First and foremost, it is important to know about the cleaning products that you purchase for your home and every day use because many household products that consumers regard as safe are full of harmful chemicals. These chemicals pose threats to humans and wildlife alike.

In the past 20 years, only 15 per cent of the 80,000 new chemicals that have been invented since the 1950’s, have been tested for health and safety. Furthermore, none of them have been tested in combination – none. Almost 2,000 new chemicals are introduced each year and that number is rising: that is seven new chemicals per day! Now think of the impact this has on the Earth, our health and the economy in general.

Be aware of green washing, which misleads consumers into believing that a product or service is actually good for the environment or that a company is following acceptable environmental practices. Much of the time, this is not the case, rather quite the opposite.  Marketers are trained to brainwash you in to thinking you need this product or that it is safe even though it is not and in turn, detrimental to your health.

What is the solution? Research the product by checking the manufacturer’s website, and once you know that the product is safe, continue to purchase it. Looking at the ingredients specifically is a good start. Finding out what the manufacturer’s policy is on the environment or on sustainability will also tell a great deal about the company. To learn how to avoid being greenwashed by eco-marketers, visit: What you Need to Know About Green-Washing.

In November 2007, TerraChoice released a report entitled, A Study of Environmental Claims in North American Consumer Markets.The study made several great suggestions about how to look for green-washed products: A bathroom cleaner splashes Chlorine- Free on its label but fails to mention that it still contains other toxic ingredients. Light bulb manufacturers might claim their products are energy-efficient but provide no evidence or certification.

Phrases such as ‘Chemical-free’, ‘Non-toxic’, and ‘All Natural’ lead us to believe a product is safe, but something can be all natural and still be hazardous – tobacco, uranium, crude oil, mercury, and arsenic are ALL natural.

So, take the time to research, research, research.  The planet and your health with thank you.

This article was written by writer, Melanie Vollick, and owner of Greener Cleaner Cleaning Company. “Tough on dirt, easy on the planet!”

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