Peace and Environment News * June 1995

5R's Update

by Hazel Jack

Something about warm temperatures, longer days and bright sunshine sends many of us scurrying for mops, buckets and paint brushes. We have this urge to beautify our surroundings with a good scrubbing or a fresh coat of paint. But before you go rushing off, consider this paradox: spring cleaning may actually be fouling the air and water in the name of cleanliness!

Many detergents, bleaches and polishes are made from toxic chemicals which emit vapours that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a component of smog and a major contributor to Canada's air quality problem. Here are some suggestions from Pollution Probe that we can all use in our everyday lives to avoid contributing to smog.

Household tips to clear the air

• Avoid using chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides in your yard and garden. Use organic alternatives instead.
• Reduce or eliminate your use of gasoline-driven lawn mowers. Plant naturalized areas using native perennials, wildflowers or ground covers instead of the traditional lawn, or use a manual push mower.
• If you need to take your clothes to the dry cleaners, take them to an operator who captures and reuses their cleaning solvents (see article on dry cleaning in this issue).
• Use water-based (latex) and solvent-free paints and coatings instead of oil-based paints that emit harmful chemicals.
• To save energy, use your clothesline to dry your laundry instead of the dryer. Try washing clothes in lukewarm or even cold water and use the cold rinse cycle as often as possible.

  Plant trees around your house. Trees along the south, east and west side of your home will shade you from the sun and reduce the need for air conditioning or fans.

• When choosing carpets, rugs, upholstery fabric and drapes, stick to untreated wool, cotton or linen, as synthetic carpets and upholstery may emit volatile chemicals.
• Switch from using household cleaners and products containing air polluting chemicals (glass cleaners, aerosol antiperspirants, nail polish removers, barbecue starter) to environmentally friendly alternatives.
• You can avoid unnecessary use of toxic household cleaners by using simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, borax, and plain old soap.

Try "green" paint

If you have the urge to grab a paint brush, here are some things you should know. The paint you choose can have serious consequences for the environment. Many paints contain a potent cocktail of toxic substances. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in oil paints produce atmospheric ozone (smog) in the presence of sunlight as they dry. In addition, solvents such as turpentine or mineral spirits are usually needed for cleanup. The Environmental Choice Program has drawn up guidelines restricting the amounts of VOCs in both oil and water-based paints. Brands that meet the criteria carry the EcoLogo.

Glidden Paints produces a latex paint called Lifemaster 2000 that is 100 percent free from VOCs, according to Glenn Steele, district manager of Glidden Paints on Bank Street. Environmental Building News found in tests that Lifemaster performs almost exactly the same as conventional latex paints in the same price range.

Here are some basic rules that you should follow if you are planning to paint.

Where possible, choose latex over oil paint. Latex paint contains fewer organic solvents that oil paint, cleans up quickly with soap and water and dries quickly.

Consider plant-based paints. These contain much lower levels of petroleum-based products and usually omit or sharply reduce the fungicides, pesticides and mildewcides that are found in many conventional latex paints. Some forego synthetic solvents altogether in favour of balsam terpene or citrus terpene.

Extend the life of the surfaces you do paint. Dirty surfaces may need soap and water, not paint. Wipe down walls regularly, especially inside and on reachable outdoor surfaces like decks and trim.

Never pour thinners or solvents down the drain or toilet. Take them to the Trail Road hazardous waste site.

Reuse paint thinner. Leave thinner in a covered can; paint sludge will settle to the bottom. Pour clean solvent off the top and reuse.

Don't throw away left over paint. If you can't reuse it or give it to someone who can, take it to a hazardous waste site.

Try mixing latex paints together to use as a primer or final coat if the colour is OK.

Recycling news

Thanks to reader L. Phillippe for letting us know about a recycling service that takes place once a month at Herongate Mall. Waste Recycling Inc. will accept plastics, cardboard, cereal boxes, glass and paper of all kinds. Phone 742-1222 for more information. Watch our calendar pages for collection dates. The next collection will be on June 10, from 9 A.M. to noon.

Converted July 7, 2000 - Lg

To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.

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