Going green when you clean is a simple and practical method of caring for your home and the planet. Companies have developed dozens of green house cleaning products to tap into consumer interest in eco-friendly living. Though green house cleaning products don't contain toxic chemicals or pollutants, they scour, shine and disinfect every room in your house just as well as conventional brands.
What is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning means choosing products for your home that wipe up spills, polish windows and get rid of kitchen grease without artificial chemicals and substances that cause water, air and ground pollution. Green products typically contain plant-based ingredients, nontoxic and biodegradable formulas and recycled or recyclable packaging.
Product Types
Green house cleaning products come in an array of functional formulas. Kitchen and bath surface cleaners cleanse and disinfect, while floor and window cleaners eat through grime for a brilliant shine. Laundry detergents use natural ingredients and deodorizers to leave clothes clean and fresh. Even paper towels, sponges and wipes come in recycled and biodegradable versions.
Safer Formulas
Conventional cleaners often contain chemicals derived from petroleum whose production causes air and water pollution, according to the Union for Concerned Scientists. Other chemicals to watch out for include phosphates, phthalates, antibacterials and chlorine bleach, which have been linked to chronic illnesses. In contrast, biodegradable green cleaners contain no toxic chemicals, dyes, fragrances or other artificial materials, so they're safer for you and the environment.
Minimal Packaging
In keeping with an environmentally beneficial ethic, manufacturers package green house cleaning products using recycled and sustainable materials, which the user can also recycle. By purchasing and recycling green cleaning products, you'll be keeping your home clean and plastics, cardboard and other materials out of landfills.
Read the Labels
The US Federal Trade Commission recommends scrutinizing the labels of green cleaning products. Manufacturers may add misleading or vague claims about a product's green pedigree to market their items to eco-conscious consumers. Examine the product ingredients list and evaluate the environmental claims on the package before buying.
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