CLEAN SOLUTIONS

Coconut Vanilla with Tangerine

2012-02-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

EO Coconut Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel
EO Coconut Vanilla with Tangerine Lotion

Fabulous scent - one of my favorites. Pure Essential Oils and natural herbal blends to smooth and soften skin in shower while cleansing. Paraben Free, GMO Free, Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free. EO COCONUT VANILLA SHOWER GEL

Body Lotion EO Coconut Vanilla

Stone Logix - Natural Stone Cleaner

2012-02-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Stone Logix™ Cleaner For Natural Stone and Slate Floors - Concentrated
Slate - Travertine - Marble - More!
Don't ruin your gorgeous natural stone and slate floors with harsh cleaners! Protect your investment and use this cutting-edge product that is safe for the environment and is an excellent cleaner!
to order: Stone Logix Cleaner

Green Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide

2012-02-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Try alternatives to harmful Toxic disinfectants, cleaners and corrosive bleaches. See CLEAN SOLUTIONS alternatives for cleaning your home or business at: http://www.cleansolutions.biz/

Hydrogen peroxide is the only germicidal agent composed only of water and oxygen. Like ozone, it kills disease organisms by oxidation! Hydrogen peroxide is considered the worlds safest all natural effective surface sanitizer. It kills microorganisms by oxidizing them, which can be best described as a controlled burning process. When hydrogen peroxide reacts with organic material it breaks down into oxygen and water.

Another plus that you will experience when cleaning with hydrogen peroxide is that it works extremely well for cleaning and sanitizing countertops, and other surfaces that may be used for the preparation of food. This includes cutting boards made of woods and plastics.

2012-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

These cleaning cloths are durable, long lasting and can withstand over 500 washings. Saves time and money because it requires little or no added cleaning agent. Hypoallergenic and EPA recommended. Non-abrasive so it will not harm surfaces.

Replaces paper towels, ammonia, sprays, and furniture sprays

While these are not "green" products, as far as they are Polyester. But they are ecofriendly as they cut down the need for paper products and are much more cost effective as they withstand many washings and "grab the dirt" as a regular cloth will not. They are great to use and last a long time!!! I love using them.
to Order: Microfibers

2012-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

EO Nourishing and Protective Moisturizer

EO Body Lotion

French Lavender Calming and Relaxing

Grapefruit and Mint Purifying and Stimulating

NEW Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Refreshes and uplifts

Rice Proteins penetrate deeply to diminish fine lines.

Vitamins E and A improve skin elasticity with powerful antioxidants.

Mango Seed Butter and Olive Wax moisturize and protect skin.

Organic Jojoba Oil lightly conditions skin restoring softness naturally.

Organic Calendula, Chamomile and White Tea botanicals harmonize and nourish skin.

Certified organic manufacturer

Paraben Free

Cruelty Free

Use wherever you need a natural, Organic restorative Lotion without putting more chemicals on your body.
This moisturizing and restorative lotion is the ideal, everyday body treatment to nourish, hydrate and soften your skin. It absorbs quickly for softer silkier skin with a lovely natural scent.

2012-01-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

Article: Three Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing Programs for Carpet

By Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
from website: healthyfacilitiesinstitute.com

Indoor air quality is an important environmental consideration for facility management. We spend most of our time indoors, often in energy-efficient buildings that lack sufficient fresh air ventilation. The quality of the outside air, activities in the building, and the presence of people impact these self-contained environments. Many new construction products, surface finishes, interior furnishings, floor coverings and renovating and cleaning agents play roles in the quality of indoor air. It is important to know how to identify low-emitting products and installation supplies to preserve the indoor environment.

Responsible carpet manufacturers have been proactive in their efforts to scrutinize their products, and in developing ways to continue to reduce product emissions. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has developed three indoor air quality (IAQ) testing programs - collectively known as "Green Label" or "Green Label Plus" - that will minimize the potential of emissions from new carpet installations. The programs cover carpet (Green Label Plus), carpet cushion (Green Label), and floor covering adhesive products (Green Label Plus).
The Goal
The goal for the programs is to help end-users with their buying decisions by identifying products that have been tested and meet stringent indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements.
How the Programs Work
In the testing programs for carpet, carpet cushion, and adhesives for carpet installations, samples are collected from the manufacturer's production process. Each sample is tested individually for chemical emissions by an independent laboratory, using sophisticated, dynamic environmental chamber technology.

The test procedure follows an approved methodology recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D-5116), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are identified and quantified as though the products were in a real building situation. Products are retested on an on-going basis to ensure that the required emission levels are not exceeded.

Carpet To receive initial certification, carpet products undergo a 14-day testing process, as required by CDPH Section 01350 that measures emissions for a range of possible chemicals. See CDPH Section 01350 Standard Practice for VOC Testing. An independent laboratory tests carpet products for emission levels of seven chemicals as required by Section 01350, plus six additional chemicals as required by CRI for a total of 13 chemicals.
Cushion Separate cushion products are tested for total volatile organic compounds, including BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), formaldehyde, and 4-PCH.

Adhesives
The carpet floor covering adhesive program is a test that is similar to the carpet and cushion tests. The criteria takes into account that adhesives are a wet substrate when applied during the installation process. Adhesive products are independently tested for emission levels of 10 chemicals as required by CDPH Section 01350 , plus 5 additional chemicals as required by CRI for a total of 15 chemicals.
This program covers floor covering adhesives, as well as accessory adhesive products, such as seam sealers.

The Criteria
Products that meet the emission criteria are allowed to display the Green Label or Green Label Plus Label. If the products exceed the emission criteria, the manufacturer is so advised and is requested to make process or formulation changes to reduce the emissions. After the appropriate product modification, the manufacturer may resubmit the product for additional testing. Products that do not meet the test criteria will not thereafter be allowed to affix the label until they meet the test program criteria.
In each of these programs, the authorized label displayed on the product contains an identification number assigned specifically to the individual manufacturer for each product that meets the criteria.
It is also important to know that with most products, adequate ventilation can lower concentrations and minimize the impact on indoor air quality. Regular and effective cleaning also adds to good air quality.

Carpet Installation Guidelines
When installing carpet or any other renovation material, it is wise to follow "common sense," fresh air ventilation guidelines:
• Ventilate with fresh air (open doors or windows, and use fans) during removal, installation, and for 48-72 hours following.
• Vacuum the old carpet before removal to minimize the amount of airborne dust particles.
• Vacuum the floor after the old carpet and cushion have been removed.
• The installer should follow installation guidelines (CRI Carpet Installation Standard 2011 published by CRI.
• Persons who are sensitive to low levels of odors or chemicals should avoid the area during removal and installation process.
Carpet Maintenance Guidelines
Proper maintenance of your carpet will extend the lifespan of your carpet, keep its fresh appearance, and help keep the indoor environment clean:

• Vacuum regularly with a well-functioning, CRI-Approved Vacuum Cleaner that features powerful airflow, high-efficiency filtration, and correct brush height adjustment.
By Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

Try Safer carpet cleaners from CLEAN SOLUTIONS: CARPET CLEANING CRYSTALS

START OFF THE NEW YEAR FRESH!!!!

2012-01-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Start off the New Year with a fresh start using all green cleaning products - environmentally friendly products are effective, safer, environmentally preferable solutions to a wide range of cleaning challenges. They are designed to help control the health and ecological concerns.Green Cleaning Products for Home and Business

All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner: HydrOxi Pro Cleaner
Concentrated Stone Cleaner: Stone Logix
Concentrated cleaner for your carpets: Carpet Cleaner
Laminate and Wood Floor Cleaner: Wood and Laminte Floor Cleaner

Happy Green Holiday!

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

photo from Dreamstime

Holiday greetings and blessings in this season. Whatever holiday you celebrate may it be wonderful and Green! Happy new year!

2011-12-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

Check out our new website for Natural, organic Holiday items at:
shop natural body clean solutions

Natural Body Clean Solutions

2011-12-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

See our new site for Holiday products, click here: natural body clean solutions

2011-12-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

CLEAN SOLUTIONS Holiday sales

~Natural body Products~

EO Organic Natural Gifts, Lotions, Soaps, Sanitizers, Shower Gels, Cleaning Products

Merrill Gardens Retirement Center Holiday Fair

Saturday, December 3^rd ~ 10 am - 3 pm

800 Oregon Street, Sonoma CA
and

WEDNESDAY DEC. 7TH:
Altimira Middle School Gift Fair Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 7th ~ 4 pm - 8 pm
17805 Arnold Dr. Sonoma CA

Holiday Natural Gifts and Sets

2011-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY GIFT SETS - EO BODY PRODUCTS ~ Wrapped in festive holiday bags To order: Call or email 707.938.9002 info@cleansolutions.biz These sets limited for the holidays and are not available on the website.
French Lavender Spa Set in beautiful natural basket $48.95 plus shipping (includes: French Lavender 8 oz Lotion, 12 oz Bubble bath, 16 oz Shower Gel and 12 oz Hand Soap)

CITRUS BATH SPA SET in beautiful natural basket $44.95 Plus Shipping (Includes: 8 oz Rose and Chamomile Lotion and 4 oz Bar soap; 16 oz Citrus Fusion Shower Gel; and 12 oz Rose Geranium and Citrus bubble bath)

EO Hand Soaps in Gift wrap $10 plus shipping (scents: French Lavender, Peppermint Tea Tree, Lemon Eucalyptus, Holiday Meyer Lemon Sage, Holiday Mandarin Spice)

To order: Call or email 707.938.9002 info@cleansolutions.biz

HydrOxi Pro Concentrate All Purpose Green Cleaner KIT

2011-11-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

HydrOxi Pro is a safe Green alternative to standard toxic cleaning products. This amazing product reduces toxicity in your life by eliminating common chemicals found in many cleaning products. It is an extremely effective cleaner, you'll love it!

Contains NO acids, alcohol, amines, ammonia, caustics, chlorine bleach, Glycol Ethers, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.

1 Quart Bottle of HydrOxi Pro Concentrate can make approximately:

120 GREEN spray bottles or 12 RED Spray Bottles

To Order HydrOxi Pro Quart Starter Kit

Gift Set for Him

2011-11-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Order your Holiday Gift sets now! Be prepared for the holidays with eco-friendly gifts for all. Shave and Shower Set for Him A great gift for college students, as special gift just for a man,or for anyone wanting a natural Shave Set! to order: CLEAN SOLUTIONS WEBSITE

EO Bath products are:

Perfect for frequent use; Gentle enough for the whole family; Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates free; Paraben free; Cruelty Free; Not tested on animals; Certified Organic Manufacturer.

