Aug. 3, 2008

Antibacterial Cleaning Products Harmful To Your Health!

Health and Wellness

Store shelves are lined with cleaners shouting “antibacterial, kills 99% of bacteria”. The public is convinced that they must use cleaning products that contain antibacterial properties to clean their homes and in thier personal hygiene. However, the use of antibacterial products can be detrimental to you, your family’s health and the environment.

A report on the Center for Disease (CDC) website stated “no evidence suggests that there is evidence that the use of antibacterial soap containing 0.2% triclosan (active ingredient in antibacterial cleaning products) provides a benefit over plain soap in reducing bacterial counts and rate of infectious symptoms in generally healthy persons in the household setting.” Plain soap and water, in other words, gets rid of the majority of germs that linger on the hands and body”.

Additionally, another study concluded that there was no difference in infectious disease symptoms over a one year period in 228 inner city households using antibacterial cleaning products and those products that did not contain antibacterial agents. These findings further highlight the need to educate consumers on the limitations of antibacterial cleaning products.

The use of these so called antibacterial cleaning products claims to kill 99% of bacteria. However what becomes of the remaining 1%. This 1% remaining becomes the super germ. The overuse of antibacterial cleaning products breeds stronger and stronger organisms and thus less resistance to cleaning agents.

Furthermore, in order for antibacterial products to really remove 99% of bacteria, the cleaning agent should be left on the area which is being cleaned for at least two minutes for it to be effective. Most people do not have the patience to properly use antibacterial cleaning products.

Our bodies have an immune system to fight off bacteria, germs and virus. When we continually fight germs and bacteria with antibacterial cleaners we are hindering our immune system to naturally fight off these germs and viruses. Thus are immune system is continually weakened.

In Scientific American journal, it states “It appears that after, say, spraying a counter with an antibiotic cleaner, some chemicals linger and continue to kill bacteria but don’t get all of them. The ones that survive develop a tolerance: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” Soon we have populations of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

“What is this stuff doing in households when we have soaps?” asks molecular biologist John Gustafson of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. These substances really belong in hospitals and clinics, not in the homes of healthy people.”

In June of 2000, the World Health Organization warned that antibacterial products directly contribute to the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The American Medical Association (AMA) says “(bacterial) resistance ascribed to overuse of antibiotics is a growing problem, and there is concern that some types of infections will eventually not be treatable with antibiotics”.

On June 13, 2000, the AMA advised consumers to avoid extensive use of “antibacterial soaps, lotions, and other household products”. The AMA has also urged the Food and Drug Administration to increase regulation of antibacterial products.

So next time you purchase that antibacterial cleaning product keep in mind that they are hindering your natural immune system, and these products are very detrimental to the environment.

Aug. 3, 2008

Effect of Household Cleaners and Your Children’s Health 

Healthy and Wellness

The Evironmental Protection Agency ruled indoor air quality bad for your health!

Currently there are 80,000 synthetic chemicals registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and les than 20% have been tested for toxicity. Because of the lack of toxicological testing, our children and our children children’s are experimental subjects. Although the EPA has not tested all products for toxicity, many household cleaning products are listed on their website as “hazardous household waste”.

Children are highly vulnerable to chemical toxins. Their ability to metabolize, detoxify and excrete harmful chemicals differs from that of adults. In addition, children have a faster metabolism which speeds up the absorption of contaminants and toxins.

Additionally, children are always placing items in the mouth. Scientists at Rutgers University discovered that pesticides that are sprayed in the home evaporate and re-condense onto the floors, carpets, and toys. Researchers concluded that these contaminated toys and areas are likely to give young children a much higher dose of poison than adults would get in the same environment.

The National Academy of Science has recommended that infants and children be considered more vulnerable to chemicals, such as those found in household products, than adults in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

Common household cleaners and appliances give off fumes which can increase the risk of developing asthma in children. During the last 30 years, asthma has become the most chronic childhood disease today. In a study conducted by THORAX in 2004, it concluded that common household cleaners give of fumes which can increase the risk of developing asthma in children.

