Are you interested in using products around your home that are safer for your family and the environment than many commercially available cleaners? You are not alone.

Hazardous chemicals can often be found in these common household products: drain cleaners, floor-care products, oven cleaners, window sprays, bathroom cleaners, furniture and metal polishes, pesticides and laundry products. You can learn to avoid these chemicals by reading the labels. Those labeled Danger or Poison are typically the most hazardous. Others may be labeled Caution or Warning because they are skin or eye irritants. Near these signal words will be a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard, such as "vapors harmful" or "extremely flammable".

Most products have environmentally friendly alternatives that are effective, less costly, and much safer for people, pets, and the natural world. Some are now available in stores, or you may also choose to make your own. Try these alternatives for some of the products you currently use or if you have other alternatives that work for you, please e-mail them to us.

So what else should I know about environmentally friendly alternatives? Be aware that some of the products may take longer to clean effectively or get rid of pests. You may have to let the product sit on the surface for longer than usual, apply more than once, or use more elbow grease. But by making your own products, you can save money and reduce the amount of hazardous chemicals that your family is exposed to. Be sure to label any containers carefully and store them out of the reach of children.

Where can I find the ingredients to make my own alternative cleaning products? You can find most of the items at your local grocery store. If you can't find them in your grocery store, try a health food store or the Internet.

What can I do with unwanted hazardous products? Hazardous products should not be disposed of in the trash, flushed down the toilet or sink drains, or poured into storm drains or onto the ground. If you have any hazardous products in your house and do not wish to use them up, bring them to a local household hazardous waste collection. View a list of collection days in your community or call 860-424-3297.

Do you want additional resources to learn more? DEP developed an exhibit that showcases empty containers listing toxic or hazardous ingredients against the backdrop of a sink and workbench. Alternative products, both store-bought and homemade, are also part of the display. If you interested in having this exhibit at an event in your town, please contact Judy Prill at 860-424-3694.

Content Last Updated on October 31, 2008