Sustainable Saturday - Dishwasher Detergent Greenwashing!

I realized today that I have fallen victim to "Greenwashing".  As much as I may try to read labels and make sure that I am purchasing a product that is truly better for my family, Palmolive pulled a fast one on me or I never took the time to validate what I thought was a green product.

I have been using their Palmolive eco+ Dishwasher detergent periodically for the last year.  After Method discontinued their Dishwasher cubes (which they are now making again), I began looking for another product.  For awhile I used Seventh Generation Dishwasher Liquid, but became frustrated because my dishes where not clean and my glasses were spotted.  So, I was excited when I discovered Palmolive eco+ which promised to be phosphate free and a more green alternative to the average dishwasher detergent.

I discovered my unfortune tonight when my almost two year old son was helping put the soap in the dishwasher after supper.  He got some on the floor (he does a pretty good job for a two year old) which I wiped up.  A little while later I noticed his socks were bleached, then his pants, then a spot on my husband's sweater and my shirt.  My husband went and grabbed the bottle and was reading the ingredients including chlorine bleach and do not come into contact with mouth, eyes, clothing etc!  But wait, this is the same detergent that is currently cleaning my dishes most likely leaving some sort of film and then in turn we will place our food and drink in these dishes. So much for being environmentally friendly!  I haven't used chlorine bleach (We use Seventh Generation chlorine free bleach) in my laundry washing machine and here I unknowingly placed chlorine bleach in my DISHWASHER!   In addition, I now have one ruined pair of socks, one ruined pair of jeans, one ruined sweater and one ruined shirt.

Do NOT buy this product!  ALWAYS read your labels! 

Partial Damage:

On to some great Green alternatives:

Method smarty dish go naked available at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Babies R us, Toys R Us, Whole Foods, The Andersons (Columbus) and Big Lots (depending on availability).

powerful cleaning punch, earth friendly pouch.

just when you thought smarty couldn’t get any smarter, it does. still a super powerful detergent that cleans dirty dishes without resorting to dirty chemicals like phosphates and bleach, but now in a lightweight pouch that uses 87% less plastic than the original. same clean, smaller footprint. 

Seventh Generation available at Target, Babies R Us, Toys R Us and Whole Foods.
Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
These concentrated automatic dishwasher pacs deliver our phosphate and chlorine free formula in a convenient single-use pac.

Free & Clear Automatic Dishwasher Powder

Our Phosphate- and Chlorine-Free Automatic Dishwasher Powder gets your dishes sparkling clean. Free & clear of perfumes and dyes.
 
Citrasolv - Available at Whole Foods, Raisin Rack (Columbus), Clintonville Community Market (Columbus) and Alice.com

Citra Dish Automatic Dishwasher Gel & Powder

• Chlorine bleach-free
• Contains no synthetic perfumes or dyes
• Safe for septic systems
• Contains no phosphates, EDTA or NTA

Sun & Earth Products

Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Our Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is tough on grease and baked-on foods yet safe to use for baby bottles, utensils, and dishes.  Use (1) pre-portioned pac per load.  No measuring, unwrapping or mess.  Safe to use around kids - no danger of splashing or airborne powder.  If you are looking for a 100% biodegradable, phosphate-free dishwasher detergent that works and is gentle on the environment, Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is the one you want!  Safe for septic systems.  It will leave dishes streak-free and squeaky-clean.

No animal testing.  Vegan.  Gluten-free.  Soy-free.  Casein-free.  No tree nuts.  No peanuts.
Ingredients: Sodium citrate, sodium percarbonate, disodium silicate, natural enzymes, orange oil.

Ecover available at Whole Foods and Bexley Co-Op (Columbus).

Dishwasher Tablets, Automatic Dishwashing Powder, Rinse Aid

• plant based ingredients
• quick and complete biodegradability
  (OECD-test 301F, full product)
• minimum impact on aquatic life
  (OECD-test 201 & 202, full product)
• no animal testing

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day available at The Andersons (Columbus), Giant Eagle, Whole Foods and Raisin Rack (Columbus).

