Green Cleaning: Tips for Enjoying a Toxic-Free Spring

April 2008 Spring Cleaning Do's & Don'ts Get a Spotless Home, Without Harsh Chemicals Spring cleaning is a tradition that goes back many generations, and has its roots in the ancient Middle East. Especially popular in cold climates, where no one wants to hose down items in the yard or scrub windows in the winter, the process of seasonal sprucing is a great way to bring a sense of renewal to your home. Unfortunately, many conventional cleaning products are loaded with chemical fragrances and toxic cleansing agents like bleach, ammonia and alcohol. These can be harmful, possibly even fatal, if ingested (even through inhalation). Precious little research has been done on the dangers of long-term exposure to residues of toxic cleaning products, but scientists do know children, the elderly, asthma sufferers and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Try to avoid cleaners that contain triclosan or other man-made antibiotics. For day-to-day cleaning you don't need them, and you don't want to contribute to antibiotic resistance. So how should you get everything looking spic and span, and still protect indoor air quality and your health? 1. Instead of conventional cleaning products, try a brand made from more natural ingredients. Many are becoming much more widely available, and some big names are entering the green market. 2. Rely more on elbow grease and less on chemicals or specialized products. Get the whole family involved! Instead of chemical carpet treatments, take removable rugs outside and beat them clean. A little cleaner and a lot of scrubbing often works as well as dousing in solvents. 3. If you buy pre-made cleaning products, choose larger sizes to reduce packaging, and try to pick brands in recyclable containers. 4. To make your own cleaners for countertops and tile, sprinkle on baking soda and scrub clean (add kosher salt for tough grime). 5. Use vinegar and lemon juice on stains, mildew and grease. 6. For windows and mirrors, dilute 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Spray on, then wipe clean with newspaper. 7. Air everything out! Volatile organic compounds off-gas from plastics and man-made fibers, and dust and molds can build up. Sunlight and wind truly are great natural cleaners! Recycle Your T-Shirts in Style Barneys, Loomstate and Sundance Channel Show You How A fresh take on recycling is coming to Barneys New York stores this spring. The iconic, upscale retailer is partnering with Sundance Channel (which is kicking off Season 2 of its "The Green" block of eco-themed content) and stylish green fashion line Loomstate in an initiative that begins April 13. After that day, consumers will be able to drop off old t-shirts at all Barneys locations nationwide (including the seven flagship stores and numerous regional outlets). Loomstate will then re-dye, style and print the used duds to create a limited edition T-shirt collection, which will be sold at Barneys at the end of the year. Those who bring in a shirt will receive a 20% discount on women's Loomstate for Barneys Green and men's Loomstate gear from April 13 to the 27th. Designed by Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn, Loomstate has made a name for itself by delivering cutting-edge, yet relaxed, fashion based on eco-friendly materials and processes. "With THE GREEN, Sundance Channel hopes to inspire viewers to make changes in their lives and let them know that they don‚t have to sacrifice style, quality or design to make a positive impact on the planet," says Larry Aidem, President and CEO of Sundance Channel. "Our alliance with Barneys and Loomstate creates another opportunity for Sundance Channel viewers to participate in a creative and unique program that benefits them and the planet. As the first network to dedicate a primetime TV destination to environmental programming, we are committed to seeking out ways to illustrate that"going green" is both a movement and priority for all of us." Proceeds from the program will be routed through 1% For the Planet to Organic Exchange, a group that is working to promote the burgeoning organic cotton industry. For more information, visit http://www.sundancechannel.com/blogs/thegreen/390331450 A Free Service of E-The Environmental Home | Subscribe | Advertise | About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy

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