What's the environmental impact of cleaning products?

Question

please add sources

Answer 1

Great  question. Many cleaning products are quite harsh, but, more importantly, they are entirely unnecessary! You can do pretty much all of your household cleaning with different combinations of vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, borax, and liquid detergent. Of course, Proctor  & Gamble,  SC Johnson, and Lysol would like you to think otherwise.

Here's a link that I've found useful:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-yo...

Answer 2

Your question seems to be primarily concerned with the environment in the sense of what's happening outside your home, but I would propose that there are enough reasons _inside your home_ to be cautious of standard cleaning products. Here's a quote from a relevant article (link below):

"Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products -- and removing toxic ones -- goes a long way towards ensuring a home with fresh, clean air. Clean air renews and rejuvenates; it doesn't pollute our lives or the environment. Living in a less toxic home, removed from neurotoxic chemicals, improves sleep and concentration, makes babies less fussy, and gives a sense of well-being. Your household's toxic burden on the environment will be significantly reduced by following these steps, and this too can bring peace of mind."

Specifically concerning the environment in the sense that you probably mean it, please check out your community's toxic waste program. Here in Sonoma County, CA we have local "toxic cleanup" days, where guys in Hazmat suits will collect old paint, broken CFL bulbs (mercury!), expired medicines, used syringes, motor oil and other automotive fluids, and of course cleaning chemicals. You don't want any of this stuff in your watershed.

Answer 3

fantastic question

Have you heard about Laundry Pure? That is cleaning with just water and no cleaning products? If not, then you to check it out. This is where you will most of the answers to your questions.

www.o-femi.com/healthcare.html