Automatic Dish Packs and Automatic Dishwashing Liquid

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs help your dishwasher create sparkling dishes, glasses and flatware. Each pack of oxygen bleach formula loads easily in the dishwasher's soap cup. Removes stains like coffee and tea without phosphates or chlorine.

Wave available at The Hills Market (Columbus), Giant Eagle, Raisin Rack (Columbus) and Beechwold Natural Foods (Columbus).

Wave Gel Auto Dishwasher HP and Wave Gel Free and Clear.

High Performance Wave Gel has been rated as the most effective natural auto dish product. Now with Lavender oil for fragrance. Wave is free of phosphates, chlorine and caustics. This plant-based product has a neutral pH and is fully biodegradeable.

OR you could make your own if you are concerned about the cost of the cleaners listed above.   It cost less than a penny a load to make, or 50 loads of dishes for just 50 cents. Now, that's frugal!

Here is a recipe courtesy of planet green:

Recipe for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

• 1 cup Washing soda
• 1 cup Borax
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup citric acid

Mix together and store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the best results.


Sustainable Saturday - Dishwasher Detergent Greenwashing was originally published by Saving Family Green in February 2010.

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Local Green Events (Worthington, OH) - May 2011

Worthington Farmers Market – Saturdays 9am-Noon

The summer market is in full swing on the sidewalks of Downtown Worthington. Take a Saturday morning stroll to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods and other delicious food items and homemade crafts. The Farmers Market takes place every Saturday through October.



Worthington Walks to the MAC – Sunday, May 15th from 1pm-5pm

Bring the family and lace up those walking shoes for a leisurely stroll through Worthington’s beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods. Creative surprises will be waiting along the route… then end up at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center for more hands-on fun with art activities and demonstrations, live music and more. Walkers should meet at the Griswold Center beginning at 1pm. The Walk takes place rain or shine.

Green on the Green – Saturday, May 21st – 9am-2pm

Explore ways you can go green at the Green on the Green festival on Worthington’s beautiful Village Green. The event includes a number of participants who will share innovative ideas and opportunities for you to recycle, reuse, and help keep our environment green. There is also an electronic waste recycling drive going on at the same time. Drop off your old computers, TV’s etc… at the drive thru located at Thomas Worthington High School.


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Nature's Bounty - Enter for a chance to win over $200 in FREE products!

"Like" Nature's Bounty on facebook for a chance to win over $200 worth of FREE products!    Six winners will be chosen (starting on Monday 5/16).  Sweepstakes ends May 22.

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Soap.com - YES TO Products Sale! - Buy One, Get One 50% off!

Buy any YES TO product with a value greater than $9.99, and get the 2nd for 50% off. Offer expires 5/15/2011. Valid while supplies last.

FREE Shipping (1-2 day) when you spend $39.

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Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from May 11 thru May 17.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

One Day Deals!

This Week's Hot Deals!

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

CALIFORNIA Navel Oranges
Supersweet and easy to peel.
Our buyers are experts at locating the best citrus groves in the country.
4 for $3
Reg. 99¢ ea

FLORIDA
Seedless Watermelon
$4.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

FLORIDA Blueberries
(1 pint)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

GEORGIA Vidalia Onions
99¢ lb
Reg. $1.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Chicken Cutlets
Nothing beats these juicy, lean cutlets for delicious, economical weeknight meals. Air chilled for great flavor; no antibiotics, ever.
$5.99 lb
Reg. $7.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHERS Gourmet Beef Burgers
Selection will vary at each store.
$4.99 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

PRODUCT OF USA MSC-Certified, Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon Fillet
Full flavor, rich texture and loads of omega-3s. Just add your favorite condiment. Previously frozen.
$11.99 lb
Reg. $14.99 lb

STARFISH Gluten Free Battered Haddock
Wild-caught and previously frozen.
(10 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

STUBB’S BBQ Sauce or Marinades
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $6
Reg. $3.99 ea

