Inspired by Earth Day 1998, The Broom Closet brings this page of earth-friendly household tips, how you can help the environment, and environmental links. If you have material or links to add to this page, please email us. Environmentally Friendly Household TipsThe harsh chemicals that are present in common household cleaners can affect your health and pollute the environment, harming our water supplies and putting noxious elements into the atmosphere. Chlorine bleaches and ammonia are hazardous to your health. Instead of using the expensive, dangerous household cleaners commonly found under every kitchen sink, try using these inexpensive, natural, tried and true, 'old-timey' cleaners. They're items everyone has in their kitchen cabinets. Check the links below for more earth-friendly ideas.Alternative Cleaning Agents Baking Soda Borax Washing Soda (Sal Soda)White Vinegar/Lemon Juice KetchupUses and formulasBelow are some simple formulas and uses for the common items above that you can substitute for commercial cleaners:
Environmental Links and ResourcesPennsylvania Resources Council 3606 Providence Rd, Newtown Square, PA 19073, 1-800-GO-TO-PRC. The PRC is a citizen's action environmental organization recognized nationally for their expertise in environmental concerns. Here you can find information on recycling, Business for a Green America, 'green building', environmental shopping, yard and garden environmental concerns, and conservation of natural resources. They also have a catalog of books, brochures, buttons, bumper stickers, posters, and videos for educational purposes. Their website has many other environmental links.Green works for Pennsylvania , a cable television show that 'takes you on a visual journey across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in search of people who are doing their share to help keep Pennsylvania's environment healthy.' Check with your local cable company to determine when the show is broadcast in your area. Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania 'EFP is a non-profit organization that works to educate, promote and broaden support of programs that directly benefit the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians. Founded in 1991, EFP aids the efforts of 19 of the Commonwealth’s most effective environmental organizations by creating partnership packages that allow business, industry, government and environmental groups to work together.' Pennsylvania Dept of Environmental Protection Extensive website detailing Pennsylvania's activities and efforts towards protecting the environment. Includes sections on what you can do to help the environment, what's going on in your watershed, educational programs for schools and adults, a public participation page detailing how you can get involved, and individual sections for each county's programs. Pennsylvania Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources . State parks, state forests, wild resources, recreation, kid's page. US Environmental Protection Agency Laws and regulations, environmental news and events, projects and programs, sections for students and teachers, links to other environmental resources. The Internet Consumers Recycling Guide The Chemical Scorecard A site from the Environmental Defense Fund that helps you learn about facilities that pollute your neck of the woods. Enter your zip code and receive detailed information on the location, source, and effects of locally released chemicals. The site also provides links that allow you to email the EPA, network with environmental groups, or learn how to prevent pollution in the first place. Old Farmer's Almanac has a page of environmentally friendly cleaners you can make at home and use around the house. Legal Defense Fund - Fighting for the sake of the planet.
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