AbsoluteGreen

Last week I went to a series of lectures, given by the NJ-AIA, at The Willow School in Gladstone, NJ. It is a LEED Platnium Building. Platnium is the highest rating of “Building Sustainability” given by the United States Green Building Council. So this was right up my alley! The main barn where we had our lecture was all post and beam (the wood was all construction salvage) it had skylights, fans, daylight timers, cfl light bulbs. windows that open..the air conditioner only ran for about an hour (It was 80+ degrees) due to great ventilation and layout. This was our classroom for the day I must say a the trip to the bathroom is not to be forgotten Yes, of course the paper items are recycled! There are so many great features of this school I could go on and on. The school currently has K-8 curriculum. Tours and lectures are offered if you are interested.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), common in detergents and disinfectants, are suspected hormone disruptors.

Ammonia is poisonous when swallowed, extremely irritating to respiratory passages when inhaled and can burn the skin on contact.

Antibacterial cleansers containing triclosan—does not reduce the level of bacteria any better then soap, may be contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs. The European Union has classified triclosan as an irritant to the eyes and skin, dangerous for the environment, and very toxic to aquatic organisms. Its use in cosmetic is restricted in Japan and Canada.

Butyl cellosolve (aka butyl glycol, ethylene glycol monobutyl) is poisonous when swallowed and a lung-tissue irritant.

Chlorine bleach (aka sodium hypochlorite), an all-purpose whitening agent, can irritate the lungs and eyes and in waterways can become toxic organochlorines.

Diethanolamine (DEA) can combine with nitrosomes (often-undisclosed preservatives) to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines that penetrate skin.

Fragrance frequently contains phthalates, chemicals linked to reproductive abnormalities and liver cancer in lab animals and to asthma in children.

Phosphates soften water for detergents but contribute to algae blooms in our waterways, which can kill off fish populations.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Carcinogenic petroleum used in spray-on oven cleansers to dissolve oil and grease.

Sodium hydroxide, found in drain, metal and oven cleaners, is extremely irritating to eyes, nose and throat and can burn those tissues on contact. The warning label on sodium hydroxide products reads “POISON. May be fatal or cause permanent damage if swallowed. May cause blindness. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, mouth and clothing.” The cosmetic industry is now putting it in your skin care products and oral care products.

Sodium lauryl sulfate, used in most detergent products that foam, a common skin irritant. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and even death.