There are millions of germs on things we touch everyday, and because they’re invisible, we don’t even realize that we’re in contact with them. Here is a list some of the most dirty-germ-infested surfaces, and what we can do to protect ourselves with products made with planet- and body-friendly ingredients.

1.  Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables – according to Dec 2010’s issue of Glamour Magazine, unwashed fruits and veggies are some of the most dirty things you can touch.  The grocery store mist creates a moist environment and makes it an optimal breeding ground for germs, not to mention people continuously touch the produce throughout the day.

In order to kill these germs, give your produce a vinegar wash; vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will get rid of more germs than washing alone will do.  Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with a pint of water, let fruits and veggies soak and then rinse off.

2.  Restrooms (door knobs, light switch, stall door, soap dispenser, faucet) – restrooms are filled with millions and millions of germs. Whether you are at home or using a public restroom, make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. There are numerous natural and biodegradable soaps that will effectively kill germs.  I like Method Moisturizing Hand Wash.

3.  Elevator Buttons, ATM keyboards, Door Knobs – any surface that comes in contact with a lot of people, means a lot of germs. Make sure to carry around a travel size bottle of natural hand sanitizer to stay germ free.  My favorite is CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizer, which is made from a blend of essential plant oils that kill 99.9% of germs.

4.  Kitchen Counter – Think about it… your kitchen counter comes in contact with produce, poultry, fish, and meat. While wiping down your counters will make them appear clean, they’re still crawling with germs. Keep your family and yourself healthy by using an antibacterial kitchen cleaner such as Method’s Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner, or by wiping down surfaces with a natural antibacterial wipe; I like Method All Purpose Cleaning and Disinfecting Wipes.

There is no need to use products that are filled with chemicals when there are natural, plant-based products that effectively disinfect. Protect yourself from germs naturally and safely.  By not using products with harsh chemical ingredients, Mother Earth will thank you, too.