A study was also conducted to investigate the association between the use of chemical based products in the prenatal period and patterns of wheeze in early childhood. These findings suggest a direct correlation between the frequent use of chemical based products by pregnant women and the wheezing in young children.

Many household cleaning products and air fresheners produce unhealthy fumes. Again, the frequent use of air fresheners and cleaners produce high levels of volatile organic compounds and harmful ultra fine dust in the air.

Several all-purpose cleansers contain neurotoxins and nasal irritants that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Exposure to these toxic chemicals while pregnant can disrupt the development or even cause death of the fetus. In addition, maternal exposure to these toxins can include birth defects, low birth weight, and/or behavioral deficits that may become apparent as the child ages.

For your health, healths of your family, and the health of our environment, please use caution when using common household cleaners. Additionally, dispose of empty containers as indicated on the label. Better yet, think green and buy non-toxic, and biodegradable when purchasing household cleaners.

Aug. 3, 2008

Did you know about some of the dangers of bleach fumes?

Household Toxic Danger

* Chlorine is the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings and is a potent pollutant. Chlorine fumes from household cleaners are toxic and can affect the central nervous system.

* Ammonia fumes from household cleaners are toxic and can irritate skin, eyes, throat, and respiratory system?

* Fumes and gases from chemicals in household cleaners, kitchen cleaners, laundry cleaners and fabric softeners are often toxic, and can be a cause of skin irritations, asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems. Some fumes and gases you can smell, but many are invisible to the human senses and you don't even know they are present in the air that you and your family are breathing. These invisible toxins are often referred to as the "silent killers".

* According to a 15-year study presented at the Toronto Indoor Air Conference, women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The study concluded that this was a direct result of the increased exposure to toxic chemicals, many of which are found in common household products.

Why would anyone knowingly submit themselves to toxic fumes and gases in their home, caused by their cleaning products, if they knew they didn't have to?

What if you knew there were products which have been clinically proven to work as effective or better then your commercial industrial and home cleaners and are totally safe to you, your family, your pets, and our environment?

Would it be time to switch brands?

It's time to Get Green and Stay Clean!

Click here to get started

Aug. 3, 2008

Ways to Heal and Protect Our Earth's Environment

Environmental Health

1. Insulate your home.

2. Buy energy-efficient appliances.

3. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows.

4. Use non-toxic cleaning products - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/prodHou

5. Close off unused areas in your home from heat and air conditioning.

6. Wear warm clothing and turn down winter heat.

7. Switch to low-wattage or fluorescent light bulbs.

8. Turn off all lights that don't need to be on.

9. Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible.

10. Opt for small-oven or stove-top cooking when preparing small meals.

11. Run dishwashers only when full & use concentrate – https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/GetCleanKitchen

12. Set refrigerators to 38°F, freezers to 5°F, no colder.

13. Run clothes washers full, but don't overload them and use concentrate. - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/GetCleanLaundry

14. Use moderate amounts of biodegradable detergent - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/GetCleanLaundry

15. Air-dry your laundry when possible.

16. Clean the lint screen in clothes dryers & use biodegradable dryer sheets - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/00306

17. Instead of ironing, hang clothes in the bathroom while showering.

18. Take quick showers instead of baths.

19. Install water-efficient showerheads and sink-faucet aerators.

20. Install an air-assisted or composting toilet.

21. Collect rainwater and gray-water for gardening use.

22. Insulate your water heater. Turn it down to 121°F.

23. Plant deciduous shade trees that protect windows from summer sun but allow it in during the winter.

24. Explore getting a solar water heater for your home.

25. Learn how to recycle all your household goods, from clothing to motor oil to appliances.

26. Start separating out your newspaper, other paper, glass, aluminum, and food wastes.

27. Encourage your local recycling center or program to start accepting plastic.

28. Urge local officials to begin roadside pickup of recyclables and hazardous wastes.

29. Encourage friends, neighbors, businesses, local organizations to recycle and sponsor recycling efforts.

30. Use recycled products, especially paper.

31. Re-use envelopes, jars, paper bags, scrap paper, etc - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/50443

32. Bring your own canvas bags to the grocery store.

33. Encourage local governments to buy recycled paper.

34. Start a recycling program where you work.

35. Limit or eliminate your use of "disposable" items.

36. Urge fast-food chains to use recyclable packaging.

37. Avoid using anything made of plastic foam. It is often made from CFCs, and it never biodegrades.

38. If your car gets less than 35 mpg, sell it, buy a small fuel-efficient model, and spend whatever money you save on home energy efficiency.

