Green cleaning products have flooded the market as alternatives to traditional cleaning agents. A growing awareness of the damaging effects of common household chemicals has produced a demand for environmentally friendly options. When purchasing cleaning products marketed as green, look for certified products. Green certification indicates that a product has met stringent environmental standards and has been tested for its effectiveness and environmental impact.
History
Green cleaning products are marketed as an alternative to traditional cleaning products, some of which can contaminate both the indoor and outdoor environment. Traditional dishwashing detergent often contains phosphates that can pollute groundwater, according to the Worldwatch Institute, and furniture polish usually contains flammable toxins such as nitrobenzene. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air "can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities," and toxic household cleaning products are at least partly responsible.
Identification
Green cleaning products "contain lower or insignificant amounts of toxic or hazardous chemicals and have reduced or minimal adverse environmental impacts," according to Green California. Green Seal, a non-profit organization, "provides science-based environmental certification standards" for green cleaning products on the market. To be certified, green products must be free of carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins, non-combustible and manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner, among other stringent requirements, according to Green Seal.
Types
Available green cleaning products include glass, carpet, bathroom and general purpose cleaners, as well as degreasers and laundry products. You can also make your own green cleaning products using common household items such as soap, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar and borax, according to the Worldwatch Institute. For example, you can deodorize carpet with corn starch, make a baking soda, salt and hot water paste to clean your oven, use equal parts white vinegar and water for a glass cleaner and mix lemon juice and salt to clean mold and mildew.
Effects
According to the EPA, cleaning products are released into the environment through evaporation and as a result of being rinsed down the drain. Both traditional and green cleaning products release chemicals into the environment, but the effect of green products is significantly lower. The Environmental Working Group tested emissions from both types of cleaning products and found that green general purpose cleaners "released an average of eight air contaminants," while non-certified cleaners "released nearly five times as many," emitting 38 different contaminants each, on average.
Considerations
Green cleaning products account for only 1 percent of household cleaner purchases, according to the Worldwatch Institute, but the market is expanding. One aspect of the green cleaning trend is the reduction of cleaning products stored in your home. Dispose of old or unnecessary products according to directions and limit the amount of cleaners stored in your home. Using general-purpose green cleaners eliminates the need for multiple job-specific products such as those marketed for bathrooms or kitchens.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Inside Story - A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
- Green California: Building Maintenance - Cleaning Products
- Green Seal: About Green Seal
- Green Seal: Green Seal Environmental Standard for General Purpose Cleaners
- Environmental Protection Agency: Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products - A Guide for Federal Purchasers
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