Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners

via NRDC.org

Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners...

"Over the past few years, air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with promises of a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. The labels do not mention, however, that many of these products also release potentially hazardous chemicals.

A recent investigation of 14 common air fresheners by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates in 12 products, including some fresheners marketed as "all-natural" and "unscented." None of the air fresheners listed phthalates on their labels..." (read more)

And via Science Daily:

Many Cleaners, Air Fresheners May Pose Health Risks When Used Indoors

Drain Catcher

My tub drain gets clogged all the time. I hate draino... its soo toxic to the watersystems, and its really expensive. I did try one brand of 'ecologically friendly' drain cleaner and it did not work at all. So I sucked it up and bought the draino and vowed that I would ensure to do something about the cause of the cloggage. Not about to shave my long hair, I opted instead to plop in a wire mesh drain catcher. It cost under $2 from Canadian Tire. If I had measured the width before hand I wouldn't have had to make two trips... I recommend measuring. If you have one of those swivel/drop stoppers, its a bit of a pain to get out. I used a screwdriver wedged down the drain to hold still the stick-part under there by pushing really hard, while screwing off the top. This was of course after the woman at the store assured me all I needed to do to get it off was spin the top many times. How cruel was she?! I span and span for like, ever. Anyway, its been installed for several months now, my drain's been clear, and there's always the satisfaction of completing a home-improvement project all by yourself. Even just a tiny one.