Why Act?

Levels of pollutants in indoor air can be from two to more than 100 times higher than outdoors, according to the U.S. EPA, and we spend up to 90% of our time indoors! That indoor pollution is due in large part to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate, or "offgas," from home decorating and cleaning products. Using cleaning products that contain chlorine, ammonia, petroleum based ingredients, fragrances, and other components that are often not specifically identified can cause health effects including headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and allergic reactions. In addition, washing these cleaning supplies down the drain can cause pollution.

Action Steps

1. Make a list of the products you use now for cleaning your home.

2. Read the labels on cleaning supplies to determine if they contain toxic ingredients. Most common household cleaners are petroleum based or contain chlorine or ammonia. If the label says poison, danger, warning, or caution, it is a good candidate for switching to a nontoxic cleaning product.

3. Shop for "green" cleaning supplies at your local grocery store, health food store, organic market, or online. Read labels carefully -- words like "natural" and "less toxic" can be misleading. Use fragrance free products whenever possible.

4. If you prefer, or wish to save money, you can make your own simple, yet effective, green cleaners:
   • Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces with white vinegar. Simply mix 2 cups of water and one-quarter cup of white distilled vinegar for an excellent general cleaning solution for kitchen, bath, and hardwood floors.
   • Clean toilets by spraying straight white distilled vinegar into the bowl and on the rim.
   • For windows and mirrors, add one quarter cup of white distilled vinegar, one half teaspoon liquid dish soap to 2 cups water in a spray bottle.
   • Lemon juice can be used as an alternative to vinegar. Both are a bit acidic and help cut grease and grime.
   • Making a paste from baking soda and water makes an excellent mild abrasive for cleaning sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Materials

Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and water.

Time

If you mix the cleaning solutions ahead of time, there is no extra time involved.

Resources

Center for the New American Dream
http://www.newdream.org/newsletter/greencleaning.php

Annie Bond’s Healthy Living webpage
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-home/nontoxic-cleaning