Peace and Environment News* April 1996
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Peace and Environment News * April 1996 |
Is whiter than white a virtue? One of the strange perversities of human nature is that each time somebody comes up with a way to make cleaning easier, we raise our standards.
—Marjorie Lamb in 2 Minutes a Day for a Greener Planet
by Hazel Jack
Once upon a time all household cleaning was done with four basic cleaners, all of them safe and inexpensive: baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch and pure soap.
Then along came high-powered advertising campaigns to convince us to sterilize, sanitize and deodorize or we would be putting our families' health at risk. As a result, we ended up with an arsenal of heavy-duty toxic household cleaners under our sinks.
Air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, tile disinfectant, window cleaners and various polishes may leave our houses shiny and sweet smelling (a matter of opinion), but they also contribute to hazardous waste. The air and water pollution that these chemicals create has grown rapidly over recent years.
Those of us who have turned our backs on these toxic cleaners find that most cleaning can be done very well using the above four basics, adding borax, washing soda and ammonia for really tough jobs. And we're saving money!
Maybe one more ingredient should be added to the list: elbow grease. Green cleaning sometimes requires a little more physical effort. Think of it as part of your exercise workout!
Pre-mixed green cleaning products are available at some stores and do an excellent job. Drop by Arbour at 800 Bank Street and check out their selection if you prefer not to make your own.
Here are some inexpensive, environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial household cleaners recommended by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Water conservation
Global population growth will outpace fresh water supplies in the next thirty years unless farming, industrial and household consumption patterns change, according to a team of U.S. researchers in the journal Science.
"You don't really think of water as a scarce resource or think about how water—fresh water—can impose restrictions on human activity..." (quote from Stanford University biologist Gretchen Daily).
Don't forget the Recycling Day of paper and plastics coming up April 20. Run by Ottawa Area Girl Guides, this recycling day gives us an opportunity to dispose of many of the plastics and cardboard that we cannot put in our Blue Boxes. Watch for locations in your local community paper.
Green Home visits still available
After the Ontario Conservative government cutfunding to the Green Communities Initiative, many of the twenty-nine cities and towns affected had to drop their programs aimed at increasing energy and water efficiency, reducing waste and preventing pollution in homes.
However, In Ottawa-Carleton, the Initiative's corporate partners, including Consumers Gas, local hydro companies, the Ottawa-Carleton Home Builders Association, and Canada Trust, decided to continue supporting the programs run by a nonprofit group called West End Community Ventures. This included their Green Home Visit, which sponsors home audits for energy efficiency.
Because of the cutbacks, the Green Home Visit is no longer free. Customers are now required to pay $40 for an audit. Judging by the long waiting list, the program continues to be very popular.
A Green Home Visit will suggest ways homeowners can improve the energy efficiency and environmental health of their homes. Customers say they find it very worthwhile.
To arrange a visit, call 828-7900.
Converted April 11, 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.
