Contamination of Water By Household Cleaners is Very Costly

More on the cost of Toxic Household Cleaners:

            Contamination of tap water by Nitrates is very costly;

            Nitrates are chemical compounds that contaminate our public drinking water, they are mostly released into the soil and subsequently into drinking water supplies via agriculture and the use of toxic household cleaners.  “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency names phosphorus, nitrogen, ammonia and chemicals grouped under the term "Volatile Organic Compounds" as the worst environmental hazards in household cleaners”(Davis ), pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia are released into our water system after being flushed down the toilets, sinks, tubs and dishwashers during cleaning, they are not removed from the water in waste treatment facilities and are returned to rivers, lakes and other waterways.(Davis ) Not only does contamination caused by household cleaners affects our ecosystem but also the economy, millions of households spend thousands purchasing bottled water for drinking and cooking, and millions are spent in efforts to control contamination and improve water processing plants.

            In a study of the Beverly Grand community in California it was found that purchasing water in order to avoid the use of contaminated tap water is very costly: “95% of households reporting that they purchased, vended and/or bottled water for use in the home.”(Moore, and Matalon)  Families spend an average of $31.00 per month purchasing bottled water. Households that use water filters have an average expense of $7.76-$49.85 per household month.  This is a very high burden on low income families, “on average, water-related expenditures amount to 4.1% of household income, or nearly three times what is considered affordable.” The cost to mitigate and eliminate nitrate contamination for this area is 1-million dollars, and the cost to upgrade the water treatment plant is about $34 million dollars. “Together, the USDA and the CDPH funded 16 nitrate-related drinking water projects during the four-year period of 2005-09, which totaled $21 million.” (Moore, and Matalon) If the rate of contamination continues, by the year 2020 the number of monitored wells contaminated with nitrate will increase from 5% to 10%.  It costs $150,000 in order to maintain drinking water safe in the San Joaquin Valley. By opting to use greener cleaning materials not only will we be helping the health of our planet but also our pockets.

Davis, Jonita. "How Does Household Cleaner Affect the Environment?." Green Living. n. page. Web. 10 Aug. 2012.< http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/household-cleaner-affect-environment-20087.html>.

Moore, Eli, and Eyal Matalon. "The Human Costs of Nitrate-contaminated." . Pacific Institute, March 2011. Web. 10 Aug 2012. <http://www.pacinst.org/reports/nitrate_contamination/nitrate_contamination.pdf>.

Biokleen; One of the Many Green Cleaning Choices

Biokleen Products are biodegradable and gentle on the skin;

They are widely available at retail stores all over the Portland metro area, including Fred Meyers.  Biokleen’s products are made used natural products including “grapefruit seed, lime, orange peel, and natural essential oils.” (Biokleenhome.com) They do not contain dyes or synthetic fragrances.  It is non-toxic to humans or aquatic environment.  Their products include laundry detergents, both in powder and liquid form.  These detergents are made of Oxygen Bleach and orange peel extracts.  They also provide chlorine free oxygen bleach; this bleach not only brightens colors and whites, it fights stains and it is also made out of natural products including grapefruit seed extract.  Their dishwasher liquids are not only efficient in washing tough grease but they can also be used as bubble bath and pet shampoo! They also carry produce wash, which removes “pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, waxes and soil”  (biokleen.com) After rinsing, produce is left complete residue free.

            Among their varied amount of cleaners they also provide Septic cleaners, fabric fresheners and multi-surface floor cleaners. They have been awarded Best of Green by TreeHugger, a division of the Discovery Channel.

http://biokleenhome.com/products

Automatic Dish Powder?

BKL003 • 32 oz Pwdr

·         Phosphate and chlorine free dishwasher soap

·         Safe for all dishwasher-safe dishes, glassware, pots and pans

·         3x more concentrated, yielding 64 loads

$7.26

Hand Moisturizing Dishwash Liquid

Swanson $4.69
32 fl oz Liquid

·         Hand moisturizing liquid dish soap

·         Natural, non-toxic and biodegradable

·         Utilizes natural cleaning power of grapefruit seed and orange peel

Biokleen Dishwash Liquid cuts through tough grease and baked-on-foods without the use of toxic chemicals. Dishes, glasses and utensils dry spot-free with no chemical residue or taste. Vitamin E and aloe moisturize, sooth and protect skin all at the same time. This soap is environmentally friendly with no negative effects on rivers, streams, plants or wildlife and it is kind to those with chemical sensitivities, as it has no artificial fragrance, colors or preservatives.

