Re: David Suzuki Presents: Greener Cleaner

	It's spring and Canadians' thoughts turn to cleaning (we know you can't wait!) Did you know that Jeffrey Hollender, head of Seventh Generation was inspired to create his line of non-toxic products when his young son's severe asthma was directly linked to environmental toxins? You've been telling us you too want safe solutions for a healthier life, so in this issue, we'll show you how to make your own green cleaning products, get rid of stuff you don't want, and avoid toxic exposure when the object to be cleaned is you. Recipes for a safer spring clean There are tons of eco-cleaning products on store shelves these days, but you can  make your own from ordinary stuff around the house. Here's the first in a series of kitchen-tested recipes (on everyone's favorite cleaning topic - laundry!) from DSF staffer Lindsay Coulter. For the visual learners out there,here’s the movie version. To receive the rest of Lindsay's recipes for safe, inexpensive household cleaning ideas sign up here for updates. More... There is no 'away' Now that you’ve cleaned you house, basement, garage and attic, what are you going to do with all the stuff you want to get rid of? For a lot of us, out of sight is out of mind. If we can’t see something, it doesn’t exist – a particular problem when it comes to waste.  Don’t want something? Throw it away. Pour it down the drain. Presto, it’s all disappeared. More and more, people realize there is no ‘away’ or ‘gone’. Stuff we chuck simply piles up in the landfills, leaches into the ground, poisons the water table. What’s the solution? More... Check your personal (chemical) exposure Did you know people used to wear lead make-up? Take a look at the ingredient list on the stuff you’re using on your own body and hair and you won’t feel so smug. Many of those products are linked to major health concerns. More... Individuals making a difference The David Suzuki Foundation works hard to convince policy makers to help create a sustainable future for us all. And you – the members of our Nature Challenge community – are doing what you can to green your lives and spread the word on earth-friendly activities. Here are some stories about people just like you. More... Some things you can do right now Remember to send in your 'To Do' checklist to win a copy of ‘The Sacred Balance’ by David Suzuki. Speaking of which, here’s this month’s list of green living ideas... More...   And the winner is: Votes are in. Your favorite carbon cartoon, by a landslide, is 'It's the cars'. Here’s what you had to say about it: "(People) don't seem to equate that their driving habits are a direct effect to dirty air that we breathe." TM, Vancouver BC "I paraphrase… a great program on CBC radio about climate change: ‘the next time you are sitting in traffic, frustrated and angry over the fact that you aren't moving, remember this: YOU ARE THE TRAFFIC.’" Lyndsy Deshima, Toronto, ON Please pass this information on - to friends, neighbours, colleagues, classmates, political representatives - everyone. The more people understand the problems and how to fix them, the closer we all are to a healthier world.
In this Issue Recipes for a safer spring clean There is no 'away' Check your personal (chemical) exposure Individuals making a difference Some things you can do right now     Take Action Now: Organize a green cleaning bee Earmark Earth Day Tell everyone to FLICK OFF Recently Released: Quebec pesticide lessons Green ideas for small businesses Al Gore's great ads Global warming explained Mailbag! "Huge thanks for the latest newsletter!! So many great action items, love it!!!" - Ryan Leech (read more about Ryan, who’s going carbon neutral along with the rest of our Play it Cool team, here and here.) More reader responses Share an Earth Day Event with other members of David Suzuki's Nature Challenge. Share this newsletter --------------------------- Gail Mainster, Editor Email the Editor Join David Suzuki on Facebook --------------------------- Please forward this message to family and friends, and encourage them to sign up for free e-updates from the David Suzuki Foundation. ---------------------------- ---------------------------- The David Suzuki Foundation values your privacy and does not sell or trade email addresses. Please see our privacy policy for more information. ----------------------------