|
Site Navigation
|
Home
+ Contact Us
Email Us
or Call Us at:
(405) 385-7038
+ Ebooks
+ Blogs
+ Social Media
+ About Us
+ Extra Pages
|
|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
Your House is Clean, But is It Green?
Copyright (c) 2009-2010 Janet Davis
Cleaning a home or business is often a ritualistic experience, and one meant to remove matter we deem as dangerous, unhealthy or unpleasant to those living or working there.
It All Adds Up
Think about what you do and what products you use when you clean. You spray glass cleaner to wash the windows and mirrors. You use counter and tile cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen. You use smelly cleaners for your oven and chemicals for your clogged drains. Carpet cleaner, liquid floor cleaner, furniture polish, dishwashing liquid, detergent, shampoo - the types of products available to clean houses numbers in the hundreds and often not a second thought is given as to what kind of toxins they contain.
Recent studies show, however, that using many household-cleaning products could have harmful effects. Since the late 1940s, there has been a dramatic increase in the production and use of synthetic chemicals in the U.S. Coincidentally; there has been a rise in the number of cases of environmentally linked chronic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies and chemical sensitivity.
A recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that indoor air may be anywhere from 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Another EPA study concluded the toxic chemicals found in many household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
But It Smells Good...
Often times, Americans equate clean with smelling good. Dish and laundry detergents, which are largely petroleum based and thus made from a non-renewable resource, often have chemicals added to them to make them fragrant, which can trigger asthma. Coincidentally, cases of asthma have risen 600 percent since 1980.
Many household cleaners contain phenols, which are listed by the EPA as being toxic and corrosive. Costs in the United States and Canada for treatment of environmentally induced health conditions are estimated at between $560 billion and almost $800 billion annually. And children are particularly vulnerable because their low body weight means they absorb a larger percentage of chemicals, thus putting them at greater risk.
There's also the threat of poisoning, especially among young children, from common household cleaners. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1,900 people each day in 2006 went to an emergency room due to poisoning.
These chemicals can also find their way into nearby water supplies, polluting them and putting others at risk. Though they are known to be harmful, current guidelines only suggest exposure limits and not banning them from use.
There is a way to clean homes or businesses and keep people and the environment safe.
Go Green And Stay Clean
Green cleaning is a term used to describe products and processes that get things clean while also protecting the environment and the health of those living in it. Because they do not use the toxic chemicals found in other cleaning products, there is less worry about harmful side effects. Going green is a natural way to keep living and working environments clean, without harmful side effects.
In the home, green cleaning can mean a safer environment for family members, especially children. In a business setting, green benefits include increased productivity, better morale and less liability from worker related health issues. Green cleaning can be ideal for nursing homes and hospitals because it reduces indoor pollution, and is becoming prevalent in many public places in this country and Europe that cater daily to a wide variety of people with different health conditions.
It's Getting Easier
Going green and clean is becoming easier. Look for detergents with "fragrance free" on the label. Plant-based detergents, made from corn, palm kernel or coconut oil, are also available. This is better for the environment than petroleum-based cleaners because the plant-based product breaks down more easily and is made from a renewable resource. Furniture and metal polishes are also produced using mineral or plant oils, rather than dangerous solvents.
To clean drains the green way, first use a plumber's snake to clear any obstructions, thus reducing the amount of cleaner needed. To eliminate the rest of the built up material, use green cleaners that contain enzymes to break down substances instead of chemically based ones.
Using green cleaning methods and products can maintain the health of loved ones, save money and protect the environment. It has not only become a viable option, but a duty to seek the safest way to keep spaces clean and healthy.
|
Janet Davis and her husband are health and nutrition entrepreneurs and founders of Mark And Janet, a website with uncompromising, premium products for your health conscious family. For more on going green -- Visit us at http://www.MarkandJanet.com/ or check out our blog at http://www.MarkandJanetBlog.com/
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Home and Garden Articles || Related Categories: Shopping Articles and Health and Wellness Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Janet Davis
Five Factors in Managing Diabetes Naturally
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-26 |
Word Count: 868 |
Page Views: 61
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses,
affecting millions of people worldwide and their diet has a
great deal to say about how the condition will continue to
affect them. Proper diet can help prevent the onset of Type
2 diabetes, but even in patients who have been diagnosed
with either condition, a healthy diet can reduce the side
effects and secondary illnesses that tend to crop up. Here
are five factors to consider when managing diabetes.
The Dress Code - Five Steps to a Greener Wardrobe
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-21 |
Word Count: 882 |
Page Views: 59
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 4.00
We care about our planet, and want to leave it as good as we
found it for our children and for everyone. The wonderful
thing about this is that there are countless ways to live
green. Consider the budding green and organic clothing
movement. Clothes are often made from plant materials like
cotton, and these can be grown under organic conditions just
like food products. With that in mind, here are five ways
you can start dressing green.
