Clean Green

Get It Clean, Get It Green

"All Organic - No Harsh Solvents," claims a bottle of goo remover in my cleaning cabinet. Also on that label is a warning: "DANGER: HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. COMBUSTIBLE. EYE IRRITANT." Wait, organic shouldn't be fatal, should it? It's these kinds of conflicting messages that make the hunt for green cleaning products - good for the environment and safe for my family - a bit of a puzzle.

By Elizabeth Speed Kabus

<![if lt IE 4]> <script src="http://servedbyadbutler.com/adserve/;ID=152277;size=300x250;setID=106805;type=js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript> <a href="http://servedbyadbutler.com/go2/;ID=152277;size=300x250;setID=106805"> <img src="http://servedbyadbutler.com/adserve/;ID=152277;size=300x250;setID=106805;type=img" border="0" height="250" width="300" alt="" align="right" vspace="5" hspace="8"></a> </noscript><![endif]> Ingredients to Avoid

Several types of common cleaning ingredients pose the biggest threat to environment. Carcinogens and poisons (formaldehyde and phthalates, for example) harm the health of creatures that come in contact with them. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent, is linked to cancer and also may foster the development of drug-resistant super germs. And some chemicals disrupt environments. Volatile organic compounds, for example, negatively affect air quality and contribute to smog, while phosphates encourage algae overgrowth when released into water. For more information on specific ingredients to avoid, as well a resources for consumers, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.

Keep Your Family Safe

Now what? Well, there are three tactics you can take to find safe products to clean your home and to keep your family and environment healthy.

Tactic 1: Avoid the worst offenders. To name just a few: oven cleaners, multipurpose surface sprays, air fresheners and heavily fragranced products. Pay attention to the alerts on the packaging, too. Some words you might associate with "green" products, including "all-natural," aren't regulated - but words that indicate toxicity are. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assigns toxicity levels to cleaners and pesticides based upon how harmful they are to humans. The products with the least impact on human health won't have signal words. If the product is mildly toxic (it may irritate eyes, for example) it will say "CAUTION." Moderately toxic products, labeled "WARNING," may irritate skin and eyes. The EPA insists that highly toxic ones include the word, "DANGER," like my "all organic" goo remover - not a good choice for the environment!

Tactic 2: Shop eco-friendly brands. Sticking to products made by manufacturers with a commitment to green cleaning is the fastest and easiest way to adopt greener cleaning practices. Seventh Generation and Method are widely available. Other healthy competitors on local shelves include Biokleen, Earth Friendly Products and Mrs. Meyers Clean Day.

For a new resource that compares products' claims of green and clean, log on to goodguide.com. It includes top-rated, environmentally-friendly options in every category. Just make sure you're disposing of your old products safely (your trash collection agency can help you learn how).

Tactic 3: Make your own nontoxic cleaner. It may take a little extra effort, but cleaners made from common kitchen ingredients are as effective as commercial formulas. Try vinegar and hot water in place of all-purpose surface sprays to clean floors, counters and windows. Vinegar and baking soda will absorb odors. Baking soda mixed with salt or Borax can be used to scour bathrooms. Lemon juice and oils offer cleaning benefits and a pleasant fragrance. Recipes are abundant on the Internet, or buy Karyn Siegel-Maier's book, The Naturally Clean Home.