LOWERING YOUR

HOUSEHOLD IMPACT:
The Basics
NOTE TO ANYONE VIEWING THIS PRESENTATION:

When our son was born, my husband and I wanted to do more to lower our household impact on the
environment. We were ready to move beyond recycling, but how to begin? I found lots of information
--an overwhelming amount, in fact. So I decided to develop a simple, clear, and usable compilation of
the basics for lowering your household impact, and to share that information with as many people as
possible.

The following presentation is a result of that research. Resources include online sources, books, and
tips from the experiences of lots of people. I cite sources where possible and practical. And continue
to add things as I learn.

More than anything, I encourage you to share this information with family, friends, neighbors, schools--
anyone who will listen to you! I believe that if each of us begins making small, everyday changes at
home, we can collectively lower our unhealthy impact on the earth, improve our own health, and even
save money. If you haven’t already made a commitment to sustainable living, today is the day to start!

Thank you for lowering your household impact!

Sincerely,
Debra and family

This entire presentation is available to download at www.sustainableclaremont.org or www.cics422.ning.com.

LOWERING YOUR HOUSEHOLD IMPACT
1. The four basics:
a. Buy less/buy differently
b. Conserve more
c. Compost
d. Avoid harmful products

2. The EcoMom Challenge

3. Resources:
a. Appendix 1: Recyclables/Non-recyclables
b. Appendix 2: Local Resources
c. Appendix 3: Online Resources
d. Appendix 4: Books for all Ages
e. Appendix 5: Ingredients to Avoid
f. Appendix 6: More Cleaning Recipes
g. Appendix 7: Cuida el Planeta
FOUR BASICS FOR
LOWERING YOUR HOUSEHOLD IMPACT
• Basic #1: Buy less and buy differently.
 Before you buy, ask yourself: “Do I need this? Am I supporting a
green company with this purchase? Is this the low-impact choice?”
 We used to call them “hand-me-downs…” Create a network
with other families for sharing clothing,
shoes, and other durable items.
 Instead of buying, share. Use your
local library. Share books and toys
with friends.
 Shop at and donate to thrift stores.
FOUR BASICS FOR
LOWERING YOUR HOUSEHOLD IMPACT
• Basic #2: Conserve more.
 Water
 Electricity
 Natural Gas
 Oil DO IT TODAY: Simple steps you
 Paper can take at home right now
DO IT THIS MONTH: Make one or
more of these changes each month
DO IT THIS YEAR:
Steps requiring some longer-term
planning and investment
CONSERVE WATER
“Water is a scarce resource – less than 1% of the earth’s water is potable.”

• Find and fix leaks.

 Turn off all water-using devices for
an hour, and see if your water meter
moves. If so, check everything you can
see, like toilets and faucets. Make repairs.

• Think about your water use.

 Consider ways water is used, including
by landscaping, and through appliances,
fixtures, showers and faucets.
CONSERVING WATER
DO THIS TODAY
• Repair leaks and promptly report those in the public domain.
• Adjust sprinklers to eliminate pavement runoff.
• Water only during pre-dawn hours to reduce evaporation.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Wear clothing until it is dirty.
• Take shorter showers; turn off the water while brushing your teeth,
sudsing up and shaving.
• Consider whether hand-washing dishes would conserve water in
your household.
• Capture and store rainwater for home and garden use.
• Support only water-wise companies.
CONSERVING WATER
DO IT THIS MONTH
• Install low-flow shower heads and sink aerators.
• Install a new, low-flow toilet to save up to 10 gallons per day.
• Adjust irrigation controllers to account for actual plant needs.
• Begin replacing water-intensive grass and plants with drought-resistant
varieties.
• Begin replacing some lawn with mulch and gravel, or with food gardens.
• Plan a drip system or use ollas (unglazed clay pots burried underground)
for outside gardens.
CONSERVING WATER
DO IT THIS YEAR
• Check into a graywater system, which re-uses water from showers and
washing machines for landscaping. At the very least, capture tub and
shower water while it is warming up before it runs down the drain. Use
this for watering plants.
• Begin installing new, water-efficient Energy Star appliances.
CONSERVE ELECTRICITY
“Electricity generation affects the environment in several ways,
including the emission of carbon dioxide—a whopping 40% of our
national carbon emissions come from power generation. But it also
takes about 39% of our potable water supply in the US to cool power
plants.”

• Think about your use of electricity.

