EcoMoms: March 2008

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Pollutant levels in indoor air can range from two to more than 100 times higher than outdoors, according to the U.S. EPA. Indoor pollution is primarily caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate, or “offgas,” from chemical cleaning products.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Make your own non-toxic cleaners right at home. Assemble five basic ingredients and you’ll be ready to create an array of safe, healthy cleaning products that are also easy on the wallet. You’ll need: 1) baking soda (cleans, deodorizes, and scours), 2) borax (deodorizes and disinfects), 3) soap (non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner; look for soap without synthetic additives), 4) washing soda (cuts grease and removes stains; look for it in the laundry section of the grocery store) and 5) white vinegar or lemon juice (cuts grease and freshens.)

Recipes for Non-toxic Cleaners:

Household Cleaner
Mix 1 tsp. liquid soap, 1 tsp. borax, squeeze of lemon, and 1 qt. warm water

Window Cleaner
Mix 2 tsp. vinegar and 1 qt. warm water. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks.

Drain Cleaner
Pour ½ c. borax in drain followed by 2 c. boiling water

Basin, Tub, and Tile Cleaner
Mix ½ c. baking soda and 2-3 tbsp. liquid soap

Rug Cleaner
Sprinkle corn meal, baking soda, or cornstarch on dry rugs and vacuum.

Furniture Polish
Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice. Rub in and let stand for several hours. Polish with a soft dry cloth.

Fabric Softener
Add 1 c. vinegar or ¼ c. baking soda during the final rinse. (I use a Downy ball to add vinegar.)

For additional recipes, go to www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm or www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html.

IDEA #2: When choosing storebought cleaners, think non-toxic, green, and multipurpose. Purchase a mild, nonabrasive, nontoxic cleaning powder like Bon-Ami for cleaning counters, sinks, tubs, even pots and pans. Pair that with a biodegradable soap-based cleaner like Dr. Bronner’s Sals Suds and you should have nearly all your cleaning needs covered. Look for products that list all ingredients on their labels, such as Seventh Generation and Ecover.

Why it’s important:

• The following are health effects listed by the EPA for VOCs:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.

• Chemical air fresheners may be wreaking havoc on our health. According to a study in New Scientist magazine in 1999, in homes where aerosols and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25% more headaches and were 19% more likely to suffer from depression. Infants under 6 months of age had 30% more ear infections and 22% higher incidence of diarrhea. Yikes!

• The fragrances in conventional detergents and fabric softeners can contain phalates, chemicals that have been linked to cancer and reproductive harm in animals.

• Antibacterial soaps are helping to promote growth of resistant bacteria, according to a 2000 World Health Organization report. Hand-washing with plain soap and warm water for about 2 minutes will accomplish the job just as well.



This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.