Green Cleaning Products
Green cleaning is cleaning performed with products that contain no
ingredients that harm the environment or human health. The ingredients
as well as packaging of a green products should be earth friendly with
biodegradable packaging. Reusable packaging reduces waste and energy of
transportation. Every day, research shows evidence to support the
benefits of using green cleaning products and how it creates a better
health now and in the future. This is important because people spend 90%
of their time indoor each day.
Benefits of Using Green Products
Green cleaning products have many benefits. Using green products can
decrease the chance of being effected by toxic cleaning products loaded
with dangerous chemicals. Green cleaning reduces air and water
pollution. Cleaning products that are not healthy for the environment
can cause skin and respiratory problems. Green cleaning products
decrease the chances of developing problems caused by allergens,
bacteria, mold, and contaminants.
When you cleaning with green products, you save financially.
Statistics show that the market value of green buildings went up $4 for
every $1 invested. Using green products in the workplace cuts down the
amount of Worker's Compensation Claims. It creates a healthier
environment and lowers the amount of sick days for employees. Going
green cuts cost down on the amount of cleaner needed. Less cleaning
items are needed to green clean.
Using Green Products in Workplace
Many building cleaning companies have started using green cleaning
products because of the overall benefits. Studies show nearly 3.5
million janitorial personnel are exposed to harmful chemicals while
performing their job each year. Cleaning products are inhaled and rinsed
down the drain every day. Janitorial staff and employees are breathing
in harmful fumes from the cleaning chemicals which are then released
into the environment to cause more harm. They use about 23 gallons of
chemicals each year in their job.
Every day, research shows evidence to support the benefits of using green cleaning products and how it creates a better health now and in the future.
Using green cleaning products in the workplace can minimize the
chances of janitorial staff and others in the building being effected by
the pollutants. In America alone, businesses use more than six billion
pounds of cleaning chemicals a year. The total amount of cleaning
products and supplies used each year equals enough to fill 10,000
garbage trucks. The equipment is taken to landfills every year along
with more than 4.5 billion paper products used for cleaning. Testing has
shown, because of improved insulation, indoor air can be more toxic
than outdoor air caused from cleaning products.
Green cleaning improves the safety of employees and janitorial staff
because less harmful handling and diluting is need for green products.
Cleaning efficiency is a huge benefit of green cleaning. Using mats at
doorways cuts down on the amount of dirt and dust that enter the
building. Legal fees are lowered because less health problems and
accidents occur when green products are incorporated into cleaning.
Green Cleaning Supplies
There are many items kept in your cupboard to use for green cleaning
at home or in the workplace. White vinegar is used to get rid of fungus.
Baking soda gets rid of foul odors and can be used to scrub toilets and
sinks. Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice work as an excellent stain
remover. Club soda and lemon juice work together as a natural window
cleaner. Soften your laundry by adding a quarter cup of baking soda to
your laundry. Borax is handy to keep around to fight smells, disinfect,
and clean. Corn starch can be used to shampoo carpets or polish wood.
Replace cleaning products at home with caution. Pouring them into the
drain could mean they will end up in your drinking water and throwing
them in the trash could add to a landfill. Call your city department to
find out if they have a toxic recycling day.
Why make the switch?
Many chemicals in cleaning products have harmful side effects to the body and environment.
A common ingredient found in cleaning products is alkylphenol
ethoxylates. Studies show when this ingredient is released into the
environment it causes reproductive and immunity effects in the body.
Children may be especially vulnerable to cleaners because they have a
smaller lung capacity and their immune systems are not fully developed.
Many people do not know the dangers of mixing different cleaning
supplies. Some mixtures are fatal, especially mixing all-purpose
cleaners.
New York's Green Cleaning Program
Green Cleaning Network
Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products: A Guide For Federal Purchasers
