Ask an Eco-Expert: What’s wrong with my cleaning supplies?
This week’s Ask an Eco-Expert is answered by Anca Novacovici, the founder and president of Eco-Coach. Eco-Coach is a DC-based sustainability consulting firm that provides professional services to businesses and homeowners ranging from energy audits to re-modeling advice. Visit the website at www.eco-coach.com.
Did you know?
- Over 90% of all reported poisonings in America occur at home, with the leading reported cause being household cleaners.
- Many chemicals in household cleaning products have been linked to long-term or delayed health effects; these include cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, asthma, organ damage and neurological problems.
Alternative:
- Buy natural alternatives. These can be found at natural food stores such as MOMs (in DC area), Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and increasingly, at regular supermarkets.
- Make your own: see Annie Berthold-Bond’s ‘Better Basics for the Home’ book for alternative recipes.
Tip: Household cleaners are not regulated, so check the ingredients carefully, even when the company claims that the product is made from ‘natural’ ingredients.
Photo Credit: CC-licensed by Flickr user renaissancechambara
Sphere: Related ContentAbout the Author
Rory has written 9 stories on this site.
Rory graduated in 2006 from Davidson College with a degree in Theater. Upon graduating, he ventured into the business arena at McMaster-Carr Supply Company working as an inventory control supervisor. During this time, he developed an understanding of sales strategy, supply chain operations, and inventory control. All the while, he independently fostered his passion for clean energy. In 2008, he left McMaster-Carr and moved to Washington, DC to intern at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and Eco-Coach. Currently, he is interning at the Alliance to Save Energy and planning on going to business school in the Fall of 2009.
