Eco-friendly Spring Cleaning
Go Green with Cleaning Products that Won't Harm the Environment
Feb 25, 2009
It's that time of year again, time for the yearly act of cleaning a house from top to bottom. Store shelves become stocked with household cleaning supplies in anticipation of Spring cleaning, but what is not promoted is the fact that these cleaners are toxic and have harmful effects on both human health and the environment.
The Clean Water Fund, a non-profit organization estimates that the average American uses about 40 pounds of toxic household cleaning products each year. These products contain chemicals that can pollute the groundwater, soil and the rest of the environment, by being rinsed down sinks and flushed down toilets.
The Pollution Issue
- According to a report by the Ralph Nader Study Group, "U.S. drinking water contains more than 2100 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer." Any chemical cleaners that are used will end up in the water supply, and the Earth's natural filtration process is not effective at removing these toxic chemicals. Water treatment facilities don't seem to be removing these synthetic organic chemicals, known as SOCs, either.
- Formaldehyde, a chemical used in furniture polish, has been found to cause cancer in animals; Sulfuric acid found in drain cleaners changes the pH of water and can kill fish; and Phosphates in laundry and dishwater detergents can produce toxic chemicals in drinking water.
- House cleaning products have been detected in trace amounts in surface water, drinking water and waste water effluent sampling in both Europe and the U.S., according to CDC Director, Dr. Julie Gerberding. These products that are being found at low levels are a concern, based on what the effects of long term exposure might be.
- Unfortunately, no drinking water standards for these compounds currently exists, and most drinking water treatment plants don't treat for the removal of these chemicals. There is ongoing research being done to determine what the impact of exposure to these chemicals will be on both a short term and long term basis.
- What can be done to avoid polluting the environment with harmful SOCs is to use products that are all natural and will biodegrade safely back into the water and earth. Avoiding cleaners that contain antimicrobial ingredients, chlorine bleach, and other SOCs is one way to lessen the problem.
- There are a number of natural cleaning products that can be bought or made. The simple ingredients in homemade cleaning products are often inexpensive, and just as effective as their harsh counterparts.
- Make sure to dispose of any remaining chemical cleansers by keeping them in their original containers, and putting them in the trash. Do not dump them down the drain.
Natural & Organic Cleaning Alternatives
- For a good, natural multi-purpose cleaner, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 quart of warm water until baking soda is dissolved.
- To make furniture polish, combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/3 cup of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- To clean linoleum floors, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup baking soda, and a gallon of water.
- For window cleaner, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and a gallon of water.
- A number of all natural and organic cleaning products are also available for those who do not wish to make cleaning products from scratch. Companies like Seventh Generation, Deidre Imus and Mrs. Meyers offer a variety of natural cleansers including laundry detergent, surface wipes and even stainless steel cleaner.
The issue of harmful chemicals in our water and environment is no longer a theory, but a reality we all must face. Replacing harsh household cleaning products with eco-friendly ones is one solution to reducing the amount of toxins in our environment.