The Right To Know - Say No To GMO

2011-10-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

An Article from EO about GMO ("genetically modified organisms”) and what it's all about -Some Good info:

Imagine this. Someone comes into your house when you aren’t home and adds something to most of the food in your kitchen. He goes into the bathroom and adds some of it to your body products too. You can’t see it, smell it or taste it so when you come home, you’re unaware that something has changed. It might be harmful, it might not be. But, you don’t know it’s in there, so you don’t have the option to decide for yourself.That’s what is happening with GMOs, right now, today. Here are some facts:
• GMOs are in the majority of America’s food supply.
• There is a massive (and successful) lobby by big industry (Monsanto et al) to make sure that the USDA and the FDA do not require that products are labeled to identify GMO ingredients.
• We don’t know what the effects of them are on us, the planet, or what happens if (when) they spread via cross-pollination, or, in the case of a genetically-engineered salmon, escape to interbreed with wild fish.
• Nearly an entire continent – that would be Europe – is so concerned about the unknown health implications that GE crops are barely grown there, imports are highly regulated and labeling for consumers is mandatory.
Our government, which was formed to advocate and protect the “people”, is allowing for-profit companies to use us and the planet as guinea pigs in a prolonged experiment in which we have no say.
We have a right to know what we put in our bodies, feed our children and wash our hands with!
Please look for more posts on this crucial topic during October, which has been designated a national “Non-GMO Month”.
In the meantime, join the cause. If you are in California, help get a bill requiring GMO products to be labeled on the 2012 state ballot: http://labelgmos.org/take-action/

To find out more, get an app to help you make informed product choices or to donate to fund more efforts, go here: http://www.nongmoproject.org/
And by the way, EO was the first body care company to be certified non-GMO on the planet. We believe we all have a right to know and value transparency so people can choose wisely. EO says NO to GMO.
Written by Brad Black and Susan Griffin-Black, EO’s founders and co-CEOs.

Natural Spa Gift Sets

2011-10-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

PAMPERING NURTURING SPA GIFT SETs

French Lavender Calming and Serenity Set

Try our Body products to enhance a relaxing, calming and serene spa at home. Fabulous aromatherapy scents. No toxic chemicals, great EO products!

Both Product Sets

Mindful Balancing Set

Great Green Spot Remover CARPET CLEANING CRYSTALS

2011-10-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is an eco-friendly Carpet Cleaning Solution we use all the time in our Green Janitorial business. I know how well it works, but I really hadn't tried it at home as spot remover recently.

I had lots of little spots from food and drink spills around our dining area and where the kids eat in the living room. I sprayed straight from the bottle small amounts and let sit then vacuumed and spots were gone! I don't know why I am amazed - I know how great this product works but I thought the spots were there until we carpet cleaned the whole area again.

I highly recommend this Carpet Cleaner not only for carpet cleaning but for spots as well. Check out the details at CLEAN SOLUTIONS website. click here

Newly Reformulated Fabulous EO Lotions!

2011-10-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Try these fabulous conditioning and nourishing moisturizers that appli easily and quickly absorb leaving skin smooth and soft. Use the EO line of natural, organic restorative lotions without putting more chemicals on your body.
Great scents to choose from:

French Lavender - Calming and Relaxing

Grapefruit and Mint - Purifying and Stimulating

Rose Geranium and Citrus - Balancing and Refreshing

NEW Coconut Vanilla with Tangerine - Refreshes and uplifts

go to website to see all

HydrOxi Pro -All Purpose Eco Friendly Cleaner

2011-09-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

HydrOxi Pro is a safer alternative to standard cleaning products. It reduces toxicity by eliminating common chemicals found in many cleaning products. We use it in our own Commercial Green janitorial service and we strongly endorse it's effectiveness. Our customers really love it.

HydrOxi Pro contains NO acids, alcohol, amines, ammonia, caustic, chlorine bleach, Glycol Ethers, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.

This remarkable product makes starting a Green Cleaning program for your home, school or business SO EASY and economical too.

Please visit our Web site at CLEANSOLUTIONS.BIZ for more information about HydrOxy Pro. We feature secure online ordering.

HydrOxi Pro Ingredients:

Orange Oil penetrates surfaces and soil buildup.

Hydrogen Peroxide oxidizes organic soils and stains, destroys odors, and provides color-safe beaching action. This oxygen-activated product provides color-safe, people-safe cleaning on any surface.

Surfactants dissolve and suspend soils in water. The oxygen present in Hydrogen Peroxide activates the surfactants and dramatically increases their effectiveness.

Post Consumer Resin Bottles - EO's Article Why We Use Them

2011-09-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

This article thanks to EO Products:

PCR Bottles

Environmental Commitment Includes our Packaging -Doing our part as a company to reduce our carbon imprint on the world.

Post Consumer Resin (PCR)

We choose to use bottles made of Post Consumer Resin (PCR). The proper term for 100% recycled containers is post-consumer resin or PCR for short.
All of our 8 oz, 8.5 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz bottles are made from Fully Recycled PCR Bottles. PCR is a made from reclaimed natural PET (recycled water containers).
Our Amenity Packing is HDPE and contains recycled PCR.
Post-consumer plastics such as PET PCR have already been processed from a fossil fuel to plastic, so to reuse the resin in a new PCR bottle does not require the further depletion of new fossil fuels.
Independent test results show that for every pound of recycled PET flake used, energy use is reduced by 84%; greenhouse gas emissions by 71%. (Life Cycle Inventory Report, April 2010)
The recycled material is cleaned, ground and re-compounded into uniform pellets.
EO knows that the more PCR content you put in each bottle, the more impact you can make on the environment.

PCR completes the never-ending loop of sustainability

Recycling Infrastructure: PET bottles are collected in over 20,000 recycling programs nationwide. In 2008, over 1.4 billion pounds of PET bottles and jars were collected and reprocessed for re-manufacture into new packages and products.

End Uses for Recycled PET: Recycled PET can be used in the manufacture of new PET packaging, as well as in many other applications, including t-shirts and tote bags; apparel; carpets; strapping; car accessories; and fiberfill (for items such as pillows or sleeping bags).

Lightweight Package: PET is a lightweight package so products packaged in PET can be packed and shipped efficiently. To maximize these efficiencies and use less plastic resin per package, PET packaging manufacturers continue to make their packages lighter when it’s possible to do so and maintain product integrity. ---This article thanks to EO Products.

Natural Hand Soap Set of 3

2011-09-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

EO Liquid Hand Soap, 3-Soap Set 12 oz each with pump. One of each of these fabulous scents: French Lavender - Calming and Relaxing; Peppermint and Tea Tree - Invigorating and Revitalizing; Lemon and Eucalyptus - Stimulating and Refreshing. When you need a calming, revitalizing or refreshing break -- just take your pick! Great gift or for your own home or office at each sink!

Order EO Hand Soap Set

Scratch-free Suede Cloth

2011-09-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Suede-Finish Microfiber Dusting Cloths
This premium quality, super-soft and absorbent Suede-Finish Microfiber Dusting Cloth takes care of your most delicate household finishes. Now you don't have to worry about scratches!

Ultra-soft. Safe on CD's and vinyl records. Perfect for eyeglasses, sunglasses and even camera lenses. Cleans windows and mirrors. Use the Suede-Finish Microfiber Cloth on fine collectibles, picture frames, silk plants. Great for buffing polished surfaces - automobile finishes, brass, silver, chrome and more. This is the best cloth for your delicate laptop screen. Non-abrasive. Replaces paper towels, ammonia and sprays.
Secure online ordering and complete details are available on our Web site.

Eight Simple Guidelines For Green Cleaning and a Healthier Environment

2011-09-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

A great article with lots of good info for green cleaning your business and home!

Article By CORE Products Co.

Choosing environmentally responsible products is a powerful way to make your spending make a difference. Finding those products, and trusting them, isn't always easy. Develop, plan and execute for success!

Caring for a commercial or institutional facility is a huge task. Developing and implementing a green cleaning program that effectively protects occupants' health, while minimizing cleaning's impact on the environment, is equally significant.

Whether you are explaining your green cleaning plan to a new employee, a vendor, or someone in senior management, you need to capture the most significant aspects.

PUT HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST A green cleaning program protects health and the environment first, appearance second. Even buildings that appear to be clean can be extremely unhealthy. Low productivity and poor performance are the result of a Building Related Illness or Sick Building Syndrome. Implementing a green cleaning program will more than pay for itself with just a small increase in productivity.
REVIEW CURRENT PRODUCTS AND PRACTICES In order to measure progress, improvements to any program typically require doing an assessment before implementation. Some current practices may be applied to the new green cleaning program. Gathering information such as manufacturer, vendor information, MSDS, labels of products currently being used, personal protective equipment (PPE), special handling and disposal requirements, and where the products are being applied. Transitioning to a safer, healthier cleaning protocol is also an opportunity to standardize practices among multiple sites.
USE GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS Use certified green cleaning products. Many organizations including Green Seal, Ecologo and DfE approve cleaning chemicals based on environmental impact, health exposures and performance. Today's technology allow manufacturers to offer green cleaning solutions that work well and are cost-competitive to traditional cleaning products. For products not covered by existing standards, choose products that are lower in VOC's compared to similar products. Install and use chemical dilution systems and proportioning equipment to reduce chemical exposure to cleaning workers and building occupants. Green Cleaning Products at CLEANSOLUTIONS.BIZ
USE GREEN EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Capture dust and microscopic particles rather than putting them back into the air. Use microfiber dust mops or vacuum cleaners to dry-clean hard floors. Use high-efficiency vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner filters to capture microscopic materials the might adversely impact building occupant health. Use microfiber cloths to capture dust rather than rags and furniture polish.
DECREASE ENTRY OF DIRT AND POLLUTANTS Paying attention to entryways - inside and out - helps keep trafficking of dirt from getting into an area. A significant amount of dirt, dust and other pollutants come into a building on people's feet. Install walk-off mats, which will help to trap and remove dirt and debris before it enters the area. Consult your mat supplier to choose the proper style for outside and inside each entryway. Proper and frequent cleaning of entry mats is critical to preventing dirt from being distributed.

