You are probably aware that many chemicals in cleaning products can be dangerous for the environment, and this has caused you to make the switch to “green” cleaning products. These products are safer for the environment, but they do still contain chemicals than can cause harm if you use them incorrectly. Consider all the facts when choosing the best cleaning products for your family.
Significance
All cleaning products contain some type of chemicals. However, the chemicals in regular cleaning products are harsher than the ones in green products. For example, the phosphates in dish washing detergent can contaminate the ground water in your area as they wash down the sink. Laundry detergents that contain bleach can be corrosive. Green products do contain chemicals, but these chemicals are safer for the environment.
Types
An all-purpose green cleaner will contain chemicals like lauryl polyglucose and decyl glucoside, in addition to water and other chemicals. A liquid laundry detergent for babies will have sodium borate (borax) and sodium gluconate. These types of chemicals are all considered safe by organizations, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which offers guidelines for chemicals to be considered “green,” such as low toxicity, biodegradability and low flammability.
Benefits
When you choose to use green cleaning products, you can have a lesser impact on the environment. The Worldwatch Institute reports that if you use regular cleaning products, the air inside your home can be as much as five times more polluted than the air outside the home. With green cleaners, your home’s air is cleaner, along with your toilet.
Considerations
Though green cleaning products are safer for the environment, they do still contain chemicals, and these chemicals can be harmful if they get on your skin, in your eyes or if you swallow them. Additionally, using green cleaners typically requires a bit more elbow grease than you would need if using regular cleaners. Green manufacturers are currently trying to improve the efficiency of their products so that you don’t have to sacrifice cleanliness for your concern for the environment.
Alternatives
If you are still concerned about the chemicals in green cleaning products, you can switch to using all-natural cleaners. You can use baking soda, vinegar, borax, lemon juice, salt and water to clean the areas of your home with a scrubbing sponge.
Photo Credit
- Bathroom image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
