Environmentally safe cleaning products are becoming more readily available all the time. Even the largest chemical companies, known for their years of dangerous polluting, are now forced to come up with “safer” options for customers who are learning about the numerous, dangerous health risks of the
traditional household cleaners
they have been purchasing over the years.
So what should we keep in mind when we consider purchasing environmentally safe cleaning products for our homes?
There are several considerations. Lets take a closer look at the most important things to consider.
Some good quality, environmentally safe cleaning products have been proven to be every bit, if not more effective than their caustic counterparts. Look for products that offer proof of effectiveness through third party testing.
One of the easiest, most environmentally friendly and economical things you can do is to buy concentrates.
Think about it. You may not have considered how much you are paying for water in a bottle of cleaner. Water in cleaners is the MOST EXPENSIVE WATER you can buy! Not only are you paying a high price for this basic first ingredient, you are also paying to
ship the water,
package the water and
store the water.
Each of these steps adds tremendously to the pollution problem.
Why not add your own water, in reusable bottles, at a fraction of the cost?
By adding our own tap water we save emissions, landfill space and energy.
What About The Company You Buy From? How environmentally responsible is the parent company itself?
One final area for consideration we’d like to suggest, is to look at the track record and commitment of the company from whom you are buying. What are you actually funding with your dollars?
Does the parent company show good stewardship toward the environment?
What is the company’s impact on the earth’s climate according to the Climate Neutral Network?
The Climate Neutral Networkis an alliance of companies, environmental organizations, and government agencies committed to promoting products, activities and enterprises that minimally impact the Earth's climate.
Other leading Climate Neutral partner companies include Nike and Interface Inc. Participating environmental groups include the Earth Day Network, Rocky Mountain Institute, World Resources Institute, Conservation International and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Government agency participants include the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Network is an independent, not-for-profit corporation, supported by respected corporate and environmental advisors. To date, the Network has certified eight leading companies and successfully engaged a further range of leading corporations and non-business stakeholders in dialogs about the economic, environmental, and social benefits of eliminating our climate impact on the Earth.
The Network's principal activities include:
Certification:
establishing certification and branding for Climate Cool™ products and enterprises based on design principles viewed as credible by a broad spectrum of stakeholders;
Networking:
promoting the bottom-line value of Climate Cool™ products to corporate and institutional purchasers to recognize and reward exemplary climate neutral innovations in the marketplace.
If your home is anything like the average U.S. home, you generate more than 20 pounds of household hazardous waste each year (the EPA designates toilet cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, oven cleaners, and bleach as hazardous waste).
So, it’s time for all of us to get started and make a change!
Put on the gloves and get rid of the caustic stuff in your home. Your local waste collection service has guidelines for proper household hazardous waste disposal, as well as collection sites for things like paint, batteries, and cleaners.
Whatever you do, please don’t toss this stuff in the garbage.