DISINFECT ONLY IN AREAS THAT REQUIRE IT Indoor air quality is affected by dirt, dust and the chemicals we put into the air. EPA registered disinfectants are categorized as pesticides. The chemicals used to kill bugs can pollute the air if overused. Choose and apply disinfectants properly. Resist the temptation to overuse disinfectants when cleaning. Good basic cleaning procedures are as effective as disinfectants for cleaning most surfaces. Focus on touch points; those spots where people come into contact the most. Door knobs, handles, rails, push bars, light switches, public phones, elevator buttons, and so on, are prime points for disease transmission.
Clean Solutions green cleaning Products
USE GREEN PAPER AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS Use janitorial paper products that have a significant percentage of post consumer recycled content. Look for paper that was produced without using chlorine, which when released into the environment can create dioxins and other incredibly dangerous chemicals. Many paper and plastic goods, such as paper towels, toilet paper and can liners, have been green certified by third party organizations. By taking a few steps to reduce consumption, you can offset the higher initial cost of paper and plastic products.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ENFORCING Everyone doesn't know how to clean. Train custodial staff and managers to ensure procedures are performed properly and safely. Without adequate training, the potential for job-related accidents and injuries is very high. Engage cleaning staff in the process by helping them understand why they are directed to do certain tasks. It is a group effort to maintain and improve the green cleaning program. Increase the professionalism of your staff through continued education and training.

This article is courtesy of CORE Products Co. Canton, TX - thank you!

Odor Neutralizer - Safely neutralize odors the Green way!

2011-09-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Green Logic (TM) Odor Neutralizer
Specially formulated to provide premium environmentally preferred deodorizing. Safe to use on virtually all fabrics and fibers. See our Web site for complete directions and cautions. Spray evenly on carpets, upholstery, bedding and draperies until slightly damp. Odors will vanish while the item dries. Use a bit more for difficult odors.

Oxygen action with surfactant bonding powers organic odors away
Neutral pH is safe for most sensitive fibers
No sticky residue
Non-flammable
Non-corrosive
Alcohol and ammonia-free
Biodegradable
Phosphate-free
Smoke, food, beverages, even animal odors on any surface disappear
Non-toxic
Removes indoor air allergens resulting in a better quality of indoor air

Hand Sanitizing Spray 2oz

2011-09-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Organic EO Hand Sanitizing Sprays 2 oz

Box of 6: New Scent - Sweet Orange, Lavender and Peppermint

Sanitizes and Moisturizes without Water Keeps your hands refreshed, clean and healthy. Use this wonderful natural sanitizer anywhere - all without putting more chemicals on your skin. Using EO Sanitizing Hand Wipes stops the spread of germs. The organic, plant-based alternative to chemical laden hand sanitizers

Especially during Cold and Flu season

EO Hand Sanitizers

Orange and Lavender Essential oils are cleansing and balancing

Organic Lavender Essential oil is soothing and cleansing
Organic Peppermint Essential oil is cooling and sanitizing

2011-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

An article about sustanible living in the area of what we eat! I thought it was good information to share--
From the Cooking Channel Blog - DEVOUR

What’s Food Day?

Have you heard of Food Day? The first ever Food Day is on October 24th, 2011. It’s similar to Earth Day, but focused on food and “eating real.”

Led by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day is a grassroots movement made up of individuals and organizations passionate about promoting a healthy, sustainable, and just food system. The movement has 5 basic principles, and is committed to:

Some heavy-hitters in the food and nutrition world are behind Food Day, like Sid Lerner, founder of Meatless Monday; Morgan Spurlock, director of the documentary film, Supersize Me; Alice Waters, the chef/owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, CA; and Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World.
Here’s what some have to say about Food Day:
“Food day is an opportunity to celebrate real food and the movement rising to reform the American food system.” Michael Pollan, author
“Food Day is a national celebration of the very things that farmers markets help grow at the local level — relationships between healthy farms, healthy people, and healthy communities.” Stacy Miller, Executive Director, Farmers Market Coalition
As food people, we want to do our part too. We realize that diet-related disease can’t be cured in a day, nor will there be a solution to the hunger problem in this country overnight, but small steps do help. Starting on Monday, we’ll be celebrating Meatless Monday right here, every Monday, by offering you a meat-free recipe idea. We’ll also keep you up to date on Food Day as it gets closer, and we’ll give you more ideas for getting involved.
Are you planning or attending a Food Day event this year? Tell us about it!
by Michelle Buffardi

Natural Carpet Cleaner

2011-08-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hydroxi Pro® Carpet Cleaning Crystal

I love this product. It is a great Carpet Cleaner to use at home or business. Concentrated, economical as not allot is needed. Very effective and smells great. We use it in our commercial cleaning business and at home.

Leaves your carpet cleaner than ever and fights re-soiling. HydrOxi Pro® Carpet Cleaning Crystal is a safer and economical alternative to standard carpet cleaning solutions.

One product for all your carpet cleaning needs!

Spot and Stain Remover

Cost effective

Deodorizes while you clean

Natural orange fragrance

Neutral pH for synthetic & natural fibers

To order or for more info

Natural Dog Shampoo, Conditioner SET

2011-08-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Organic, Natural grooming products for your dog to keep your pet happy and healthy. Clean, Refresh and Restore your dog's coat with EO's gentle, soothing organic ingredients to cleanse, protect and deeply moisturize your dog's coat.
Chose from the following or the whole set:

Lavender Natural Dog Shampoo

Lavender Natural Dog Conditioner

Citrus and Mint Dog Grooming Spray

"I've been using these new products with my dog and love them. Although he never likes his bath he does smell great after using these and the Citrus Mint is great when he gets smelly~~~" Cynthia
or more information: EO Dog Grooming Products at CLEAN SOLUTIONS

Green Logic Degreaser Commerical Cleaning

2011-07-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Eco Friendly All-Surface Degreaser
Use in Commerical Kitchens, Bathrooms, Auto Dealers,
wherever grease is building up

Removes oil residue and greasy build up from: fats,heavy soil, tar, etc.
Concentrated, Non-flammable and Non-corrosive
Biodegradable and Phosphate-free

This fast-acting cleaner and degreaser combines green emulsion surfactants and builders to handle tough cleaning, to learn more: Clean Solutions DEGREASER

Looking for a perfect Earth-friendly summertime gift?

2011-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Healthy Home Gift Set
Great gift for housewarming , baby shower, birthday or new grad! Comes in a beautiful re-useable organza drawstring gift bag.

$31.95

Click Here to Order!

Healthy Home Gift Set includes one of each green-cleaning product:

Dish Soap Lavender, 16 oz
Liquid Hand Soap Lemon and Eucalyptus, 12 oz
Grapefruit and Mint Foaming Hand and Body Soap, 8.5 oz
Hand Sanitizer Gel Lavender, 8 oz
Sanitizing Hand Wipes: 3 each Lavender; 3 each Lemon

Introduce a friend or family member to a greener lifestyle! These wonderful soaps, lotions, and bath items are well-priced and great to use, all without putting more chemicals on skin or down the drains.

Eco-Friendly All Purpose Cleaner

2011-05-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

ALL-IN-ONE CLEANER -

This fabulous cleaner is concentrated, easy to use and very effective! HydrOxi Pro - one quart makes over 100 spray bottles. Just mix with water. Use on windows, floors, counters, mirrors, bathrooms, kitchens etc. Saves many plastic bottles. Free of alcohol, ammonia, caustics, acids, bleach, dyes. I love this product, we have been using it for years everywhere in the house, car, business etc. It is so easy and works!
More about HydrOxi Pro.

EO Products at the Oscars!

2011-04-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

The great EO natural organic products were given as gifts to the Oscar attendees this year. It is good to see more and more people using these healthy Essential Oil products fot natural body care. Check the article on our website at:

EO PRODUCTS AT THE OSCARS! See the Article.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

2011-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

In Celebration of Earth Day... To remember today to bless our earth, to do all we can to care for the gift of being here and loving ourselves and our planet. There is so much to focus on that is in crisis on our planet. May we today and each day do what we can to protect our environment in the choices we make..
Pet Products - Healthier Pet cleaning and care

Green Cleaning - clean your home and business with products that are safe for our planet

Body Care - Caring for your body with natural organic products

NEW PRODUCTS ON OUR WEBSITE

2011-04-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Check out our new products on our CLEAN SOLUTIONS website!

New Pet Products for a healthier cleaning of your pets.

New Natural Body Care Products for a healthy, natural, organic body - Shower Gels, Body Lotion, Shampoos,

New Green Cleaning Products for cleaning your home or Business the Eco-Friendly way.

NEW EO SCENT COCONUT & VANILLA WITH TANGERINE

2011-04-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

EO BODY LOTION AND SHOWER GEL -NEW SCENT: COCONUT & VANILLA with TANGERINE --My Favorite scent - it has a delicious fresh scent of all natural essential oils lightly with a touch of tangerine. I love it. Now available in EO's Shower Gel and Lotion. Before just available in the foaming soap only. EO's Shower Gel cleanses and moisturizes all naturally. Body Lotion is restorative and deeply moisturising without chemicals. Great products check out our website! SHOWER GEL

EO BODY LOTION

NEW EO NATURAL PET PRODUCTS

2011-04-07T08:52:00.001-07:00

NEW EO NATURAL PET GROOMING PRODUCTS - New EO Pet Products: EO has been developing natural organic product's for years for humans. Now they have made the same high quality safe, natural products for our pets!. Great Lavender Aloe Shampoo, Conditioner and a Citrus Mint Spray Detangler.

GO TO PET PRODUCTS ON WEBSITE

Natural EO Body Care Products and Gifts!

2010-11-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS! Enjoy Natural, Organic EO Shower Gel or Body Lotion, Soaps.

Clean Solutions Website These premium quality, natural products come in a variety of restorative scents with only the purest ingredients. Experience French Lavender (Calming and relaxing), Grapefruit and Mint (Purifying and stimulating), Rose and Chamomile (Calming and balancing) Citrus Fusion, Rose Geranium and Citrus(Balancing and refreshing). For secure online ordering, complete ingredients information, and to view all of our natural personal care and Green Cleaning products: Clean Solutions Website Body Care Foaming Body Soaps - fun and healthy for children!