39. Maintain and tune up your vehicle regularly for maximum gas mileage.

40. Join a car pool or use public transport to commute.

41. Write to automobile manufacturers to let them know that you intend to buy the most fuel efficient car on the road.

42. Reduce your use of air conditioning & use an air purification system - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/prodAir

43. Encourage auto centers to install CFC recycling equipment for auto air conditioners. Freon is released during servicing to become both a greenhouse gas and an ozone layer destroyer.

44. Remove unnecessary articles from your car. Each 100 lbs. of weight decreases fuel efficiency by 1%.

45. Don't speed; accelerate and slow down gradually.

46. Walk or use a bicycle whenever possible.

47. Urge local governments to enact restrictions on automobile use in congested areas downtown.

48. Enjoy sports and recreational activities that use your muscles rather than gasoline and electricity.

49. Buy products that will last.

50. Rent or borrow items that you don't use often.

51. Maintain and repair the items you own.

52. Use colored fabrics to avoid the need for bleach or bleach alternatives - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/00305

53. Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and towels - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/product/GetCleanAccessories

54. Don't buy aerosols, halon fire extinguishers, or other products containing CFCs.

55. Write to computer chip manufacturers and urge them to stop using CFC-113 as a solvent.

56. Invest your money in environmentally and socially conscious businesses. - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/distFastStart

57. Avoid rainforest products, and inform the supplier or manufacturer of your concerns.

58. Use postcards instead of letters for short messages.

59. Eat vegetarian foods as much as possible. Meat makes less efficient use of land, soil, water, and energy - and cows emit 300 liters of methane per day.

60. Buy locally produced foods; avoid buying foods that must be trucked in from great distances.

61. Read labels. Eat organic or less-processed foods.

62. Start a garden; plant a garden instead of a lawn

63. Water the garden with an underground drip system.

64. Support organic farming and gardening methods; shun chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

65. Compost kitchen and garden waste, or give it to a friend who can.

66. Inform schools, hospitals, airlines, restaurants, and the media of your food concerns.

67. Stay informed about the state of the Earth.

68. Talk to friends, relatives, and co-workers about preventing global climate change.

69. Read and support publications that educate about long-term sustainability (like this one).

70. Start a global climate change study group.

71. Educate children about sustainable living practices.

72. Xerox this list and send it to ten friends.

73. Go on a citizen diplomacy trip and talk with those you meet about averting global climate change.

74. Get involved in local tree-planting programs. Shaklee will plant five trees for every Gold Ambassador program - https://www.shaklee.net/earthlygreen/distFastStart

Shaklee is the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral; certified to fully offset its Co2 emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment.

Also Shaklee is one of three companies profiled in the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Advertorial –

http://www.earthlygreen.org/library/climate_leader_advertorial_jan07.pdf

75. Join an environmental organization. If they're not involved with climate change, get them involved.

76. Support zero population growth.

77. Support work to alleviate poverty. Poverty causes deforestation and other environmental problems.

78. Donate money to environmental organizations.

79. Support programs that aim to save rainforest areas.

80. Support solar and renewable energy development.

81. Work to protect local watershed areas.

82. Pave as little as possible. Rip up excess concrete.

83. Encourage sewage plants to compost their sludge.

87. Write letters to the editor expressing your concern about climate change and environmental issues.

88. In place of TV and the stereo, spend time reading, writing, drawing, telling stories, making music.

89. Live within the local climate as much as possible, rather than trying to isolate yourself from it.

90. Strive to establish good communications with friends, neighbors and family including learning conflict resolution skills.

