INSTEAD OF CHLORINE, AEROSOLS, OR ROUNDUPMany of the CLEANING AGENTS we use are toxic to our lungs, skin & eyes. The spray applied to your lawn to stop dandelions or crabgrass is usually just a bottled form of the highly noxious herbicide ROUNDUP. Overexposure to this can cause CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE. It stays on your clothing and shoes unless you dispose of them or immediately wash them. Of course, if you do that, you know where it goes next...INTO TO THE WASTEWATER.
This in turn takes more chemicals to clean up so the water can be reintroduced for use. So, what are some steps you can take to use more benevolent cleaning items? Here are a few suggestions:
Air freshener………Simmer Cinnamon & Cloves
Aluminum spot remover…….2 tablespoons cream of tarter & 1 quart hot water
BLEACH…………….USE BORAX
Brass polish……….Worcestershire sauce
Car battery corrosion……..Baking soda & water
Cleaners:general household…..Baking soda
Chrome polish….Apple cider vinegar & Baby oil to polish
DRAIN CLEANER…..PLUNGER FOLLOWED BY ½ CUP BAKING SODA & ½ CUP VINEGAR & 2 QUARTS BOILING WATER (this does work). [First try to "plunger" the drain free, then pour the soda by itself into the drain, (have the boiling water heating)....Then as soon as the water is ready, pour the vinegar in the drain...This causes a chemical reaction. Let it bubble for about 10-15 seconds, then follow with the water.]
FERTILIZER……COMPOST & VERMICOMPOST
MILDEW REMOVER………EQUAL PARTS VINEGAR & SALT
Oven cleaner……. 2 tablespoons liquid soap & 2 teaspoons BORAX & warm water
Pet odor removal…..Cider vinegar
Roach repellent…..Chopped bay leaves & cucumber skins
Water mark removal …..Toothpaste
To rid yourself of flies have a well-watered pot of basil around.
Many things we use to clean our homes and ourselves can often contribute to health problems. Once many harmful cleaning chemicals enter the drain or soil, they can continue the cycle of contamination. Be wary of advertising. Slick advertisements can blind the buyer from making wise choices.
BORAX is an excellent substitute for bleach. Even though borax can be an eye irritant and may be harmful if swallowed, it outweighs chlorine in its functions and safety. So be sure to read labels and keep clean. For more information go to www.prevention.com and look at the Home and Family section under Housecleaning for an article called " A Safer Sparkle". See you through the looking glass.
And as always, CPR: CONSERVE/PARTICIPATE/RECYCLE