Holiday Natural Gifts and Sets

2010-10-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Natural Holiday Gift sets are ready to order now

EO, organic, natural body Lotions, Shower Gels, Soaps, Shave Creams,

Bubble Baths etc. All wonderful scents - great gifts - good for your body good for the environment!

Clean Solutions Website Body Care

Hand Sanitizer Floor Dispensers for Businesses

2010-09-25T17:21:00.001-07:00

Hand Sanitizer Dispensers Wipes and Gel for your Business

Natural Hand Sanitizers to keep your employees and customers healthy, happy and germ free during the cold and flu season.- Get Ready before the rush (last year many companies ran out!)

Natural, Non-GMO, organic alternative to chemical laden sanitizers. Safe, Nontoxic way to clean hands without water for peace of mind for your employees, customers, clients and all who enter your workplace.

Available with a refillable dispenser or without: Gel 32 oz - Lemon, Lavender or Unscented and 210 Wipes Lavender scent.

All items available in smaller sizes too. http://www.cleansolutions.biz/commercial/eo-comm/dispensers-all.html

Hand Sanitizers - Get Ready for Cold Season

2010-09-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Get Ready for Cold and Flu season with EO HAND SANITIZERS AND WIPES - Great, Natural products to use!! Concerns about viruses, bacteria and Swine flu?

Frequent hand-washing is the very best way to help stay safe from all kinds of germs, flu viruses and bacteria. But When you are not near a sink use these great, heathier sanitizers to keep your whole family's hands clean with our environmentally friendly hand sanitizers. We feature liquid waterless hand sanitizing gel, disposable sanitizing wipes, and liquid hand soap in many sizes and scents.

For business owners who want to fight germs at work, we offer commercial hand-sanitizer product dispensers that are easy to use for your employees and your customers.

To help get kids into a healthy hand-washing habit that will last a lifetime, check out our foaming hand soap. It's fun and easy to use, and kids love it.

CDC-Recommended Ways to Stay Healthy
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
* Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
Thank you to EO Products for this information

For More Information:
Visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services very informative page for more answers to your questions:
http://pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/

Staying Green in Our Lives

2010-07-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Staying Green in any way you can helps. There are so many ways to re-invest in our earth and give back and support the earth rather than take away or harm. From biking instead of driving, solar instead of gas or electric, local produce instead of food flown in from some other country, saving rain water and using drought tolerant planting, use of non chemical products.

I was thinking today about how each of us has to find our way and do what we can do. I do what I can, it is too much or overwhelming to think we can "do it all". I drive a hybrid, I use green cleaning and personal care products, I walk when I can. Then I was thinking of my neighbors who may not do those same things I do, but do save rain water and replanted drought tolerant plants. It is like anything there is not "right " way for everyone. We do what we can and hopefully more each day we can. Each of us makes a difference on this planet especially in the day to day lives we lead... Enjoy life, enjoy this planet, Blessings -- Cynthia

Check out our Website

2010-06-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check out our website at CLEAN SOLUTIONS: http://www.cleansolutions.biz/

Hand Sanitzers and dispensers are selling at a fast rate!!!

Great new Floor products for wood too try it out: http://www.cleansolutions.biz/household/home-floorcare.html

Stone Logix™ Cleaner For Natural Stone Floors

2010-05-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

We have been getting alot of orders and requests for this great stone cleaner for Stone floors for homes and business. It works and Stone Logix™ is the ONLY green seal certified cleaner that you can safely use on natural stone!

Stone Logix(TM) Don't ruin your gorgeous natural stone floors with harsh cleaners! Protect your investment and use only a cutting-edge product like this that will not harm your fine stone floors. Stone Logix™ is safe for the environment and is an excellent cleaner!

Gentle neutral pH. Safely cleans luxurious natural stone floors like marble, slate and travertine quickly and easily. The unique chemical blend breaks down oils, grime and dirt making it simple to mop away. Restores and brightens tile and grout to its original color with oxygen power.
Neutral pH
Concentrated
Non-etching formula
Lab tested
Will not attack finish
The easiest and most cost effective way to clean!
Contains NO acids, alcohol, amines, ammonia, caustics, chlorine bleach, Glycol Ethers, phosphates, dyes or perfumes.

EO Natural Personal Care Products

2010-05-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

EO Natural Personal Care Products are now available at our website. The delicious scents and pure ingredients of all the EO products create a relaxing and healing atmosphere wherever you are.

We now offer economy Gallon sizes to refill smaller bottles for a great savings of money, plastic bottles and trips to the store. One gallon of Liquid Hand Soap saves money and saves 9 plastic bottles. One gallon of Shampoo, Conditioner or Lotion saves over 14 plastic bottles. You not only get a fabulous product but are purchasing in an eco-sustainable way.

Our Commercial Green Cleaning clients have asked us to help them find natural, economical and luxurious body care products for Spa, Fitness Center and Business use. EO products are a perfect fit! We offer all of these commercial products online too as well as household products. Use these high quality certified organic shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and lotions at your spa, locker rooms, dressing rooms and for luxurious manicures, pedicures and massage treatments.

The waterless sanitizing wipes are perfect for use on your workout machines to control the spread of germs. Your clients will appreciate this extra bit of luxury that tells them you care. Help keep your workforce and customers healthy by offering the convenient natural hand sanitizers and wipes on display and ready to use even where water is not available, as a quick hand cleaner without the chemicals.
We are delighted to offer a full line of hard-to-find Commercial Dispensers for these excellent EO products. If you own a spa, fitness center or office, stop by and check out these dispensers! Order Now at Clean Solutions. Thank you!

Carpet Cleaning Crystals - Eco Friendly

2010-04-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

HydrOxi Pro Carpet Cleaning Crystals, Product Order CLEAN SOLUTIONS

HydrOxi Pro Carpet Cleaning Crystal concentrated formula combines the cleaning and deodorizing power of Hydrogen Peroxide.

This unique formulation helps reduce contamination,
Reduces toxicity without sacrificing effectiveness,
Eliminates odors while you clean,
Extremely low V.O.C.'s for improved indoor air quality,
Natural orange fragrance without the use of perfumes or dyes
Best value for your cleaning system

HydrOxi Pro Carpet Cleaning Crystal is a safer economical alternative to standard carpet cleaning solutions. Product Ordering at CLEAN SOLUTIONS

Sales skyrocket with demand for hand sanitizer

2010-04-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

CLEAN SOLUTIONS - Article: Sales skyrocket with demand for hand sanitizer

2010-04-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

New Product!

EO All Purpose Soap the ideal choice for all your cleaning needs. Extremely effective grease cutter that produces rich lather, gentle on sensitive skin. Light fresh scent of pure Essential Oils. Use to remove grime, safely and effectively cleans floors, counters, bathrooms and kitchens. Cleans and polishes glass, windows, mirrors, porcelain, chrome, stainless steel, tires and tools. Outside perfect for siding, exterior doors and more or on your next camping trip. Use it anytime and every time you need a good honest clean.

Three fabulous Scents to Choose from:
Meyer Lemon used for its powerful antiseptic and astringent properties with a fresh and uplifting scent
Lavender diverse range of healing, antiseptic and therapeutic benefits. with a is soothing and nurturing scent
Peppermint one of the most popular herbs used today, soothes as it invigorates and cools. Order at World of Good - Clean Solutions: www.worldofgood.com

Shave and Shower Set

2010-01-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

Shave and Shower Set

New set for Men to shave naturally with these great EO shave and shower products - no chemicals added. Try it!!

Natural Body Care Gift Sets at CLEAN SOLUTIONS - Green Cleaning

2009-11-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Natural Body Care Gift Sets at CLEAN SOLUTIONS - Green Cleaning

Sales skyrocket with demand for hand sanitizer

2009-05-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

By: Julian Guthrie, Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle
Saturday, May 16, 2009
This article appeared on page C - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

On April 20, senior managers at EO Products in Corte Madera met to review sales levels for the month. The maker of organic personal care products was at 80 percent of projected revenue.

Within a week, sales had unexpectedly tripled, thanks to one product: the company's organic alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The appearance of swine flu had created a health emergency, and both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and President Obama were endorsing alcohol-based hand sanitizing products to help contain the contagion...

Click here to read the rest of the story on our Web site at cleansolutions.biz!

We carry a full line of natural products that make it so easy to kill germs on your family and co-workers hands, gently and safely:

Plus many informative articles about Green Cleaning, and much more!

WINTER NEWSLETTER 2009

2009-01-25T00:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I know it has been awhile since my last Newsletter. Even in these difficult economic times, I hope the new year finds you happy and healthy. I am sending a link to the new items added to our additional web listing at World of Good through EBay. Many of the fabulous products are in sets to give you greater savings. EO has raised their prices as of Jan. 1, 2009. The prices I have listed still reflect the lower prices for about another month. It is a good time to stock up now. I hope you are enjoying your eco friendly products!

Take care and Blessings to all,
Cynthia

NEW LISTINGS at World of Good: www.worldofgood.com

CLEAN SOLUTIONS Newsletter August 2008

2008-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I hope your summer is going well and you are enjoying life. My family and I just got back from our annual trip to beautiful Lake Tahoe for our conference at Zephyr Point. It is an exquisite site and the lake was beautiful. I wanted share with you something I learned while in an Eco Stewardship class there. One of the things I that was new to me was a website where you can compute your own carbon footprint. If you are not familiar with this check out this site and go to compute your carbon footprint and see how you are doing.
Cool California Website to check your own carbon Footprint: Cool California www.coolcalifornia.org

The other thing I did while I was there was to led an earth service. The focus was amsidt all our concern of what is needed to be done for our planet to still remember to celebrate and give thanks for what we do have and for the gift of this earth that has been given to us. The evening ended in a Celtic prayer I wanted to share with you:

Deep Peace of the running wave to you
Deep Peace of the flowing air to you
Deep Peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep Peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the shades of night to you
Moon and stars always giving Light to you.
--Celtic Peace Prayer from Antiquity

Enjoy this beautiful time of year, stay healthy and have fun!

Blessings, Cynthia

Housecleaning Made Cleaner

2008-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Could your housecleaning actually be dirtying the environment?

Here are some tips on choosing household cleansers that will help keep your home both clean and "green." Visit our Web site to browse our lines of safer, healthier alternatives.

Avoid these harmful ingredients. Though they might not bear a warning label, many household cleansers contain ingredients that pose problems for the environment and public health.

