Traditional cleaning products often contain bleach and other chemicals that can affect both your health and the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, exposure to cleaning supplies may irritate eyes, skin or respiratory systems. Many cleaners also pose a danger to the environment after disposal. These chemicals eventually find their way into groundwater or local streams where they disrupt plant and animal life. Switch to eco-friendly alternatives to keep your home clean without the chemicals.
What Makes a Product Green
The EPA suggests choosing cleaning products that are free from phosphates, chlorine, ozone-depleting substances and corrosive materials. You should look for plant-based products instead, including those made from citrus fruits, seeds, vegetables and pine oil. Choose only biodegradable products to minimize the effects of pollution after disposal. The greenest cleaning products are those that also include green packaging. Look for products sold in recycled containers, and make sure these containers are recyclable in your area so you can complete the cycle.
Green Certifications
Many manufacturers use a variety of marketing tricks to convince you that a product is green. Ignore this process, called "greenwashing" and stick to recommendations from trusted sources. Fox News suggests choosing products that have been certified as eco-friendly by a reputable organization. The EPA's Design for the Environment or DFE program tests and certifies green cleaning products to ensure they won't harm people or the environment. Green Seal is an independent non-profit with a widely used green certification program. Smaller manufacturing companies may work with the Seventh Generation Program instead, which develops and maintains some of the strictest testing standards available. Instead of relying on product labels that talk about being green or all-natural, look for a certification seal from one of these three reputable programs.
Best Laundry Detergent
"Good Housekeeping" magazine ranks Arm and Hammer Essentials as the top green laundry detergent in terms of performance and eco-friendliness. This product was the most effective at removing stains, and worked well even in cold water. "Good Housekeeping" also recommends Purex Natural Elements as a more affordable alternative.
Best Dish Detergent
Consumer Reports ranks automatic dishwashing detergents based on effectiveness, price and environmental impact. Among products that are free of phosphates, the Method and Simplicity brands ranked the highest. For regular dish detergents, Good Housekeeping lists Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid as their top pick.
Best Multi-Purpose
"Good Housekeeping" ranks Sun & Earth All-Purpose cleaner as the number-one pick for general cleaning. This product cut through grease and dirt on a variety of surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals. Green Works Natural All-Purpose Cleaner came in at number two.
For tougher cleaner jobs, "Good Housekeeping" recommends Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. This concentrated formula can be used to clean floors or even clean a dirty grill.
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