Green and Clean
Safer & Cheaper Home Cleaning
Products
Materials developed under a grant from the
Toxics Use Reduction Institute, UMASS Lowell.
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WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
Meeting the needs of the present generation of life
(human and non-human) without compromising the
ability of future generations of life to meet their own
needs.
SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
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ECONOMIC
WHAT IS GREEN?
Products and services that have reduced health
and environmental impacts. Some ways a product
can be green are:
 Less toxicity
 Biodegradable
 No/low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds)
 No carcinogens (cause cancer) or hormone
disruptors
 Will not irritate skin/eyes
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The Vida Verde Story
 On average, a janitor uses 48 pounds of
hazardous chemicals per year
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Vida Verde Members - 2009
Has anyone noticed a respiratory
problem when they clean?
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Potential problems with
household cleaners
HEALTH
 Indoor air pollution
 All ingredients are not
 Poisonous if ingested
biodegradable
 Some ingredients
break down into even
MORE toxic
substances
 Threatens fish, wildlife
and humans – in soil,
water and air
 Corrosive (burns)
 Toxic
 cancer
 reproductive harm
 disrupts hormone
system
 Irritant (nose, eyes, lungs)
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ENVIRONMENT
AND they can be expensive!................
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SOME FACTS
 In 2000, 10% of all calls to the US Poison Control
Center were from exposure to cleaning products.
 Over ½ of those calls were for children less than 6
years old (120,434 calls).
 According to the EPA – toxic chemicals in
household cleaners are 3X more likely to cause
cancer than outdoor air pollution
 Study of 1,915 cases of work-related asthma:
236 cases (12%) were due to cleaning products;
80% of these were new cases
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HEALTH EFFECTS
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IMMEDIATE (ACUTE)
LONG-TERM (CHRONIC)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
skin irritation
respiratory irritation
watery eyes
chemical burns
asthma attack
FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated 1-4-12
cancer
hormone disruption
asthma
reproductive problems
liver damage
kidney damage
central nervous system
damage
ACUTE DANGERS (immediate)
CORROSIVE PRODUCTS
Severe Burns on eyes, skin and if ingested, throat
and esophagus
(oven cleaners, drain cleaners, acidic toilet bowl cleaners)
CHLORINE BLEACH & AMMONIA
AVOID!

NEVER mix – they react with each other to produce
toxic gases that damage the lungs

Should NOT be used by people with asthma or
heart and lung problems

Fumes are highly irritating to eyes, nose, throat,
lungs
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MORE ABOUT
CHLORINE BLEACH & AMMONIA…
NEVER mix these ingredients together!!!
Ammonia + Chorine Bleach 
CHLORAMINE GASES
Ammonia + Lye (in some oven cleaners)  CHLORAMINE GASES
Chlorine Bleach + Acids  Toxic Chlorine Gas
(in some common toilet bowl cleaners, vinegar is
acidic)
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ACUTE DANGERS (continued)
FRAGRANCES
In sensitive individuals, or people with asthma or allergies
fragrances can cause:
 Respiratory irritation
 Headaches
AVOID!
 Sneezing
 Watery eyes
 Trigger an asthma attack
 1/3 of substances used in fragrances are TOXIC
(Phthalates – reproductive harm)
 Fragrances are considered “trade secrets” so their
ingredients don’t have to be listed- You just see the word
“fragrance” on the list of ingredients.
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WARNING LABELS
Most
Dangerous
DANGER or POISON
May be fatal on short exposure.
Specialized protective equipment required.
WARNING
Corrosive or toxic.
Avoid skin contact or inhalation. (ex: drain cleaner)
WARNING
May be harmful if inhaled or absorbed.
CAUTION
May be irritating.
No unusual hazard
Safest
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LONG-TERM (chronic) EFFECTS
1. CANCER
2. HORMONE DISRUPTION




3.
4.
5.
6.
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Chemicals that interfere with body’s natural chemical
messages (hormones).
They either mimic or block hormones.
They can cause cancer, birth defects and immune problems.
They can lower sperm counts & increase rate of male birth
defects.
LIVER DAMAGE
KIDNEY DAMAGE
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE (brain, nerves)
ASTHMA
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DO YOU HAVE TO BE A
CHEMIST TO CLEAN YOUR
HOUSE SAFELY?
