ÔTHE
HIDDEN COST OF HOUSEHOLD CLEANERSÓ
Since
the 1940s chemical companies have been trying to convince us that they have
created the perfect cleaner for whatever greasy grimy job we might find
ourselves facing. Their slogan, ÒBetter living through chemistryÓ. These high
powered cleaners were designed to take the drudgery out of the job and leave us
with more free time to spend in the pursuit of what else but more cleaning
jobs.
Unfortunately
few people ever question the cost beyond the dollar amount. The long and short
of it is we have been sold an easier life at a very high price. The hidden
costs are now everywhere in the form of poor quality air and water,
contaminated super fund sites with no money for clean up, and health insurance premiums
that are breaking the bank due to soaring medical costs.
LetÕs
look at the chemical make up of some of our so called friendly household
cleaners. Petrochemicals found in furniture polishes, paneling sprays, and car
cleaners of all kinds are derived from natural substances, but do not occur in
nature and are not found naturally in the environment. Petroleum is rarely found
on the surface of the earthÕs crust and has no known natural or man made enzymes
capable of breaking them down. Therefore, they will remain ever present in our
air and water for life times after we have used them to clean the coffee table.
Chlorine
bleach found under AmericanÕs kitchen sink and in every laundry room is
considered a synthetic organic chemical- strange wording is it not? Over used because
it is thought to be safe. This same chemical when used in the process of paper
bleaching leaves behind 75 very dangerous chemical compounds known as dioxins.
Chlorine
the equivalent of chemical glue bonds elements together that are not easily
dissolved. These strange bonds leave behind toxic residues that poison our
water, fish and us. One study done by researchers at Seventh Generation report
that organochlorine molecules even in minute amounts can slip into cells
replacing hormones and causing devastating effects.
Most of
us continue to buy and use these dangerous chemical compounds because we are
uneducated about their dangers and not offered safe alternatives. Of course
even natural cleaners have their impact on the environment however, their
impact is less intense at every level.
Natural
cleaners are plant-based containing vegetable oils, fruit acids, herbs, and
essential oils rather than petrochemicals. These natural cleaners also eschew
unnecessary unnatural bleaches, colors, dyes or perfumes, are biodegradable and
are not tested on animals.
There
are several natural cleaners showing up on the shelves. Two that come to mind
are CLEAN GREEN and CITRA-SOLVE. Clean Green can be used in place of glass and
surface cleaners including the tub, stool and sink. Citra-solve made from the
peels of citrus fruit can be used as an all purpose cleaner and will do the
laundry. When purchasing natural cleaners be sure to read the label to make
sure youÕre not being sold any unwanted chemicals.
Other
old time stand bys such as baking soda can be used to eliminate odors inside
the frig. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet instead of perfume based cover-ups
to eliminate, not hide pet odors. Use vinegar for windows, floors and mirrors.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used safely in place of disinfectants for counter tops,
cutting boards and sinks. One of my personal favorites is Tea Tree Oil. This essential
oil is pure antiseptic. A few drops in water will leave your bathroom clean and
safe.
Let
your grocery store manager know youÕre looking for more natural products. They
are usually very receptive to new ideas and new ways to draw people into their
stores. If you donÕt find what youÕre looking for there check with your local
health food store or co-op. Till next time, Rebecca.