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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE :: LESS TOXIC
ALTERNATIVES
Source Reduction Alternatives Around the Home
Many consumers look for ways to reduce the amount and toxicity
of waste around the house. This can be done, in some cases, by using
alternative methods or products without hazardous constituents to
accomplish a certain task. Here are just a few ideas to get you
started.
Although the suggested mixtures have less hazardous ingredients
than many commercial cleaners and pesticides, they should be used
and stored with similar caution. Please follow these guidelines for
any household cleaner or pesticide.
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HOUSEHOLD
CLEANERS AND ALTERNATIVES |
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Household Cleaner |
Alternative |
| Drain cleaner |
Use a plunger or plumber's
snake. |
| Oven cleaner |
Clean spills as soon as the
oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough
stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or
continuous-cleaning ovens). |
| Glass cleaner |
Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or
lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper
to wipe dry. |
| Toilet bowl cleaner |
Use a toilet brush and baking
soda or vinegar. (This will clean but not disinfect.) |
| Furniture polish |
Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil, and wipe furniture. |
| Rug deodorizer |
Deodorize dry carpets by
sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15
minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary. |
| Silver polish |
Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in
a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking
soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver
and boil for 2 to 3 more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat
if necessary. (Do not use this method on antique silver
knives. The blade will separate from the handle.) Another
alternative is to use nonabrasive toothpaste. |
| Plant sprays |
Wipe leaves with mild soap and
water; rinse. |
| Mothballs |
Use cedar chips, lavender flowers,
rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns. |
| Flea and tick products |
Put brewer's yeast or garlic
in your pet's food; sprinkle fennel, rue, rosemary, or
eucalyptus seeds or leaves around animal sleeping areas. |
Always remember:
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DO NOT mix anything with a commercial cleaning agent.
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If you do store a homemade mixture, make sure it is properly labeled
and do not store it in a container that could be mistaken for food
or beverage.
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When preparing alternatives, mix only what is needed for the job at
hand and mix them in clean, reusable containers. This avoids waste
and the need to store any cleaning mixture. |
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