Women’s Voices for the Earth

30Apr08

A great article in the Los Angeles Times about cleaning products, How safe are green cleaning products?

The author makes a good point about the fact that ” ‘green’ and ’natural’ are marketing terms — they’re not terms of science.” And just because a product is natural doesn’t mean it won’t cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. An organization, Women’s Voices for the Earth, has started a nationwide campaign to get people to host green cleaning parties where guests make their own non-toxic cleaning products. Here a few recipes posted on their web site:

All-Purpose Cleaner
suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows and mirrors

2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)

Tip: Warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Only microwave in a glass container.

Creamy Soft Scrub
suggested uses: Use this creamy soft scrub on kitchen counters, stoves, bathroom sinks, etc.

2 cups baking soda
½ cup liquid castile soap* 
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative) 
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)

Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar, shelf life of 2 years.

Tips: For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Dry soft scrubs can be made with baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent

More recipes are posted on the Women’s Voices for the Earth web site.

And if you would like to host a green cleaning part you can visit the Women’s Voices for the Earth web site.
 

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Tags: cleaning products, green, natural, Women's Voices for the Earth