Goes-Green

With regular usage of chemical based cleaners, we have turned our homes into mini chemical factories

that discharge hazardous chemicals. Some of the popular chemical based products which we use in our everyday lives are the dish washers, dry and liquid soaps, detergents, glass cleaners and a host of other household products. Safe cleaning products, not toxic and eco-friendly are part of the keys for our health and wellness, for families and the environment.

Today the environmentalists all over the globe are concerned over the damages that are caused by the discharge of pollutants into the oceans, seas, jungles and mountains. Experts estimate that an average American uses 30 pounds of cleaning powder, and gallons of liquid detergent a year, which are being drained down into the sewage systems of America. Somehow people just assume that this sewage is truly cleaned and has no effect. It isn’t!

The concerns are grave in certain parts of American coastal areas, where the marine life has deteriorated to such an extent that only basic bacteria and fungi are able to survive. Elsewhere, the quality of water has reached the levels that the experts have declared them as non-consumable.

This disaster is because we are using chemical based products to clean our houses instead of safe cleaning products that are eco-friendly and do not harm our ecosystem.

There are various chemicals that you and your family are exposed to, through your daily use of cleaning products. Here I am going to list a few chemicals that are very hazardous, and we should all make an extreme effort to stay away form them or at least restrict their usage.

1. Butyl Cello solve
2. Chlorine
3. Formaldehyde
4. Hydrochloric Acid
5. Alkalis
6. Phosphates
7. Silica

Butyl Cello Solve:

This chemical is usually found in all purpose cleaners, bathroom and kitchen tiles cleaners, and carpet cleaners. This is highly toxic and can cause irritation if inhaled.

Chlorine:

It is a very toxic chemical, though used to kill bacteria in water, is unsafe for human consumption. It is used in bleaches, dishwasher detergent etc. Contact with chlorine can cause irritation and allergy.

Formaldehyde:

It is generally used in disinfectants and plug in air fresheners. When we switch on the plug in air fresheners, they tend to emit fumes which block our sensory organs, and excess inhalation of the substance can cause vomiting and discomfort.

Hydrochloric Acid:

This is a very dangerous and toxic substance, used in the cleaning of toilet bowels and sewers. It is available in various concentrations. It can cause burns, and if inhaled in concentrated form, may even cause deaths.

Alkalis:

It is one of the most common ingredients in the house hold cleaning items. They are soluble salts and very effective in removing dirt without having to scrub too much. Alkalis vary in strength and can cause burns and if swallowed can also cause death.

Phosphates:

Phosphates are present in most gels, washing powders and soaps. They are an environmental hazard and tend to promote algae and weeds in rivers and lakes. These are banned in various parts of the globe. However, detergents available at stores and supermarkets do contain phosphates.

Silica:

It is an abrasive material found in detergents and certain cleaners. It is dangerous because it tends to cause various types of cancers on inhalation.

Today, safe cleaning products are replacing the conventional chemical based products because these are fully eco-friendly and biodegradable products that dissolve in water. They do not contaminate water and environment. These are derived from all natural organic compounds like lemon, baking soda etc. However it isn’t happening fast enough. We each need to make the leap to a  green home and spread the word as to the critical situation our health and the earth are facing.

Due to the awareness about the global warming and climate changes, many companies have switched over to the production of safe cleaning products. They are non-toxic and made from natural ingredients.

These products have the same convenience as the chemical based products, with an added advantage that they help in maintaining the ecology, and at the same time are very light on the pockets.

The safe cleaning products are available in the superstores these days, and you could also see the growing popularity over the internet. Many websites are seen promoting such nontoxic products these days. Since the brands are not very established as yet, so read the labels and evaluate the quality when you use them.

Saving Energy, use safe cleaning products and improve the environment. It seems when someone wakes up and starts to Go Green, they not only look at toxins in their environment but also the saving of energy which is so important globally.

What would it mean to your family to lower your energy bills and know that you are contributing to a cleaner environment, both in your home and outside? To many, it means a lot as we become more informed. Very simple changes can make a big difference. Often it is the little things that really matter.

Microwave:

Let’s look at the kitchen first. Many homes have microwaves as they are fast and easy. They use one-fifth and a half of the energy that your regular stove would use. All those more efficient, especially for leftovers, much research is showing that even short exposure damages the life force and nutrition of the food you are going to consume. It is something to consider. It is so important to use non toxic household cleaners inside where you food will be cooked if you continue to use one. One thing we did in our home to slow the use, was to put it deep into the garage. That has made people really think before they use it.

Dish Washing:

There are two common ways to wash dishes, by hand and by dishwasher. If you start by looking a dish washing by hand, be sure to use a green safe dishwashing product. There are many green cleaning companies that specialized in pure chemical free products and very concentrated so that the cost is less than what one commonly finds on the grocery shelves.

When doing your dishes by hand; save energy and money by filing one basin with warm biodegradable soapy dishwater. Then fill the other basin with clear fresh water to rinse. Never run water from the tap as it uses so much extra water to get the job done.

When using the dishwasher, as many homes do, first be sure to get a safe cleaning product that is eco friendly. Make sure to rinse the dishes in cold water, then stack. There are several companies selling safe detergents for dishwashers and they too are highly concentrated.

Read over your manual, for example, some dishwashers have a rinse and hold. But that can use an extra 3 to 8 gallons of hot water. Is this worth it each time in energy spent and money down the drain? It is recommended to have your water temp set at about 115 degrees. This is hot enough to do the job but not too much to waste energy and money. There are excellent safe electric dish washer products that are highly concentrated.

Each of us makes personal decisions, please just do your best and make changes for safe cleaning products and save energy for all. The world will thank you and so will your grandchildren as we pass the earth to them. May you find your health and wellness for your family!

Safe Cleaning Products