Four Nutrients For Healthy Eyes
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-19 |
Word Count: 857 |
Page Views: 58
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 4.50
Sight is incredibly important and, just like any other
function of the body, is largely dependent upon proper
nutrition. However, it also may be a part of our nutrition
that we don't actively think about supporting. Here, we
discuss four key nutrients that can help bolster eye health.
Eating Healthy While Saving Money
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-14 |
Word Count: 730 |
Page Views: 60
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 3.00
Today, when everyone wants to watch their budget, cost
cutting is the name of the game and our diets frequently
suffer as a result. However, there are a number of ways to
save money and still eat reasonably healthy foods, rather
than sacrificing one for the other.
Natural Skin Care for Acne
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 722 |
Page Views: 54
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Acne affects nearly everyone at some point in his or her
life. It can be painful to endure, and even leave scars if
severe enough. While there are many remedies available for
over the counter or prescription purchase, some products are
laden with chemicals and acids that may have adverse
effects. Fortunately, there are effective natural
alternatives to these harsh chemical treatments.
Your Healthy Life: Dietary Fiber
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-07 |
Word Count: 826 |
Page Views: 84
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
When people talk about dietary fiber, they immediately think
of older people taking large fiber tablets, but proper fiber
intake can benefit everyone at every age. Fiber intake can
help ease digestion and can also lower cholesterol, which is
a leading cause of heart disease, making it a highly
effective, multi-purpose treatment for healthy living.
Natural Skin Care Tips for Men
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-05 |
Word Count: 946 |
Page Views: 81
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
In light of all that skin does for the body, the case for
proper skin care seems to be a strong one, but frequently
skin is the one organ people seem to think they can let take
a beating. Men in particular seem prone to developing
roughed up skin, but there are fortunately many ways that
men can take better care of this incredibly important organ.
Shopping Online to Save Time and Money
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-31 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 66
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
There is a certain convenience in shopping from the comfort
of one's own home, a convenience that has been met in the
past through mail-order catalogs, shopping television
channels, and home-delivered grocery services. With the
advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, this trend
has reached its culmination and most elegant expression yet.
Staying Warm While Staying Green
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-17 |
Word Count: 807 |
Page Views: 111
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Everyone wants to stay warm, but a green-minded person wants
to do so while keeping the impact on the environment to a
minimum. Fortunately, there are both active and passive
steps to green ways of keeping a home warm during the winter
months.
An Easy Start to Going Green
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-15 |
Word Count: 953 |
Page Views: 87
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 4.00
No one expects every person to be an Erin Brockovich, or
every family to pull off an experiment like the New York
family that didn't discard most of their waste but recycled
literally everything except food. The key is rather that
every person and every family can take small but worthwhile
steps to reduce their impact on the environment; steps that
fit right into their daily routine, rather than throwing it
completely off kilter.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Janet Davis Articles
Most Recent "Home And Garden" Articles
How To Restore Old Wood Furniture
Written by: Alycia Hartzell |
Distributed: 2010-02-02 |
Word Count: 989 |
Page Views: 40
Restoring an old piece of wooden furniture can be an
involved and tedious process, so it is important to
determine what kind of work is truly necessary before you
begin. An inexperienced do-it-yourselfer may look at a
blemished piece of furniture and assume that it needs to be
refinished, when in fact a touch-up may be just as effective
(and a whole lot less time-consuming). In many cases, a
thorough cleaning and waxing may be all it takes to turn
that dull, worn-out table into a rich and lustrous
centerpiece once more! Read this article to learn more....
Your Own Home Flower Garden
Written by: Luann Hays |
Distributed: 2010-01-26 |
Word Count: 1019 |
Page Views: 72
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
A garden is one place where we feel we are one with nature,
and can enjoy the small pleasures of life. But without a few
container plants and lots of flowers, a home garden is not
complete. Before you choose the plants that you will grow in
your home garden, walk around the neighborhood, and take
note of what kinds of plants are already growing. This will
give you an idea of what grows well, and how it will look in
your own garden.
The Dress Code - Five Steps to a Greener Wardrobe
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2010-01-21 |
Word Count: 882 |
Page Views: 59
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 4.00
We care about our planet, and want to leave it as good as we
found it for our children and for everyone. The wonderful
thing about this is that there are countless ways to live
green. Consider the budding green and organic clothing
movement. Clothes are often made from plant materials like
cotton, and these can be grown under organic conditions just
like food products. With that in mind, here are five ways
you can start dressing green.
