Change Your Cleaning Habits, Change the World
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
Using eco-friendly cleaning products isn't just about maintaining a squeaky-clean home; it's also a significant step towards combating climate change. Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that contribute to air and water pollution, exacerbating environmental degradation. Conversely, eco-friendly alternatives utilize natural and biodegradable ingredients, minimizing their ecological footprint. By making the switch to these environmentally conscious options, individuals can reduce their carbon emissions and lessen their impact on the planet.
One of the key ways eco-friendly cleaning products contribute to mitigating climate change is through reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many conventional cleaning agents are manufactured using fossil fuels and release harmful emissions during production and use. In contrast, eco-friendly alternatives prioritize renewable resources and sustainable manufacturing processes, resulting in lower carbon emissions. By choosing these products, consumers help decrease the demand for fossil fuel-based chemicals, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint associated with cleaning activities.
Furthermore, eco-friendly cleaning products promote healthier indoor air quality and ecosystems. Traditional cleaners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins that can linger in the air long after use, contributing to indoor air pollution and negatively impacting human health. Eco-friendly alternatives, on the other hand, are formulated with non-toxic ingredients that break down harmlessly, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Additionally, when these biodegradable cleaners are washed down drains, they pose minimal harm to aquatic life and ecosystems compared to their chemical-laden counterparts.
Here are summaries for just a few companies that we carry that are bringing their A Game to the eco friendly arena:
ECOS is Leaping Bunny certified, US EPA Safer Choice, and grey water and septic safe. Their facility runs on 100% renewable energy. Customer favorites include dish soap, laundry detergent and the all-purpose cleaner, which has the freshest natural scent.
Ecover began in 1979. They created the world’s very first phosphate-free laundry detergent! Their products are biodegradable and their facilities are certified platinum zero-waste by TRUE.. They have been Leaping Bunny certified since 2011 and are now vegan-friendly, which means they don’t use any animal or insect-derived substances in any of their products. They are waging a war on plastic - dedicated to transitioning to zero virgin plastic use and are also working on offering refillables for their cleaning products.
Tru Earth Tru Earth Laundry Detergent has a smaller footprint than other liquid or powder detergents. Its packaging uses no plastic jug, and its light weight and small size needs less space compared to traditional liquid and powder detergent. The small concentrated Eco Strips deliver just the right amount of cleaning power. Its packaging is just a slim cardboard sleeve that is fully recyclable. According to their website, “If everyone switched to Eco-Strips we could eliminate 1 billion plastic jugs, and save truck fuel and CO2 equivalent to taking 27 million cars off the road a day... or planting 9 million new trees.” At Choices, we carry both the unscented and fresh linen varieties.
Dr. Bronners: Dr. Bronners has been the leader in producing effective eco-friendly products for decades. From their website: “Dr. Bronner’s was founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner, a third- generation master soapmaker from a German-Jewish soapmaking family. He used the labels on his superb ecological soaps to spread his message that we must realize our transcendent unity across religious & ethnic divides: “We are All-One or None!” Still family-owned and run, Dr. Bronner’s honors its founder’s vision by making socially & environmentally responsible products of the highest quality—and by dedicating our profits to help make a better world. All-One!”
By embracing eco-friendly cleaning practices, individuals can play a part in safeguarding both the environment and human well-being against the adverse effects of climate change.