Hyde Creek Watershed Society

These alternatives may require a little more "elbow grease"; however the benefits are worth it - improved air quality, decreased exposure to chemicals, fewer waste disposal concerns, convenience and lower costs.

Product

Alternative

Commercial Air Fresheners

Open windows, use baking soda to absorb odors, boil cinnamon & cloves in a pan on the stove. Plants also help to remove odors from the air.

All purpose cleaner

125 ml (1/2 cup) pur soap and 4 L hot water or 60 ml (1/4 cup) baking soda/borax and 1 L hot water, to cut grease add 60 ml (1/4 cup) lemon juice.

Automatic Dishwashwer Detergent

Hand-washing with soap flakes dissolved in hot water (add vinegar to cut grease).

Bathroom Cleaners

Clean regularly with soap and hot water. For tub and tile, use baking soda with a firm bristled brush OR 125 ml (1/2 cup) pure soap, 4 L hot water with baking soda. For mould/grout, use vinegar.

Disinfectant

125 ml (1/2 cup) borax with 1 L hot water.

Drain Cleaner

Cover drains with a screen to keep out debris. Use a plumber's snake or plunger to clear drain. Pour 125 ml (1/2 cup) vinegar and 125 ml (1/2 cup) baking soda into drain. Cover tightly 1 min. then flush. Next use 125 ml (1/2 cup) salt and 125 ml (1/2 cup) baking soda and 1.5 L boiling water. Let sit several hours then flush with water.

Furniture Polish

Dissolve 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon oil in 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable, linseed or mineral oil. Apply with a clean rag.

Glass Cleaner

Add 65 ml (4 tbsp) vinegar or 15 ml (1tbsp) lemon juice to a spray bottle filled with warm water, polish.

Metal Polish

Copper - equal parts lemon juice and hot vinegar and a little salt, apply with dry rag.
Chrome - white flour on dry rag or apple cider vinegar.
Brass - equal parts salt and flour with vinegar OR worcestershire sauce.
Silver - paste of wood ash and water.

Oven Cleaner

Scrub with baking soda and steel wool or 250 ml (1 cup) pure soap, 125 ml (1/2 cup) pure soap, 120 ml lemon juice or borax and 4 L hot water. For baked on grease: mix paste of baking soda and salt and water.

Scouring Cleaner

Baking soda or paste of baking soda and soap.

Detergent

80 ml (1/3 cup) of washing soda as machine fills, put in clothes and 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) soap. For heavy soils presoak with 125 (1/2 cup) washing soda and warm water (30 min), rub soiled area with liquid soap.

Bleach

Use washing soda, borax, OR hydrogen peroxide bleach.

Municipal Government

City of Port Coquitlam

604-552-4670

City of Coquitlam

604-927-3500

Federal Government

Fisheries and Oceans, Canada

604-666-6100

Environment Canada

604-666-3500

Provincial Government

BC Environment

1-800-663-9453