There are a lot of cleaning products in the market that claims to be biodegradable, green, or non-toxic. The question is, are they eco-friendly? All products used at home that is chemically-based substance contributed to the carbon footprint. Good thing, more people are becoming environment-conscious. The use of eco-friendly cleaning products aims to lessen or zeroed out the negative impacts on the environment.
Green cleaning is not all about using green products. It focuses on how these green products promote a healthy environment. You would only know if a cleaning product is indeed eco-friendly by knowing what eco-friendly is and by researching the things that can make a product harmful. Know more information about eco-friendly cleaning products and their benefits in achieving sustainability.
Why Opt For Eco-friendly Cleaning Products?
Healthier home and family
Eco-friendly cleaning products are safe for use because it doesn’t have toxic substances. Those who will use it will not have any worries about bodily irritations because it is not associated with harmful chemicals. There will be no toxic elements that will be dispersed in the air so you and your family are safe.
Cost-effective
Cleaning products on the market are generally expensive because of the different chemicals infuse with it. There are cleaning alternatives that you can see in your kitchen that is less expensive. No need to spend so much money on cleaning products if there is no assurance that it is safe for usage.
Fewer health risks
Commercially-available cleaning products are usually associated with health risks, especially for long-term use. When eco-friendly product is used, there’s no need to protect your eyes, skin, and nose because it will not cause harm or irritations.
Availability
There are eco-friendly cleaning products available in the market. In case it is not available, you can do DIY cleaner through the things in your kitchen. You will never run out of cleaning products if you know how to improvise.
Choosing For An Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Checking the packaging is the primary thing to consider in choosing eco-friendly cleaning products. Manufacturers would usually include in the label that the product is biodegradable, non-toxic, or eco-friendly. As much as possible, choose a product that can be recycled to lessen the waste.
- Even though packaging states that it is safe for use, it is still important to read the product label. If you notice that there is inaccurate information or discrepancies, that is already a red flag. Familiarize the ingredients and research if it has harmful chemicals. These are the common chemicals found on cleaning products that should be avoided: ammonia, chlorine bleach, petroleum solvent, phosphates, phthalates, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, monobutyl, etc.
- Make sure to use products properly. No matter how safe the cleaning product is if you will use more than the ideal quantity, it may negate a product’s environmental benefits. Partnering up the eco-friendly cleaning products with the right tools or equipment will also make it more effective.
- Avoid products that leave behind toxic residues when used. Most of the products that do not leave toxic chemicals include hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid. Products with these substances are effective against pathogens while being environment-friendly.
Do-It-Yourself Home Cleaners
Even though packaging shows that it is free from harmful chemicals, there is no assurance that it is safe for use. There are different kinds of products found in your kitchen that can be effective in cleaning that costs less and is certified to be environment-friendly than commercially available products. Here are some of the products that you can use in your cleaning routine:
- Washing soda
This is known as the sodium carbonate or a multipurpose natural cleaner. It is a heavy-duty degreaser. What’s good about this product is that it can be found easily on the grocery and is cheap. There are ways by which you can use it as a cleaning agent. You can dissolve it in water or you can just use it alone.
- Baking soda
This is a multipurpose natural cleaner that you can use anywhere whether in your comfortable room, dining table, window glass, appliances, and other kitchen utensils. It is also an effective agent that can purify the air.
- Sodium per-carbonate
This is a powder active ingredient that has stain-fighting properties. It is too concentrated that is why it must be diluted in water before use to avoid some irritations. This substance is effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms making it an effective sanitizer.
- Vinegar and water
Almost all households have vinegar and water. It has antibacterial properties that are good at disinfecting. Like other products that you see in your kitchen for cleaning, the mixture of vinegar and water can be used all-around especially in stainless steel surfaces. You can use vinegar alone but it can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose so it is better to mix it with water.
Final Thoughts
Consumers need to be extra careful in choosing green products to ensure that it does not have negative effects on humans and to the environment. There is a notion that green practices are expensive. Practicing sustainability can be expensive but there are also ways to be environment-conscious without spending a single cent. The use of eco-friendly cleaning products is one of the ways that you can help the environment without much effort. With the benefits that you can get from eco-friendly cleaning products, you can say that it is greener compared to traditional cleaning products.
