Another Earth Day has passed and more products are on store shelves claiming they are “greener” than their shelf mates. Just because a label has a mountain, stream or sky on it does not make it safe for you, or the Earth.
While the organic food industry is partially regulated, manufactures of green cleaners are not. Manufactures can use terms like nontoxic, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and biodegradable without verification. There is no standard definition of “natural.” And even if the ingredients are natural, oftentimes they have been combined or treated with synthetic or toxic chemicals.
The Consumers Union, the independent group that publishes Consumer Reports magazine, studied various eco-products. They reported that the terms eco-safe, environmentally friendly, environmentally preferable, environmentally safe, green, and nontoxic are often just marketing speak. Manufactures are not even required to disclose all ingredients used on the product labels.
Many of these products contain toxic agents such as bleach, ammonia, and alcohol, and additives like artificial colors and fragrances. These substances threaten indoor air quality, off-gassing toxic fumes that can irritate respiratory tracts and eyes. Some of these products contain unneeded antibacterial compounds, which may lead to antibiotic resistance in people and pets.
Children are especially at risk because they crawl on the floor and put their hands in their mouths. They also may be more vulnerable because they need more oxygen per pound of body weight then adults do. Pets are at risk because their fur picks up toxic residues, which they ingest when they groom themselves.
How to Choose Healthy Products
• Look for items that make specific environmental claims. For example, if a product claims it is non-toxic, environmentally safe or friendly, what does that mean? If a product claims to be biodegradable, that is not as specific as saying “99% biodegraded in five days.” Look for products that list all the ingredients on the label.
• Signal words like “caution,” “warning,” “danger,” or “poison” are governed by the Environmental Protection Agency and can help you determine how toxic a “healthy” product really is. These labels are required to state the level of harm that can occur if the product is ingested, inhaled, or makes skin or eye contact. Products with no signal words are usually the least hazardous.
• Read the directions for using the product. Are the directions clear? For example, does the label indicate the dilution ratio?
• If the label advises adequate ventilation, wearing gloves or other safety gear, consider avoiding the product.
Mixing Your Own Green Cleaners
Green products generally cost more money. Save money – and the environment – by mixing your own cleaners from common ingredients.
Toxic chemical reactions can occur so never self-mix without a recipe. Mix only what you need in re-useable containers that you have clearly marked for cleaning purposes only. Do not mix home cleaners in food containers. Do not mix or store home cleaners in anything that resembles or can be mistaken for food or drink. Remember, “natural” is not synonymous with “non-toxic.” Label all containers with their specific ingredients, what the product is used for, and then store it out of reach of children and pets.
Always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using. Make sure it is compatible with the surface you are cleaning.
Disposing Household Hazardous Waste
After switching to safer cleaners, either use up all the more toxic cleaning products on hand, or bring them to a Metro Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection site. Metro has a permanent HHW facility in Portland at 6161 NW 61st St. and another in Oregon City at 2001 Washington St. They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. They also have community collection events called Round-Ups and these take place from March to November.
There is no charge to bring up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste to these facilities. Make sure the containers are sealed so they do not leak or spill. Leaking containers should be placed in another leak-proof container. To avoid toxic chemical reactions, do not mix products together.
Unsure of what you need to bring? Read the label and look for the following words: caution, toxic, corrosive, pesticide, combustible, poison, flammable, warning or danger. Do not pour household hazardous waste down the sink, storm drain or flush it down the toilet. Hazardous wastes should not be dumped on the ground or put in the garbage can. For more information on safe HHW disposal, visit: www.oregonmetro.gov/recycling and click on the link for “Guide to Hazardous Wastes,” followed by “Neighborhood Collection Events.”
Homemade Cleaner
Below is one of the recipes from Metro’s Green Cleaners booklet. It is a general purpose (non-disinfecting) cleaner for countertops, floors, walls, carpet, and upholstery.
Combine ¼ cup white distilled vinegar,
½ Tsp. liquid castile soap and
¾ cup warm water
Shake well
Next, dissolve 4 Tbs. baking soda
in 1 qt. of warm water
Shake well
To use: Add ½ cup vinegar blend to
1 cup to 1 qt. of warm water
For nice scent, add some lemon juice (cuts grease)
Paulette Rossi is a Certified Master Recycler and a freelance writer located in Portland, OR. She can be reached through Northwest Renovation magazine.