Using Flowers to Decorate Your Home
Written by: Luann Hays |
Distributed: 2010-01-19 |
Word Count: 917 |
Page Views: 61
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 5.00
Everyone wants their home to look at its best... You want it
to have a relaxing, inspiring atmosphere that is unique to
your own space. In this article, the author will review some
of the innovative ways that you can use flowers as a focus
of your home decoration projects...
Why Use Accessories in Your Garden
Written by: Luann Hays |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 985 |
Page Views: 64
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 3.33
Adding accessories to your landscape has many benefits. A
well placed statue can add a bit of extra charm to an open
space, or a whimsical ornament can lighten up a shadowy
area. Without using accessories, the landscape may be
missing that vital ingredient to make it look and feel
complete. It can turn an open barren space into someplace
special, somewhere that you can relax and enjoy a good book,
or even entertain guests.
Stainless Steel Library Ladders
Written by: Jay Wilson |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 481 |
Page Views: 56
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 4.00
In many of our homes there is a space on a shelf or cabinet
towards the ceiling that is typically not utilized and
unattainable due to its height. Modern stainless library
ladders are made specifically for this reason; to make these
shelves useful and accessible, which gives you a variety of
options as to what they can be used for.
Steel Shed Storage Options
Written by: Bob Fischer |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 495 |
Page Views: 55
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Did you know that you can significantly increase your
home's storage space by simply adding a shed in your yard?
From steel to wood, many options are available. Sheds are
available for the backyard area in all manner of colors,
building materials, sizes, and price ranges. It is
worthwhile to conduct a fair amount of shopping around
before determining the best fit for you. Read this article
to learn more...
The Uses and History of Interior Wood Columns
Written by: Timothy Revis |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 3616 |
Page Views: 62
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 1.00
The history of Interior Wood Columns and their varied uses
for today's architecture.
Planning A New Home Design
Written by: Annie Deakin |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 503 |
Page Views: 91
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 4.50
If you are about to begin the exciting process of building a
new home there are several items of home design that you
should take into consideration. In this article, we will
bring you up to speed on these items that should be
considered...
Outdoor Storage - Steel Sheds
Written by: Bob Fischer |
Distributed: 2010-01-08 |
Word Count: 499 |
Page Views: 49
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.00
Outdoor sheds have tons of uses and functions. Learn about
how you can improve your storage and more.
Most Viewed "Home And Garden" Articles
Famous Waterfalls of the World
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 939 |
Page Views: 7058
| Votes: 31 |
Rating: 2.10
About 70% of the Earth's surface is permanently covered in
water. Water shapes our coastlines and carves channels through
countries and landscapes. Inevitably, water sometimes runs across
a sudden drop in the level of the land, and a waterfall is born.
How to Create an Easy, No-Sew Valance in Just 15 Minutes
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-09-14 |
Word Count: 245 |
Page Views: 5325
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.77
Here's an easy way to create a beautiful, elegant valance with
no sewing in only 15 minutes. See an example here:
The Easy Elegance of Swags and Scarf Valances
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-06-15 |
Word Count: 261 |
Page Views: 5289
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 1.24
The easiest drape to make and hang is a swag or scarf valance.
It's easy to make, looks elegant, entails less cost and fuss
than other drapery styles, and works in any room.
7 Extraordinary Ceiling Treatments
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 79 |
Page Views: 4099
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.25
In a recent post, I mentioned how ceilings are no longer simply
plain white. They're painted; they're designed; they're the
focal point of a room.
7 Popular Decorating Colors
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-07-18 |
Word Count: 520 |
Page Views: 3637
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.64
Picking the right color for a room can often be the most
difficult decorating decision. The best way to find a color you
like is to look at other homes, restaurants, and good
old-fashioned paint chips. Here are some popular colors in
decorating right now.
Zac Efron May Become As Popular As Marigolds
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-25 |
Word Count: 391 |
Page Views: 3290
| Votes: 33 |
Rating: 2.82
Zac Efron, costar of the Disney hit movie High School Musical,
has become a very popular star among the teen set-almost as
popular as his birth flower (Zac Efron was born October 18,
1987), the marigold, that blooms in nearly every American
yard each summer.
Latest Trends in Home Building and Remodeling
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-08-22 |
Word Count: 696 |
Page Views: 2836
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.26
In home building and remodeling, some trends are short-lived
while others last a decade or longer. During recent home shows,
the following new trends have emerged as others continue.
Finding Decorating Treasures At Garage Sales
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2007-06-01 |
Word Count: 314 |
Page Views: 2812
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
As they say, one woman's junk is another's treasure. If you'd
like to add interesting pieces to your home that are old, have a
history and story, and also fit some the latest trends in
decorating, go to garage sales.