 Consider where you use
electricity, including lighting,
computers,TVs, air conditioning,
heating, and appliances.
CONSERVING ELECTRICITY
DO IT TODAY
• Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient versions, such as compact
fluorescents (CFLs).
• Turn off lights,TVs and other electronics when you leave the room.
• Shut down computers, printers and other equipment at night.
• Consider purchasing “smart power strips” which monitor power
consumption and shut off the power when electronics are not in use.
• Turn the thermostat up to 78° in the summer and down to 65° in winter.
• Make sure air conditioner and heater air filters are clean—replace them
at least once each year.
• Seasonally close blinds, drapes, etc. to cool house.
• Hang clothes outside to dry.
CONSERVING ELECTRICITY
DO IT THIS MONTH
• Weather strip and add insulation to your house.
• Install an Energy-Star programmable thermostat.

DO IT THIS YEAR
• Install a whole-house fan.
• Begin installing new, energy-efficient Energy Star appliances.
• Investigate alternative energy sources for your home, such as solar
or wind power.
CONSERVE NATURAL GAS
“Natural gas is cleaner-burning than oil and coal, but it still has an
environmental impact: it currently accounts for 20% of our carbon
dioxide emissions. Some areas of the country use natural gas primarily
for heating homes, others for creating electricity.”

• Think about natural gas use.

 Consider how natural gas is
used in your home, which may
include for heating, producing
hot water, for cooking, and for
drying clothes.
CONSERVING NATURAL GAS
DO THIS TODAY
• Turn the thermostat down to 65° in winter.
• Make sure heater air filters are clean—replace them at least
once each year.
• Hang clothes outside to dry.
• Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater to its
lowest setting.
• Use blinds and window shades to conserve heat in winter.
• Shut off the heat and lower the temperature on your hot water
heater when you go away.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
CONSERVING NATURAL GAS
DO IT THIS MONTH
• Weather strip and add insulation to your house.
• Install an Energy-Star programmable thermostat.

DO IT THIS YEAR
• Consider installing dual-paned windows and glass doors.
• Install a solar, tankless, or high-efficiency hot water heater.
• Begin installing new, energy-efficient Energy Star appliances.
CONSERVE OIL
“Oil use in the US contributes 40% of our carbon emissions, but also
impacts the environment through drilling, processing and storage, as
well as spills. Our demand for oil seems ever-increasing, while supplies
are dropping—we import about 2/3 of our oil supplies, while debate
continues over opening our natural spaces to more drilling, processing,
and storage.”

• Consider your oil consumption.

 Think about oil used for transportation
and for making petroleum-based products
like plastic.
CONSERVING OIL
DO THIS TODAY
• Drive less: walk, bike or take public transportation.
• Plan your errands so that you use your car more efficiently.
• Carpool.
• Buy locally to lower the impact of transportation of goods.
• Choose non-petroleum based products when purchasing cleaners,
paints, and even clothing.
• Choose products with less packaging.
• Pack your lunch with reusable containers instead of plastic baggies.
• Take reusable bags to do your shopping.
• Drink filtered water and change to reusable water bottles instead of
buying bottled water.
• Use glass jars, stainless steel containers and wax paper bags to store
food instead of petroleum-based plastics.
CONSERVING OIL
DO IT THIS MONTH
• Purchase carbon offsets to fund carbon-reducing projects, like planting
trees.
• Begin to grow your own organic food to reduce the impact of
transportation.

DO IT THIS YEAR
• Trade your automobile for a more fuel-efficient car.
CONSERVE PAPER
“Americans use an average of 700 pounds of paper products per person
each year. The U.S. alone produces about 87 million metric tons of
paper and paperboard, representing nearly one-third of the world's total
production. Conserving paper does more than save trees; it also
reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and other resources that go into
the production and transportation of those products.”

• Think about paper use.

