Have you thought about green cleaning, but aren’t sure why it’s so much better than conventional cleaning? Discover 5 reasons to make the switch today and rest easy knowing you are protecting your health, your family’s, and that of the planet.
Over the past decade or so, the green movement has really taken off. The term “eco-friendly” or “green” is thrown around so often that is can sometimes be confusing. So, what does it really mean to “go green,” and why are people doing it? Well, keep reading and you’ll find out!
1. It’s safer for your family.
Small children and pets are vulnerable to high exposure levels of toxins from chemical-based cleaning products because of their size. These toxins are usually trapped in the carpet fibers where kids play and pets nap.
Green cleaners can do an equally good job without leaving chemical residues behind. Going green can, therefore, reduce exposure to harsh products that can have adverse effects on the health of small children and pets.
2. Make Your Home Safer
Warning! Flammable! Toxic! With labels like these on some conventional cleaning products, you get a pretty good idea that they aren’t really that safe. Many chemicals (e.g., chlorine and ammonia), when mixed together, can be downright dangerous.
Household cleaning supplies are one of the top five substance classes accounting for calls to the National Poison Control Center according to its 2010 annual report. So, minimize your risk with green cleaning products that aren’t toxic or as dangerous.
3. Save Some Money
Add some green to your pocketbook by making your own green cleaning products, or save money by buying eco-friendly all-purpose cleaners that do multiple jobs, so you won’t have to purchase other products. With more and more manufacturers entering the green cleaning scene, natural products are often competitively priced with their conventional, chemical-laden counterparts, and, in some cases even cheaper.
4. Clean up Your Indoor Air
Did you know that the use of conventional cleaning products can contribute to higher pollution indoors than outdoors? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been associated with a host of health problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, are released when products are used and stored and can also linger in the air long after use. That’s nothing to cough at. Breathe easier knowing that this is not a problem with cleaning products that are truly green.
5. Make Cleaning Easier
It’s much easier to have a few products that take care of your general cleaning needs than a whole arsenal of toxic products. For example, vinegar can easily replace mold and mildew removers, window cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and more.
You can often tackle multiple cleaning jobs in your home without switching products as you clean. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting bleach stains on your clothes or accidentally mixing dangerous chemicals together as you clean when you go green.