors’ do.

Hazards hidden in children’s toys have been all over the news lately.From lead in painted surfaces to phthalates in soft plastics, the average toy store is starting to look like an obstacle course to anxious parents. To help you navigate better, we’ve put together a guide to safer toy shopping: In general, avoid toys made in China. While it is hard to tell for sure whether a Chinese-made toy contains harmful ingredients, the recent flood of news reports suggests precaution is warranted.

Petrochemicals are everywhere. The average household contains 63 different synthetic organic chemical products which total approximately 10 gallons of potentially hazardous petrochemicals. And even more surprising is the form which these toxic household substances take. While we may point to that old can of paint or jug of antifreeze, in reality most hazardous chemicals are found in an unlikely place - common household cleaners. Most of today's household cleaners are based on petrochemicals.