Biokleen

All Purpose Cleaner Super Concentrated

Swanson $5.99
32 fl oz Liquid

·         Super concentrated natural all-purpose cleaner

·         Utilizes that natural power of grapefruit seed and orange peel

·         Makes 32 gallons of liquid cleaner

Your everyday cleaning choices affect your health, the health of your family and the health of the planet. Biokleen™ products are concentrated which can help reduce your environmental footprint and create more value by reducing packaging and shipping. This All Purpose Cleaner is super concentrated to cut through the toughest grease and dirt without the use of toxic chemicals. It's safe for most types of surfaces, works with cold water and leaves no harsh residues or fumes behind. No artificial color, no fragrances and made in the USA.

Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus

Swanson $5.17 32 oz Pwdr

·         Laundry booster, stain remover and carpet stain remover

·         Naturally brightens, whitens and softens

·         Chlorine free and color safe

Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus color-safe formula does more than just brighten colors and whites. It contains natural fabric and water conditioners, grapefruit seed extract, and special detergent boosters that fight stains, mildew and corrosion. Also great for dealing with many household stains, including carpet stains. This container is 3x concentrated, yielding 32 total loads.

Biokleen Produce Wash

Swanson $3.65
16 fl oz Liquid

·         Remove chemical sprays, waxes and soils for clean eating produce

·         Utilizes grapefruit seed and lime peel extract

·         Use on food and on your kitchen prep areas

Biokleen Concentrated Produce Wash effectively removes pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, waxes and soil for a healthier, safer diet and food preparation area. It helps hold the natural taste and appearance longer, without the use of preservatives. Produce Wash is environmentally friendly with no negative effects on rivers, streams, plants or wildlife and is kind to those with chemical sensitivities and allergies.

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray

Swanson $7.45
32 fl oz Liquid

·         Natural, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner

·         Utilizes live enzyme cultures and lime peel extract

·         Great for those who are sensitive to chemicals

Need a spot remover that is safe to use around children and pets? Biokleen Bac-Out® is environmentally friendly with no artificial fragrances, colors or preservatives and no harmful chemicals like chlorine, ammonia or solvents. Bac-Out's live enzyme-producing cultures attack pet, food and beverage stains, organic waste and odors until they are gone, digesting them back to nature safely and naturally.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/BKL006/ItemDetail

Mislaydi Garcia

Summer 2012  - Online Multimedia Capstone

Rob Bremmer

Eco Friendly Cleaners: Cheaper By The Ounce.

Cleaning is a pretty big chore, and can sometimes be expensive.  In today's economy we all want to save a buck or two.  Do we really need to buy the most expensive products to clean our home?  Even worse is all that money spent worth not even knowing exactly what you are buying?  We want to be more conscious about our environment and health, but we often think that going green comes with a price.  Well, that may not be the case so much any more. 

A company based out of Atlanta has taken reusing and cleaning to the next level.  Eco Denizen sells detergents and household cleaners for dispensers.  All you need are your old containers from detergent, dish soaps, and even glass cleaners.  So what does that mean for a consumer?  Simply said…savings.  At .12 cents an ounce how can you go wrong? That’s a 20% savings over any other natural cleaning product. 

Even at a bargain their products have an added benefit as being paraben free, biodegradable, vegan, and are septic safe products.  This is a great idea, and I am pretty sure that it’s only a matter of time before more stores like this start popping up in our neighborhoods offering a great service like this.

For more information about Eco Denizen check out their website at http://ecodenizen.net/. 

Also check out the article about Eco Denizen:  http://www.11alive.com/news/article/251242/3/Refill-and-Reuse-Cleaning-Product-Containers-

Marine Pollution caused by Skin Cleaners with Plastic Scrubbers

Marine Pollution caused by Skin Cleaners with Plastic Scrubbers:

Skin cleaners with plastic scrubbers have been found to be detrimental to the environment, especially to marine life. The particles found in such cleaners are between 0.1 and 0.2 mm in size with varying shapes and can block small fish intestines.  Today, there is not enough research to provide numbers regarding their pattern of use and the volume of such particles found in the environment.  Their chemical composition allows them to accumulate in the environment without much change, which makes them a great threat to the ecosystem.

Hanlon, M, and V Zitko. "Marine Pollution Bulletin MPNBAZ." CSA Illumina. ProQuest-CSA, January 1991. Web. 20 Jul 2012. <http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=9108320&q=cleaners and the environment&uid=791929387&setcookie=yes>.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:Household Products Database

You ever wonder whats in the cleaners you use at home? Ingredients, health effects and who makes them? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a website that does just that. 

Its called the: Household Products Database

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm

From auto products, products inside the home, yard care and more this site has you covered.

You can search by types of by using the page above.

Or you can use the tabs at the top of the page to isolate your concern.

Type in Cough

A list of products that produce that symptom will be listed. 

So the next time you have a question about a household product you know where to go.

