Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Written by Urban Sherp on September 9th, 2008
There has been a much talk recently about the harmful chemicals present in everyday household cleaners. That ’oh-so-clean’ chemical smell associated with a spotless house is actually toxic and pollutes our air, soils, and water. Think about it, when you dispose of household cleaners, you are required to dispose of them as if they were hazardous waste, and that hazardous waste is what we are using to clean our homes? Sorry, but I just think that is crazy–crazy that we are comfortable wiping down our countertops with a cleaner that is treated as hazardous waste when disposed!! So what should you do?
1) Avoid cleaners that have the following VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or POPs (persistent organic pollutants) listed as ingredients: Ammonia, Ammonium Hydroxide, Chlorine bleach, Formaldehyde, Hydrochloric acid, Hydrochloric bleach, Lye, Naphtha, Nitrobenzene, Perchlorethylene, Petroleum Distillates, Phenol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium hypochlorite, Sodium laurel sulfate, Sodium tripolyphosphate, and Trichloroethane. I just did a search under my own sink cabinet and found that my window cleaner contains ammonia, my Draino contains Sodium hypochlorite, but that most of cleaners do not even list their ingredients, and apparently they are not required to list their ingredients–why wouldn’t a company list their ingredients unless they have something to hide? But I digress…….
2) Consider brands like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s, Ecover, and Method who are all upfront about their ingredients and their products are safe for your health and the health of the environment.
3) Make your own cleaners at home with baking soda, lemon, olive oil and vinegar. For a “how to,” go to Tiphero.com. This will also cut down on your plastic consumption and likely save you money.
4) Hire someone else to do the dirty work for you. More and more “green” cleaning companies are popping up across the country–like aaclean in the Boston, MA area, Green Clean in the Washington DC/Maryland area, or Maid Brigade a national eco-friendly cleaning company.
5) Or simply do what my brother does-don’t clean…..
10
AM
The federal government defines “environmentally preferable” (green) as “Products and services that reduce the health and environmental impacts compared to similar products and services used for the same purpose” (per Executive Order 13101). Simple Green advertises that their product is non-toxic and biodegradable and according to widely recognized standards, it meets the stated criteria for both terms. However, the main ingredient in Simple Green is 2-butoxyethanol, commonly known as butyl or 2-butyl. Butyl is listed as an OSHA Table Z Hazardous Substance. According to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), animal testing indicates chronic exposure could result in blood disorders, liver damage, and nervous system effects. The EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program has identified 2-butoxyethanol as having potential effects on blood, the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. In short, non-toxic does not always mean non-harmful; products labeled non-toxic may not kill you, but they may make you or your family sick. And that’s not “environmentally preferable” by generally recognized standards. When my company looked at Simple Green, we found the leading ingredient counter to the human health aspects consumers seek with “green” products. Sincerely, Cloud Conrad (VP – Brand Strategies, Maid Brigade, Inc.)
10
PM
Cloud–thanks so much for the information on Simple Green!
Confirms how important it is to be aware of the potentially dangerous ingredients found in everyday household items. I have since removed Simple Green from the list……..are their any other brands you would recommend?
28
PM
I love Mrs Meyer’s but her scents can be a little strong! Is there a way to dilute her scents?