National Geographic Green Guide 03.08
We picked up a copy of the National Geographic Green Guide at the grocery store, in part for their list of chemicals to avoid in household cleaners. This week during the Cure, we're taking a closer look at green cleaning supplies, which means deciding what we do and don't want in our homes...
Chemicals to Avoid According to National Geographic's Green Guide:
Ammonia: cuts grease
Why Avoid It: derived from petroleum and known to cause asthma
Green Alternative: vinegar
Chlorine: disinfects
Why Avoid It: lung and skin irritant, lethal if ingested, releases mercury
Green Alternative: vinegar, lemon juice, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil
Monoethanolamine: helps cleaners penetrate grime
Why Avoid It: derived from petroleum, irritates respiratory system
Green Alternative: soy, corn, or coconut-based surfactants
Glycol Ethers: dissolve soil
Why Avoid It: causes nerve damage and infertility, air contaminant
Green Alternative: water, eucalyptus oil
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates: helps cleaners penetrate grime
Why Avoid It: hormone disruptor, damages fish in US streams
Green Alternative: soy, corn, or coconut-based surfactants
Phthalates: synthetic fragrances
Why Avoid It: hormone disruptor, damages fish in US streams
Green Alternative: baking soda deodorizers, essential oils
Triclosan: disinfectant in antibacterial cleaners
Why Avoid It: forms possible carcinogen, builds up in soil and fish
Green Alternative: vinegar, hot soapy water
For tips on which green cleaners to buy, check out the National Geographic Green Product Guide here.
Image via Morguefile
Originally posted by Sarah on AT:Chicago.
© 2010 Apartment Therapy
Sorry to keep beating the same old drum, but here goes:
Before my S/O was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease, I used Method non-anti-bac soap. Didn't see a need for triclosan. However, since he had a three-prong catheter in his neck for hemodialysis for several months and now has a line going straight into his belly that's only covered with bandage, we've been advised by several dialysis nurses and two doctors that antibacterial soap is an unquestionable must for dialysis patients. It prevents peritonitis, which can be lethal for dialysis patients.
However, for the average person, I think anti-bac soaps are ridiculous. As long as you lather up well for twenty seconds and rinse thoroughly, you won't emerge with any bugs a healthy immune system can't handle.
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