NAKED 100% Coconut Water
Selected varieties.
(11.2 oz)
3 for $4
Reg. $1.99 ea

IZZE Sparkling Juice
Naturally sweet. Real fruit juice, sparkling water and nothing artificial. Try as a mixer or with sorbet as a dessert. Available in selected varieties.
(4 pack)
2 for $8
Reg. $5.49 ea

NATURE’S PATH Organic Cereals
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $6
Reg. $4.49 ea

ICU EYEWEAR Sunglasses
Fun or fancy summer styles.
$13.99 ea
Reg. $18.99 ea

BIONATURAE Organic Fruit Spread
Selected varieties.
(9 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.39 ea

Back to Nature Cookies
Selected varieties.
(sizes vary)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

BLUEBONNET NUTRITION Calcium Magnesium
Supports bone health.
(180 caps)
$15.99 ea
Reg. $21.99 ea


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Sustainable Saturday - What's in Your Reusable Bag?

I have many reusable bags.  They vary from freebies, bags purchased at a store (Grocery, Target, etc.) or received as a gift (Envirosax).  I use them faithfully and constantly am moving them from the house to the car, making sure there are some in each of our vehicles.  For awhile I even carried one in my purse and diaper bag.  We use them at the grocery store, the drug store and even at the mall.

I was recently at a new store in my town that specializes in green products.  They had quite a selection of primarily Envirosax in their store and it made me wonder, how green are these bags really?  How much are people willing to pay for them?  Do people actually remember to use them faithfully to truly reduce their plastic bag consumption?  If you're not keeping them clean, choosing sustainable materials, or finding smaller sizes for produce, then you might not be making as much of an impact as you think.

Here are 6 Ways to Make Reusable Bags Work for You courtesy of  plant green:

1. Choose Your Materials Carefully

If you're on a mission to give up plastic bags, then shouldn't you make sure that your replacement totes are made from sustainable materials? Reusing the plastic bags you already have at home is one solution; also, look for bags made from recycled plastic, organic cotton, hemp, or even polyester or polypropylene (as Pablo pointed out on TreeHugger, the difference in the impacts of canvas, polyester, and polyproylene are minimal compared to the positive difference they make compared to plastic). And make sure you find a grocery tote that's durable enough to haul home all your food on trip after trip—so you don't wind up needing to replace them after just a few uses.

2. Make Your Own

Even better than buying new, try your hand at refashioning materials you already have at home into carryalls with a one-of-a-kind look. From ridiculously simple solutions, like using a pillowcase as a bag, to patterns that require a bit more sewing (like turning an old tank top into a tote), there are dozens of ways to DIY your own bags. Bonus: you'll be upcycling instead of recycling, saving carbon—and money—at the same time.

3. Keep them Safe

Make cleaning your bags part of your regular housekeeping routine to prevent mold, yeast, and bateria from building their own little homes in your foodspace with a few simple tips: bring bins or boxes to keep milk, frozen foods, and dairy from getting your bags wet; keep meat and fish apart from your fresh fruits and veggies to prevent cross-contamination; and wash or rinse your bags when you get home. It's also important to make sure the bags dry completely, since the dark, moist insides are a favorite spot for germs to breed.

If you want to read more about a study that was done by Sporometric's, "the foremost experts in many aspects of fungal and environmental bacterial testing in Canada", you can check out treehugger's Greenwash Watch: "Reusable Bags are a Health Threat"

The study concluded:

• The moist, dark, warm interior of a folded used reusable bag that has acquired a small amount of water and trace food contamination is an ideal incubator for bacteria. 
• The strong presence of yeasts in some bags indicates the presence of water and microbial growth substrate (food). The yeasts are thus a 'canary in the mine' confirming that microbes are growing in the bag.
• There is a potential for cross-contamination of food if the same reusable bags are used on successive trips.
• In cases of food poisoning, experts are now going to have to test reusable bags in addition to food products as the possible sources of contamination.

4. Remember the Produce

Bringing a canvas, hemp, cotton, or recycled plastic bag to the store and then filling it with fruits and veggies in their own individual plastic bags isn't exactly a perfect solution. The easiest alternative? Don't bag your fruits at all; unless you're buying huge quantities, it's not difficult to run them across the scanner one at a time. And if you really need to keep your apples, lemons, onions, and peppers separate, then use old sports jerseys to make produce bags; the mesh lets air circulate while protecting delicate produce.