 Consider the paper products
you use in your everyday life.
CONSERVING PAPER
DO IT TODAY
• Save to disk instead of print out.
• Print two-sided documents whenever possible.
• Subscribe to your publications online.
• Reuse one-sided documents as scratch paper.
• Use cloth napkins, wash rags, and kitchen towels.
• Avoid paper plates and cups; use your china instead!
• Choose products with less packaging.
• Take your own coffee cup.
• Recycle cardboard boxes.
• Use alternatives to wrapping paper, such as children’s artwork,
cloth, Sunday comics, etc.
FOUR BASICS FOR
LOWERING YOUR HOUSEHOLD IMPACT
• Basic #3: Compost.
 Rather than send waste to landfills, make it into useful and
environmentally beneficial compost.
COMPOSTING
Using Kitchen and Yard Waste to WHAT TO PUT IN:
• Farm animal manure
Make Soil Amendment, Mulch, • Cardboard rolls
• Clean paper
and Potting Mix • Coffee grounds and filters
• Cotton rags
“Yard trimmings and food residuals together • Dryer & vacuum cleaner lint
• Eggshells
constitute 24% to 40% of the U.S. municipal
• Fireplace ashes
solid waste stream. Composting offers the • Fruits and vegetables
obvious benefits of resource efficiency and • Grass clippings
• Hair and fur
creating a useful product from organic waste
• Hay and straw
that would otherwise have been landfilled.” • Houseplants
• Leaves
• Nut shells
• Sawdust
• Shredded newspaper
• Tea bags
• Wood chips
• Wool rags
• Yard trimmings
THREE BASIC INGREDIENTS
• Browns—Includes materials such as
dead leaves, branches, twigs
• Greens—Includes materials such as
grass clippings, vegetable waste,
fruit scraps, and coffee grounds
• Water WHAT TO LEAVE OUT
Having the right amount of greens, browns,
• Black walnut tree leaves or
and twigs
and water is important for compost development. • Coal or charcoal ash
Ideally, your compost pile should have an equal • Dairy products (e.g.,
amount of browns to greens and alternate layers butter, egg yolks, milk, sour
of organic materials of different-sized particles. cream, yogurt)
The brown materials provide more carbon for • Diseased or insect-ridden
your compost and the green materials provide plants
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils
greater nitrogen, while the water provides
• Meat or fish bones and
moisture to help break down the organic matter. scraps
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat
feces, soiled cat litter)
• Yard trimmings treated
with chemical pesticides
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: No Hassle, Slower Results
1. Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
2. Add your brown and green materials as you collect them, making sure large pieces are
chopped or shredded.
3. Moisten dry materials as they are added.
4. Once your compost pile is established, mix grass clippings and green waste into the pile
and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of compost material.
5. Optional: Cover top of compost with a tarp to keep it moist.
6. When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use.
This usually occurs in two months to two years.

BACKYARD COMPOSTING: More Maintenance, Quicker Results

1. Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
2. Before you add your brown and green materials, make sure larger pieces are chopped or
shredded.
3. Cover your composting area with a 6-inch layer of brown materials.
4. Add a 3-inch layer of green materials and a little soil or finished compost.
5. Lightly mix the two layers above.
6.Top with a 3-inch layer of brown materials, adding water until moist.
7.Turn your compost pile every week or two with a pitchfork to distribute air and moisture.
Move the dry materials from the edges into the middle of the pile. Continue this practice
until the pile does not re-heat much after turning. Your compost will be ready in one to four
months.
INDOOR COMPOSTING
If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost material
indoors using a special type of bin, which you can buy or make yourself.Your
compost should be ready in 2 to 5 weeks.

Building your own indoor composting bin

1. Drill 1/2-inch diameter holes in the bottom and sides of a plastic garbage can.
2. Place a brick in the bottom of a larger garbage can, surround the brick with a
layer of wood chips or soil, and place the smaller can inside on top of the brick.
3. Wrap insulation around the outer can to keep the compost warm and cover the
cans with a lid.
Source: www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm

VERMICULTURE
Vermiculture is an alternative way to compost indoors (or out) using worms. The
best guide for this is Mary Appelhof ’s Worms Eat My Garbage.
FOUR BASICS FOR
LOWERING YOUR HOUSEHOLD IMPACT
• Basic #4: Avoid harmful products.
 Become a label reader.
 Buy “green” products.
 Make your own household cleaners.
AVOIDING HARMFUL PRODUCTS
“Many commercially available household cleaners contain
ingredients that are harmful to the environment, as well as to
human health.”

BECOME A LABEL READER

 Learn what is harmful
and begin checking labels.
 Discontinue buying
products containing
harmful chemicals.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Alcohol
Ammonia
Bleach
Butyl Cellosolve (glycol family) Go to slides 39-40 for a
Cresol (related to phenols) list of household products
Ethanol (an alcohol) that contain these
Formaldehyde ingredients and their
Glycols health and environmental
Hodrochloric acid effects.
Hydrofluoric acid
Lye (sodium hydroxide)
Naphthalene
PDCBS (paradichlorobenzenes)
Perchloroethylene
Petroleum Distillates (hyrdocarbons)
Phenol (carbolic acid)
Phosphoric acid
Propellants (commonly propane, butane, CFCs)
Sulfuric acid
TEC (trichloroethylene)
Source: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan.
OPTION 1: BUY GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS
There are green household cleaners on the market. Manufacturers say
they have “eliminated to the least toxic level” harmful ingredients,
mostly by using ingredients that are plant-based rather than petroleum-
based. Not perfect, but better…

Greenworks by Chlorox Greening the Cleaning

Seventh Generation Earth Friendly Products

Consumer Reports rates them: http://www.greenerchoices.org/pcategories.cfm?pcat=homegarden
OPTION 2: MAKE YOUR OWN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Making your own household cleaners with a few basic, non-toxic
ingredients is better for your health, better for the environment, and less
expensive than buying cleaners from the store.

