Eliminate Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Shalom and welcome to Tikkun Tips.

In the Torah it states that cemeteries and tanneries are to be kept a certain distance and downwind from a town, in order to prevent the smell and pollution from seeping into homes. Today, unfortunately, we have voluntarily let many toxins into our homes. This week’s Tikkun Tip deals with the dangerous poisons that many of us have lying around our house. These toxins are known as Household Hazardous Waste, and the dangers surrounding these products are, unfortunately, not very well understood. Hopefully this message will shed some light on the subject.

****Eliminate Household Hazardous Waste****

What is Household Hazardous Waste? Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are those wastes produced in our households that are hazardous in nature, but are not regulated as hazardous waste, under federal and state laws. For example:

Household Chemicals - These include most household cleansers, oven cleaners, drain openers, glues or fixatives, and extra-strength cleaning solvents.

Pesticides and Herbicides - This category includes pest control chemicals that you would use in your house (ant or roach spray), in your garden (weed killer), or on yourself (mosquito spray).

Flammables or Combustibles - Polish remover, paint remover, WD-40 and like products, fuel, etc.

Paint or Paint Products - Most household paint is latex- or oil-based. The label should clearly identify what type of paint you have, but if you're unsure just remember that latex paint cleans up with water, and oil paint cleans up with thinner. Paint products include thinners, varnishes, stains, etc.

Automotive Waste - Especially used motor oil and oil filters.

Did you know…that many popular household cleaning products are banned by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the workplace? However, there are no guidelines for residential use of these products, and therefore, they are commonly found in many households. People use them because they work, but they work because they are POISONOUS. That is why many of the labels display big warning statements and tell you to call poison control in the unfortunate event that someone swallows some of the product. Additionally, many of these products need to be disposed of in particular ways, but people often throw them out with the rest of the garbage leading to further contamination of landfills, or pour them down the drain, allowing them to enter the water systems.

What can you do? The first step is to properly dispose of the products you have in your house. Contact your local municipality to find out how to dispose of HHWs. Many cities and counties have pick-up service or drop off locations for such items as:
Batteries: automotive
Batteries: household
Motor oil
Motor oil filters
Transmission fluid
Fluorescent tubes
Latex paint
Thermostats

Once these products have been disposed of, you can begin to look for alternatives.

Store Bought Alternatives: There are currently many eco-friendly brands on the market. These can be found at Whole Foods Market and other organic groceries. Read the labels carefully, because some companies use their packaging to promote an environmental image, while their products remain full of non-biodegradable and toxic ingredients. One company we are fond of is Seventh Generation. They sell effective and safe cleaning products, and their webpage, www.seventhgeneration.com, contains useful information about the problems surrounding Household Hazardous Waste.

Homemade Recipes: Here are some recipes to make your own safe and effective cleaning products:

All-Purpose Cleaner: In one quart of warm water, mix one teaspoon of liquid soap, boric acid (borax), lemon juice and/or vinegar. If you need a stronger solution, use less water.

Glass Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.

Drain Cleaner: Pour boiling water down drain once a week. Use a plunger or snake.

Oven Cleaner: Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt. DO NOT use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-clean ovens.

Toilet Cleaners: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.

Furniture Polish: Wipe with a mixture made from one teaspoon of lemon oil in one pint of mineral or vegetable oil.

Rug Deodorizer: Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

Plant Sprays: Wipe leaves with mild soap and water; rinse.

Roach and Ant Repellants: Sprinkle powdered boric acid in cabinet edges, around baseboards, and in cracks.

Mothballs: Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns.

Hopefully, we can take this knowledge and work toward eliminating deadly toxins from our home.

Like what you see here? Tikkun Tips is a project of the Teva Learning Center which relies on the support of individuals to bring our message to people throughout the country.

Your help allows us to expand the scope of our programs and the numbers of people we reach. Please consider making a contribution to support our work.

Support Teva