Written by environmental club member Edward Shingler Do you know what's in the products you clean with? Do you know how they can affect you, your family, and your environment? The answers to the questions are important if you want to protect the planet Earth and the creatures living on it! Many people choose certain cleaning products because they are marketed to "get your whites whiter and your brights brighter." However, the secret to these products' cleaning power can come from dangerous chemicals which harm you and your environment. Phthalates, perchloroethylene, triclosan, 2-butocyethanol are probably all words you've never heard of before. This is likely because the companies responsible for chemical cleaners aren't always required to list all the ingredients in their products! Furthermore, government regulation is pretty loose. Among the disclosed ingredients, there are commonly untested (potentially dangerous) chemicals, and even ones already proven to be quite harmful. Using chemical cleaners can induce a wide range of negative effects: asthma, allergic reactions, reproductive problems, birth defects, and cancer to name some. Not to mention poisoning from accidental ingestion! "Using chemical cleaners can induce a wide range of negative effects: asthma, allergic reactions, reproductive problems, birth defects, and cancer to name some. Not to mention poisoning from accidental ingestion!"It's a common misunderstanding that natural cleaners are ineffective. However, many natural cleaning products are almost, if not just as effective! When deliberating over what brand to use, don't be afraid to do some digging. Many brands try and capitalize on "going green" without truly living up to the name. This marketing tactic is called greenwashing. For example, the brand Seventh Generation states that it is environmentally friendly, while some of its products still contain unhealthy chemicals. Environmental Working Group has a great database that can show you just how clean your products really are. If you really want to simplify your cleaning routine, try looking in your pantry! Baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar can all be used as cleaners. Here are some of our favorite recipes. Image from here.
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