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.