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Cleansers, Scrubs, Polishers and Freshners
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Clean and Green: Cleansers, Scrubs, Polishes and Fresheners
o In 2005, Poison Control Centers reported 218,000 calls involving cleaning products nationwide; 121,498 of those concerned children under 6.
o Children are disproportionately affected – in the womb, in the
home and in schools.
o Toddlers crawl on the floor and frequently put their hands in their mouths
o Children can be confused by products made to smell like fruit or candy.
o Over-use of antibacterial agents is breeding populations of
supergerms against which we have less and less immunity the more we use products intended to combat them.
o Common ingredients in conventional household products may be:
o Fatal when ingested o Corrosive o Highly toxic o Carcinogenic o Cause skin discoloration o Damage the liver
o How to use your Big Green Purse:
o Simplify your shopping list – choose one non-toxic all- purpose cleaner, avoid aerosols, skip products with fragrances, use a micro-fiber cloth or mop for dust rather than spray on/wipe off products
o Avoid antibacterials – use alcohol or hot soapy water to disinfect areas of concern
o Minimize packaging and trash – buy concentrated detergent or products in #1 or #2 plastics, which can be recycled
o Shift spending to safer products -- buy green cleaning products whenever possible (list of options and sellers available in chapter)
o Make your own – the most effective cleaners can be made from water, baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar
o Products to avoid include: antibacterial disinfectants, corrosive drain, oven and toilet
bowl cleaners, aerosol cleansers, fragrances.
o Chapter includes: lists of green cleaners, toxins to avoid, recipes for drain cleaner, furniture polish, spot removers and tips to keep your family safe.