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Publix GreenWise Market Magazine - Fall 2009
Naturally Clean
Clear the dust and freshen your home with Earth-friendly cleaners you make yourself.
After years of feeling helpless about the environment, Laura Daniels of Tampa finally decided to do something about it. She threw a party for her friends—a green cleaning soiree.
In many ways it was like any home selling party. Guests talked and laughed, nibbled on cheese and sipped glasses of wine. But instead of thumbing through catalogs of jewelry or being urged to order the latest cosmetic products, they watched Daniels polish a table with an olive oil concoction and wipe down a counter with vinegar. Then she showed her girlfriends how to make their own natural household helpers. And at the end of the night everyone went home with a jar of at least one cleaner and a handful of recipes for more.
Parties with a Purpose
The parties are the brainchild of Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE), an environmental health and justice organization based in Missoula, Montana. The group wants to educate people—especially women—about the toxins in common cleaning products and suggest green alternatives.
“Women are doing most of the shopping, and we have the power of the pocketbook,” says Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research for WVE. “The response has been great. There are way more women interested in this than we ever thought.” Scranton says people assume that if a product is on the shelf, it’s safe to use. But WVE is worried about the long-term impact of many commercial cleaners on people’s health and on the environment.
Jill Schoff, author of Green Up Your Cleanup (Creative Homeowner, 2008), became involved in the green movement after her young son came down with eczema “from head to toe.” In researching the condition, she came across a recommendation to cut out all detergents, from soap to shampoo. Schoff tried it and it worked.
“Because we went detergent-free in our house, I had to find other ways to clean,” she says. She started using vinegar and baking soda after researching old-fashioned cleaning methods. “I was shocked at how well these simple things work,” she says.
Give It a Try
Visit womenandenvironment.org to learn more about WVE and how to host a party. A virtual Green Cleaning Party Kit is free to download and comes with cleaning tips, recipes (sample recipes from WVE, below) and information on how to contact local policy makers.
Daniels hopes to host another party soon. “So many of my friends and I say we know we need to be more aware and do something to protect our children and grandchildren,” she says. “After this party, we feel like we are doing something.”
Wipe It Up!
Here’s a natural complement to your green cleaners: Publix GreenWise Market Paper Towels. They’re earth-friendly, made from 100% recycled paper and perform well. The paper towels also reduce your worries about inks, dyes and fragrances that can be skin and environment irritants. In addition to paper towels, look for Publix GreenWise Market Bath Tissue, Facial Tissue and Napkins.
Clip & Save
Ready to mix up a batch or two of natural cleaners? Clip and post this handy guide on the fridge so you’ll remember the ingredients you need to pick up at your neighborhood Publix.
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 Green Clean Recipes
Try these natural solutions to common cleaning challenges around your home, courtesy of Women’s Voices for the Earth.
Furniture Polish
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup white distilled vinegar
20 to 30 drops of lemon essential oil
Shake well before using. Dip a clean, dry cloth into the polish and rub wood in the direction of the grain. Use a soft brush to work the polish into corners or tight places.
Tip: To remove scratches use 1 part lemon juice and 1 part oil, then rub with soft cloth.
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 Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Option 1
Sprinkle the toilet bowl with baking soda, drizzle with vinegar, let soak for at least 30 minutes and scrub with toilet brush.
Option 2
Put ¼ cup borax in toilet bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Swish with a toilet brush and then scrub. Add a few drops of pine oil for increased disinfecting. (Note: Some people are allergic to pine oil.)
Tip: Let ingredients soak awhile for easier scrubbing, especially on persistent stains.
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 All-Purpose Cleaner
Great for hard surfaces, such as countertops, kitchen floors, windows and mirrors.
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20 to 30 drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus (optional)
Add vinegar to water. For a more pleasing scent, add an essential oil to the mixture.
Tip: Warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Microwave only in a glass container.
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