Have you ever wondered about what goes into cleaning products? If you have sensitivity to certain chemicals or scents, you likely have. But even if you don’t, it’s worth considering the contents of the products you use to clean your home. After all, you want your home to be as clean and healthy as possible. You may have heard of green cleaning before, but you might not be sure what it means. What exactly makes a product “green”? What does “green” even mean? What benefits do green cleaning products have over conventional ones? This blog post will go into a few details about green cleaning and facts to consider when choosing products.
What Makes a Product “Green”?
The term “green cleaning” is often used interchangeably with other phrases like “eco-friendly” or “natural” cleaning. While there’s no set definition of “green,” the basic idea behind these terms is that they are more environmentally friendly than conventional cleaning products. They also come without harmful chemical additives that could irritate people’s skin, eyes, and breathing. This means using green products which are environmentally friendly to manufacture and whose ingredients are biodegradable. The container the product comes in might be biodegradable as well – which helps cut down on the production of plastic.
Why Choose Green Cleaning?
While some people believe that natural cleaners are inferior to commercial products, this isn’t always necessarily true. Many consumers prefer the smell and effectiveness of green cleaning solutions over conventional ones. If you’re looking for something safe for your family, eco-friendly, and sustainable, then you should explore green cleaning options. Let’s take a look at the specifics:
Reduced Environmental Impact
One way that green cleaning helps the environment is through reduced environmental impact. When you choose natural cleaning products, you’re making an effort to minimize the amount of hazardous materials produced. The less energy required to make a particular product, the less fossil fuel is burned and wasted. This means that the chemicals released into the air aren’t polluting the earth, causing damage to ecosystems, harming animals, or destroying any habitats.
Green cleaning can also help reduce waste generated by the manufacturing of traditional cleaning products, which makes them better for the environment. This means fewer toxic chemicals end up in our waters, which is safer for both wildlife and people. As mentioned earlier, these green cleaners also may come in biodegradable packaging, which reduces the need for plastic. The production of plastic uses fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Plastic is recyclable, but biodegradable options are more efficient, so consider using them where possible.
Improved Air Quality
Because green products don’t use the same hazardous chemicals as conventional products, they don’t have the same harsh fumes. Not only does this reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the environment, but it also improves indoor air quality. Green cleaning products utilize biodegradable ingredients which don’t put those harsh chemical fumes into the air in your home. They also tend to smell better than conventional cleaning products. However, some do contain fragrances, so if you’re sensitive to smells or find perfumes and scented items bothersome, check labels. If you’ve hired a cleaning service, ask them for the brands they use to make sure they suit your needs. If you’re tired of harsh, irritating odors from typical cleaners, consider using green products instead!
Easier on You
Natural cleaning products contain fewer irritants and harsh chemicals than traditional cleaning agents. If you or someone in your family is particularly sensitive to the chemicals found in other cleaners, give green products a try. Many companies offer green cleaning supplies free from harsh chemicals, meaning that they won’t cause irritation, allergies, or harm to anyone who comes in contact with them. These products are usually made with all-natural ingredients and will not leave any lingering odors. They lend a naturally clean smell to your home.
Because they’re created without harmful chemicals, natural products are also much easier on your skin. If you suffer from eczema, asthma, or you have allergies, you’ll be happy to know that many green cleaning products are hypoallergenic. Even if you’re not suffering from such conditions, you probably still want to avoid the synthetic odor typical of commercial products. Natural cleaning products often contain essential oils, which provide a pleasant scent while keeping your home smelling fresh.
No Harsh Chemicals
Because natural cleaning products are made with all-natural, organic ingredients, they tend to be much safer for use around children and pets. If you’re looking to clean your home and have small kids or animals, you’ll want to ensure that you purchase products that aren’t harsh or toxic. Most experts recommend avoiding any cleaners containing chlorine because these products may damage the respiratory system in young children. Green products don’t contain harsh chemicals and are safer to use in your home if you’re concerned about those chemicals. Natural cleaners contain ingredients like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning purposes and lavender and peppermint oils for scent. Rest assured that you’ve made a good choice for your family when selecting a natural cleaning product.
Increased Transparency
Did you know that companies don’t have to list all the ingredients of their cleaning products? California is thus far the only state that requires companies to list a cleaner’s ingredients on the label; no federal requirements exist. You’ll know whether you’re using a bleach- or ammonia-based cleaner, but you might not know what else is in it. There could be harmful chemicals in your typical cleanser. These can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, as well as much more severe effects over time. Green cleaning products tend to be more up-front about what’s in them, and those ingredients are much healthier for use in your cleaning process. Some are made from natural materials such as coconut oil and essential oils; others contain non-toxic alternatives like baking soda or vinegar. The main thing to look for is whether or not the label lists an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaners.
A Green Cleaning Process
First Choice Janitorial utilizes non-toxic and green products at your request. We’ll use green cleaners as much as possible, and when we have to use other types, we’ll let you know before we start. With our many years of experience, we know how to get your home or business clean – and we’ll make sure you understand the process. If green cleaning appeals to you, give us a call today!