But before we talk about the harmful components of cleaners, let’s briefly discuss personal exposure and risk. Unsurprisingly chemicals used inside are not as easily dispersed as outside. According to the EPA, the concentrations of toxins found indoors can be anywhere from 2 to 100 times higher than outdoors. The risk and the effects from exposure to chemical toxins are often uncertain (and could be minimal). Yet regardless of the risk, typical cleaners can contain ingredients that are corrosive, flammable and irritating. So whether your objective is to lower your risk level or prevent environmental pollution, listen up. In the war against dirt, it is best to arm yourself with knowledge.

Since there literally thousands of components to cleaning products, we will take a moment to discuss just few.

APEs (Alkylphenol ethoxylates) are a common ingredient in all-purpose and hard surface cleaners. When discharged in municipal waste water, they break down into substances which are more toxic and do not readily biodegrade. Furthermore, they have been shown in studies to mimic the hormone estrogen, and their presence in water may be harming the reproduction and survival of aquatic wildlife.

EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate) is a petrochemical compound that is not readily biodegradable and is a suspected carcinogen. Once disposed of down the drain and introduced into the general environment, EDTA can mobilize (re-dissolve) toxic heavy metals, such as lead, trapped in sewage treatment plant sludge and stream sediments. In the US it is found in many cleaners, especially laundry detergents. Western European countries have banned the use of EDTA in detergents.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) include hundreds of compounds, such as, benzene, toluene, xylene and trichloroethane. They can affect indoor air quality and have the potential to participate in the formation of photochemical smog when volatile compounds evaporate during product use and disposal.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to limit exposure to toxins and have a positive impact on the environment. You can make safe, effective, and affordable household cleaners using basic ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and borax soap. If you need to buy products, purchase a cleaner with superior environmental attributes. Look for companies that state that they list all ingredients on the label and read it carefully. Or look for products that are certified by trusted third party organizations like Green Seal or the EPA’s Design for the Environment.

Now that fall is here, I really need to get serious about this furnace.  So I went to the basement, pulled the filter out and saw what I can only describe as a dust and spore filled mess.  Since I don’t want to risk the furnace giving a less than stellar performance in our iconic Buffalo winters, I decided to do a little research about what type of filter is best.   My confession serves as a reminder to all homeowners to get your furnace ready.   Why is it such a big deal? A clean and functional filter improves home cleanliness of the air, helps save energy, and reduces wear on the furnace blower motor. 

Let’s get this clear.  I am not a filter or furnace expert.  But I have come to learn there are several types of filters including: fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic , HEPA and media.  It’s up to you to determine which type of filter your system can handle and find the balance between the right balance between cost, efficiency and particulate collection.

The most common type is use is the inexpensive fiberglass filters.  Although the price may be right, there are several problems with the cheap fiberglass panel filters.  They get clogged very quickly and must be changed monthly.  Clogged filters prevent your furnace from moving as much air as it was designed to do, which causes it to run longer to heat your house, which in turn adds to your gas or electric bill (so saving moving up front may still cost you money in the long run).  Another reason for not settling on the cheap filters is that the cardboard edging is susceptible to mold growth.  If that’s not enough, the edging does not provide a good seam around the frame; therefore you’re more likely to have unfiltered air circulating in your home.

Since I am into reuse and clean air, naturally I started looking into the washable and HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.  What I learned was surprising. The washable ones are great for reducing waste, but tend to lose their efficiency the more you wash them.  And the HEPA filters are what you call “front loading” meaning the surface catches at the front because the weave is one standard thickness.  Unfortunately front loading significantly restricts air flow once they become somewhat clogged; so these type of filters need to be checked regularly.

With my past unpredictable pattern of changing filters, I know I need something that I only have to change very couple of months.  I found something that strikes a great balance between furnace efficiency by not restricting air flow and the collection of particulates.  It’s made of a media that combines a course material first, medium and fine.   Two great things about it (1) I only have to change it every three months (when the system is running) and (2) Its made from a local company!   If you want more information about my great find, send me an email at info@blueskydesignsupply.com.

Regardless, I want to banish ants, mosquitoes and other pests from my home.  Seeing that there is growing evidence that synthetic pest control can be harmful to both humans and animals, I decided to research how to do it in a natural way.  Surprisingly I found that some common items can combat unwelcomed visitors. 

• Cucumbers – the skin of cucumbers (the more bitter the better) is a natural deterrent to a host of bugs including ants, flies, wasps and moths.
• Spearmint & Peppermint – have been known to repel ants.  Consider growing them around the perimeter of your home.
• Mint & Basil – both smell great and happens to repel flies.
• Thai Lemongrass  -  natural and effective mosquito repellent. It contains citronella.  In fact, lemon grass citronella is considered more effective than true citronella as an insect repellent.  Grow some in potted plants around your home.
• Grits – If you actually want to eliminate a colony of ants and eliminate the queen.  Sprinkle instant grits on the ant hill.  The workers will carry the grits to the queen for a meal.   Long story –short, the grits will expand in her stomach and she will bloat to death.   With the queen gone, the others will die.