FACES & PLACES GREEN LIVING MARCH 2009   Clean up Green By Hope Blaythorne Cleaning products can be such a mystery as they are used everywhere in our homes: dishes, counters, furniture, clothes, floors, and more, but are composed of many different strange ingredients. In our best intentions to clean up, we often make things worse by slathering our environments in chemicals. Most of the conventional cleaning products are petroleum-based and have health and environmental concerns. As you look to clean up your home, now is the best time to try the latest generation of natural cleaning products that are on the market. These biodegradable products derived from natural materials are often sold in recyclable containers and work hard to keep a house clean and fresh-smelling without the toxic side effects. Many of these products are made from renewable resources and are convenient and effective. However, if you like a simple and cost effective solution, vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean anything and gets the job done. Mix in a little warm water with either and your have got yourself an effective all-purpose cleaner. I use vinegar and water to clean my kitchen floor, and it works wonders while keeping my tile floor clean (with no lingering vinegar scent). Baking soda sprinkled on carpets is the best odor neutralizer I have found. In regards to mass produced natural cleaners, I have evaluated the Method line of products and found them very effective. Method cleaners are powerful formulas made with naturally derived surfactants that work by absorbing dirt rather than chemically degrading it. I have found their biodegradable wipes great in the bathroom, and the “wood for good” furniture polish cleans while leaving a lovely almond scent. They have specialized products such as stainless steel cleaners that work wonders as well as high efficiency washing machine detergent that is concentrated- thus offering a good value for a great detergent. I have tested various dish products and have found Seventh Generation’s natural dish liquid a good value, plus an effective cleaner. With such lovely scents as lavender mint, this detergent is tough on grease but gentle on hands. Seventh Generations automatic dishwashing gel has been fine in our dishwasher, which has been very testy to any dishwashing gels, due to the hard water that we have in our area. Meyer’s Clean Day has an all purpose cleaner that works well as a general cleaner to wipe down walls, floors and in other areas of the home. It is gentle enough for my wood floors, and leaves a nice scent as well. Lately I have been investigating Clorox’s “Green Works” line of cleaning products. While billed as 99% natural, (preservative and colorant make up the 1%) there is still dispute over these products in regards to the ingredients they source for the products. So GreenWorks is better than a conventional alternative, but not perfect. As far as a cleaner, I have been using the toilet bowl cleaner and I find it successful in cleaning my bowls, and attacking my hard water stains, while not dousing the “Tidy Bowl” man in chemicals. A simple way to keep the toxins out of your home is having a shoeless policy or using a good doormat to trap toxins that come from outside. Oil, anti-freeze, pollen, animal waste etc can be stopped at the door, while also limiting less dirt- which means less work, water and energy. Another simple idea is airing out your home occasionally, by simply opening up windows and getting some fresh air in your home. Houses are enclosed spaces, and as such in the wintertime the trapped air inside can be more toxic than the air outside, simply because it is a shuttered environment. Moving that air can help especially for people with allergies and suffering from breathing difficulties. Small steps can help with the care of your house, as well as the health of your family and subsequently the environment. Try adding more “green” elements to your life and see the positive impact these changes can have on your life and the world around you.