NONYLPHENOL ETHOXYLATES
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CHEMICAL
FOUND IN
DANGERS
ALKYLPHENOL
-All-purpose
cleaners
-Stain Removers
-Laundry detergent
-Carpet cleaners
- Endocrine disruptors; mimic
estrogen; estrogen-sensitive breast
cancer
-Environmental toxin
-Does not biodegrade easily
-Altered reproduction and
feminization in fish
- Can be contaminated with a
carcinogen (1,4 dioxane)
PHTHALATES
-Fragrances
(many products;
trade-secret)
-Endocrine disruptor
- Reproductive defects in baby boys
-Causes asthma
BUTYL CELLUSOLVE
-Glass cleaners
(ex: ClearVue)
-Oven cleaners
-Degreasers
-Carpet cleaners
-Stain- removers
-Reproductive problems
-Fertility reduction
-Embryonic death
-Birth defects
- Serious kidney and liver problems
-Neurotoxin
-Suspected carcinogen
ETHOXYLATES
(Many different names
such as:
nonylphenol ethoxylate,
octylphenol ethoxylate,
Nonoxynol-9)
(Many names such as:
butyl glycol, Dowanol,
ethylene glycol monobutyl
ether (EGBE),
2- butoxyethanol)
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CHEMICAL
FOUND IN
DANGERS
AMMONIUM
-Lysol disinfectant
- 409
-Toilet cleaners
-Disinfectant sprays
-Occupational asthma
-Some have been linked to
decreased fertility and birth
defects in mice
QUATERNARY
COMPOUNDS
(ex: dimethylbenzyl
ammonium chloride)
ETHANOLAMINES
Monoethanolamine (MEA):
-Windex Original
(mono-, di-, and tri-,)
-Spic and Span Heavy Duty
Degreaser
-Spic and Span 10X
Concentrate Disinfecting All
Purpose Spray
Diethanolamine:
-Softsoap Antibacterial Hand
Soap
Triethanolamine:
-Clorox Floral Fresh 2 Liquid
-Orange Energy Pine Sol All
Purpose Cleaner
-Lysol Brand II Disinfectant
Spray Aerosol, Green Apple
FINAL Oct 17, 2011-updated
Scent 1-4-12
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MONO-: hormone disruption;
asthmagen; can form
carcinogens
DI-: suspected carcinogen,
cardiovascular,
gastrointestinal, kidney,
neurological, skin and sense
organ and respiratory
toxicant
TRI-: suspected immune
system, respiratory, skin and
sense organ toxicant;
asthmagen
CHEMICAL
FOUND IN
DANGERS
GLYCOL ETHERS
- Preservatives
- All purpose cleaners
(including Simple Green)
- Bathroom cleaners
- Degreasers
- Floor cleaners
-Reduced fertility
-Low birth weight
- Developmental toxin
- Reproductive toxin
TRICLOSAN
(ANTIBACTERIAL
& ANTIFUNGAL)
-Antibacterial Hand Soaps
such as:
- Ultra Dawn Dishwashing
Liquid and Antibacterial Hand
Soap,
- Palmolive Ultra Antibacterial
Hand Soap,
- Softsoap Fruit Antibacterial
Hand Soap
(also in toothpaste, mouthwash,
cosmetics, deodorant,
kitchenware, children’s toys,
clothes, computer equipment)
-Endocrine disruption
-Increased risk of breast
cancer
- Persistent in environment
- Breaks down into more
toxic substances that don’t
biodegrade
(also called
Microban ® and
Biofresh ®
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Sweden: In1998, 25%
of toothpaste had
triclosan- about 2 tons
of active ingredient
DISINFECTANT QUIZ
True or False?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Disinfecting is another word that means cleaning.
Washing your hands with soap and water is the
best way to protect yourself from illness and
infection.
You should disinfect more often if you have a
baby in the house.
There is never a reason to use disinfectants or
antibacterial cleaners.
All bacteria is harmful, which is why it’s important
to disinfect.
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WHY IS THIS SO CONFUSING?
 Complicated ingredient names
Ex: nonylphenol ethoxylate, dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride
 Lots of different names for the same
ingredient
Ex: 2-Butoxyethanol; Butoxyethanol; Butyl cellosolve; Ethanol,
2-butoxy-; Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; Ethylene glycol
mono-n-butyl ether; Monobutyl ethylene glycol ether;
n-Butoxyethanol
 All ingredients aren’t listed on the label
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MYTHS
1. If it’s on the shelf, then it’s safe.
•
Companies don’t have to disclose the
ingredients
•
Companies often claim it’s a “trade secret”
– especially fragrances
2. If it says “GREEN” or “NATURAL”
or “ECO-FRIENDLY then it’s safe &
environmentally friendly.
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Makes: Simple
Green® and Simple
Green Naturals®
Simple Green products still
contain:
Glycol ethers
(reduced fertility; low birth
weight)
Ingredient Disclosure on
Website
Some ingredients on
www.simplegreen.com
Not disclosing:
• Ingredients in dyes
• Ingredients in preservatives
• Ingredients in fragrances
Ingredient Disclosure on
Product Label
No
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Women’s Voices for the Earth Website
Shop for products that:
 List all ingredients
 Biodegradable
 Are plant-based not petroleum-based
 pH neutral (not a strong acid or base)
 Packaged in pump-spray bottles not
aerosol cans
 Are third party certified
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What to look for……..
Specific ecological labels like:
“no solvents”
“plant-based”
“no phosphates”
“biodegradable in 3 to 5 days”
Not just “natural” or “eco-friendly” or “green”
(ex: Mean Green at Walmart’s is $1.24/qt but no ingredients are listed –
is it really “green” – what’s in it? - where’s the proof?)
