The Advantages of Green Cleaning Products

When it comes to the environment, every choice we make can add up. In the case of cleaning products, you may not know that some commonly purchased household cleaners can have a significant negative effect on the environment. Luckily, "green," or environmentally friendly cleaning products can help us make planet Earth a little bit healthier, while keeping our homes looking fresh and clean.
The concept of a "green" cleaning product is somewhat amorphous. Thus, it may be better to think of cleaning products on a spectrum, where some cleaners are more environmentally friendly than others, rather than dividing them strictly into "green" and "non-green" categories. When placing green cleaners on this sort of spectrum, there are two main factors we should consider.
The first of these factors is the direct impact on the environment caused by use of a given cleaning product. For example, phosphates, found in many laundry and dishwasher detergents, can cause high levels of algae growth in water systems where it is drained. This algae can suffocate local marine life, thus damaging sensitive ecosystems. Triclosan, an antibacterial compound found in many soaps, is also causing health problems for marine animals, and may have the even worse effect of contributing to antibiotic resistance which may eventually impact humans.
The second factor in determining whether one eco-friendly cleaner is "greener" than others is the impact on the environment of the product's manufacturing process. For example, there is little point to a "green" cleaner sold in a non-recyclable plastic bottle, even if this soap does not contain phosphates or other pollutants. Environmental campaigners warn of so-called "greenwashing," when companies simply slap a "green" label on a product or take out one notorious chemical compound without addressing other environmental damage their products or manufacturing processes may cause. Therefore, it is vital to do your own research on the environmental consequences of any cleaning product you buy, without taking manufacturers' claims solely at face value.
Finally, aside from the impact on the environment, many "green" cleaning products are much better for your and your family's health than conventional products. Chemicals such as ammonia and sodium hydroxide, commonly found in conventional products, have been known to have negative effects on human health for many years. With truly "green" cleaning products, you can enjoy all the benefits of a clean home while knowing you are protecting your health and the health of planet Earth.