Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Change the way you clean and keep your family's home wholesome and healthy with the help of expert and activist Deirdre Imus. We all grew up thinking chemical smells like bleach and ammonia signaled "clean." But as Deirdre Imus reveals, some of the chemicals we use to maintain our homes are doing us and our families much more harm than good. In Greening Your Cleaning, the first in her Green This series, Deirdre shows how cleaning house the environmentally responsible way can be as effective and often cheaper than the more traditional, toxic, means. This volume includes:
- Simple, efficient cleaning methods for every room of the house
- Spotlights on everyday products (all purpose cleaner, glass/window cleaner, laundry detergent) and the toxic ingredients you should be wary of
- Summaries of the latest research on the toxic effects of ordinary chemicals
- Resource lists of widely available "green cleaning" products and retailers
Filled with tips and testimonials, Greening Your Cleaning will show you how to streamline your cleaning products and practices, and how easy it is to make "living green" your way of life.
About the Author
Deirdre Imus is the founder and president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology(R), part of Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) in New Jersey. She is also a cofounder and codirector of the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer, and the author of the bestselling book The Imus Ranch: Cooking for Kids and Cowboys.
Table of Contents
contents
one: why green?
1 A NEW MEANING OF CLEAN
Our Most Precious Natural Resource
Going Off Autopilot
Less Is More
2 MY COMMITMENT
The Web of Life
The Imus Ranch
Greening Hackensack and Beyond
Expanding the Mission
Toxic Interruption: Chlorine/Chlorine Bleach/Chlorine By-products
3 THE FACTS
Knowing the Dangers
Breaking It Down
Protecting Our Children
Health Problems Associated with Environmental Toxins in the Home
Understanding Indoor Air Pollution
The Science of Housekeeping
Different Shades of Green
Toxic Interruption: Petroleum Distillates
two: one change at a time
4 THE HOME
Nesting
Some Cautionary Notes
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
Back to the Basics
Flooring
Toxic Interruption: Dioxin and Triclosan
5 THE KITCHEN
Eating In
The Kitchen Sink
Countertops
Doing the Dishes
Other Kitchen Essentials
Toxic Interruption: Ammonia
6 THE BATHROOM
Ventilation
Cleaning Tubs and Showers
Toxic Interruption: Phthalates
Cleaning and Deodorizing Toilets
Bathroom Floors and Mirrors
Unclogging Drains
Toxic Interruption: Formaldehyde
7 THE BEDROOM
Your Sanctuary
Vacuuming and Dusting
Closets
Cleaning and Deodorizing Carpets
Bedding and Linens
Toxic Interruption: Phenols
8 LIVING AREAS
Home Sweet Home: Deodorizing Naturally
Polishing Up
Cleaning Drapes and Upholstery
Toxic Interruption: Butyl Cellosolve
Pest Control
Keeping Your Pets Clean and Healthy
9 THE LAUNDRY ROOM
The Art of Laundry
The Basics: Washing and Drying
Softening Fabrics
Stain and Spot Removal
Ironing and Starching
Dry Cleaning
Toxic Interruption: Alkylphenolics
10 THE GREEN REVOLUTION
three: resources
GREEN CLEANING
RETAILERS
READING LABELS
GENERAL TERMS USED IN
THIS BOOK
GLOSSARY OF CHEMICALS
A NOTE ON SOURCES