Pollution Free Home

Is Your Home a Pollution Free Zone?

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself. Below each question is the answer you should have if you have a pollution safe home.

When buying cleaning products, do you consider the effect they may have on the environment?

YES – Many of the products we commonly use around the home contain ingredients that pose a risk to our health and the environment.

Do you read the list of ingredients on household cleaning product labels before purchasing them?

YES – By reading the product labels, consumers can avoid buying products that contain questionable ingredients.

Do you look for “Warning” labels on products when shopping?

YES – Words such as CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, and POISON indicate that the product probably contains at least one hazardous ingredient.

Do you use chlorinated bleach in the washing cycle?

NO – Chlorinated bleach is moderately toxic ingredient that can cause severe irritation to the skin, nose, throat, and eyes. Chlorine can also cause toxic gasses if mixed with other household products like ammonia.

Do you regularly use baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, or lemon juice to clean your home?

YES – Simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar have been keeping homes clean for generations without relying on toxic chemicals.

Do you use fertilizers, pesticides, or weed killer to maintain your lawn and/or garden?

NO – Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may contain heavy metals and chemicals suspected of causing cancers. These products also threaten the environment when residues are washed into storm drains, rivers and lakes.

Do you use grass clippings, compost, or companion planting to keep your garden healthy?

YES – Grass clippings and compost safely provide nutrients to your lawn garden. Companion planting is a strategic planting scheme that will eliminate the need for insecticides.

Do you use commercial drain openers to unclog drains?

NO – Chemical drain cleaners are extremely corrosive and dangerous. If you have a septic, you should know that drain cleaners are very hard on the system as they kill the bacteria necessary for its workings.

Do you dispose of used motor oil or antifreeze in the trash, sewers, or lawn?

NO – Storm sewers usually empty directly into our rivers and lakes. Toxic products like motor oil severely degrades water quality.

Do you know the difference between latex and oil-based paints?

YES – Latex is a water based paint and can be cleaned up with only water. Oil paints require turpentine or mineral spirits which are extremely toxic.

Do you buy cleaning products that contain only non-toxic ingredients like vegetable oils?

YES – Cleaners that rely on vegetable oils instead of petroleum and other synthetic chemicals are safer for you and the environment.

Do you use a name brand toilet bowl cleaner, tub and tile cleaner, or mildew remover in the bathroom?

NO – Many bathroom cleaners rely on toxic ingredients. Instead use baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. It really works!

In order to have a water safe house, you need to follow most to all of these rules. However, if you follow less than 6, you need to clean up your act!!