Ecolabels are a great way for shoppers to quickly and easily identify products that are more eco-friendly. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of vague or generic statements about products such as 'environmentally friendly', 'environmentally safe', or 'environmentally friendly products' (also known as green products). To make it easier for buyers to identify greener cleaning products, the EPA administers the Safer Choice program, which certifies products that contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. In addition to the Safer Choice label, the EPA also offers the Design for the Environment (DfE) label on antimicrobial products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers. Whether a product carries the Safer Choice label or the DfE label, it must meet the same strict requirements and high standards in order to be certified.
The EPA provides online search tools to help consumers and buyers find Safer Choice and DFE certified products. However, it is important to be aware that just because a product looks environmentally friendly, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is. Using products with natural cleaning properties means that harmful chemicals won't end up down the drain or in landfills. In addition, using environmentally friendly production methods can make a big difference in terms of carbon emissions and waste production. From cars to windows to food, you can find a greener option for just about any product or service.
Cleaning products often contain toxic chemicals and are produced with methods that leave a large carbon footprint. Cleaning products are necessary to maintain attractive and healthy conditions both in the home and in the workplace. Traditional cleaning products do a good job of getting rid of debris, stains and germs, but they do so with potentially harmful chemicals. There is a long list of chemicals used in the cleaning industry, and they can be damaging to the environment or possibly toxic to humans. You may have noticed more and more brands developing new items labeled as 'green', eco-friendly or 'natural' cleaning products.
In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, it is also important to remove dust, allergens and infectious agents in order to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Whether it's companies with decades in the market trying to become more environmentally conscious, or new companies with an innovative starting point, you have plenty of new and better options. Fortunately, the Internet now allows you to research and find out exactly what's behind each cleaning product. Using environmentally friendly cleaning products can help reduce the environmental and human health problems associated with cleaning. This is because (normally) you use commercial products directly from the bottle to work properly. For reasons of human safety, companies first test products on animals, to see how they would react to contact with skin, eyes, breathing etc.
