Many toxic household products have alternatives that are less toxic and often less expensive. Sometimes they are not as effective, sometimes more effective. Experiment with these suggested alternatives and see what you think. Maybe you can think of other alternatives that might be used. Remember we got along previously without these new chemical formulas for decades, if not hundreds of years. Do not pour hazardous products down the drain, toilet, or storm drains because they will end up in the Santa Monica or San Pedro Bay.

Substance.....................................................................Alternative

Household Products

• Drain cleaners.......................................................Pour boiling water down the drain a couple of times a week as a preventative. plunger followed by 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar and 4 cups boiling water.
• Oven cleaners.........................................................diluted ammonia or baking soda
• Toilet bowl cleaners.................................................baking soda, mild detergent or small amount of bleach
• Spot removers........................................................club soda, immediate cold water, lemon juice, soak in corn meal and water.
• Silver Polish..........................................................Soak silver in water with baking soda, salt, and small piece of aluminum foil
• Copper cleaner.......................................................vinegar & salt
• Furniture polish......................................................mineral oil with lemon juice
• Powder cleaners......................................................baking soda, non-bleach powders
• Window cleaners......................................................vinegar & water, dry with newspapers
• Chlorine bleach.......................................................baking soda and water
• Mothballs ..............................................................cedar chips and newspapers
• Mildew remover.......................................................1:1 vinegar & salt
• Air freshener...........................................................simmer cinnamon and cloves in water

Garden Products

• Garden & houseplant insecticide.................................one capfull dish soap per 1 gal. water and spray on plants
• Snail and slug killer..................................................hair clippings or stale beer in a dish. throw snails away
• Ant control............................................................red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint at point of entry
• Chemical fertilizer....................................................compost, peat moss, blood and fish meal

Sources: Heal the Bay, Los Angeles City Public Works

For more information on disposing of toxic wastes in Los Angeles city, call
(800) 98-TOXIC or 988-6942.

Project Home: Waste Not, Want Not. Copyright © 1996 Target Science