Petroleum: Many conventional detergents ("surfactants"), solvents, and polishes contain paraffin, mineral oil, diethylene glycol, perchloroethylene, or butyl cellosolve - all of which are derived from petroleum. Extraction and refinement of this nonrenewable resource contribute to air and water pollution.
Phosphates/EDTA: Phosphates, which have traditionally been used in detergents to soften water and increase cleaning power, encourage algae growth in waterways, depriving marine life of oxygen. EDTA, a common substitute for phosphates, degrades slowly in the environment.
Phthalates: Manufacturers of many cleaning products use phthalates to prolong their products’ scent. However, these chemicals have been linked to cancer and disease of the reproductive system in laboratory animals.
Antibacterial agents: The use of cleansers containing antibacterials such as triclosan and benzalkonium chloride could be contributing to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in human illnesses that are more difficult to treat.
Chlorine bleach: This popular whitener and disinfectant can harm the environment by contributing to the formation of organochlorines (chlorine-carbon compounds) such as the chlorofluorocarbons that damage Earth’s ozone layer.

Source: Union of Concerned Scientists

Growing Trends In Microfiber

2008-07-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Applications and markets for microfiber technology continue to grow

By Lauren Summerstone
Excerpted from: www.cleanlink.com

Now that microfiber has been firmly established in the United States, its use is expanding beyond hospitals, which were the first adopters. Today microfiber is used for a wider variety of cleaning duties and in schools, government buildings, hotels and the food service sector to achieve a greater level of clean.

Hospitals embraced the introduction of microfiber cloths and flat mops years ago, having had both the need to control infectious diseases and the resources to invest in new systems and training. When used and cared for properly, microfiber has been successful in controlling the spread of germs and won over cleaning workers in the process.

Microfiber has gained momentum in the industry because it is light, reduces risk of worker injury, uses less paper, chemical, water and detergent used during laundering. Also, microfiber is said to have a savings in manpower hours estimated to be 45 percent that of traditional products.
Not surprisingly, manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for microfiber products with more innovations in technology, making it even more effective, easier to understand and use and even more affordable.

Expanding Markets

Following its successful inception in health care facilities, other industries have been quick to embrace the technology. In fact, schools have jumped on the microfiber bandwagon. In addition to the health benefits, schools, like hospitals, are also realizing the ergonomic and green benefits - microfiber is lighter weight than traditional products and require little to no chemicals to work effectively.

Microfiber supports the push for improved indoor air quality (IAQ) as well, by trapping dust, particulates and allergens better because of its natural static charge. It also can be used, wet or dry, to dust or clean almost any surface, from desktops and countertops to ceiling fixtures, lunch tables and light switches. Ultimately, these benefits will positively impact building occupant health.

Products that improve IAQ are important in schools where health has been proven to affect student attendance, which then impacts state and federal funding. So to protect revenue, it’s in school official’s best interest to prevent illness, outbreaks of infections and influenza through regular cleaning and the use of advanced products such as microfiber. After all, preventative cleaning is also less costly than remedial cleaning for outbreaks.

Federal office buildings are another relatively new adopter of microfiber technology. Microfiber products have made inroads with various states that now require green cleaning in state and federal government buildings because of the health benefits associated with their use.

In recent years, hotels and cruise ships have been plagued by health outbreaks and have turned to advanced cleaning technology as a way to combat it.

In addition to preventing illness created by virus and cross contamination, these facilities can use microfiber to effectively address standard cleaning tasks, such as marble or textured tile floors.

Microfiber products can also get into the nooks and crannies of non-slip flooring surfaces without scratching them or wearing them down prematurely. Manufacturers also offer deep scrub contour microfiber pads for bonnet cleaners that are effective at cleaning grout lines.

People who work at restaurants and food service institutions also have a newfound appreciation for microfiber. Workers can clean dining rooms and windows, sneeze guards and buffets without harsh or strong-smelling chemicals clashing with appetizing aromas.

Because of its advanced technology, microfiber products can be used effectively without the use of chemicals. It grabs and traps dust, grime, oil and grease, scrubs away residue without damaging surfaces.

Innovations in microfiber products are being announced regularly. These relate to how the cloths are manufactured, safety conveniences such as hands-free systems, or even disposable microfiber products created for use in emergency and operating rooms, then incinerated or disposed of with biohazards — all of which will drive interest in the industry.
Lauren Summerstone is a freelance writer based in Madison, Wis. www.cleanlink.com

Antibacterial Soaps: Avoid Them!!!!!

2008-06-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Still using antibacterial soaps in your home? Get rid of them, for your health's sake! But don't pour them down the drain, wrap them and take them to a local toxics round-up center.

This article explains recent discoveries that point to serious health hconcerns associated with use of antibacterial soaps.

Antibacterial Chemical Disrupts Hormone Activities

From: Science Daily (Dec. 8, 2007)

A new UC Davis study shows that a common antibacterial chemical added to bath soaps can alter hormonal activity in rats and in human cells in the laboratory--and does so by a previously unreported mechanism.

The findings come as an increasing number of studies -- of both lab animals and humans -- are revealing that some synthetic chemicals in household products can cause health problems by interfering with normal hormone action.

Called endocrine disruptors, or endocrine disrupting substances (EDS), such chemicals have been linked in animal studies to a variety of problems, including cancer, reproductive failure and developmental anomalies.

This is the first endocrine study to investigate the hormone effects of the antibacterial compound triclocarban (also known as TCC or 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide), which is widely used in household and personal care products including bar soaps, body washes, cleansing lotions, wipes and detergents. Triclocarban-containing products have been marketed broadly in the United States and Europe for more than 45 years; an estimated 1 million pounds of triclocarban are imported annually for the U.S. market.

The researchers found two key effects: In human cells in the laboratory, triclocarban increased gene expression that is normally regulated by testosterone. And when male rats were fed triclocarban, testosterone-dependent organs such as the prostate gland grew abnormally large.

READ MORE...

Click Here for Safer Natural Soaps that Work Better Anyway!

Tired of Nagging Kids to Wash Up?

2008-05-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Get your little ones started with a healthy hand-washing habit that will last a lifetime. Give them a soap they will love using - our natural EO Foaming Hand Soap. What kid can resist a fun fragrance like Coconut and Vanilla with Organic Tangerine? EO's natural foaming hand and body soap lathers up instantly right out of the bottle - bubbly, light and playful.

Kids will love using it and parents can feel good about it, too. Naturally antiseptic, it's made with organic herbal infusions, it's cruelty-free and paraben-free. Contains NO irritating sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates! EO is a Certified Organic Manufacturer. Plant nutrients are formulated to gently cleanse without drying hands. The special Coconut Cleansing Complex creates the gentlest, most effective and richly foaming soaps available.

EO Foaming Hand and Body Soap is Fun, Foaming and Fragrant! Leaves your whole family's hands and body clean, soft, and fabulously fresh. No more nagging. ENJOY!

Green Product Seals Are Gray Area

2008-05-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is an article I found a few weeks ago in the San Francisco Chronicle. I thought it was an important one to share with all the "green" products that seem to be everywhere and how to discern which one's truely are.

Green Product Seals Are Gray Area

Ilana DeBare, Chronicle Staff WriterSaturday, April 19, 2008From: San Francisco Chronicle
Arm and Hammer is selling fabric softener sheets that it says are "more sensible for the environment." Gillette makes cans of shaving gel that carry a little icon of a globe and promise "no CFCs." Even giant Wal-Mart has an "Earth friendly" section of its Web site, offering organic cotton clothing, solar garden lights and energy-efficient appliances.

As Earth Day 2008 arrives on Tuesday, American consumers face a renewed outpouring of environmental marketing claims - boasts by companies that their products are everything from "100 percent natural" to "recyclable," "eco-friendly," "sustainable," "biodegradable," or just plain "green." Along with these claims has come a new wave of environmental seals and certifications aimed at helping consumers sort the real from the hype. Some of these environmental seals of approval - such as the U.S. government's "organic" label - are well-known and meaningful. But other green seals of approval are less helpful. Some cover only a few narrow criteria, without addressing other key environmental points. Others have been developed by industry groups with a vested interest in boosting their sales. In some product categories, there are even competing green standards put forward by different organizations.

The result? It can be almost as confusing to sort out the different green seals of approval as it is to sort out green product claims. "It's kind of a wild, wild West out there, with this big jump to get on the green bandwagon," said Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist with Consumer Reports. "There should be a big caution to consumers: Don't base your purchasing decision on some green dot unless you know what that green dot really means," said Scot Case, vice president of TerraChoice Environmental Marketing. Growing Sector

This isn't America's first flood of environmental marketing. In the 1980s, companies were making so many misleading and confusing environmental claims that the Federal Trade Commission drafted a set of green marketing guidelines that were released in 1992.

Among other things, the FTC wrote that green claims should be specific - for instance, stating clearly whether the word "recycled" on a box of paper cups applies to the cups themselves or just their box. But the FTC did not do much to enforce its own guidelines, according to Case. And consumer and corporate interest in green products waned - until former Vice President Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" drew attention to the threat of climate change in 2006 and sparked a new wave of environmentalism. Consumer spending on natural foods, vitamins, body care and cleaning products grew by 28 percent to $22 billion between 2004 and 2006, according to Mintel, a market research group based in Chicago. Companies rushed to publicize the green aspects of their existing wares or to launch new green items. The number of new consumer product launches tracked by Mintel that involved green claims shot up from five in 2002 to 328 in 2007.
TerraChoice, Case's company, tried to gauge the reliability of all these claims last November with a survey of about a thousand consumer products that made a total of 1,753 environmental statements.

The good news was that very few of the products - less than 1 percent - made outright lies about their environmental benefits. The bad news was that nearly all the products committed more subtle forms of what TerraChoice called "greenwashing." Some products claimed to be green based on one attribute, such as recycled packaging, without addressing other environmental problems such as toxic ingredients. Others made claims that were so vague as to be meaningless. Products touting themselves as natural were a particular problem since, unlike the term "organic," there is no government definition of the term "natural" outside of meat and poultry. "We found some 'natural' products that were petroleum based," Case said. "I guess they consider petroleum a natural product. ... Personally, I think the term natural has been so watered down it may never have any meaning again. "Sustainable" is an even newer marketing buzz word that doesn't have a hard and fast meaning "There are so many components to sustainability - protecting the environment, water resources, social responsibility and being a good neighbor, and having good quality and safety," said Linda Brown, executive vice president of Scientific Certification Systems, an Emeryville company that certifies whether products meet particular standards."Right now, because there is no standard, people can pick any aspect they want," Brown said, "and consumers don't really know what it means.

