Cleaning the green way

Toxic cleaners used in the home usually end up traveling through plumbing, sewers or down storm drains.

Green cleaning alternatives are as close as the kitchen. Most homes already have a number of natural cleaners. Baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, club soda and borax have been used safely for years.

WHY? Especially in winter months, your house is closed more airtight. Toxic products can concentrate fumes in the air you breathe and harm your health. Young children can be especially vulnerable to these effects. Water down your drain also carries residues from your home, and many harsh household chemicals are not removed by sewage-treatment. These waters later empty to underground water, streams and rivers.

HOW? Use safer cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar. Use baking soda to scrub. Vinegar makes good window cleaner (mix 1/4 cup with 1 quart warm water). The MARC Solid Waste Management District will give away alternative cleaning kits which will include two spray bottles and information on creating safe cleaners and insect sprays. Look for details on this promotion at www.RecycleSpot.org in late November.

Oil and water don't mix

One quart of oil poured down a storm drain can contaminate one million gallons of water. Used motor oil never wears out; it just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned and used again.

WHY? Used motor oil contains hydrocarbons and toxic heave metals which can affect human health and the aquatic environment, even in very small amounts. Motor oil poured onto the ground or into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in sealed containers) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams and rivers.

HOW? Recycling used motor oil reduces this pollution threat. When you recycled used oil, you are protecting the environment and conserving a valuable resource.

Almost every auto parts and auto service store accepts used oil, free of charge. Usually, they require the oil to be delivered in a clean, leak-proof container that is no more than 5 gallons. Check your local store or our recycling page for details.