BASIC INGREDIENT LIST:

 Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Used as a mild abrasive and odor absorber. Costco
carries a 12 lb. bag of Arm & Hammer.
 White vinegar. Deodorizes, cleans, repels grease and grime, helps prevent mold and mildew,
and dissolves soap film and mineral deposits. The Heinz brand of white distilled vinegar is
recommended because it is made from grains rather than from petroleum.
 Lemon juice. A powerful, natural acidic cleaner for mineral build-up, tarnish, and grease.
 Liquid soap (castile soap). Used to remove dirt. You can find the large Dr. Bronner’s Castile
Soap (peppermint) at Trader Joe’s for a reasonable price.
 Borax. Deodorizes and boosts cleaning, and can help control mold. Target and Walmart
carry the 4 lb.,Twenty Mule Team box.

YOU WILL ALSO NEED THE FOLLOWING:

 Funnel, measuring cup and spoons
 Several clean, empty spray-bottles, a squirt bottle, and a shaker container
 Some good rags and sponges
 A bucket
BASIC RECIPES
See slide 44 for a few tips on mixing ingredients.

All-Purpose Cleaner for floor/kitchen/bath

Ingredients: liquid soap, white distilled vinegar, borax, water
Recipe: Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. borax. Add 1 quart hot water. Shake until
borax is dissolved. Add ¼ cup of liquid soap last. Spray and wipe.
Note: Do not add vinegar directly to soap as they will neutralize each other.

Lemon Juice Alternative All-Purpose Cleaner for floor/kitchen/bath

Ingredients: liquid soap, lemon juice, borax, water
Recipe: Mix together a tbsp. of borax, 2 tbsp. of liquid soap, 1 tbsp. lemon juice
and 1 quart hot water. Shake. Spray and wipe.

Tub and Tile Cleaner (soft-scrub alternative)

Ingredients: liquid soap, white distilled vinegar, baking soda, water
Recipe: Mix 1²/3 cups baking soda with ½ cup of liquid soap in a bowl. Dilute with
½ cup water. Add 2 tbsp. vinegar last. Stir until lumps are gone. Pour into
container. Shake well. Squirt and scrub. Rinse.
BASIC RECIPES (continued)
Glass/Mirror Cleaner
Ingredients: water, white distilled vinegar or lemon juice
Recipe: Fill spray bottle with water and ½ cup of vinegar or 2 tbsp. lemon juice.
Spray and wipe.
Note: Use lint-free cloth or newspaper.

Carpet Freshener and Cleaner

Ingredients: baking soda; liquid soap and water
Sprinkle baking soda on carpet then vacuum it up. To treat spots, mix ¼ cup of
liquid soap and ½ cup of warm water. Beat them together and then rub the foam
on the spot. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Bleach Alternative
Ingredients: white distilled vinegar
How to use: Start with a pre-soak cycle. Add one or more cups of vinegar and let
laundry soak. Vinegar brightens your whites and bleaches only very mildly.
It is an excellent deodorizer.
BASIC RECIPES (continued)
Bleach Alternative (for whites)
Ingredients: sunlight

Laundry Boost
Ingredients: Borax
How to use: Follow instructions on package.
Sources: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan, and www.lowimpactliving.com.
TAKE THE EcoMom CHALLENGE
10 First Steps for A Sustainable Future

• Change a light. If every household in America replaced just 5 light bulbs with energy efficient
CFL’s, it would be equivalent to taking approximately 8 million cars off the road.
• Drive More Efficiently. Car pool, don’t idle during drop off/pick up, drive a hybrid, drive less.
If we each drove just 10 miles fewer per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of carbon
dioxide.
• Walk to market/your kids to school once a month. Slow down and enjoy walking in your
community while you conserve fuel.
• Shop local, fair trade and organic. Most food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it
reaches your table so, by walking to and buying from your local farmer’s market, you’ll reduce
fossil fuel waste.
• Use non-toxic products. The average home contains over 150 toxic chemicals that have been
connected to increased incidence of asthma, allergies, cancers and even behavioral disorders.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (compost). Cutting down on garbage by just 10% can save
1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide.
• Turn off and unplug electronic devices. You’ll save on energy and carbon dioxide emissions.
Join the EcoMom One Night Off campaign and unplug completely one night per week.
• Re-think your laundry plan. Doing less, using cold water, and line-drying when possible can
save over 500 pounds of carbon dioxide and over $600 per year.
• Plant a Fruit Tree. In addition to providing food and shade, a single tree can absorb one ton of
carbon dioxide over the course of its lifetime.
• Purchase carbon offsets, renewable energy credits or green tags. Support renewable energy
development.
Source: EcoMom Alliance.org
APPENDIX 1: ACCEPTABLE RECYCLABLES
(PUT IN YOUR RECYCLING CONTAINER)
Newspapers, Magazines, & Mixed Paper Glass Bottles/Jars Plastic Bottles, Jugs & Jars #1 & #2
Junk mail Juice bottles Plastic soda bottles
Telephone books Beer bottles Plastic milk jugs
Catalogs Wine bottles Plastic laundry jugs
Computer paper Liquor bottles Shampoo bottles
Envelopes Baby food jars Lotion bottles
Wrapping paper Condiment jars Food bottles
Brochures Jam jars Condiment bottles
Crayon drawings Jelly jars Motor oil containers
Office paper Assorted food jars
Copy paper Salad dressing bottles