No Dominant Standard
Faced with this thicket of confusing claims, many consumers might welcome an environmental equivalent of the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, a well-known endorsement of consumer products provided by the magazine of the same name since 1909.But that's easier said than done. There are currently dozens of separate environmental seals and certification.
Some address narrow single issues, such as the federal government's Energy Star seal for energy-efficient appliances or the non-profit Forest Stewardship Council's seal for sustainably harvested wood. But those two are just the tip of the iceberg of single-issue seals. For instance, a group called the Sustainable Forestry Initiative - started by the paper and timber industry - offers its own certification of wood products that is a rival to the FSC standard.

Meanwhile, other single-issue seals focus on issues as diverse as animal welfare, indoor air quality, pesticide residues, biodegradability, sustainable fisheries and sustainably grown flowers. Then there are seals based on a number of environmental criteria. The best known multi-issue seal is probably the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard. The LEED seal is awarded to buildings based on a variety of criteria ranging from energy efficiency to use of nontoxic materials. Nearly 10 percent of new commercial construction projects are now applying for LEED certification, and the council recently launched a program to certify residential construction, too. Two other multi-issue certification programs are EcoLogo, a certification with roots in the Canadian government but currently managed by an environmental marketing firm, and Green Seal, an independent, nonprofit certification organization. They both have set independent environmental standards for items such as paints and cleaning products since the late 1980s. But neither of those seals are exactly household words. So many companies don't see the point of spending time and money to get certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo.

Meanwhile, some individual companies are creating their own seals that have the potential to confuse shoppers even further. SC Johnson announced earlier this year that it is adding a Greenlist logo to bottles of Windex. To average consumers, Greenlist might look like an independent third-party seal of approval - but it is an internal environmental protocol developed by SC Johnson itself. Environmentalists have praised SC Johnson for using its Greenlist protocol over the past decade to reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals in its products. But they said that displaying the logo without explanation could be misleading to consumers. "Why not be Green Seal certified?" said Deborah Moore of the Green Schools Initiative, a Berkeley nonprofit that helps schools make environmental purchasing decisions. "There is a certification out there and hundreds of products have it." An SC Johnson spokeswoman denied trying to confuse consumers. She said the company had considered a third-party seal but found the application process could be overly bureaucratic. "We look at those seals and respect them, but in the case of Windex it didn't make sense," said Kelly Semrau, vice president of global communications.

Retailers Respond
Meanwhile, some retailers have also started getting into the act by trying to identify environmentally preferable products for their customers. Home Depot launched an Eco Options seal for some of the products it carries last year. And last month Whole Foods Market created a category of Premium Body Care products that meet a higher standard than the other items they carry. For instance, the Premium products avoid about 250 ingredients that have been criticized as potentially harmful by health and environmental activists. "We were getting feedback from consumers saying, 'We don't know what 'natural' is,' " said Jody Villecco, quality standards coordinator for the Whole Foods chain. "We looked at other standards, and there was really no agreement. So we decided that, as a retailer, we were in a quick and objective position to get this done." Just slightly behind Whole Foods, the natural products industry is currently drafting its own definition of natural cosmetics and body care items. Then it will issue seals to products that meet the standard. "We can't legally stop anyone from using the term 'natural,' but when consumers become aware there is a standard out there, they'll look at products more carefully," said Daniel Fabricant, vice president of the Natural Products Association.

In the short run, it seems like things may get even more confusing for the eco-minded consumer. Suppose you're seeking an environmentally friendly shampoo. Do you look for the EcoLogo seal, the Whole Foods Premium seal, the National Products Association seal or some other seal? Or do you try to wade through ingredient lists and company Web sites on your own?
"You have to know which seals actually mean something - which ones are independently verified," said Rangan of Consumer Reports. In the long run, if consumer interest in environmental issues remains high, some of the confusion in the green-standards world may gradually sort itself out. Some experts say one model might be the federal government's organic food standard, which only emerged after years of debate. But they doubt that we will end up with one single all-encompassing green seal of approval. Instead, they foresee the emergence of widely accepted standards on a range of different issues. "Even though the U.S. environmental movement is pushing on 40 years old, it's still really early," said Heather Stephenson, co-founder of a Web site called IdealBite that offers environmental tips to consumers. "Every day some new piece of information comes up. Given that we're still learning so much, it's good to have experts in different fields directing labeling. But having said that, it's still really confusing to consumers."
Green Seal. Greenguard. EcoLogo. Eco Options... With the spread of green seals and logos, how can shoppers know which ones are meaningful? Consumer advocates suggest asking the following questions:
-- What does the seal actually mean? Does it address one environmental issue or a range of issues?
-- Are there published criteria that all products with this seal must meet?
-- Who develops and administers a particular green seal? Is it an independent third party like Green Seal, EcoLogo or the U.S. Green Building Council? Or is it a trade association or manufacturer with a vested interest in making their products look greener?
-- Was the standard developed through a public process, with input from independent scientists and environmental groups as well as from industry sources?
-- Consumer Reports offers more ideas about what makes a meaningful eco-label at www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/eco-good.cfm.
Help or hype?
Some examples of green claims found in Bay Area supermarkets that may be more confusing than helpful:
-- Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars are labeled as "100% natural" - but there is no government standard for what the word "natural" means except for meat and poultry. The list of ingredients in these granola bars is practically identical to a rival brand of granola bars that don't call themselves "natural."
-- Jennie-O Turkey Store ground turkey is billed as "all natural." The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that natural poultry can't have artificial ingredients or added color. However, it's legal for "natural" turkey to have been raised on a diet that included hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified corn.
-- Gillette shaving gel has a "no CFCs" label. That's factually accurate but irrelevant, since CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, which damage the ozone layer) have been banned in the United States for nearly 30 years.
-- Simple Green all-purpose cleaner says it is nontoxic and biodegradable. But it also cautions "Do not dispose of... near storm drains, oceans, lakes or streams." And it contains some ingredients that have come under fire from environmental activists such as 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent that has been linked to reduced fertility in mice, according to Women's Voices for the Environment.
More Information
-- Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, offers a guide to many green seal and certification programs at www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/eco-home.cfm.
-- Good Housekeeping magazine ran a comparison in January of several common environmental product claims such as "natural," "sustainable" and "biodegradable." It can be found at www.scscertified.com/ecoproducts/PDFS/GoodHousekeeping_Jan08.pdf.
-- TerraChoice Environmental Marketing issued a report last November on "The Six Sins of Greenwashing," which is at www.terrachoice.com/files/6_sins.pdf
-- The Federal Trade Commission's guidelines about green marketing can be found at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/greenguides.pdf. The FTC also offers tips for consumers about green product claims at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general/gen02.pdf.
Source: Chronicle research

CLEAN SOLUTIONS APRIL NEWSLETTER

2008-05-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

APRIL 2008
We are happy to announce our new line of EO Natural Care Body Products on our website! This is a line of luxurious soaps, hand sanitzers, shampoos and body lotions. We discovered these wonderful products after customer requests for natural soaps and sanitzers. EO uses essential oils and fragrant organic products – Enjoy the divine smells. Try them - You will love them!See Natural Body Products at CLEAN SOLUTIONS website: Natural Body Products

2008-05-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Eco Label Choices
A note From CLEAN SOLUTIONS about "Green" Products

There are many so-called "green" products now out there. When I saw large chemical companies who make bleach and other toxic cleaners making "natural" "green" products I knew we needed to look even more carefully.
If you are becoming confused, like many are, I want to share this information with you. The products we sell at CLEAN SOLUTIONS are all labeled with the full ingredients and whenever applicable have the green seals, certifications and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) listed. There is nothing "hidden", so you know what you are getting.
These Certifications and Seals shown below are all independent organizations that set the standards and a business must meet their criteria to use these seals. - Cynthia

NEW Natural Body Products Coming Soon!

2008-04-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

Coming Soon are EO Natural Care Products. We are excited to add this fantastic line to our website. As cleaning products are our focus, we have found that homes, Spas, and all types of businesses are looking for a wonderful, green product to clean our bodies with along with natural cleaning products.

We will be carrying the EO line of organic, natural handsoaps, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and hand sanitzers.

Buy in bulk to save money and save the number of small plastic bottles going to recycling.

ARTICLE: ABOUT WHY NATURAL ORGANIC SOAPS ARE SO IMPORTANT
Antibacterial soap ingredient triclosan may be harmful to humans by David Gutierrez
Triclosan, widely used as an antibacterial ingredient in household hand sterilization products, breaks down rapidly when exposed to chlorinated water and produces toxic chemicals including chloroform, according to a study published on the Environmental Science & Technology research website As Soon As Publishable (ASAP), suggesting that many antibacterial products may not only be ineffective, but harmful.
What you need to know - A previous study demonstrated that pure triclosan reacts with free chlorine to produce chloroform, a toxic chemical and probable carcinogen. • This 2005 study led to the removal of all triclosan-containing products from the British chain Marks & Spencer, as well as all triclosan-containing toothpaste from stores in China.• In the new study, the same researchers from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University tested 16 household products, including lotions, soaps and body washes. All the products containing triclosan produced either chloroform or other chlorine byproducts when exposed to tap water.• The researchers found that people using these products would be exposed to chloroform levels 40 percent higher than that found in tap water.• Triclosan decomposes into chlorine byproducts in as little as one minute when exposed to chlorinated water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature commonly reached in household use. This led the researchers to question whether triclosan-containing soaps even provide the purported anti-bacterial benefit.• Quote: "At fairly low levels of chlorine, the triclosan degrades rapidly [into chlorine byproducts]." - Researcher Peter Vikesland
Thank you for this information: NaturalNews.com

EcoMom Alliance

2008-04-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

EcoMom Alliance. Check out this website and all they are doing: EcoMom Alliance This organization was started by Kimberly Pinkson from San Anselmo, CA. Thier mission is "To leverage the power of mothers to help reduce global warming; To inspire and empower mothers to take First Steps For A Sustainable Future by Sustaining their Homes, Sustaining their Planet and Sustaining Themselves." I am impressed with this group, it is worth checking out. Please share ideas and information you come across.
Thank you -Cynthia

Potential health effects of Household Products

2008-03-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Find out all about the chemicals and poisons that may be lurking under your sink or in common household products. It's free online, and no registration is required.

