THE CANISTER OF DISINFECTING WIPES
Every year, there is one item on the school supply list that doesn't sit well with me. An item that states on the packaging "keep out of reach of children."

It's not the teacher or custodian using this school list item; it's the children using them to wipe down their desks in an effort to show them how to tidy up. While I don't disagree with the intention, I am disgusted at the requested product.

The school shopping list is not something that I was EVER willing to compromise my standards in ingredient awareness for, and neither should you! What item am I talking about?

Clorox Wipes or Lysol Wipes

KEY INGREDIENTS
• Hexoxyethanol
a known skin irritant and according to the European Chemicals Agency, it is classified as "harmful when in contact with skin and when swallowed. It can also cause skin burns and serious eye damage." (While I understand our children won't be drinking from this canister, how many littles ones do you see touch all the things and then put their hands in their mouth? How about touch all the things, and then rub their eyes?) The findings further concluded that "Hexoxyethanol was also known to cause kidney injury and depression. It is also a severe respiratory tract irritant and has known blood effects. It may enter the body through ingestion, aerosol inhalation, and through the skin."
• Isopropanol (Isopropyl alcohol)
a known skin and respiratory irritant that affects the central nervous system. Poisoning has been reported through inhalation.
• Fragrance
A blanket term that houses nearly 3,000 chemicals, many of which have been grandfathered in during the 80's and lack the requirement for complete disclosure thanks to the TSCA. Short term toxicity can include coughing, skin irritation, rash, wheezing, headaches and nausea. Long term toxicity can include cancer, lung disease, heart disease and reproductive disorders. Many of the chemicals housed under this blanket term Fragrance are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

So, the question is, Are YOU comfortable looking the other way for this item?
I didn't think so.
So...what is a green momma to do?
PROVIDE A NON TOXIC OPTION!
DID YOU KNOW that the EPA has long stated that 3 - 5% food grade hydrogen peroxide IS an acceptable disinfectant replacement for bleach?
Hydrogen Peroxide: disinfectant
Thieves Household Cleaner: cleaning agent

Here is how I mix my surface cleaner in a 14 ounce spray bottle
•8 oz hydrogen peroxide
•4 oz water
•2 oz Thieves Household Cleaner

I have standards, and I'm not about to compromise them.
Will YOU join me on the "anti Clorox wipe ditch the toxins so I am giving the teacher thieves and paper towels instead challenge?"

HERE IS WHAT I ALWAYS PROVIDED:
•2 Rolls of Paper Towels
•1 Diluted Spray bottle ready for cleaning as made above.

School supply drop offs are beginning soon, and this is what I had offered EVERY year in place of the toxic canister of disinfecting wipes.
And in the 12 years I had done this, I never once heard an objection.
I did however, get many "Thank You's."

Stand up for what you believe in.
Don't look the other way.
Choose better.