What a lot of green enthusiasts don’t know is that the magical cleaning products we use are counterproductive, to an extent. Cleaning products contain loads of toxic ingredients that are harming the environment.
According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, about 75% Americans believe that ingredients must be posted on cleaning product labels by law. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Ingredients such as chlorine, phosphates, or other preservatives are not environmentally friendly. People who buy these products should know what’s in them and what it’s going to do for our grandchildren’s environment years from now. Not to worry, though, times are changing!
What initiatives are doing now are making three-tiered systems that provide ratings such as eco-scales, green good housekeeping seals, the green seal, etc. Government initiatives from all across the world have sprung up that provide funding for green technologies on their properties such as renewable energy sources for businesses and home insulations for homeowners. There are a bunch of other factors, though, that green enthusiasts usually consider—for example, recycled packaging. Another one that people miss out is sponges and other materials—they are usually made in factories that use toxic chemicals. Why not just use an old t-shirt or something?
Contrary to popular belief, natural cleaning products do exist. You just have to look harder. The next time you’re out shopping explore product labels and look around—they may be more expensive, but why put a price on the health of the earth?
The toxic chemicals you find in cheaper products not only damage the environment, but are also hazardous to your health. Organic cleaning supplies are the way to go. Don’t risk it. Search the internet if you have no other options—it’s filled with possibilities. Order some natural cleaning supplies online.
If all else fails, why not stick to the basics?
- Kitchen counters and bathrooms will be sparkling clean with backing soda
- Vinegar will wipe out stains better than any product on the market. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, splash some lemon juice on it.
- “Well what about disinfectants?” Just make your own. Mix two cups of water, about three tablespoons of liquid soap and about 25 drops of tea tree oil and voila.
- Windows can be squeaky clean with a bit of lemon juice and water. Use a newspaper for the best results.
- Use about half a cup of baking soda for clogged drains. Just pour it right in there and then add some boiling water. Add some vinegar if the drain refuses to clear up.
The possibilities are endless and there should be no excuses.
Author Bio
Sohaib Siddique works for the Green Deal Initiative and is a keen enthusiast of all Green technologies.
I agree with this just as I agree with GMO labeling. I want my food to be labeld GMO if that is what is being sold at my grocery store.
Eco friendly posts make me happy so thank you for posting this. I definitely think everyone should just start using all natural and green household product to clean their home.
Other than all these tips being beneficial to our health, it is also cost friendly.
I also agree that sponges can be very toxic and instead of using sponges, everyone should be using Microfiber cloths which are very safe and chemical-free and more efficient than using ordinary cloths. According to tests, using microfiber materials to clean surfaces decreases the number of bacteria by 99%.
Thanks for sharing this eco-awareness post. With the increasing crisis in the environment we need more products like this.