February 23rd, 2008

MIRRORS AND CHROME

Seventh Generation – Free and Clear Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner did the trick. We already use Seventh Generation products (named for the Iroquois creed to consider the impact of decisions on the next seven generations), so this “test” was not completely fair. Still, what’s not to like about a dye-free, fragrance-free, no VOC product? It works, it’s biodegradable and hypoallergenic, which many people need to maintain their health. This cleaner does not increase the chemical build-up inside our homes, which the EPA now says is many times worse than outside. Furthermore, the Seventh Generation offers proof of its non-toxicity by listing links on its website to the government’s Material Safety Data Sheets for its products. We would like to see a concentrate from Seventh Gen, which has begun offering several of its household cleaners with natural plant-derived scents. If they can accommodate that consumer desire, why not the need for less packaging?

Holy Cow Glass Cleaner was our new find. At about $3 for a 32 oz. bottle at our local natural foods market, this little boutique product is a bargain, and aptly named. It works well on mirrors, doesn’t emit harmful fumes, contains no ammonia or citrus (safe for kids to use) and it makes good on its claim that it also cleans stainless steel. We are now free of that gucky stainless polish made of who-knows-what chemical compounds. Instead we say, Holy Cow!

Clorox Green Works Glass Cleaner is another newbie to us and to the green scene. Give credit to Clorox for producing a product that has no bleach, no phosphorous, is made out of plant (coconut)-based cleaners and sells for less than $3 at Wal-Mart, where it’s likely to make inroads in the mainstream market. Or, snicker if you must over this multi-national grabbing for a new niche 180-degrees north of its old niche. The Oakland-based chemical giant, which also recently bought the Burt’s Bees line of cosmetics, has at least made a green shift — something that hasn’t seemed easy for other large companies. Their window cleaner works just fine and will go head-to-head with the oceans of ocean blue ammonia-based glass cleaners at your local big box store. That’s a good thing.

There are four other Green Works products – a “natural bathroom cleaner;” toilet bowl, concentrated and all purpose cleaners. All did respectable work, they smelled yummy (could it be the essential lemon oil?) and we were able to lean over to clean the tub without suffering any fume-induced cognitive impairment. Their concentrate, however, could be thicker.

Pages: 1 2 3 4