Clean “Green”
We all have an interest in a sparkling house. To achieve that goal and be green in the way you do it we need to learn some things.
Daily we are exposed to an incredible array of toxins in our normal lives. When using cleaning products we are exposed to numerous “toxins” and each one has a certain degree of toxicity to it. Although they do the job, some ingredients in regular cleaning products can cause headaches, skin rashes and respiratory problems. Researchers from the University of California-Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory analyzed 21 household cleaners and air fresheners and found that many of them especially those with pine, lemon or orange scents, emit excessive levels of toxic pollutants. 
To protect yourself, your family and anyone else whose house you clean you need to know more about educating yourself about these problems. So how should you respond and what can you do?
1. You can do a lot to help yourself and anyone else in your house that does some of the house cleaning. First, work at limiting your exposure to toxins by reading labels carefully. Use nontoxic cleaning products. Avoid using indoor pesticides.
2. Limit the exposure of the people around you. Happily for you and your house there are plenty of effective, earth-safe cleaners. Many are very simple solutions and chances are you’ve got half of the ingredients in your cupboards already. Here are some alternatives to chemical household cleaning products that can do the same job. Borax mixed with lemon juice will take out toilet-bowl stains. White vinegar is useful for disinfecting bathrooms and kitchens. Bon Ami, a borax-based powder cleanser sold in supermarkets and hardware stores for more than 50 years, safely cleans pots, pans, sinks, oven interiors along with other corroded surfaces.
Using these alternatives will reduce the toxic load in your house and beyond. Using environmentally friendly cleaners will also safeguard your health and that of the community. In the big picture it also reduces air, water and ground pollution.
3. If you start buying green cleaners instead of your old ones, good move but you need to know that not all “green” products are created equal. Again, read. Catch the ones that have been prettied up with essential oils. Also check labels for irritating chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia and artificial fragrances and dyes.
Each time toxic cleaners are used, there’s a heavy impact on our environment. It doesn’t matter whether the cleaners are poured, sprayed, washed, rinsed, or dumped. The negative and harmful effects are the same. When we use these things we risk adding toxins to the air and to the water, both of which come back to us and are shared with the public.
So why aren’t more people doing it? The reality is few people actually check labels. You can start a trend and start now. Take time to read the label don’t just read the advertising on the box. Distinguish yourself as someone who only thinks green is a good idea and be someone who takes action. Become a “green cleaner.” You may even become a product toxicity home specialist.
Many people who “think green” are just now applying this to the way they approach cleaning. Eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products are a frontier of environmentalism that is just beginning to have an impact. One of the manufacturers that produce green cleaning products is
Green Works. Check out their products and see if they can help you change the way you clean. “Going Green” doesn’t have to be a difficult task that means sweeping life changes. Simple things can make a difference. It’s an inexpensive, easy and effective way to protect our planet and commitment to life.
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Ritex posted on July 28, 2009:
I never thought of it like this you have some really good suggestions here.
Ben posted on August 10, 2009:
This is good I don’t often think about what I use to clean things only in getting it done. I see there is more to it.
Bide posted on August 10, 2009:
We all need to think about what we use around the house. I’m with you let’s clean green.
Amber posted on August 10, 2009:
I certainly will be looking at what I buy a little more closely in the future.
Yode posted on August 11, 2009:
I am sure this ideas are going to help me move forward on going green.
Codey posted on August 12, 2009:
This is something I have paid little attention to but not for any longer.
Pacy posted on August 14, 2009:
This sounds like I really need to think more about what I use to clean my house which I am going to start doing.
Percet posted on August 15, 2009:
I never though of how harsh some of the cleaners would be on our environment. I knew they were strong and cleaned well but I see I have some choices that are better.
Bonti posted on August 16, 2009:
I am not sure why I did not think of this before but you are right many cleaning products are very toxic.
Lonnie posted on August 17, 2009:
This is great thanks for making me wake up and pay attention to what I am doing.
Sise posted on August 18, 2009:
You never know what your doing until you stop and think do you?
Bati posted on August 18, 2009:
I will be watching what cleaning products I buy from now on.
Grassi posted on August 19, 2009:
I will never think of cleaning the same again. thanks for the info
Vigers posted on August 23, 2009:
You have some good ideas here and I will have to try some and see how they work.
Gord posted on August 23, 2009:
I wish I had known this a while ago and it makes so much sense.
hostler posted on August 27, 2009:
This is good info. I have not been paying attention in this area. Thanks for the help.
Sags posted on August 27, 2009:
We have used things for years and never thought twice about it. Not always smart huh.
Badil posted on August 28, 2009:
I know that I have not thought of this before and that means there are a lot of people that could have healthier homes if we made better choices about what we clean the house with.