91. Spend time seeing, hearing, and rejoicing in the beauty of the Earth. Feel your love for the Earth. Make serving the Earth your first priority.

92. Learn about the simpler, less resource-intensive lifestyles of aboriginal peoples.

Aug. 3, 2008

What’s Under Your Sink?

Household Toxic Danger

Chlorine is the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the U.S. May cause reproductive, endocrine and immune disorders. Degreasers may contain petroleum distillates, which can damage lung tissues and dissolve fatty tissue around nerve cells. Glass Cleaners may contain ammonia. The fumes from ammonia can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Oven Cleaners are one of the most dangerous cleaning products which can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, mouth and throat. Toilet Bowl Cleaners are an extremely dangerous cleaning product, which can be harmful just by breathing the fumes and fatal if swallowed.

We believe your home should be the safest place in the whole world. We believe you should be able to walk around in white socks. We believe that there's a time and place for germs. Exuberant, slobbery dog kisses, for example. We believe that the small act of scouring the sink can be part of the giant act of changing the world.

Our Get Green gives you cleaning choices that are Nontoxic and Natural and don't contain any of these ingredients which are harmful to humans.

No Naphthalene
No Kerosene
No Phenol
No Cresol
No Lye
No Hydrochloric Acid
No Sulfuric Acid
No Petroleum Distillates
No Benzene
No Ammonia
No Paradichlorobenzene
No Sodium Hydroxide
No Butyl Cellosolve
No Phosphoric Acid

We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice powerful convictions for powerful cleaners.

Dish Wash Liquid Concentrate is 70% More Effective than other leading brand Dish Soaps on Grease. Organic Super Cleaning Wipes perform 60% better than leading brand wipes on Vinyl Flooring. Organic Super Cleaning Wipes leave less streaking on glass than Leading brand vinegar wipes - plus Get Clean Wipes are Biodegradable. Laundry Booster and Stain Remover is 50% more effective than Oxiclean on grass stains.

Aug. 3, 2008

Are You Living in a Toxic Home?

Household Toxic Danger

Aug. 3

The Real Dirt On Clean 

Toxic Danger

Cleaning your house does’nt have to hurt your family’s health or the environment we live in!

81,000 CHEMICALS REGISTERED WITH THE EPA IN THE LAST 30 YEARS, and fewer than 20% have been tested for toxicity!

FACT: 90% of all poison exposures occur at home

FACT: 218,316 reported poison exposures in 2005 were from household cleaning products

FACT: Indoor pollutants come from all sorts of chemicals we use to make our lives easier every day-paints, carpets, furniture, household cleaners, personal care, among others

FACT: EPA studies indicate that elevated concentration of household chemicals persist in the air. Long-term exposure to chemicals inside our homes may be harmful to us and our families

FACT: Some 20 million Americans have asthma

FACT: An average of one out of every 13 school-aged children has asthma

FACT: Common household cleaners and appliances give off fumes, which can potentially increase the risk of children developing asthma

“We are conducting a vast toxicologic experiment in our society, in which our children and our children’s children are the experimental subject.” Dr. Herbert Needleman Pediatrician and Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

FACT: The average U.S. household generates more than 20 pounds of hazardous waste each year

FACT: The following household cleaning products are designated as household hazardous waste by the EPA, and “improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health”

Oven cleaners
Drain cleaners
Wood and metal cleaners and polishes
Toilet cleaners
Tub, tile, and shower cleaners
Bleach (laundry)

We believe cleaning house shouldn’t involve dirtying the earth. Check out our “Green Starter Kit” as seen on TV at: www.earthlygreen.org

Sustainable ingredients from natural sources
Biodegradable surfactants
Recyclable packaging
Recyclable wipes
Recyclable dryer sheets
No chlorine bleach
No phosphates
No nitrates
No borates
No volatile organic cleaning compounds
Shaklee does not test on animals

Safe: Create a healthy home for your family with non-toxic, natural cleaning choices.

Powerful: Get Green products deliver a powerful clean and outperforms 12 national brands.