Tri-State Green Report - Cleaning

The stores are full of cleaning products.You name it, theres a product to clean it. But how many of us read the labels? How many know the hazards the ingredients can pose to the environment, let alone our health? "If you put the chemicals in them, the chemicals can burn your eyes." And then theres the aroma the cleaners produce. The EPA says many manufacturers add scents to mask the smell of cleaning agents. The agency also says preventing pollution starts with avoiding unnecessary additives. "The fumes. If you read some of the bottles the things in there.. the fumes could bother your sinuses or your health even." Then again, plenty of us relate those smells to the concept of "clean", and say theyre not worried. "I like the pine scents. It makes the house smell fresh." For several years now, the EPA has made a push to have us go "green" while making our homes spotless. If that sounds like a plan to you, the EPA recommends looking at the labels before you buy.Think about whats inside the bottle and how it might irritate your family."A lot of people need to change their lifestyle because theres health problems out there. I think a lot of the health problems are due to chemicals… and if you buy these things like this… you know… you change your life style… just like when you try to lose weight you have to change your lifestyle of eating." Stores across the country are starting to carry more green cleaners. "People are starting to go natural, organic cleaning supplies." Whether its a bathtub mildew fighter or dishwasher detergent, theres probably a product that reduces the health risk. "Chemicals are bad. I try to stick to mayonnaise, vinegar, and baking soda. Whatever I can use that is more natural." "I use it at home myself. I was very leery of it at first, but its wonderful stuff." Heres another thing to keep in mind when buying green cleaners. Look for those sold in recyclable, reduced, or biodegradable packaging.