While there are many green practices worth adopting, switching to green cleaning products is one of those actions that is fairly simple, cost-effective and can make a big impact.  What most people don’t always think about is the “why” behind their actions.  Let’s take a look at the reasons why green cleaning is good for you and the environment.

• According to National Geographic, only about 30% of the roughly 17,000 chemicals found in household products, including those used for cleaning, have been sufficiently tested for their effects on human health.
• Healthier and safer cleaning products offer natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternatives that are just as effective as synthetic chemical cleaners. Fewer rashes, and allergic reactions are reported in green products.
• The use of synthetic cleaners has adverse effects on air and water quality. The disposal of chemical cleaners can also have an adverse effect on land fills and disposal areas.
• Many of the chemicals in household cleaners are harmful not only in their use, but also in their manufacturing process.
• Green cleaning can be cost effective if done properly.

We have all heard the term “green” when referring to recycling, automobiles and energy usage, but what exactly is Green Cleaning?  This is not a simple answer. Green Cleaning can have a lot of interpretations, but the main goal of green cleaning is to use cleaning solutions and methods that keep our environment healthy.

For some homes and businesses cleaning green means using only substances like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons to clean the home or business surfaces. For others it means using manufactured green cleaning products that are healthy for the environment. While for even others it means avoiding all phosphates, chlorine, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. Some people look for biodegradable cleaners while others are looking for ingredients that are grown organically or using sustainable farming practices.  So as you can see “Green” may mean different things to different people.

No matter how you define it,the reason why people choose Green cleaning is fairly universal.  Most people would say that minimizing toxicity in the environment, and minimizing the consumption of natural resources, ultimately leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible during the cleaning process are the reasons they subscribe to this method.

The average worker spends 90% of their day indoors surrounded by the chemicals and solutions from carpets, upholstery, and cleaning products that can be hazardous to the air conditions. The University of Toronto reports that  exposure to hazardous cleaning products can range from eye irritation to coughing, chest pain, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. 11.6% of work-related asthma comes from cleaning products. In addition, people who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, a disease that is not fully understood or recognized by the medical community, feel that low level exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products, cause them to feel sick.

Regardless of what your interpretation of Green Cleaning is, we can work with your company to clean in a way that is safe for workers and the least harmful for the environment.