Add Natural Lighting To Your Home
Written by: Emerson Lockwood |
Distributed: 2006-12-28 |
Word Count: 1110 |
Page Views: 2696
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.64
The addition of simple natural light to a remodeling project can
have a huge impact on your level of satisfaction. A well designed
home that maximizes the use of natural lighting without
compromising energy efficiency brings extra sunshine into your
life.
Father of Fountain Design: Gian Bernini
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 876 |
Page Views: 2634
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.17
For centuries, visitors to Rome have admired the architecture and
art of this great European city. Its famous outdoor water
fountains, piazzas, churches and cathedrals draw many thousands
of visitors each year, as do its countless art galleries. No less
an attraction is Vatican City, in the heart of Rome, and its
principal building, the Basilica of St. Peter.
Highest Ranked "Home And Garden" Articles
Which Flowers Match Britney Spears' Home Style?
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 504 |
Page Views: 838
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
As she's grown up in the public eye, the world has watched
pop-icon Britney Spears change her style over the years. She's
gone from flirty pop teen to mother of two. As she's grown up,
it's very likely her tastes in home décor have changed as well.
According to the Society of American Florists, there are five
main home decorating styles-and there are flowers to go with
every one of them.
Don't Get Burned! The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling
Written by: Aaron J. Munk |
Distributed: 2008-12-15 |
Word Count: 831 |
Page Views: 402
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
You’ve browsed all the magazines, planned and saved and
calculated how much your kitchen remodeling ideas will cost.
You’ve gotten estimates and bids, picked a contractor and now you
are ready to get started. However, renovations are rarely without
unexpected complications and these hidden costs might have you
spending more than you thought.
Will Jennifer Aniston Ever Get A Red Iris On Her Birthday?
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 464 |
Page Views: 919
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
The iris, birth flower for the month of February in which
Jennifer Aniston was born, comes in almost every color you can
imagine-white, yellow, blue, purple...but not true red. You may
see them in colors very close to red, like wine or brick red,
but you won't see one in real, stop sign red.
The Modern Soft Yellow Banana Evolved From The Cooking Banana As The Number One Fruit In The World
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2007-05-02 |
Word Count: 1431 |
Page Views: 1528
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.75
The early Spanish explorers introduced banana plants into America
from Spain as a hardcore, large cooking banana, known as a
Plantain banana. The amazing yellow fresh eating banana, that we
know today sold by supermarkets, resulted from a mutation from
the hardcore tissues of the parent plantain banana plant, that
was then growing in Jamaica.
Serve Up A Party Better Than Anna Kournikova Serves A Ball
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-02 |
Word Count: 449 |
Page Views: 465
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Anna Kournikova may be able to serve up a tennis ball, but can
she throw a party that keeps people talking and waiting for the
next one? Well, maybe, especially if she's adding special
touches to her parties using flowers.
Decorating Tips: Best Placement for Rugs Under Furniture
Written by: AnnaRae Mills |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 681 |
Page Views: 2073
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.64
Small rugs and accent rugs can usually be placed wherever they
look good or fulfill a specific purpose, but larger rugs look
best when basic guidelines for placement are followed. Since a
larger rug often serves as an anchor for a furniture grouping or
the main floor covering in a room, proper placement is essential
for several reasons, including a balanced look.
Fall Lawn and Garden Pests
Written by: Ted Roberson |
Distributed: 2006-11-16 |
Word Count: 707 |
Page Views: 660
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
With the cool weather of the fall season, most lawn and garden
pests and diseases begin to dwindle away. Yet, there are a few
lawn and garden pests that thrive off of the cool temperatures of
the fall season.
Scented Flowers Make A Mariah Carey Style Comeback
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-09 |
Word Count: 370 |
Page Views: 604
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
Singer Mariah Carey all but disappeared from the music scene only
to return a bigger star than ever in late 2005. But, in terms of
comebacks, fragrant flowers just may make an even bigger
comeback
Decorating Christina Aguilera's House With Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-03 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 588
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.57
Having recently married, Christina Aguilera, like many newlyweds,
is probably working on setting up and decorating her house to
make it more of a home. Flowers are an excellent way to brighten
up any room in the house, and new trends in decorating with
flowers emerge every day.
Adding a Precast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-06 |
Word Count: 855 |
Page Views: 2298
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.55
Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the
market in order to make the right decisions when it comes to
improvements in the home. And with the skyrocketing price of
construction materials and services, it makes sense to know what
options are available. Take for example the installation of
precast concrete bulkhead stairway to your home's basement.
|
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Find This Article Title In The Search Engines:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2009-10-27 11:12:00
Word Count: 740
Total Views: 150
Views This Month: 12
Views Last Month: 24
Article Rating: 4.00 of 5
Votes Cast: 1
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 1142
Author Overall Rating: 3.59 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 17
More Articles By This Author:
Articles On This Website
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|