Go lean and green

Submitted Photo Do you have shelves of multiple products cluttering up your garage or basement. Simplify and help the environment with items that multi-task.

Most of us are overstocked with stuff to keep our homes looking good and operating efficiently. An inventory of most garages or basements would reveal an amazing number of cans of leftover paint, cleansers and repair materials like adhesives, caulks, sealants, lawn and garden fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, etc. Many are toxic and must be disposed of with care.

How can we maintain our homes well while protecting our environment? Experts say you can reduce toxic impact by taking a few simple steps.

• Use simple, non toxic solutions wherever possible, like vinegar and water for cleaning windows, floors and other surfaces; rubbing alcohol for removing sticky substances; or an adhesive low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• If you aren't sure how to properly dispose of unused or partially empty containers, contact the manufacturer or local disposal company.

• Choose products that have minimum packaging - and check to see that it is recyclable.

• Choose products that can be used successfully in many situations and on many materials. This reduces the number of products needed for the same basic job - like cleaning surfaces. There are surface cleansers specificallydesigned for each of these materials: granite, ceramic, stainless steel, plastic, glass, rubber, and so on. It's easy to end up with six or seven different surface cleaning products cluttering your supply cabinets.

Adhesives also tend to be marketed for specific applications. There's a glue just for PVC pipe or another one just for paper. A quick survey of your home will probably reveal at least six different adhesives from white glue to "super" glues to glues designed for specific materials (wood, ceramic, plastic, etc.) Many are toxic and overpackaged with non-recyclable materials.

Look for companies who have developed a glue for people who want an adhesive that is able to bond with industrial strength to almost any material indoors and out. Find an earth-friendly adhesive that can keep the whole house in shape.

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