An AT reader writes in with a question about cleaning product safety resources:
Hi AT, I was wondering if you had any online or offline recommendations for learning the ins and outs of knowing which products to use from both a hypoallergenic and green perspective. My daughter is 3 years old and I've become particularly concerned about reducing her exposure to all the unnecessary chemicals I was raised while growing up. Is there some definitive list I can reference to give me some sort of assurance the cleaning product I use (I plan to try some DIY solutions, but as a working mom, time is of the essence), whether it be laundry, household cleaners or soap, is safe? Thanks, Concerned Mom
[Image: Method Home]
We also highly recommend the iPhone app called GoodGuide, which has a database of over 65,000 products, ranging from toothpaste, shampoo, household cleaners, rating each of them according to their green friendliness. We're telling everyone we know with an iPhone or Touch to load this up onto their handheld since it's free and easy to take around with you while you're actually out and about making these informed purchases.
Hi Concerned Mom,
I highly recommend checking out www.care2.com, the website created by Annie B. Bond. I've been making my own cleaning products for years, because commercial products aggrevate my asthma. It is very easy (I'm very busy too ;) ), costs less, and produces less waste. My personal tip...leave out the essential oils or change them to scents you like. All you need is water, liquid dish soap, baking soda, borax, and vinegar, and you'll have everything you'll need. Here's a good place to start:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-home/nontoxic-cleaning?view=all.
For "green" commericial products, I swear by Seventh Generations carpet cleaner...if it completely cleans up hours old dog diarrhea (yeah, gross, but it happens with pets), then it has passed the test!
Also, look for laundry detergents that DONT have optical brighteners, there's plenty, just get in the habit of reading labels.
Good Luck!
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If you're looking for information on GoodGuide's iPhone application, you can read more at http://www.goodguide.com/about/mobile.
You can also download the app directly from the iTunes app store.
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Apparently the formatting was wrong on that last comment. The link should be http://www.goodguide.com/about/mobile (without the "." at the end).
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if you prefer to buy your green supplies already made, i cannot recommend j.r. watkins highly enough. i was stunned to find a cleaning product that only had four ingredients (seriously - four! one of which was water!)
it's got coconut surfactant in it, which apparently cleans like a dream. i've been really happy with the strength of the cleaner, it smells amazing, and it's 3.99 from target!
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