Cardboard, Chipboard Aluminum & Metal Cans

Cereal boxes Aluminum soda cans
Tissue boxes Aluminum beer cans
Food boxes Fruit cans
Milk cartons Vegetable cans
Juice boxes Pet food cans
Soda/beer cartons Juice cans
Egg cartons (paper fiber) Soup cans
Paper bags Sauce cans
Cardboard boxes Assorted food cans
Gift boxes Metal Hangers
UNACCEPTABLE FOR RECYCLING
(DO NOT PUT IN YOUR RECYCLING CONTAINER)
Used diapers
Used tissue products Plastics #3 thru #7
Soiled pizza boxes Plastic grocery bags
Wax paper Plastic margarine tubs
Used paper plates
Garden hoses
Styrofoam cups Plastic lawn furniture
Styrofoam plates Plastic pools & toys
Styrofoam packaging
Egg cartons (styrofoam) Stereos & TVs
Clothing Bicycles
Furniture, carpet & other products containing fabric Computer monitors
Cell phones
Light bulbs Auto parts
Mirrors Metal lawn furniture
Windows
Safety glass Metal lawn furniture
Drinking glasses Used aluminum foil
Ceramic dishes/cups

Source: City of Claremont

APPENDIX 2: LOCAL RESOURCES
Places to Shop and Donate!
Local Thrift Stores:
The Economy Shop, 325 W. First St, Claremont, CA (909) 626-7334
Goodwill Industries, 210 E. Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA (909) 596-3700
Goodwill Industries, 1240 W. 7th St., Upland, CA (909) 982-9017
Great Deal Thrift, 5407 Holt, Pomona, CA
Lutheran High Thrift Shop, 2125 Bonita Ave., La Verne, CA (909) 596-3636
Quality Thrift, 4433 Holt, Pomona, CA
Three Way Thrift, 10174 Central, Montclair, CA
Uptowne Thrift, 628 E. Arrow Hwy., Pomona, CA