It's the Household Products Database from the National Institutes of Health and The National Library of Medicine.

You can easily search for Auto products, Inside the Home, Pesticides, Landscape and Yard Chemicals, Personal Care, Home Maintenance, Arts and Crafts, Pet Care and much more, either alphabetically or by category.

Click on the category, then select the type of product, and then click on the exact Brand name of most popular products. To really get technically informed, you can click directly to the Product Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) prepared by manufacturers.

Additionally, there is a direct link from the Household Products Database to TOXNET, the Toxicology Data Network that will connect you to the lowdown nitty-gritty on common household products and chemicals.

At TOXNET you can search and explore in-depth info about Databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases from a variety of highly credible scientific sources.

We encourage you to take the time and find out about your favorite brands! Information is your best defense against commonly used chemical products that may be harming your family. We invite you to discover many safe alternative Home Care products at our Web site, Clean Solutions. Our mission is to bring safer, healthier, convenient Green Cleaning alternatives direct to you. Thank you!

March 2008 Clean Solutions Newsletter

2008-03-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Happy "Almost Spring"!

I hope you are well. Thank you to all the new subscribers and the ongoing subscribers to this newsletter. We are growing!

What I want to share with you this month is a great organization I learned about recently: Eco Mom Alliance. I have attached their website to tell you more about them. This organization was started by a Mom in Marin County for women to get together to learn, share and educate themselves about eco green ideas to make their lives and their families lives “greener”. I was impressed with all they have done. If you are interested, the website is: Eco Mom Alliance website

A few updates on our websites: we will begin carrying some wonderful liquid soaps and hand sanitizers from EO, a company that is locally based and sells excellent products. I love the products and had the pleasure of touring their plant in Corte Madera. They use essential oils and wonderful organic products – it was a treat to be the in all the divine smells. These should be available on our website in the next month.

Also see our new website we just started for ECO Coaching at:
Eco Consulting Website

Have a great month and have fun using your healthy, green cleaning products for Spring cleaning!

Blessings to each of you, Cynthia
Clean Solutions

Announcing: New Eco Consulting Services

2008-03-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for ways to be an Earth conscious business, but aren't sure where to start? Is it time to become a green business? Do you want savings of time, money, and other precious resources?

Lee McDougle is now offering Eco Consulting tailored to the needs of your company or school, from small steps to a full green program. Whether you are just beginning the process of becoming a green sustainable business or are already on your way and need more information and implementation, we can guide you there.

Lee is featuring evaluations and plans for creating a green business, training and education of employees for safe cleaning practices, practical sustainable green janitorial set up, sustainable ways to clean using and maintaining appropriate equipment and MUCH MORE. Get all the details at Lee's new Web site, greenclean-consulting.com

Benefits Of Eco Consulting Services

* Healthier buildings providing better indoor air quality
* Minimize employees exposure to chemicals
* Save money by greatly reducing need for chemical cleaning products
* Reduced water usage and air pollution
* Reduce waste impact using concentrated products and recyclable packaging
* Enhance a healthy, safer work environment especially for people with allergies and asthma
* Clean without sacrificing effectiveness

CLEAN SOLUTIONS ECO CONSULTING is Build It Green Certified, and is a U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) Member Commercial Janitorial Company.

CARPET CLEANER - Eco Friendly

2008-03-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

HydrOxi Pro Carpet Cleaning Crystals Concentrate - A unique concentrated formula combines the cleaning and deodorizing power of Hydrogen Peroxide for your Home or Commercial use!

This formulation leaves your carpet cleaner than ever reduces toxicity without sacrificing effectiveness
-- Eliminates odors while you clean
-- Natural orange fragrance without the use of perfumes or dyes
-- HydrOxi Pro® Carpet Cleaning Crystal™ is a safer and economical alternative to standard carpet cleaning solutions.

Find out all about it on our Web site, CleanSolutions.biz!!

Blog-- My Green Sonoma

2008-01-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

I just found this great blog for My Green Sonoma from CINDY BRANDON, Broker Associate with Sotheby's. Her blog has wonderful information about green homes, green updates and information in Sonoma County. From her blog:"In this era of rising energy costs and conservation-mindedness, home buyers and sellers can play a direct role in reducing their energy costs while providing their families with a healthier living environment. EcoBroker and Certified Green Building Professional Cindy Brandon is their link to “greener”, more socially responsible real estate options."
Check out her blog and website at: My Green Sonoma
CINDY BRANDON, Broker Associate Healdsburg Sotheby's International
E-mail: cindy@socohomegroup.com

New Microfiber Dusting Mitt

2008-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Fits comfortably over your whole hand so you can dust with both sides - cuts your housekeeping time in half. Easily performs all the mundane cleaning tasks that need to be handled in your home. Use the Microfiber Dusting Mitt for dusting all around the house: furniture, lamps. mirrors, computers, televisions, pictures, etc. Inside the car to dust and clean interior. Non-abrasive.
Replaces paper towels, ammonia, sprays, and furniture sprays. Available on our Web site .

Microfiber is able to accumulate and absorb more particles of dirt and bacteria than any other fabric known. Microfiber fabric consists of two basic fibers, Polyester and Polyamide. The microfiber surface contains hundreds of thousands of microscopic "hooks" per square inch that attract grease, dirt, and grime like a magnet. This handy mitt makes it so easy to put microfiber technology to work for you.

The Do's and Don'ts of Natural Stone Floor Care

2008-01-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

-- Don't!!

Don't use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
Don't mix bleach and ammonia: this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Don't mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

-- DO!!

Do dust mop floor or clean surfaces frequently.
Do clean surfaces with a mild detergent like Stone Logix.
Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
Do blot up spills immediately!
Do protect high-traffic floor surfaces with non-slip mats and/or area rugs.

Super-absorbent microfiber cloths, great for glass and dusting too!

2008-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Another new product at www.CleanSolutions.biz

Waffle-weave Microfiber Cloths

The unique microfiber waffle-weave construction allows the cloth to effectively clean either dry or wet depending on the task, all without chemicals. Just dampen the cloth, squeeze out well, and wipe. Or, mist a cloth with water to get just the right amount of dampness. 16" X 16" size.

Highly absorbent and they easily clean mirrors and other glass surfaces without streaking. It's a more effective way to clean. Waffle-weave Microfiber simplifies the entire cleaning process because you can quickly go from one cleaning task to another.

Secure online ordering and all the details are just a click away at our Web site.

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. I hope you are all well and moving into the new year with hope. May the new year bring even more awareness to the envinroment and healing for our earth. There are so many positive things happening in the green "movement" right now. We had a wonderful experience in early December, going to the California School Green Summit in Pasadena, CA. We were with Brent Crawford, President of Core Products and let people know about the great environmentally friendly products Core offers that we also sell. You can find them on our Web site at CLEANSOLUTIONS.BIZ
We met people from all over the state and from across the country. The attendees were administrators, school facility directors, teachers etc., all with the desire to educate themselves and move to a greener, safer environment in the school system in California. There were vendors of all types letting the atendees know aobut the green products and services they had to offer. Bill Nye, The Science Guy was there speaking along with Ed Begley Jr., actor and green activist. It was very exciting to be a part of this two-day event and see the large numbers of people really making a difference. If we can get the entire California School System to "go Green" it will be a milestone!!! Just think of our children breathing freely, having non- chemical cleaners being used around htem, solar power, non toxic paints, recyling in every school, etc. Please visit Green Technology website that hosts the School Green Summit at www.green-technology.org.

We will be attending the upcoming Green Summit in Sacramento in April.

Our Summer Newsletter

2007-08-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dear CLEAN SOLUTIONS Customers,
We just returned from the beauty of Lake Tahoe and I am reminded of how precious nature is. We enjoyed the water, the trees and the incredible sunsets. It renews my commitment to doing as much as I can to keep this earth healthy.

A few things new things I've tried in the past month and want to share with you:
1) there are great new paints for painting that are low VOC's - I used Benjamin Moore's AURA line - a fabulous paint.

2) I watched Live Earth - so many great ideas. There were solar, portable chargers for cell phones and Ipods.

3) Everything I buy I'm looking for the most concentrated form to cut down on the packaging- I found BioKleen laundry soap to be the most concentrated laundry soap. It works great.

I hope you are well and enjoying summer. Feel free to contact me with any green ideas you would like to share.

Thank you for staying "Green".
Blessings,
-Cynthia McDougle

New Warnings About Household Cleaning Chemicals!

2007-07-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hazard warning on home cleaners - Study says many households use chemicals linked to fertility problems

Jane Kay, Chronicle Environment Writer

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Dozens of common household cleaning products contain hidden toxic chemicals linked to fertility disorders in lab animals, according to data gathered by a women's research group.

A type of glycol ether is frequently found in popular cleaning products such as Windex Aerosol, Formula 409, Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol and Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, says the report released today by Women's Voices for the Earth, a Montana-based nonprofit working to eliminate or reduce toxic chemicals in the home.

The chemical, called ethylene glycol butyl ether or EGBE, is on California's list of toxic air contaminants. Some animal studies indicate that it produces reproductive problems, such as testicular damage, reduced fertility, death of embryos and birth defects. People exposed to high levels of EGBE for several hours have reported nose and eye irritation, headaches, vomiting and a metallic taste in their mouths, studies show.

It's difficult for consumers to know whether their favorite cleaner contains the chemical because manufacturers aren't required to list it on the label. Neither the state nor the federal government regulates indoor air pollution, for instance how the cleaners might degrade air inside a home.

"These are products that women are using in their households on a daily basis, and they use them around their children," said Alexandra Gorman, the group's director of science and research and an author of the report.

The group wants to help people become aware of chemicals they might want to avoid.

Scientists say most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Babies, elderly people and sick people spend almost all of their time inside.

The women's research group pored through federally mandated Material Safety Data Sheets pertaining to household cleaning products. The data sheets, which are prepared by the manufacturers and are widely available online, contain information on chemicals used in products.

The group found that EGBE, also known as 2-butoxyethanol, was a common ingredient. It's a colorless, biodegradable chemical with a fruity odor that acts as a degreaser.

The researchers found about 50 products containing varied amounts of the chemical. Some manufacturers, like Sunshine Makers Inc., which makes the Simple Green brand, didn't report how much of the chemical is used in its products.