Cleaners and Septic Systems:Groundwater and Bacteria

According to the EPA 1 in 4 households in the USA have septic systems. These waste water systems can provide safe and effective disposal of waste water. These systems rely on bacteria to break down the solid waste that is produced by households. What happens is water flows into the septic tank, sludge and solids sink to the bottom and oil and chemicals form a scum at the top of the tank. Most of the water and sludge is broken down by the bacteria living in the tank creating water that is cleaner than when it came in. Thereby protecting the environment and groundwater.   

What happens to the beneficial bacteria and groundwater when chemicals and cleaners are introduced to the system? Below is a list of what types of chemicals and their amounts that are safe to use in septic systems.                           

Disinfectants:

Considered safe if consumer follows the instructions on the label. 

Hypochlorite bleach: It would take 2 gallons to kill the bacteria in a 1,000 gallon septic system.

Pine Cleaner: It would take 5 gallons to kill the bacteria in a 1,000 gallon septic system.

Drain Cleaner: 

These are the most corrosive chemicals found in most homes. It only takes 0.65 ounces of crystal drain cleaner to kill the bacteria in a 1,000 gallon septic system.

Surfactants:

These fall in the category of  soaps and detergents. These types of chemicals are deemed safe for septic systems and groundwater.

Solvents:

These chemicals pose more of a danger to the environment and the groundwater and not so much the bacteria in septic systems. These are fuels, motor oils, antifreeze, solvent-based lubricants, and lawn or garden chemicals such as pesticides. 

Guidelines for maintaining a properly functioning septic system

• Reduce sludge build-up in your septic system by having it pumped regularly (every 3-5 years).
• Reduce wastewater inputs to the septic system by installing low-flow water fixtures in your home and conserving water (unless flushing household products down the drain).
• Avoiding pouring large amounts of household products and other chemicals down your drain at the same time. When disposal down the drain is necessary, always flush with plenty of water and do not mix products together (toxic gases might be formed).
• Do not use solvent-based septic tank additives or other products to enhance the normal function of your septic tank.
• Always read the label carefully for all household products. Note the active ingredient(s) and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use, storage and disposal.

Conclusion:

• Follow the instructions and dilution tables on manufacturers labels when using cleaners. 
• Use natural alternatives.
• Use bacteria safe cleaners.
• Do not dump solvent based cleaners down the drain or toilet. 

By following the guidelines above you can safely use and dispose of most household cleaners. You will keep the good bacteria safe and will protect the ground water from chemical pollution.  


http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/index.cfm

http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/publications/CCEWQ-16-HouseholdChemicalsSeptic.pdf

Toxic Tuesday: 2-butoxyethanol

Get to know the ingredients in your household cleaners.

By Stacy Peltier

What is it?

2-butoxyethanol has a plethora of unpronounceable names, and so is commonly abbreviated as simply BE or EGBE (for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, if you must know). This organic compound can be found in the air, water, or soil, but most important is its solubility property. When 2-butoxyethanol is mixed with water or other organic solvents, it form a single layer – unlike a mixture of oil and water where the oil sits separately on top. It is usually found as a solvent in general surface cleaners, window cleaners, floor strippers, and spot and rust removers.

Why is it used in household cleaners?

EGBE is an inexpensive solvent that doesn’t evaporate easily. This, combined with its modest surfactant properties, makes it an easy ingredient for companies to use in basic household cleaners and degreasers.

How can it be toxic?

Mehhh, the severity of 2-butoxyethanol is still pretty questionable. Acute exposure can certainly cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, but most studies conclude that the general public has minimal health risks associated with EGBE. Most of the toxicity scare is based on the fact that it is in a chemical group called the “glycol ethers,” of which other members can cause reduced sperm counts in men and reproductive or birth defects in women. However, these effects due specifically to EGBE can only be found in tests conducted on animals – each of which shows a markedly harsher result than the same tests conducted on humans.

Environmental risk is also low since 2-butoxyethanol is biodegradable, has a low toxicity to aquatic organisms, does not bioaccumulate, and can decompose in the presence of air within a few days of exposure. The danger here may lie in landfills, where the ingredient could leach into groundwater. But once again, the known risks are minimal.

So, what can I do about it?

Although the health risks of this toxin are relatively low, it’s probably better to play it safe. Most harmful effects are caused by inhaling or ingesting the chemical, so always wear a mask and spray your cleaners in a well-ventilated room. Want to cut it out altogether? Clean mirrors and windows with newspaper and diluted vinegar and stick to simple, green cleaning products. Google search how to make your own formulas using natural household items like baking soda and essential oils.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (1999). 
• United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization (1998). http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad_10_revised.pdf
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2000). http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/glycolet.html