After reading this and similar blogs and websites, maybe you’ve decided to throw out all of your toxic cleaning products. Perhaps you discovered that your artificially scented laundry detergent gave your baby a rash, or you made the decision to stop using perfume or cologne because you or others in your presence may be allergic to it. Now that you decided you want to clean out your home and makeup bags from such products, what do you do with them?
Some people are tempted to flush them down the toilet or just throw them in the trash. A better and more eco friendly option would be to give them to someone who will use them. You may not want them, but others may want or need these items, and may not have the same choices we do.
After a little decluttering in my home, I have given away (mostly unused or gently used) household and cosemetic products away on Craigslist, Freecycle, and local organizations.
Contact your local homeless shelters, woman’s shelters (or safe homes), or non-profit organizations to see if they have a need for anything you have to offer. These days the need is great and anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Any drain cleaners went to my local hazardous waste disposal site because products such as Drano and Liquid Plumber are some of the most toxic household chemicals around.
There are plenty of alternative products you can buy now-a-days but the Treehugging Family blog has a list of 25 safe, non-toxic house made cleaning supplies.
I had never heard of Freecycle until clicking that link, what a cool idea!
Great ideas in this post.
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This is a great point Carla – too often I’m tempted to just toss that which I no longer use. And, you’re right, there are many out there who could benefit from these items. I really like the idea for giving this stuff to different shelters. What a nice (and easy) way to give back – and to help out someone who has been less fortunate than ourselves.
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excellent point – i am actually just using up all my old cleaning products and my beloved, but non eco-friendly skincare products and replacing them with better ones…i think too many people also get caught up in “going green” and think they need to throw everything out and start over again, which is actually not very eco-friendly at all…donating them is a great idea, though…thanks for the reminder that there are other options.
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Giving stuff aways, rather than throwing it out, is always a better option. If it’s toxic, I think having someone use it beats pouring it all down the drain or throwing it out. It’s a bit of perverse logic on my part but this is a case where slowly introducing the toxin beats shocking the system and pouring it all out at once… once it’s bought, it’s bought.
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I really don’t have a problem with unused product, but I do have an addiction to free samples – and often get things I can’t use.
If you go to Anysoldier.com you can send your samples and any unopened product, etc. to a female soldier overseas.
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Hi Carla – great article
It is very tempting to just throw it all away but it is so much better to find someone who can use it. Like Jim said – once it’s bought, it’s bought. I clicked over to treehugging and they use all my favorite cleaning solutions – especially baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda and vinegar can clean just about anything and is affordable. It really does work on clogged drains too.
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@Jannie – Freecycle is great! Depending on your location, its the easiest way to get rid of items you don’t need/want.
@Lance – Giving takes more effort than just tossing, but its so worth it.
@Grechen – I agree. It feels like throwing it away is taking two steps back.
@Jim – I think you’re correct in that regard.
@Bellesouth – Thanks for the link! I’m addicted to collecting soaps and shampoos from hotels (though I don’t use them!) and it’s nice to be able to help someone in need.
I stopped buying home cleaning products 2 years ago. It’s amazing what can be done with baking soda, white vinegar, and a bit of elbow grease.
It’s also amazing how much money I save by not buying “cleaning products”….especially those with strong scents. I’ve discovered, clean doesn’t have a smell.
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@Squakfox – I totally agree with you! I love mixing some of my kitchen creations with essential oils = heaven!
I love the idea of getting rid of the old and bringing in the green!
Thanks for that link! I adore baking soda and vinegar. Homemade cleaning products with natural ingredients is definitely the way to go.
For mopping floors, I always use really hot water mixed with some vinegar and baby oil for added shine. Love that combination.
My oldest child had so many allergies and we were stuck almost boiling her sheets everyday to get her able to breath. I was using baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, etc. just like the alternative folks said and I kept reading about in magazines…
Well, then a friend who’s grandson had asthma introduced me to a company that sells eco safe items, vitamins, make up and tree tree oil based products that are efficient, do the job, and work at a reasonable price…I swallowed my pride and went for it…I did not want multi level marketing problems too. Well we have been almost allergy free for 17 years and I keep trying other things but am so pleased with what I have.
I know I am frowned upon by some for the delivery system…but I don’t care, my child can breath and everyone loves the laundry products….and maybe our salmon will return to our area…tho some of those big name grocery brands still fly off the shelves…not bliss
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My natural and green self appreciates all of your tips. The next time I run out of a cleaning supply, I will check for healthier alternatives!
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Great idea, Carla. It feels good to give things away. It especially feels good to de-clutter. I have always held onto stuff as a sense of security, not necessarily for necessity. Now that I am moving for the 7th time in 5 years, it is a lot easier for me to get rid of things. Thanks for the information.
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