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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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June 24, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Green is also the color of money!
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
There is a huge campaign
across this nation to “Go Green!” You see it in marketing for just about
every kind of product and as a slogan for all genres of business. Not
only is the campaign slogan used with chemical products, but it has also
been associated with everything from clothing stores to banking!
This should remind you of similar marketing campaigns, such as the “new”
marketing of whole wheat or supplements to reduce cholesterol. A concept
is introduced and those who make the advertisements jump on the
bandwagon and pull at your heartstrings. The “Go Green” marketing
campaign is directed at your environmental conscience. It picks up on
your desire to be part of the solution.
But have you really looked at the products that tout the “go green”
mantra? Have you taken the time to investigate their worth? Do you know
what is in them? Are they really more environmentally sound? Are they
worth the money they cost? You need to look at this marketing campaign
as you would with any other marketing campaign: understand the
motivation on the part of the manufacturer (to sell their products); and
evaluate the product's worth. There are no laws governing the use of
these “green” claims, so a manufacturer can call anything “green.”
Therefore, you need to find out if what you think is a good thing really
is.
If you are truly interested in non-toxic or less harmful cleaning
alternatives, you can look to alternatives that you can create. But as
Kermit the Frog was famous for saying, “It's not easy being green!” In
this case, the less easy part means it may require more effort and
elbow-grease from you.
There are many sources of information on alternative household cleaning
products. Here are some examples taken from a sampling of published
information on the internet. ( Quinnipiack Valley Health District is not
promoting nor endorsing any of these methods. They are offered for
information purposes. When mixing ingredients, always use caution and be
sure you know what you are doing. )
Several web sites suggest making your own air freshener by putting a
small dish of vinegar or lemon set out in a warm area. Other suggestions
for air fresheners include simmering lemons or cinnamon on your stove.
For cleaning tubs, sinks or toilet bowls, baking soda or a mixture of
baking soda and dish soap has been suggested. For cleaning windows and
mirrors, several resources suggest ¼ cup vinegar, two cups of water and
½ teaspoon of liquid soap mixed together in a spray bottle. Common
ingredients in many of these alternatives appear to be lemon juice,
vinegar, baking soda, borax , salt, tea and sometimes a small amount of
ammonia. One other point to consider is that these alternatives are good
for cleaning dirt and soil, but generally do not have disinfectant
properties. In some settings, this would be an important thing to
remember.
There probably are commercial products that you can buy that are
environmentally-friendly. However, you need to know what makes a product
truly less harmful. You can't just rely on the marketing. Compare the
labels to products that aren't marketed as green and see if the
ingredients are the same.
The point of this column can be summed up: If you are sincere about
“going green”, you can't just “talk the talk.” You must also “walk the
walk.” From the earliest times in history, the wisdom has been to be
good stewards of the earth. We have not always done that. If you choose
to use “greener” products, do you homework. Remember “greener” has no
legal definition and has been latched onto by advertisers. This is the
newest “buzz” words in the marketplace. For a free packet of information
about household cleaning alternatives, District residents can call QVHD,
248-4528 or request on line, info@qvhd.org .
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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