Last week, I was preparing for a Chartreuse Eco-Workshop. I had my products in a box by the back door, ready to load into my car. I ran upstairs to put the finishing touches on my make-up and hair. Two minutes in, I heard Griffin (my one-year-old) crying. I stood, listening at the door for a minute. Sydney (my daughter) came running to the bottom of the stairs, happily saying, “Mommy, I sprayed Griffin!!” I immediately came running down the stairs to find poor Griffin dripping from head to toe, hair matted to his head, shirt soaked.
In a panic, I asked Sydney what she had sprayed on her brother, and she innocently pointed to the Chartreuse All-Purpose cleaner I had in the box – as if to say, “Why wouldn’t I want to clean my stinky brother???” I scooped a sopping wet baby off the floor and turned on the bath. I rinsed all the cleaner out of his hair and eyes, and five minutes later, I had a sparkling clean baby who was no worse for the wear.
Now…what would I have done if this were a conventional cleaner? I would have made a phone call to poison control and probably a trip to the emergency room. Thank goodness the cleaner was a natural, gentle, soap-based cleaner. Aside from some red eyes (that cleared up in a few minutes) and a lovely citrus smell, Grif was fine. As ashamed as I was that I allowed this to happen, I realized that this was a perfect example of why I found Chartreuse in the first place. No matter how much we try to protect our children and keep our homes safe, kids will get into things. I figure it’s easier to have products in the house that won’t hurt them rather than trying to lock up all the harmful products I don’t want them to find.
In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to US Poison Control Centers. Over half of these involved children under six! The most dangerous cleaning products contain bleach and ammonia, which produce fumes that are highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
Personal care and cleaning products are not regulated by the FDA as food products are. Cleaning products are not required to list ingredients on their packaging, and so most, even the “environmentally friendly” brands do not. This becomes especially frustrating when you realize that most environmental claims have no legal definition. The following tricky terms are some of the most popular:
Biodegradable, Plant-based or Plant-derived, Organic, Natural, Non-toxic, and Hypoallergenic
These terms have meaning when used on food products, but not cleaning products. “Biodegradable” means a substance will break down eventually. An “organic” shampoo may mean that it contains traces of an organic extract, and “hypoallergenic” just means that the manufacturer believes it to be so. Look for specific claims such as “petroleum free.”
When considering the need for disinfectants for your home, it helps to remember that it is a house, not a hospital. The best way to keep your home free of microorganisms is to keep it clean and dry. Bacteria will not breed in areas without moisture. Simple, old-fashioned products are very effective disinfectants. Vinegar is a safe and inexpensive cleaner. That is the only thing I use to clean my hardwood floors. Baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide are also natural, safe cleaners.
The only way to ensure that the products you use to clean your home are safe for you and your family is to choose a product that lists EVERY ingredient (like the brand I represent), or to make your cleaners yourself. For more information on Chartreuse products, important ingredients to avoid, the company mission and why it is important to me, please visit my website at www.greensmything.com.
Sarah Walker, mother of two, Special Education Teacher and Chartreuse Independent Eco-Consultant
Hurray! Sarah has generously agreed to keep her giveaway for a $25 gift certificate for Chartreuse products open for one more week so CMF readers can keep entering! Click here to enter and remember to “like” her facebook page to have a valid entry! Entries are due by Monday, October 3rd, and the winner will be selected on October 2nd by random.org.
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