Munchkie, our 3 (or 3 1/2 as she says) year old just started preschool, and although it’s only been 2 weeks since we started, we have already learned so much (and not just how to stack blocks and paint with water color)!

The other day, we had a parent meeting where we found out about government requirements for disinfecting in the classroom. Especially right now, with the H1N1 scare, all disinfecting products used at schools must be EPA certified as a pesticide. Needless to say, virtually all these products are toxic not only to germs, but to humans too, causing skin, eye and lung irritation or worse, and must carry warning labels. They also have very specific instructions for how they can be used around children who might mouth surfaces sprayed with these products.

For example, the Clorox® website states, “Q. Is it acceptable to use Clorox® Disinfecting wipes on children’s toys and highchairs? A. Yes, provided the high chair tray that may come in contact with food and toys that may be mouthed by children are rinsed thoroughly with water after wiping.”

I am surely not the only one who thinks it seems completely contradictory that in order to keep our children “safe,” we have to spray pesticides all around them! Yuck! No, that does not seem safe at all. And even with a water rinse, exactly how “thoroughly” is “thoroughly” anyway?

I decided to do some research on the issue and find a safer alternative to be used at my daughter’s Preschool, and came up with a product called PureGreen24– the FIRST and ONLY truly green, non-toxic, EPA-certified disinfectant on the market!

I am so excited about this product, I decided to bring it to my child’s Preschool and want to offer it to your child’s school (or your office or sports team or anywhere else you might need some disinfection) as well. Please go here to read more about PureGreen24, and you can shop here for PureGreen24 products.

Please note the case quantity discounts!

This past weekend I put together my first ever Green Cleaners workshop for a few of my mom friends. I started making all my own cleaners a while ago using nontoxic ingredients, and have been really pleased with both their effectiveness and how the house smells when I clean. I also feel really good about not using any harsh chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or having dangerous fumes be inhaled by the kids (or me, for that matter). I had a lot of fun doing this, and really enjoy helping others make their homes just a little bit safer.

If you live in the Portland area and are interested in a hands-on workshop that will teach you how to make several different cleaners, including kitchen cleansers, diaper pail deodorizer, tub and tile cleaner, floor mop, all-purpose household cleaner, antiseptic soap spray, and air deodorizer, please contact me.

The class includes everything you will need: all the containers and bottles, most of the ingredients (see note about equipment below), and written recipes for you to keep. I will share with you where to buy the ingredients in bulk or at wholesale prices to save even more money. You will save hundreds of dollars over time compared to store bought cleaners. And you will spare landfills so much packaging too since the bottles are reusable over and over again. Invite a few friends, open a bottle of wine (another benefit of using safe ingredients is that you can eat and drink close to them) and call it a party!

NOTE: Since essential oils are pricey and we all prefer different scents, please bring a few of your own. Recommended scents include lemon, peppermint, and lavender. Essential oils are not absolutely necessary, but they do add yummy scents and make the cleaning experience aromatherapeutic and so much more pleasant!! Also, bring your own 1-2 oz bottle of tea tree oil. We will only use a few dropper fulls of the oils, so they should last you a long time. You will also need to bring funnels (wide mouth and regular), measuring cups and spoons, a large mixing bowl, fork and a spatula (Pyrex and metal utensils are better than plastic since essential oils can melt plastic). Bring your own labels or a sharpie to label your containers too, and a bag to carry it all in.

COST: $25 per person + $20 materials fee.

LOCATION: Your home or mine in SE Portland.

Another perk of using natural, safe cleaners is that now you can involve your kids in the cleaning process too, and not have to worry about any noxious fumes or chemicals. That soap scum ring in the tub after your 11 yo takes a bath?? Now she can scrub away at it herself! You toddler wants to help you clean the counters and sink? Go ahead!!