Be Green!

Alternatives Methods of Cleaning: From the Zoo to Your Home!

Alternatives Methods of Cleaning: From the Zoo to Your Home!

Toxic pollutants from commonly used household products, when poured down drains, pass through wastewater treatment plants and can end up in local waters, harming fish and wildlife.

As an organization whose mission is to promote the natural world, the Phoenix Zoo has made a commitment to do our part to conserve resources and preserve our world for future generations.

To help lower the toxic impact of the environment, we have elected to eliminate the use of chlorine and reduced the use of bleach and other chemicals to clean and disinfect animal exhibits. We are in the process of testing and replacing these chemicals with “Greener” alternatives which offer a lower environmental impact while maintaining the efficiency and cleaning standards required in the care of our animals. Ultimately, we expect that we will find new products that will reduce the potential to pollute the environment, and will also be less toxic to the keepers and the animals.

 

What You Can Do at Home

You can change the way you clean your home by switching to safer alternative products such as baking soda, vinegar, lemons. Not only is there a safe homemade product to use for every room in your house, you will also protect the environment from harsh toxins.

Examples:
An all-purpose cleaner, such as baking soda mixed with water, can be used for counters, cabinets, stove tops and other general areas

Greasy fingerprints on furniture and windows can be cleaned by using a solution of 1 tablespoon lemon juice mixed in a quart of warm water

Vinegar and water can be used to clean vinyl floors or to damp mop sealed wood floors

Check your local grocery or big box store as well – many are now carrying green alternatives to more toxic cleaners.