Why are alkylphenol ethoxylates still in many detergents?

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), common ingredients in industrial chemicals and many household cleaners such as liquid laundry detergent are endocrine disruptors and probable carcinogens.

Basically, strong evidence suggests this artificial compound mimics the hormone estrogen. The compound does not break down easily in water and even the small traces that are found all over the industrialized world create odd estrogen levels in fish and birds. In humans, the use of APEs, most commonly in cleaning chemicals, results in lowered sperm count in men (APEs are actually used as a spermicidal lubricant in Europe) and breast cancer in women.

Humans may be exposed to APEs through:

• absorption through skin from shampoos, cosmetics, spermicidal lubricants and domestic and industrial detergents.
• contaminated drinking water, extracted from polluted rivers.
• inhalation and ingestion from pesticide sprays.
• contamination of food from fields spread with sewage sludge containing alkylphenols.

See “An Environmental Assessment of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Alkylphenols,” a paper published in 1995 by A. Michael Warhurst, PhD for the scientific research behind this environmental problem.

Since scientists like Professor Warhurst recommended a complete ban of APEs in 1995, why is this surfactant still in use a decade later? In fact, evidence that these chemicals are dangerous has been percolating since the 1930s! Although European and UK manufacturers have been voluntarily replacing the compound (UK companies voluntarily banned APEs in laundry detergent back in 1978), in the United States, Big Chem has been aggressively lobbying to prevent any action against this dangerous and totally unnecessary surfactant.

EcoLogic Solutions offers plenty of effective alternatives to APE-contaminated products. All of our citrus, soy, coconut or bio-remediation technologies clean without using any carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting compounds.

Our N-2 laundry soap and softener uses a citrus-based surfactant rather than any APE. Unlike the common detergents manufactured by Big Chem, our N-2 Laundry Detergent is non-toxic, readily biodegradable without forming micro-toxins or requiring water treatment, gray water and septic tank safe, contains no petroleum distillates, butyl ether, ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, benzene, pine oil or strong acids and is free of all known or suspected carcinogens.

Do not wait for Big Chem to change their profitable formulations. You have the option to clean you clothes without poisoning the planet today with our N-2 Laundry Detergent.

EcoLogic Solutions now implementing plastic reuse program

If you start noticing a little ding or dirt on the occasional 5 gallon pail of our DEEP GREEN™ cleaning products, don't blame the delivery driver!

As promised, EcoLogic Solutions is now reusing a significant percentage of the 5 gallon plastic pails containing our green cleaning chemicals. Since reusing plastic is much more sustainable than recycling, we pick up used pails from our clients during new deliveries. Our drivers return them to our assembly plant where they are properly cleaned and reused.

Reused pails work just as well as brand new ones so inquire about our resuse program today. There are financial incentives for clients that save empty pails for our drivers.

If you have any questions, please call (800) 477 2577.

Wal Mart--green goad or greenwasher?

The CEO of Walmart has been invited to NYC to receive congrats from American bigwigs.

Reuters reports

Hollywood executives and media figures are set to give a green thumbs-up Monday evening to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Chief Executive Lee Scott, with an award for his commitment to the environment, despite the consistent criticism aimed at his company's record.

With a special concert from Adult Contemporary fav the Eagles, the Weinstein Brothers of Hollywoodland and their assorted Manhattan counterparts are rewarding Lee Scott for making sustainability a "key corporate theme."

So how should the treehugger community interpret this overture from one of the world's largest corporations and biggest private employer in the United States?

With cautious cajolery or conniption?

This Wal Mart eco-strategy has received a lot of press. So stay tuned and leave your mind open...for now.

Your organization wins by going DEEP GREEN™

*Win for Health of Staff
Eliminate the common use of hazardous & toxic ingredients. Motivate cleaning crews by educating them about the benefits of using safer formulations. Show that the corporation cares about employee health.

*Win for the Environment
Mass use of lower to zero impact chemicals will have a compound, beneficial impact upon our precious ecosystem.

*Win for Health of Community
By using proven, safer formulations, your organization will shine in the eyes of your clientele, community & donors.

*Win for your Bottom Line
Many of these safer chemical concentrates are less expensive than the harsh chemical standards and will reduce employee compensation when used properly.

*Win for Public Relations
Press and potential donors adore success stories related to business and environmental initiatives.

The growing legitimacy of green business

The Washington Post ran a story covering the Green Festival and Expo in DC this past weekend. Our friend Keith Ware, who runs Eco-Green Living (a green supply store that carries EcoLogic Solutions' green cleaning products), was featured in the article.

