Green cleaning is one of the biggest trends of 2022. Homeowners and businesses are becoming more eco-conscious and taking steps to protect the environment.
Switching to sustainable cleaning products is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint and support a cleaner and healthier future.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about green cleaning, including why it’s important and which green cleaning products are best.
What is green cleaning?
Broadly speaking, green cleaning means using cleaning products and methods that are safer for human and environmental health. You can make your own green cleaning products using common household items like lemon juice and baking soda. You can also purchase green cleaning products that do not contain chemicals that cause significant pollution or health risks.
There is a common misconception that cleaning products containing lots of chemicals are stronger and more effective – but this is not usually the case. Most green cleaning products are just as effective and will leave your environment hygienic without posing a risk to your health or the environment.
Is green cleaning becoming more popular?
Green cleaning has become extremely popular in households and workplaces in recent years. The sustainable cleaning product market is expected to be worth almost $110 billion by 2026, showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.
As consumers and business owners become more aware of the potential negative health and environmental impacts of traditional chemical cleaners, many are moving towards more sustainable options.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of green cleaning products.
Why is green cleaning important?
Environmental impact of cleaning products
When you flush bleach or other harsh cleaning products down your toilet or sink, these chemicals enter the sewer and eventually make their way into waterways like rivers or the ocean. This contamination reduces water quality and harms aquatic species and other wildlife.
According to cleaning experts at Flower Maid: “A class of chemicals known as Alkylphenol Ethoxylates [which is found in some conventional cleaning products] have been found to harm the reproduction and survival of fish species as it mimics the hormone estrogen.”
Green cleaning protects the environment
One of the main benefits of using green cleaning products is that it is better for the environment and helps to reduce pollution in the air and waterways. Unlike conventional cleaning products, green cleaning products contain no ingredients that will harm the planet or contribute to the global problem of climate change.
Many green cleaning products also use packaging which can easily be recycled to minimise the amount of waste going to landfills. We will discuss the best ways to dispose of your green cleaning products further down.
Health impact of cleaning products
The cleaning products that you use in your business can affect the health of your employees and anyone else who visits your business premises. The everyday cleaning products that you use in your home can also create an unhealthy living environment for your family.
Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that have been linked to various medical conditions including asthma, birth defects, and some types of cancer according to the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Cleaning Supplies and Your Health. Conventional cleaning products can also exacerbate symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions.
Green cleaning protects human health
You should also be aware that government regulations don’t require cleaning products to list all ingredients on the label. Green cleaning products contain fewer ingredients from natural sources. This means you can have peace of mind knowing what the ingredients are and where they came from.
Green cleaning products are made from natural ingredients that won’t aggravate your skin, eyes and lungs like traditional cleaning products. Using eco-friendly products will help you maintain a healthy environment for your employees, family and guests.
Where can I buy green cleaning products UK?
You should also be aware that government regulations don’t require cleaning products to list all ingredients on the label. Green cleaning products contain fewer ingredients from natural sources. This means you can have peace of mind knowing what the ingredients are and where they came from.
Green cleaning products are made from natural ingredients that won’t aggravate your skin, eyes and lungs like traditional cleaning products. Using eco-friendly products will help you maintain a healthy environment for your employees, family and guests.
At its most basic form, green cleaning means using natural products like lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda to disinfect hard surfaces, clean windows, remove stains, and so on. Making your own natural cleaning products is a sustainable and affordable alternative to buying sanitising products from a store.
Take a look at this guide by Good Housekeeping for some of the best DIY cleaning products you can make at home.
There is also a wide range of green cleaning products available to buy from companies that specialise in green cleaning. Always check the labels on cleaning products (even those labelled ‘green’) and avoid buying products that contain toxic ingredients.
Here are some toxic cleaning ingredients that you should avoid:
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Ammonia
- Phosphates
- Artificial colours
- Artificial fragrances
How should I dispose of green cleaning products?
Most green cleaning products are made from non-toxic, biodegradable materials which makes them easier to dispose of. You may also be able to refill empty containers to reduce waste.
Green cleaning products contain no (or fewer) harmful chemicals, but you still need to check how to dispose of them correctly. You should never just dispose of cleaning products in your general waste bin or down the plughole, especially products containing strong or hazardous chemicals.
Cleaning products can cause serious harm to human health and the environment and you must dispose of them correctly and legally. Read our blog on how to dispose of cleaning products for more information and guidance.
Bottom line
It might be tempting to reach for conventional cleaning products, but it’s important to remember that many of these products contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the environment.
The good news is, there is a wide range of green cleaning products available that are just as effective – without any of the risks associated with harsh cleaning chemicals. Switching to green cleaning products will reduce your environmental impact and maintain a safe and healthy environment in your workplace and home.