Furniture/Clothing/Miscellaneous
American Cancer Society, 1236 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA (909) 981-7466
Assistance League, 655 N. Palomares St., Pomona, CA (909) 629-6142
The David and Margaret Home, 1350 Third St., La Verne, CA (909) 596-5921
Pilgrim Place, 660 Avery Road, Claremont, CA (909) 621-9581
Furniture Sale on the first Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 11:00 am.
Clothing/miscellaneous on sale the first Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 10:00 am.
Backwoods Vintage, 206 W. Bonita Ave., CA (909) 626-9870 (clothing)
California Workplace, 755 N. Central Ave, Upland, CA (909) 931-4600 (new, used and refurbished office furniture)
Deja-Vu Fashions, 907 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA (909) 625-7277 (clothing)
Kids Galore, 172 D St., Upland, CA (909) 946-6220
Kids Exchange Resale, 130 S. Mountain Ave., Upland, CA (909) 946-8611
Replay Vintage, 516 W. First St., Claremont, CA (909) 626-7372 (clothing)
Freecycle (Claremont yahoo group) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClaremontFreecycle/
APPENDIX 3: ONLINE RESOURCES
Education
www.climatecrisis.net
www.cooltheearth.org
www.dawnpub.com
Faith-based
www.cics422.ning.org
www.coejl.org
www.greenfaith.org
www.interfaithpower.org
www.muslimgreenteam.org
www.renewalproject.org
Garden
www.claremontfoodnotlawns.com
www.rsabg.org
Health & Safety/Government
www.claremontonline.net
www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov
www.scorecard.org
Products/Buying guides
www.ecover.com
www.greenerchoices.org (Consumer
Reports)
www.greenfeet.com
www01.smgov.net
www.thecleanteam.com
www.thegreenoffice.com
Recycling Watch/Support/Action
www.recyclebank.com www.campaignearth.org
www.carbonfund.org
www.sierraclub.org
Search www.stopglobalwarming.org
www.ecoearth.info www.nwei.org
www.ecologue.com www.womenandenvironment.org
www.worldwatch.org
Social/Economic/Political
www.chelseagreen.org
www.greenforall.org
www.organicconsumers.org
www.postcarboncities.net
www.pollutionissues.com
www.ted.com
Sustainable Living
www.campaignearth.org
www.chelseagreen.org
www.coejl.org
www.ecomomalliance.org
www.green.yahoo.com Note:
www.lowimpact.org I make no claims about the appropriateness or
www.lowimpactliving.com reliability of the content on these websites.
These are sites that I have come across in my
www.motherearthnews.com
research that were either helpful to me in one
www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-
way or another, or seemed interesting. I have
tips.com
categorized them according to the search I was
www.urbanhomestead.org conducting at that time. There are many more
out there! Enjoy!
APPENDIX 3: BOOK LIST FOR ALL AGES
Fiction and Non-fiction Reading List
Preschool-Kindergarten
Old Turtle,A Story by Douglas Wood
Just a Dream, Chris Van Allsburg
The Whole Green World, Tony Johnston
In One Tidepool, Anthony D. Fredericks
Wangari’s Trees of Peace, Jeanette Winter
Earthways, Carole Petrash
Primary Elementary
The Stinking Story of Garbage, Katie Daynes
The Waterfall’s Gift, Joanne Ryder
Make It!, Jane Bull
Recycling, Rhonda Lucas Donald
Polluted Air, Angela Royston
Teens
The Teen Guide to Global Action, Barbara A. Lewis
An Inconvenient Truth, Adapted for a New Generation, Al Gore
Our Planet: Change is Possible, MySpace and Jeca Tandte
Adults/Parents/Grandparents/etc.
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,Richard
Louv.
Imperfectly Natural: How to be a Green Parent in Today’s Busy World, Janey Lee
Grace
The Chelsea GREEN Guides, various authors
Cradle to Cradle, William McDonnough
Clean House, Clean Planet, Karen Logan

Upper Elementary
Earth Matters, edited by David de Rothchild
Green Power, David Jefferis
Planet Patrol: Kids Action Guide to Earth Care, Marybeth Lorbjeck
Hoot, Carl Hiaasen
Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming, Laurie David and
Cambria Gordon
Gaia Girls, Enter the Earth and Way of Water, Lee Welles
APPENDIX 4: INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Alcohol- Found in all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, glass cleaners, metal polishes and more.
Ethanol is dangerous if ingested.
Isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol are made from petroleum. They act as cental nervous system depressants. Ingestion or
inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, depression, nausea, vomiting, and even coma.
Methanol is dangerous if ingested and is found in windshield-washing fluids, inks, paint removers, cements, and varnishes.
Ammonia- Found in glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, floor cleaners, furniture polishes and metal polishers.
Often used as a drain cleaner, kitchen cleanser, oven cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner. It can irritate eyes, nose and lungs. It is
dangerous when mixed with bleach.
Bleach (chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite)- Found in cleansers, disinfectants, laundry bleaches, toilet bowl cleaners, tub and
tile cleaners and more. It can be irritating to skin. Dangerous when mixed with acids or with ammonia.
Butyl cellosolve- Found in heavy-duty all-purpose cleaners and degreasers, window cleaners, and more. It is easily absorbed
into the skin and can do damage to blood, livery, central nervous system and can cause kidney failure.
Cresol- Found in disinfectants, herbicides and detergents, even Sharpie Markers. It can be a source of allergic reactions and skin
rashes. Exposure can cause depression, irritability, hyperactivity, and may damage liver, kidney, and lungs.
Formaldehyde- Found in disinfectants, furniture polishes, detergents and water softeners. A common air pollutant emitted from
particleboard, pressboard, plywood, paneling, permanent pressed sheets, mattresses, foam, plastics and insulation. It is a
suspected human carcinogen. It irritates the nose and eyes, causing nausea, headache or fatigue.
Glycols- Found in paints, dyes, degreasers, dry-cleaning chemicals, and floor cleaners. They range from non-toxic to extremely
toxic. They irritate skin, eyes, nose and throat, and exposure can cause fatigue, anusea, and tremors. They can damage kidney,
liver, and central nervous system, and some are harmful to the reproductive system.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID (continued)
Hydrochloric and Phosphoric acids- Found in toilet bowl cleaners, metal polishes, tub and tile cleaners, and lime removers.
They can dissolve and destroy tissues, and irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Spills and splashes can cause burns and permanent
scarring and even blindness. Hydrofluoric acid- Found in rust removers and aluminum cleaners. It will penetrate skin and
tissue all the way to the bone.
Lye (sodium hydroxide)- Found in tub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners. It is poisonous and
corrosive. When mixed with acids, it releases harmful vapors.
Naphthalene- Found in air fresheners, carpet cleaners, mothballs, and toilet bowl cleaners. It is a suspected carcinogen and is
toxic to small children and infants. It can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive sweating, and urinary
irritation.
PDCBs (paradichlorobenzenes)- Found in toilet fresheners, mothballs, room deodorants, and insecticides. They are toxic to inhale
or ingest and are irritating to the eyes and nose. Perchlorethylene- Found in dry-cleaning fluid and spot removers. It is a
proven animal carcinogen and suspected human carcinogen. It causes light-headedness, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea,
tremors, as well as damage to liver and central nervous system.
Phenol (carbolic acid)- Found in air fresheners, disinfectants, and furniture polishes, though many companies use less toxic phenol
derivatives. A suspected carcinogen, it can cause your skin to swell, burn, peel or break out. Even a 2% solution can cause
gangrene, burning and numbness.
Propellants (Commonly propane, butane and occasionally CFCs)- Found in aerosol products, including air fresheners, furniture
polishes, and insecticides. They are breathed into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. They are irritating to the
lungs and can even cause death if inhaled.
Sulfuric acid- Found in toilet bowl cleaners and metal polishes. It can produce severe skin burns or blindness if splashed into the
eyes.
TEC (trichloroethylene)- Found in spot removers and metal polishes. It is a carcinogen and a narcotic. It causes dizziness,
sleepiness and memory loss. It is irritating to the eyes and nose.