OR try Buying 'Naked' in a Grocery Store with Zero Packaging courtesy of planet green.  Basically skip the produce bags and put the produce directly in your cart . . . you're going to wash it anyways!

You can read the rest of the article here.

Sustainable Saturday - What's in Your Reusable Bag? from Saving Family Green was originally published in February 2010.

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the whole deal coupons - NEW! May, June & July 2011

If you like to shop at Whole Foods Market® you definitely need to check out the whole deal for recipes and money saving coupons.

Whole Foods has began offering a lot more printable coupons on their website.  They are also featuring Sure Deals and Three Under $3 which are everyday values on quality products.

Depending on your local store policy, some stores will allow you to use one Whole Food coupons + one Manufacturer Coupon per item.  The corresponding manufacturer's coupons are listed below in addition to the Whole Foods coupon.

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Whole Foods™ brand supplement (excludes travel, trial and individual-serving sizes)

1 free side buy 1 whole rotisserie chicken, get a free family-size side of cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni salad (designated varieties only)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) package The Original Brat Hans Sausages

$1.00 off any ONE (1) package Wellshire Bacon, Turkey Bacon, Sausages, Hot Dogs, Franks or Sandwich Slices (selection varies by store)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Canola Oil (organic variety excluded)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) jar 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Roasted Red Peppers

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 12-oz squeeze bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Wildflower Honey

$1.00 off any ONE (1) bottle 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Soy Sauce

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Back to Nature Product

$3.00 off any TWO (2) cans of Batter Blaster Organic Pancake and Waffle Batter

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Ben & Jerry's Pint

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 32-oz bottles of Lifeway Organic Lowfat Kefir

+

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life Vitamin Code 120 ct or 240 ct (Excludes Vitamin Code Liquid, Vitamin Code Kids or Single Nutrient Formulas)

$1.00 off any TWO (2) flavors/varieties LÄRABAR^® or JOCALAT^® Bars

+

$1/4 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal or box of Granola Bars

$1.00 off any TWO (2) bags of DeLallo Pasta (Organic Whole Wheat or Organic)

+

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here (IE) or here (FF)

50¢ off any ONE (1) 1-liter vitaminwater^® or vitaminwater zero™

$3.00 off any ONE (1) case (12 bottles) 1-liter bottles smartwater^®

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 4-pack of Siggi's Probiotics Drink

$1.00 off any TWO (2) Kashi Whole Planet Foundation^® cereals: Simply Maize, Indigo Morning or 7 Whole Grain Flakes (mix or match)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 8-oz bag of Kettle Brand TIAS! Tortilla Chips 

+

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) method item

+$2/1 Method Laundry Detergent Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) 4-pack of Lifeway Probugs

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Granola or boxes of Granola Bars

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Eco Pacs Cereals or Waffles

50¢ off any ONE (1) Package of Newman's Own Organics Pop's Corn

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

55¢ off any ONE (1) 12-oz Odwalla Beverage 

+ 

$0.35/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt 16-oz cup or 4-pk 4-oz cups

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley   8-oz Cheese

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) 16-oz Organic Valley Creamer

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$0.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

55¢ off any ONE (1) bottle of San-J Gluten Free Cooking Sauce or Salad Dressing

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Seventh Generation Product

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Stonyfield Organic Frozen Yogurt Pint, Quart or package of Novelty Bars, or Ice Cream Pint

50¢ off any ONE (1) bottle of Tazo Iced Tea

50¢ off any ONE (1) thinkThin or thinkThin crunch Bar

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move^®, EveryDay Detox^®, Lemon EveryDay Detox^® or Nighty Night^® herbal tea

$1.00 off any ONE (1) So Delicious^® item (excluding frozen items)

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

75¢ off any ONE (1) 32-oz tub of Stonyfield Organic 0% fat, Low Fat or Whole Milk Yogurt

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

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