Cleaning Green

I’m starting to learn that every time I bring chemicals into my home, I’m increasing the size of my carbon footprint. Chemicals release emissions during their manufacturing process, bring toxins into the home and can contaminate ground water after disposal.

If it can burn the rust stains off the sink, what on earth is it doing to the pipes?

The chemicals have to go. It isn’t really up for debate in my mind. Is it just me who feels stupid for not ever reading the ingredients on the back of a bottle of floor cleaner? They are expensive bottles of poison and there are children in the house. I need to find a natural cheaper alternative.

Care2.com provides a basic list of natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar head the list with a little lemon juice and tea tree oil thrown in for good measure. The basic rule of thumb seems to be looking for non toxic plant based cleaners in the grocery store aisle or creating your own cleaners at home using traditional basics.

I always opt for the cheapest method which is this case is a bottle of white vinegar and a box of baking soda. Both are natural products that cost very little and actually do a good job.

Because that’s always the worry with non toxic products: will they burn the rust stains off the sink?

From my own experience, I would say some are wonderful and better than commercial products (cold tea in a spray bottle will clean a mirror with a streak free gleam). Others seem to require a lot more elbow grease and experimentation with effective amounts and mixes (the whole vinegar, salt and soda thing).

It comes down to the fact that sink burning cleaners may be effective in the short term but their long term effects on the planet could be devastating.

Manufacturing releases emission, emission increase the amount of gas in the atmosphere, global warming occurs, polar bears pack their suitcases. Vinegar won’t melt the ice caps unless of course you pour it on top of them.

So for every chemical compound you don’t feel able to live without, buy some carbon credits. For the rest of the household cleaning, its time to get creative, save money and maybe burn a few calories. Another reason for going greener.