Source: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan.

APPENDIX 5: READY FOR MORE RECIPES?
EXTENDED SHOPPING LIST:
 Club soda. Great glass cleaner.
 Essential Oils. They are made from natural things and can add fresh scents to your recipes. Thought to
add antibacterial, antifungal and insect-repellent qualities. Stay with organic essential oils, such as
peppermint, lemon, lime and lavender.
 Hydrogen Peroxide. Used as a spot remover.
 Olive oil. Use an extra-light, inexpensive variety for furniture polish recipes.
 Salt. Used to cut grease and clean. It is antibacterial.
 Tea tree oil. Its antibacterial power can add to cleaning power.
 Toothpaste
 Mineral oil
 Shaker container with flip-top lid

Sources: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan, and www.lowimpactliving.com

MORE RECIPES AND TIPS
Air Cleaners
English ivy in the kitchen can offset benzene gas from your stove. A spider plant or corn plant in an office helps absorb
formaldehyde outgassing. Chinese evergreens, golden pothos, Gerbera daisies, bamboo palms, dieffenbachias, peace
lilies, azaleas, and chrysanthemums are also effective.
Note: Experts recommend one plant for every 100 square feet.

Antiseptic Soap Spray

Ingredients: liquid soap, water*, tea tree oil
Recipe: Fill 16 oz. squirt or spray bottle with water, then add 3 tbsp. of liquid soap. Add 20-30 drops of tea tree oil.
Shake.
How to use: Spray on floors, laundry, toys, doorknobs, bathtubs, toilet seats, etc. Can be used when cleaning up toilet
bowl overflows, vomit, etc. Works well as an alternative to antibacterial soaps for hands.
*Karen Logan recommends distilled water for this recipe.

Furniture Polish
Ingredients: mineral soap, white vinegar
Recipe: Mix one cup of mineral oil and 1 cup of white vinegar. Rub on with a clean cloth.

Silver Polish
Ingredients: toothpaste
Just put some toothpaste on an old toothbrush or wet cloth and polish. Rinse well with warm water, then dry with a soft
cloth.
MORE RECIPES (continued)
Drain Cleaner
Ingredients: baking soda, vinegar
How to use: Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain. Add I cup or more white vinegar. Cover drain until mixture stops
fizzing. Pour boiling water into drain. Repeat if necessary.

Fabric softener
Ingredients: white distilled vinegar
How to use: Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to rinse cycle. It helps remove detergent residue.

Alternate Glass cleaner

Ingredients: club soda
How to use: Spray onto mirrors and windows.

