Going green when you clean is a simple but effective way to care for the environment and your family. Using your power as a consumer, you can demonstrate your concern for the world around you by purchasing products that feature nontoxic formulas and other advancements to lessen their impact on our planet. The best part: Green products clean, shine and disinfect just as well as conventional products, without harsh chemicals or pollutants.
Definition
Commercial cleaning products often contain industrial chemicals linked to chronic diseases and environmental pollution. Green cleaning means using maintenance products and supplies manufactured with nontoxic formulas, plant-based ingredients, recycled materials and a minimum of packaging whenever possible.
Product Types
For every conventional cleaning product on the market, there is likely a green alternative. Bathroom and kitchen cleansers, window cleaners, laundry detergents, drain cleaners, floor treatments and disinfectants--even paper towels and sponges--are available in nontoxic varieties.
Product Formulas
The Union of Concerned Scientists recommends avoiding conventional cleaning products containing petroleum derivatives, phosphates, phthalates, antibacterial agents and chlorine bleach. Scientists have linked these materials to asthma, resistance to antibiotics, cancer and other chronic illnesses. Choose cleansers that are biodegradable, made from plant-based and renewable materials and aren't required to be disposed as hazardous waste.
Packaging
Select green cleaners with a minimum of packaging. The best choices are cleaners sold in recycled and 100 percent recyclable containers, such as paper cartons and PET or HDPE plastic bottles. Consider refillable products, such as liquid soap or detergents with refills sold in recyclable paper cartons, to further reduce packing waste.
Homemade Alternatives
Replace commercial products completely with your own homemade household cleaners. Mix plain baking soda, white vinegar, vegetable-based castile soap and water in different combinations to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces, floors, windows, dishes, laundry and every other part of the home without toxic chemicals. Reuse empty spray bottles or jugs to store your solutions.
Member Comments
annabanana30 August 4
There's more to green cleaning than the products used. Switch to cold water for washloads, dry on a clothesline, if you have a dishwasher use only cold water to pre-rinse. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Re-use water when possible for cleaning other areas, flushing toilets, or watering plants (depending on what's in the water). Run appliances during non-peak energy hours. Use reusable cloths and towels. There's a million ways and you'll think of your own if you stop and think while you're cleaning.
annabanana30 August 4
There's more to green cleaning than the products used. Switch to cold water for washloads, dry on a clothesline, if you have a dishwasher use only cold water to pre-rinse. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Re-use water when possible for cleaning other areas, flushing toilets, or watering plants (depending on what's in the water). Run appliances during non-peak energy hours. Use reusable cloths and towels. There's a million ways and you'll think of your own if you stop and think while you're cleaning.
annabanana30 August 4
There's more to green cleaning than the products used. Switch to cold water for washloads, dry on a clothesline, if you have a dishwasher use only cold water to pre-rinse. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Re-use water when possible for cleaning other areas, flushing toilets, or watering plants (depending on what's in the water). Run appliances during non-peak energy hours. Use reusable cloths and towels. There's a million ways and you'll think of your own if you stop and think while you're cleaning.
annabanana30 August 4
There's more to green cleaning than the products used. Switch to cold water for washloads, dry on a clothesline, if you have a dishwasher use only cold water to pre-rinse. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Re-use water when possible for cleaning other areas, flushing toilets, or watering plants (depending on what's in the water). Run appliances during non-peak energy hours. Use reusable cloths and towels. There's a million ways and you'll think of your own if you stop and think while you're cleaning.