HBCU Writers's Project
For Immediate Release
December 04, 2010
Contact Information

Cecilia Aiken
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

(BPRW) Green Cleaning

(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – The world has come under attack by its inhabitants. Individuals around the world have brought poison to their local environment by polluting nature with dangerous chemicals that have a negative affect on the earth’s ecosystem, resulting in a global crisis known as climate change.

Reenie Rodgers, the owner of Maureen Rogers Green Cleaning in Tallahassee, FL said, “We need investigative reporters on consumer products, basically anything you go out and buy from laundry detergent to an I-phone or simple makeup. People don’t know how what they buy is affecting their health.”

With some helpful hints and useful methods, everyone can join in the fight to save the earth from its current state of deterioration. One method that has become very popular and commercialized over time is green cleaning, also known as earth-friendly or eco-friendly cleaning. Although there are plenty of products you can buy at your local grocery store, there may be an easier and less expensive alternative to consider.

“Many ingredients in popular conventional cleaners may interfere with the endocrine system operation. It has a huge impact on all of us; especially teens because their system is wide open when their bodies are growing. It affects their reproductive system and moods, influencing their body-mind connection. Some studies have shown that many ingredients in our popular conventional cleaners may cause psychological abnormalities. The U.S. currently has no law that says they have to list all the ingredients in their products,” said Rogers.

Although there are plenty of chemicals consumers should be on the lookout for, one in particular is gaining popularity as a staple ingredient.

Rogers said, “One ingredient you want to avoid is Triclosan. It can be found in anti-bacterial soap, hand soap, dish soap, toothpaste, and sponges. It is a registered pesticide. The environmental working group (www.EWG.org ) did a study in the San Francisco Bay area and found out the water treatment plant could not remove this chemical from the water supply. You can make your own earth cleanser with baking soda with essential oil, use Bon-Amy, or green cleanser from the store.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (CDC), Triclosan is a chemical with antibacterial properties and has been used in consumer products such as detergents, soaps, skin cleanser, lotions, creams, deodorants and toothpaste for over 30 years. Triclosan can be added to other materials like textiles to make them more resistant to bacteria growth. People can be exposed to the chemical by using products that contain it, absorbing it through the skin or mouth.

As for safe alternatives, there is one chemical that is eco-friendly and has a variety of uses that can help save time and money. Garrett Horvath, a 20-year-old produce assistant from Fort Lauderdale, FL who works at New Leaf Market, a local co-op in Tallahassee said, “White distilled vinegar is a good product to use to sanitize, it’s a good cleaning product to use for windows and glass. We use it in produce because it is safe.”