Sunshine Makers, based in Huntington Harbour (Orange County), advertises its Simply Green brand as nontoxic and environmentally friendly. In its response to the research group's study, the company said it didn't detail all the chemicals in its products to "protect its formula from piracy."

"At the same time, we back up all of our safety, health and environmental claims with independent laboratory test data, which is available to the public for the asking," the statement said.

Brian Sansoni, a spokesman for the Soap and Detergent Association, an industry trade group, responded to criticisms of the use of EGBE in household cleaners.

"There is no need to play 'Fear Factor' here. This ingredient usage in cleaning products is not known to be of concern for consumers who use these products as directed," Sansoni said.

Members of his group include Clorox Co. and S.C. Johnson, which manufacture Formula 409, Pine-Sol and Windex Aerosol -- the only Windex formulation to contain EGBE, according to the data.

The federal government removed EGBE from its list of hazardous air pollutants a few years ago, Sansoni noted.

Andrew Jacques, a spokesman for the American Chemistry Council, which represents the manufacturers of the chemical, said his group believes the several recent EPA reviews of EGBE "indicate its low toxicity to humans and the environment."

The EPA maintains a safety guideline for chronic inhalation exposure. The guideline is just that, not a regulatory limit but a guide for health officials.

Jacques also said EGBE is a key ingredient in many cleaners and helps cut the amount of volatile organic compounds in a cleaning product. Such organic compounds can cause other types of air pollution, including smog.

Some academicians and government scientists believe that there should be a reduction in toxic chemicals used in the home.

William Nazaroff, a professor of environmental engineering and chairman of the Energy and Resources Group at UC Berkeley, said the EPA erred when it removed the chemical from the hazardous air pollutants list.

Nazaroff conducted a study for the California Air Resources Board in 2006 on the indoor air chemistry of cleaning agents and toxic air contaminants.

He found that people using some common products containing EGBE could be exposed to levels 12 times greater than California's one-hour exposure guideline.

"None of these are (legally enforceable) standards for ordinary indoor environments. We have a blind spot in our regulatory structure for toxic air pollutants," Nazaroff said.

"It defies logic to think that it's unsafe to be exposed outdoors but it would be safe to be exposed at that level indoors," he said.

Generally, some of the people who have the most exposure to the chemicals are janitors and maids.

Some of those workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union. Ahmad Abozayd, vice president of SEIU's Local 87 in San Francisco, said there have been oral agreements with companies to use nontoxic products.

In the Bay Area, about 30 million square feet of office space is cleaned with products deemed "environmentally preferable," said Angela Gustafson, senior vice president for OneSource Building Services Inc., a national cleaning company.

The bulk of the chemicals have been certified by an independent group called Green Seal, she said.

"It's absolutely a trend. It's not just for the cleaners of the buildings but for the people who work in the buildings."

In the old days, "people thought it was a good thing to see blue water in the toilet and smell the bleach smell. But if there's so much chemical and caustic in the bathroom, that's harmful."

State officials are also looking at the chemicals.

The state Department of Toxic Substances Control has launched a Green Chemistry Initiative to get away from old-style toxic products. The initiative's purpose is to protect public health and the environment through the design of less-toxic products.

Online resources

Read the report:

www.womenandenvironment.org

California Green Chemistry Initiative

Clean with safer products!

Check labels and pick cleaners that contain green alcohol instead of other solvents.
Choose fragrance-free items and don't pick antibacterial soaps that unnecessarily rely on chemicals.
Pick detergents based on plant oils rather than petroleum, and plant-oil disinfectants such as eucalyptus, rosemary or sage.
Mix your own cleaners using items such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice.
For more tips, go to links.sfgate.com/ZLX

Source: The Green Guide

The household products list - Cleaning products reported to contain 2-butoxyethanol

All-purpose cleaners

America's Home Value AllPurpose Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green
Clean Swipe Spray Cleaner
Crystal Simple Green Cleaner/ Degreaser
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Grease & Grime
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Fresh Antibacterial
Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Degreaser (trigger spray)
Formula 409 Spray All Purpose Cleaner
Formula 409 Daily Kitchen Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Cleaner & Antibacterial Spray
Pro Formula 409 Degreaser
Savogran Dirtex Spray Cleaner
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scented
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Foam
Simple Green BBQ Grill Microwave Cleaner
Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner, Degreaser, Deodorizer
Simple Green Extreme Clean
Simple Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner
SOS All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent
Whistle All Purpose Cleaner

Bathroom Cleaners

America's Home Value Bathroom Cleaner
Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner
Magic American Marble & Granite Magic Tile & Grout Magic Cleaner

Carpet/Rug Cleaners

Aroma Clean by Simple Green Carpet, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner
Carpet Stain Remover
It's Magic Carpet Cleaner
Simple Green Carpet Cleaner
Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover, aerosol and trigger sprays
Spot Shot Large Area Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Floor Cleaners

Fresh Scent Pine-Sol Spray & Mop Floor Cleaner
Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol Quick Floor Cleaner
Aroma Clean by Simple Green Floor Cleaner
Break Up Floor Stripper

Glass Cleaners

America's Home Value Glass Cleaner
Easy Off Glass Cleaner
Lemonized with Ammonia
Formula 409 Glass & Surface Cleaner
Glass Plus Mirror & Glass Cleaner
Sparkle Glass Cleaner
Windex Aerosol Wipes
Aroma Clean by Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Wipes
Formula 409 Cleaning Wipes
Simple Green All Purpose Towelettes
Simple Green Lemon Scented All Purpose Wipes
Simple Green Safety Towels

Source: Manufacturers and Women's Voices for the Earth

2007-06-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Is Antibacterial Soap Any BetterThan Regular Soap?
01 August 2001.From HowStuffWorks.com

It seems like everything is "antibacterial" these days. About 75 percent of liquid soaps currently on shelves in American grocery stores display that word on their labels, and we are constantly adding new antibacterial products to our cleansing arsenals. So are we cleaner now than ever before? Some experts say no. First let's take a look at how soap works on a chemical level. To make soap, you need to combine an acid and a base (or alkali). The acid is fat (fatty acids and triglycerides), and the base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The mixture causes the fatty acids to separate from the triglycerides and fuse with the hydroxide ions, forming a salt that we call "soap."
Soap has two main functions:
Decrease water's surface tension
Bind to dirt, oil and bacteria

It can do these things because one part of the soap molecule is hydrophilic (water-binding) and the other is hydrophobic (water-repellent). The hydrophilic part allows the hydrophobic fatty acids to come into contact with other hydrophobic substances, such as the dirt on the surface that is being cleaned.

When the grime adheres to the soap's fatty acids, it becomes encapsulated in droplets of water. Dirt, oil and bacteria are easily scrubbed off and washed away in this suspended state. So ordinary soap does get rid of bacteria. Most liquid soaps in America are now antibacterial. But does antibacterial soap get rid of even more? Possibly. But there are several main points to consider in our antibacterial craze:
The antibacterial components of soaps (usually triclosan or, less commonly, triclocarbon) need to be left on a surface for about two minutes in order to work. Most people are not this patient, and end up washing off the soap before the antibacterial ingredients can do their job.

Some scientists theorize that bacteria may develop a resistance to bactericidal agents over time. Some bacteria actually benefit us. The normal population of bacteria on our bodies not only eats our sweat, but also helps defend us against truly harmful, invasive bacteria. Many common diseases are viral in nature, anyway, and are therefore not prevented by antibacterial products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibacterial soaps are not necessary, but washing your hands thoroughly with ordinary soap and warm water is one of the most effective ways to ward off infection.

Local Sonoma Resource: Marcus Willers Architects

2007-06-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

We want to introduce Marcus Willers Architects, our local associates in Sonoma Green Building. We really appreciate their work. Their project was featured in the recent Sonoma Build It Green Tour!

The Healthy Home - Green, resource efficient home design and construction.

Healthy homes - beautifully designed using environmentally safe construction materials and techniques.

If you want a to build a green, healthy home for your family without sacrificing elegance and comfort, the good news is that it can be done. Using the newest materials and technology, intelligent design melds aesthetic considerations with resource-efficient construction, resulting in a home that protects the health of its occupants, supports sustainable building practices, and looks elegant and beautiful.

On their Web site you will find a wealth of infomation about creating such a home, links about construction materials, techniques and suppliers, all provided by Marcus and Willers Architects, specialists in the design and creation of healthy homes of exceptional beauty and refinement.

http://thehealthyhome.net/index.php

Some Facts About Toxic Cleaning Chemicals

2007-06-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Household Chemicals Pose a Significant Threat to the Health and Safety of Families, Particularly to Children.

We all need to realize how many chemicals we expose ourselves and our families to every day, and take steps to create a healthier environment in our homes.

CONSIDER THESE FACTS:

The Average American Uses about 25 Gallons of toxic, hazardous chemical products per year in their home... A major portion of these can be found in household cleaning products.
More than 32 million pounds of household cleaning products are poured down the drain each day nationwide. Sewage treatment plants do not adequately remove the toxic substances found in many of their sites.
Within 26 seconds after exposure to chemicals such as cleaning products , traces of these chemicals can be found in every organ in the body.
Petrochemical cleaning products in the home are easily absorbed into the skin. Once absorbed, the toxins travel to the blood stream and are deposited in the fatty tissues where they may exist indefinitely.
At any given time, there is 3.36 million tons of household hazardous waste to contend with in our country.
According to the National Research Council, no toxic information is available for more than 80% of the chemicals in everyday-use products. Only 1% of toxins are required to be listed on labels, because companies classify their formulas as "trade secrets."
The toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution.

Please visit our Web site for the safer alternatives available! -- CLEAN SOLUTIONS

Article Sources:
CHEC (Children's Health Environmental Coalition)

North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA)

Comments From Our Customers

2007-06-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for introducing me to CLEAN SOLUTIONS products. I love my gleaming counter tops and feel absolutely no guilt having my children clean the bathrooms using non-toxic products. We use the products at our business too, for a more healthful environment for our employees.
- Mary

_____

The products from Clean Solutions work great! I love the microfiber dusting cloths. They work like magic all by themselves on wood, glass and tile. Everything shines so nicely and with a lot less effort than my old cleaning products. I am a convert!
- Lori

Our new Web site is now online!

2007-06-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Visit us online at www.cleansolutions.biz for easy ordering of everything you need to get started with Green Cleaning in your home.