The Chronicle stops the presses- Play offers new twist on classic story
- Students create illustrations for Georgia Ports Authority
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Graduate student channels classic horror in thesis film - Alumnus creates mobile gallery
- SCAD libraries hold artist’s book competition for students
- Griffis discusses development of Arthur legend
- Noted author speaks to students
- The Green Scene: 'We have a dream'
- Personnel File: New staff members join SCAD-Savannah
- SCAD hosts regional IDSA conference
- Titus Kaphar to speak at SCAD
- The Bee Line
- Women’s lacrosse sets records in Kennesaw State win
- Athlete Feats highlights for Feb. 22
- Baseball takes series from St. Thomas
- Women’s basketball wraps up second place in Florida Sun
- Athletics updates for Feb. 15
- Baseball off to best start in program’s history
- Big third period leads lacrosse team to victory
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Trivial Pursuits
 ‘Green Clean’: Save money while saving the planet
By Monique Bos Published: Friday, August 19, 2005 In their new book, “Green Clean,” Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin discuss some of the dangers to individuals, communities and the environment caused by chemical cleansers, paints and other products found in most homes. They present “green cleaning” — using products and methods that minimize the negative effects — as an attractive, low-cost alternative to commercial products. The dangers of chemical-based cleaners are abundant, according to Hunter and Halpin. Even if you protect yourself by wearing gloves and covering your mouth and nose while you clean, chemicals still may adhere to surfaces, slowly leach into the air, or taint food items. Many industrial-strength cleaning products include ingredients that have been linked to skin, eye and respiratory irritation; developmental delays in children; allergic reactions; damage to kidneys, the liver and other internal organs; low sperm counts; cancer; and diseases of the endocrine, immune and central nervous systems. In addition, chemical agents can adversely affect children, for whom carpet cleaners and dishwashing liquids are particularly dangerous. Chlorine is involved in most accidental household poisonings. Oven cleaners are often highly corrosive, and chemicals may remain in the oven after the cleaning, permeating food as it cooks. Drain and toilet cleaners also are highly toxic, and when they are rinsed or flushed, they enter the groundwater, spreading the harmful effects. Other cleaners have synthetic hormones that may cause reproductive issues in animals; pollutants that contribute to smog and greenhouse gases; and phosphates, which kill plant and animal life. If all of these issues aren’t a powerful enough deterrent, the alternatives Hunter and Halpin propose also are far more cost-effective than purchasing a closet full of specialized industrial cleaners. They suggest using baking soda, club soda, white vinegar, castile soap and a few other ingredients as the basis for effective, do-it-yourself cleansers. These products are safe, easily available and inexpensive. The book includes a number of recipes and tips for cleaning different surfaces, saving time and money in the cleaning process, and reducing waste. Hunter and Halpin don’t concentrate only on cleaning, however. They urge readers to begin the process of “living green” — creating a more healthy life by adding plants to the home, organizing possessions and reducing clutter, recycling, and incorporating safe, earth- and people-friendly solutions in every room in the house. |
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