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THE DIRT
Currently there is no legislation in Australia requiring producers of cleaning products to list all ingredients on their labels and far worse than that, there is no body to regulate which substances should not go into these products in the first place.
Eco Impact
Phosphates commonly found in laundry liquids and powders contribute to overgrown, toxic, blue green algal blooms in waterways. Formaldehyde in fabric softeners has a high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Fact Sheet
Health Impact
Formaldehyde found in fabric softeners can cause eye, nose and throat irritations, coughing, asthma, nausea, skin rashes, and immune system weakening. The Australian Government and Worksafe Australia identify formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.
Formaldehyde info sheet
Dioxins are the side effect of industrial processes that burn chlorine. They are listed by the EPA as 'known human carcinogens' and even worse dioxins are persistent in the environment, so everyday we are exposed to higher levels. Makes chlorine bleach look real nasty!
Dermatitis, eczema and other skin irritations can often be triggered by cleaning products including laundry powders and liquids.
G SPOT
This makes me think all the years I spent with formalin preserved cadavers in the anatomy lab may have not been such a great idea!
If you have a friend or family member who suffers from allergies, eczema or dermatitis, forward this email to them, changing laundry products may just help!
COME CLEAN
Check out these clean laundry ideas......
Healthy Habitat is an online store that offers a fantastic range of organic and chemical free products for the modern home and family. Their strict selection criteria ensure a great range of safe and healthy laundry products.
Seventh Generation have a great range of laundry products made in the US and available world wide. Their range includes chlorine free bleach for those of you who can't live without their bleach fix! For more info contact Kate Isaacs at Kate@croftminster.com.au.
Cherise one of our CleanLife subscribers recommends using half a cup of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water to soak your smelly synthetic clothes in. We tried it, it really works!!
In her book 'Green Cleaner' Barbara Lord recommends cleaning the inside of your washing machine by filling it with 4L of vinegar for front loader and 2L vinegar for top loaders and running the wash through a full cycle. This only needs to be done very occasionally! Be water wise.
Check our Come Clean Archive for previous tips.
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