Potentially Hazardous Product	Safer Alternative
Aphid killer	Spray thoroughly with water. Repeat three times weekly.
Aerosol spray	Use non-aerosol, pump type sprays.
Ant control	Mix borax, sugar and water on a cotton ball.
Bathroom cleaner	Mix baking soda and castile soap. Scrub.
Bug spray	Place screens on windows and doors.
Chemical fertilizers	Use compost or coffee grounds, bone meal and wood ashes.
Copper cleaner	Scrub with vinegar and salt. Rinse well.
Deodorizers/Air fresheners	Simmer cinnamon and cloves.
Drain openers	Baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water. Or, use a plumber’s snake.
Flea repellent	Use a flea comb. Bathe pet weekly. Feed pets Brewer’s yeast, vitamin B or garlic cloves.
Floor cleaner	Vinegar and water.
Furniture polish	For unvarnished surfaces, mix lemon juice and vegetable oil.
Glass and window cleaners	Vinegar and water.
Laundry detergent	Use washing soda, or a non-phosphate concentrate.
Oven cleaners	Washing soda.
Oil or solvent based paint.	Water based or latex paints.
Rat and mouse poison.	Snap or live traps.
Rug and upholstery cleaners.	Club soda.
Scouring powders.	Baking soda or borax. Rinse thoroughly.
Slug/snail bait.	Pan with beer or slug hotel (see activity).
Toilet bowl cleaner	Baking soda and castile soap.
Weed killer.	Pull by hand.

Updated: Jan. 1, 1999