Green Cleaning PraticesThis is a guest post by Rachel Breit, who will be holding a workshop on green cleaning at Trillium Natural Medicine. Read on to learn more about green cleaning and see below for event details.

A lot of people I talk to think green cleaning is a fad – a way to sell people overpriced cleaning products in trendy packaging.  The truth is, conventional cleaning products are wreaking havoc on our environment, both inside our homes and outside in our waterways.   A small change in your household cleaning routine can make a big difference, for your family’s health and our planet as a whole.  Just as grocery store shelves are lined with soft drinks and candy, the household products being sold are equally dubious.

Let’s take a look at some of the best-selling cleaning products in America right now.  You probably have a few of these in your cupboard right now, and hopefully, after reading this, you will think twice before using them again!

  • Comet, the popular bathroom scouring powder, contains 146 different chemicals, including formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, chloroform, and other chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
  • Febreze, when studied for its possible effects on air pollution, was shown to emit 89 different chemicals, many of which can exacerbate asthma.  Another study on artificial air fresheners and pregnancy demonstrated that use of Febreze or a similar product is associated with an increase in maternal headaches and depression, and an increase in ear infections in newborns.
  • The main ingredients in Tide and most other laundry detergents are so persistent in the environment, they can be detected in fish and other aquatic life.
  • Both Spic and Span and Scrubbing Bubbles are banned in the European Union for their negative effects on the hormone and respiratory systems.

Scary, right?  Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.  Luckily, we have other options.  Products like Method and Seventh Generation now sit on the shelves next to the Clorox and are a great step in the right direction.  Personally, as a frugal mother of three, I make my products at home from everyday items like baking soda and vinegar, so I can keep my family safe and healthy without breaking the bank.  My son, who suffered terrily from asthma when he was young, has now been symptom-free for three years.  I credit my switch to green cleaning.  Give it a try, and see what it can do for your family.

You can learn more about how to make the switch to green cleaning at my class, Homemade Green Cleaning Products.  All participants will receive a recipe list and green cleaning starter kit.  The class will be hosted by Trillium Natural Medicine at 6 PM on November 10.  Cost to attend is $30.  Please RSVP at 412-996-9164 or naturallycleanpgh@gmail.com to reserve your spot.  Space will be limited! View the Facebook event page, here.