Green Cleaning
Green Cleaning
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Contents:
1 Household chemicals
2 Know your toxins
3 Nontoxic alternatives
4 What contains what
5 Where to find green and yellow light cleaners
6 How to make your own
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1. Household chemicals
A quick glance at the ingredients of any household cleaning product will show a long list of unpronounceable and unidentifiable chemical names. These chemicals may be very effective at removing stains and smells and killing germs, but what effect do they really have on the people who use them everyday?
The truth is, no one really knows for sure, even the companies that produce and sell these products. The small amount of research that has been done has yielded frightening results. The anti-microbial soap you use to wash your children’s toys may cause asthma and birth defects. The fragrance in your air freshener might worsen allergy symptoms and decrease fertility levels in men.
Dangerous chemicals persist in our cleaning products because the industry is poorly regulated by the federal government. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family, including buying safer, green cleaning products that contain fewer chemicals or making your own homemade products from all-natural, effective ingredients.
2. Know your toxins
Red Light Chemicals:
Known to cause cancer, asthma, birth defects, infertility and hormone disruption --- Avoid use whenever possible:
MEA
APEs
phthalates
glycol ethers
chlorine bleach
ammonia
triclosan/triclocarbon
ammonium quaternary compounds
nano-silver
Yellow Light Chemicals:
Mild to corrosive irritants --- Limit exposure by using them safely (rubber gloves and mask) and in small amounts:
sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate
d-limonene
sodium hydroxide
sulfuric acid
hydrochloric acid
phosphates (negative environmental effect).
Green Light Chemicals:
Healthy to use
plant oil extracts
essential oils
3. Non-toxic alternatives
Once you have learned about the dangerous toxins hidden in the cleaning products we use daily, shopping for soap may feel like a minefield of uncertainty. Never fear! There are many companies that provide safe, non toxic and green alternatives that are available in our local grocery and health food stores.
But be careful: due to loose industry regulations many products that are advertised as all-natural, green or unscented may in fact contain unwanted chemicals. It is important to read labels and keep and eye out for our Red and Yellow light toxins.
One more step to take to insure your safety is to make your own homemade products, guaranteed not to contain any of the chemicals you want to avoid. The recipes for these cleaners contain natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, and essential oils for non toxic fragrance and antimicrobial effect. They are easy to make and all the components can be purchased in grocery and health food stores.
4. What contains what
Red Light Brand: Contains at least one toxic, red light chemical --- Avoid use whenever possible:
CLOROX - TILEX, Formula 409
Procter and Gamble - Mr. Clean, Cascade, Swiffer, Ultra Dawn
LYSOL
SC Johnson and Son - Scrubbing Bubbles, Drano, Fantastik, Windex
Sunshine Maker's, Inc - Simple Green
Yellow Light Brand: Contains at least one harmful, yellow light chemical --- Limit use when possible:
Seventh Generation
Method
Meyers Clean Day
Global Balance
Ecover
Green Works (Clorox brand)
Biokleen
Modern Mermaids Eco Products
Naturally It's Clean Enzyme Fresh Home
Green Light Brand: Contains all- natural ingredients --- Safe to use:
Dr. Bronner's
Jason
Kiss My Face
Ecos Earth Friendly Products
Better Life
Sun and Earth
5. Where to find green and yellow brands
The best places to get green light cleaners locally are the Harvest co-op, Roche Bros. and Whole Foods.
6. How to make your own
Tired of reading small print or searching for non existent ingredients lists? Make your own laundry detergent, all purpose cleaning spray, drain cleaner, furniture polish, creamy soft scrub and toilet bowl cleaner. Get your recipes here.
Resources
~ Environmental Working Group
– a wealth of legal and scientific information relating to the health of people and the environment
~ The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
– promotes elimination of dangerous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care products
~ The Pollution Information Site
– learn about pollution and polluters in your community
~ Women’s Voices for the Earth
– works with consumers, corporations and government to reduce our toxic exposures
Household Products Database
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/ingredients.htm
- database of ingredients for household products (not comprehensive)
Consumer Reports: Greener Choices
http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greencleaning
- Green Buyers Guide to Cleaners. Includes list of common chemicals, the true meaning behind labels, how to shop for green cleaning products and use them safely. Links to recipes for homemade cleaning products
Homemade Cleaners: Supplies
www.greentimeconsulting.com/uploads/Supplies.pdf
- list of common ingredients in homemade cleaners and where to buy them.
This page was constructed by GreeningRozzie Intern Meredith Gallogly.