Kitchen cleanser (Alternative to Comet)

Ingredients: baking soda, an essential oil for fragrance
What else you’ll need: flip-top shaker
Recipe: Fill shaker half full with baking soda. Add 15-20 drops essential lemon or lime oil. Put lid on and shake.
How to use: Sprinkle on counters, sink, tub. Wipe with damp sponge. Rinse well.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients: liquid soap, baking soda, white vinegar, tea tree oil, water
Recipe: Mix ½ cup liquid soap and 2 cups baking soda. Smash lumps. Dilute with ¼ cups water and add 2 tbsp. vinegar.
Add 50 drops tea tree oil. Mix. Pour into bottle.
How to use: Squirt inside toilet, on and under rim. Use toilet brush. Rinse with vinegar.

Source: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan, and www.lowimpactliving.com.

APPENDIX 6: NOTES ABOUT INDREDIENTS
1. Liquid soap and baking soda are both alkaline. Most dirt and oils are acidic. The alkaline in the
soap and baking soda neutralizes acidic dirt.
2. Vinegar is a mild acid and baking soda is mildly alkaline. Added together, they neutralize each
other and create (harmless) carbon dioxide gas and water. This reaction helps clean. Do not,
however, add vinegar to a baking-soda cleanser and then close the lid. The gas will build up
inside.
3. Adding vinegar directly to liquid soap alone will neutralize the soap. Follow the order of mixing in
the recipe.
4. Liquid soap refers to vegetable oil-based castile soap, not liquid dishwashing detergent.
5. Use only white (distilled) vinegar, not apple-cider vinegars.
6. Be sure to label all cleaners so you know what they are.
7. Do not reuse commercial containers. There may be chemical residues in the containers.
8. Never mix commercial products with homemade products.
9. Don’t substitute ammonia.
10. Tea tree oil and essential oils are natural, but powerful chemicals. Do not get on skin. Spilled oils
can dissolved plastics. Store in a cool, dark place.

Source: Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan.

APPENDIX 7: CUIDA EL PLANETA
Prepara tus propios productos de limpieza para tu hogar
Muchos de los productos de limpieza que usamos en nuestras casas están hechos con materiales
tóxicos y derivados del petróleo. Afortunadamente, es muy fácil usar simples ingredientes para
preparar nuestros propios agentes de limpieza que serán efectivos y a la vez saludables. Vinagre
blanco, bicarbonato de sodio, jugo de limón, bórax y agua es todo lo que usted necesita para
empezar y no va a creer lo que puede hacer con la pasta de dientes. Con estos productos usted
ahorrará dinero, protegerá el ambiente y la salud de su familia.

Limpiador Multipropósito para pisos, cocinas y baños:

Mezclar una cucharada de bórax, una cucharada de jabón líquido, una cucharada de jugo de limón y
un cuarto de galón de agua tibia. Batir hasta que todo se mezcle bien sacudiendo el envase o
usando una cuchara de madera.

Limpiador de vidrios (ventanas y otros):

Llene una botella para rociar (spray) con agua y dos cucharadas de jugo de limón o la mitad de una
taza de vinagre blanco. Rocíe los vidrios y seque como lo haría usando un limpiador comercial.

Limpiador de tinas o bañeras:

Haga una pasta con bicarbonato de sodio y agua. Limpie (talle) la tina (bañera) con esta pasta.
Retire los residuos usando el Limpiador multipropósito descrito anteriormente.

Pulidor de Muebles:
Mezcle una taza de aceite mineral y una taza de vinagre blanco. Use una toalla suave para pulir la
superficie.
Refrescador y Limpiador de Alfombras:
Riegue, esparciendo bien, bicarbonato de sodio en su alfombra. Déjelo por unos minutos y luego aspire
(vaccum) como lo hace regularmente. Si tiene manchas que quitar, mezcle un cuarto de taza de jabón
líquido y media taza de agua. Aplique la mezcla jabonosa en las manchas usando un cepillo pequeño
y luego enjuague y seque con aire tibio usando un secador de pelo.

Pulidor de Plata:
Ponga pasta de dientes en un viejo cepillo de dientes o toallita húmeda para pulir sus utensilios y
objetos de plata. Cuando termine de pulir, enjuague con agua tibia y seque cuidadosamente con una
toalla seca y suave.

¿Como limpiar el desague del fregadero de su cocina sin usar quimicos

corrosivos?
1- Ponga dos cucharadas de bicarbonato de sodio en el desagüe de su fregadero o bañera.
2- Ponga una cucharada de vinagre en el bicarbonato de sodio (se volverá espumoso).
3- Espere unos cinco minutos para verter agua hirviendo. Con esto se eliminará el residuo del
bicarbonato, vinagre y restos de comida y grasa pegados en la tubería.
Fuente de información: www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/03/03/how-to-make-green-home-cleaners