Not just greenwashing….“no CFCs”
(CFCs have already been banned internationally)
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LET’S LOOK AT
SOME PRODUCT
LABELS
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Other Pollution Prevention Opportunities
 Chemical Substitutions
 Use vinegar to clean windows instead of a glass cleaner containing
butoxyethanol
 Chemical Use Reduction
 Dilute as much as possible and use only when absolutely necessary
 Toilet bowl cleaner – use acid-based cleaners only when needed to
remove hard water deposits and stubborn stains. Use a mild product
for daily cleaning.
 Indirect strategies
 Floor mat at entrance
Vacuuming
 Changing the Cleaning Process
 Add vinegar and baking soda to oven, spritz with water, go to bed!
Rinse off in morning.
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IS THERE ANOTHER EASIER WAY?
YES!!!!! (and it’s usually cheaper!)
PLUS! You don’t
need a degree in
chemistry!
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THE SOLUTIONS!
Clean with safer, simpler ingredients!!!!
Vinegar
Baking soda
Castile soap
Water
Olive Oil
a coarse sponge
SAFER, SIMPLER and CHEAPER!!!!!!
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GREEN INGREDIENT
WHAT IT DOES
BAKING SODA
Cleans, deodorizes, mild abrasive, odor
absorber
WHITE VINEGAR
5% acid
Cuts grease, prevents mold and mildew,
deodorizes, dissolves soap scum;
(NEVER mix with Bleach)
kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold,
and 80 percent of viruses
LIQUID SOAP
(Vegetable
Oil based, castile or glycerinsays no petroleum)
Removes dirt and grease
OLIVE OIL
Shines
ESSENTIAL OIL
Mostly used for deodorizing or scenting
cleaners. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant.
(OR EXTRACT- less concentrated)
Peppermint, lemon, lavender, etc.
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DOES VINEGAR REALLY WORK IN
REDUCING GERMS?
TURI Lab has shown that when you use
100% (full strength) WHITE VINEGAR,
you can reduce bacterial count from
1 MILLION
within 1 minute!
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ONE
Pre-Made Cleaner Prices
FROM WALMART:
All Purpose
Cleaner
Lysol All Purpose disinfectant
$2/qt
“quats”- occupational asthma, developmental toxin
Green Works
(DfE)
$2.77/qt
Windex Surface Cleaner – Vinegar $2.97/qt
Meyers All Purpose Cleaner
$7.98/qt
FROM MARKET BASKET:
Glass
Cleaner
ClearVue
$2.79/qt
butylcellosolve – kidney and liver problems, etc
Green Works
$2.99/qt
Windex Original
$3.68/qt (patented ingredients)
FROM MARKET BASKET:
Oven
Cleaner
Easy Off
$4.99/lb
• monoethanolamine (hormone disruption, asthma);
• diethylene glycol n- butyl ether (developmental and reproductive toxin;
• “no CFCs “(Greenwashing- use of CFCs is illegal anyway)
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FROM MARKET BASKET:
Furniture
Polish
Market Basket brand: $1.99/12.5 oz (aerosol)
Pledge:
$3.49/12.5 oz
FROM MARKET BASKET:
Drain DeClogger
Mister Plumber $1.39/32 oz (corrosive – burns- strong base)
Draino Liquid
$2.79/32 oz (corrosive- burns- strong base)
FROM MARKET BASKET:
Toilet Bowl
Cleaner
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Market Basket brand: $1.79/24 oz (danger, strong acid, burns)
The Works
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$1.59/32 oz (Danger, strong acid, burns)
COST COMPARISONS
Green Recipe
Pre-Made Cleaner
All Purpose
Cleaner
$0.29 - $2.15
$2 - $7.98
(per Qt)
(per Qt)
Glass Cleaner
$0.29-$0.69
$2.79-3.68
(per Qt)
(per Qt)
$0.27
$4.49
(per pound)
(per pound)
$0.43
$1.99-3.49
(12.5 oz)
(12.5 oz)
$0.75
$1.39-2.79
(per Qt)
(per Qt)
$0.67
$1.39-2.79
(per Qt)
(per Qt)
$2.70-$4.96
$14.05-$25.22
Oven Cleaner
Furniture
Polish
Drain DeClogger
Toilet Bowl
Cleaner
COST
SAVINGS!
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GREEN INGREDIENTS
$2.12/4 lb Baking soda; Walmart in laundry isle
$ 2.32/gal White Vinegar; Walmart
$ 12.19/32 oz Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap;
Hannaford's
$16.63TOTAL
$16.63
With these ingredients you’d have enough Castile soap to
make
9 quarts of All Purpose Cleaner PLUS
enough vinegar and baking soda left over to make:
- 4 quarts of Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- 1 quart Glass Cleaner
- clean the oven 2X (assuming you use 1 lb of baking soda
each time)
If you bought the same amount of pre-made cleaners
the cost would be:
You save
$27.63!
(plus health care costs!)
9 Green Works All Purpose Cleaner at $2.77 each = $24.93
4 The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner at $1.59 each = $ 6.36
1 Green Works Glass Cleaner at $2.99 each
= $ 2.99
2 Easy Off oven cleaner at $4.99 each
= $ 9.98
TOTAL
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= $44.26