College Eight Waste Reduction Program - Safer Substitutes for Hadardous Products

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Here are some substitutes for commonly used toxic items.

Likely many of you already know these...But some one may not.

Bryce

History of Our Program

Our Philosophy & How To Get Involved

Why Reduce Waste?

What and Where to Recycle at College Eight

Composting at College Eight

How to be a Smart Consumer

Places to Buy Used Goods in Santa Cruz

Why Buy Recycled?

Where Can I Buy Recycled Products?

What You Should Know About Hazardous Materials

Safer Substitutes for Some Hazardous Household Products

Safer Substitutes For Some Hazardous Household Products

Remember that cleaning more frequently is easier and generally means that strong chemicals are not necessary. Although these mixtures have less hazardous ingredients than many commercially available products, they should be used and stored with similar caution.

Product

Hazardous Property

Alternatives

Drain Cleaner

Corrosive

Snake with metal line, use a plunger, or clear with boiling water.

Oven Cleaner

Corrosive

Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Irritant

Use a toilet brush and baking soad and vinegar. Use often and strong chemicals won't be necessary.

Glass Cleaner

Flammable

Mix 1 Tbs. vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to dry.

Floor/Furniture Polish

Flammable

Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts vegetable oil, wipe furniture/floor.

Disinfectants

Flammable/Corrosive

Mix 1/2 cup borax with 1 gallon hot water.

Rug Deoderizer

Flammable/Corrosive

Deoderize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soad. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum.

Air Freshener

Irritant/Corrosive

Open box of baking soda to absorb odors; 1/2 cup borax in bottom of garbage can.

Amonia/Chlorine Cleaners

Corrosive

Mix vinegar or baking soda or borax with water. Add salt for scrubbing tubs, sinks, toilet bowls.

Other Products:

Silver Polish

Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for two to three more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat if necessary. Do not use this method on antique silverware).

Plant Sprays

Wipe leaves with mild soap and water, rinse.

Mothballs

Use cedar ships, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint or white peppercorns.