ecotip
Green Laundry List Use Cold Water and Eco-Wise Detergents
Mom may have said that hot water washes best, but don’t give cold-water deter- gents the cold shoulder—today’s new products deliver clean laundry that’s easy on the pocketbook and the planet.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an average Ameri- can family annually washes nearly 400 loads of laundry. Because heating the wa- ter accounts for 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine, using only hot or warm water in a top-loading electric washer annually produces an average 2,407 pounds of CO2
pollution—equivalent to two cross-country flights.
Many conventional cold-water detergents still contain toxic chemicals that when drained, end up in waterways, creating a host of environmental woes and exposing wildlife to endocrine disruptors. For both clean and green clothes, buy biodegradable laundry detergents made with plant oils and other natural ingredients that are free of phosphates, bleach and surfactants such as petroleum-based nonylphenol ethoxyl- ates, or NPE. Kinder to the planet, greener choices are also gentler on the skin. Consumers concerned about killing bacteria, dust mites and other allergens may
be tempted to turn on the hot water tap for sheets, linens and underwear, but Philip Tierno, Jr., Ph.D., a professor of microbiology and pathology at the New York University School of Medicine, says that most of the hot water people use is not hot enough anyway. “You need wa- ter that’s between 140 and 150 degrees to kill germs,” he advises. Tierno, author of The Secret Life of Germs, notes that the sun is one of nature’s most efficient germ killers, so letting clothes dry out- doors is a good eco-option. “The ultra- violet radiation kills germs,” he advises, “and it’s just as effective as bleach.” Natural disinfectants that can be added during rinsing include white vin- egar (one-half cup per load); grapefruit seed extract (one teaspoon); tea tree oil (two teaspoons); and lavender or peppermint essential oil (a few drops), which also imparts a fresh fragrance.
Find more tips on the Sierra Club’s website at
Tinyurl.com/3kh2dpf, plus eco-wise products including pre-wash treatments, non-chlorine bleach and laundry liquids at Natural Awakenings’ online store,
NAWebstore.com.
The 5 Most Dangerous Words: “Maybe it will GO AWAY”
* Pregnancy & Pediatrics * Athletic Performance * Corrective Care * Nutritional Counseling
Call Today! 717-761-8840
www.CampHillChiro.com
3401 Hartzdale Drive, Suite 117, Camp Hill Call Today! 717-761-8840 natural awakenings
February 2012
11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39