A truly green product should adhere to strict standards. It should be derived almost entirely (95%) from plants and minerals e.g. renewable sources. It should not have been tested on animals, and should be bio-degradable. It should not be associated with health risks to humans. And, ideally, it should be packaged using a sustainable (i.e. non-plastic) material.
Green cleaners are somewhat more expensive than traditional cleaners, but are increasingly available at national stores, including Target, Home Depot and Trader Joes, at very competitive prices. And using green cleaners in the workplace may well improve staff morale and lead to higher productivity.
Definitely. You don’t have to compromise when you use natural products. They have all been tried and tested, and passed stringent standards. They’re just as effective, if not more so, than traditional products, only they won’t leave behind toxic chemicals, harmful residues, or provoke allergic reactions.
If a product is truly ‘green’ it should be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is also reassuring if it carries a third-party seal of approval, such as NPA (Natural Product Association) Sierra Club, or Eco Lodge.
Absolutely. How you clean your home and the products you use impact on you and your children in a big way. You won’t be breathing in toxic chemicals, you’’ll be expanding the lifespan of your furnishings and you’ll be protecting the planet too.