Reduce your chemical footprint!

What is your chemical footprint?

Your chemical footprint is a combination of all the personal care, beauty, household, and cleaning products and pharmaceuticals you use. Many of these products contain contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which contribute to water pollution. CECs are ubiquitous and can lead to harmful human and environmental health impacts. You and only you can make a difference to reduce your chemical footprint!

Reduce your chemical footprint

By reducing your chemical footprint, you will help keep our water safe and clean for future generations. Here are some easy ways to reduce your chemical footprint:

• Use less! When washing, cleaning, and grooming, use less soap, shampoo, detergent, toothpaste, shaving cream. A little goes a long way.
• Read product labels. IES has identified several contaminants to avoid in products. These include: synthetic fragrance, parabens, triclosan, BPA, nonylphenol, and octylphenol. Choose for products that do not contain these contaminants.
• Make your own contaminant-free products at home. A little vinegar, lemon juice and warm water make an effective all-purpose cleaner. Attend an IES community workshop and learn more recipes for cleaning and personal care products.

Check out the “Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Chemical Footprint” under Educational Resources.