The article questions how GE and Walmart's jump towards green has affected smaller, fully green companies. Keith responds

"People always ask me about competition. No. No. There is only validation of the industry right now. It hurts the movement if [big businesses] are doing small things for the publicity. If they are genuinely trying to do the things that they say they are doing for the right reasons, then it helps. I'm sure they are finding that, heck, they are earning more money off it. The idea is to get everybody moving."

See Michael Rosewald's Post article here

No more shelf space for those Dummies 101 books

Attention computer geeks and eco-minded shoppers across cyberspace:

Stop buying your software reference guides in their paper form. This is the 21st century after all. At Green Books you can purchase all the software and operating system guides you could ever need without compromising your commitment to the environment.

Buy the electronic book, download the content and read away knowing you have saved a tree.

Prevent environmental crime

On 6 July 2006, Kaohsiung harbour Customs officials in Taiwan discovered 744 pieces of ivory (including whole tusks), weighing a total of 3026 kg, hidden in wooden boxes.

This tusk bust occured thanks to the vigilance of an international organization, TRAFFIC, which monitors the networks that trade plants and animals.


TRAFFIC’S CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES are to:

* protect wild animal and plant species from endangerment by trade

* safeguard priority ecoregions from the negative effects of wildlife trade

* conserve particularly valuable wildlife resources for human needs

* promote international agreements and policies that encourage sustainability in wildlife trade

If you believe we cannot compromise our commitment to sustainable development, consider supporting TRAFFIC.

The seven steps to greening your cleaning operation

1. Adopt a green cleaning policy with the help of EcoLogic Solutions
2. Evaluate & audit your current cleaning methods
3. Develop a pilot project to test green cleaning products from EcoLogic Solutions
   
4. Phase in DEEP GREEN™ cleaning products and services
5. Educate your building maintenance staff
6. Monitor success and enjoy the public praise from LEED certification
   
7. Reward staff for participating

The highest standards: EcoLogic Solutions' DEEP GREEN™ Cleaning technologies

EcoLogic Solutions vigorously analyzes all of our products for the following criteria:

• Efficacy
• Biodegradability
• Highly concentrated formula to reduce packaging and costs
• Acute Toxicity
• Chronic Toxicity
• Presence of Artificial Dyes or Fragrances
• Aerosols
• Carcinogens
• Mutagens
• Teratogens
• Testing on animals
• Skin Irritants
• Food Grade Additives
• Flammability
• VOC Levels
• BOD Levels
• Corrosiveness
• Petroleum
• Hydrocarbons
• Ozone depleting chlorinated compounds

Quite the list, eh?

Reduce the environmental impact of your building with LEED

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, in the United States, buildings account for:

• 36 percent of total energy use and 65 percent of electricity consumption
• 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions
• 30 percent of raw materials use
• 30 percent of waste output (136 million tons annually)
• 12 percent of potable water consumption

Clearly our focus must remain on better green buildings to reduce our collective impact on the environment. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ provides the nationally accepted standards for green buildings.

With EcoLogic Solutions’ consultation and DEEP GREEN™ cleaning program, your building can earn 14 points or over 40% of the points needed to receive LEED certification.

The public will recognize your operation's commitment to sustainability while local, state and national governments reward your business with tax rebates and other incentives.

EcoLogic Solutions' N-12 Apple Aloe Hand Soap cleans without containing triclosan

Did you know that the daily usage of popular antibacterial soaps may cause cancer?

A synthetic, antibacterial chemical compound known as triclosan has been a biocide in soaps, deodorants, toothpastes and mouthwashes for years. Triclosan is also infused in other common household cleaners to kill fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Popular triclosan brands include Clearasil® Daily Face Wash, Dentyl® mouthwash, Colgate Total Fresh Stripe®, Colgate Total®, Soaftsoap®, Dial®, RightGuard® Deodorant, Sensodyne Total Care®, Old Spice® and Mentadent®.

Unfortunately, combining a triclosan product with tap water creates chloroform gas, according to research conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the US. Chloroform gas can cause cancer. Major retailers in the UK are already reformulating all popular consumer products to be free of triclosan. And since other research suggests triclosan may also weaken human resistance to bacteria, this development could not occur soon enough.

Although all manufacturers in the US are legally obligated to clearly label whether their product contains triclosan, few consumers are educated about the potential dangers of this chemical.

No product from EcoLogic Solutions contains triclosan. Our liquid N-12 Apple and Aloe Hand Soap is 100% triclosan free. Now you can clean your hands without potentially exposing yourself to carcinogens.