Organic and natural foods may be big sellers, but when it comes to natural and environmentally-friendly cleaning products, some consumers hesitate. Are the new “green cleaners” as effective as those containing more harmful chemicals?
“Ten or 15 years ago, earth friendly cleaners consisted of a traditional cleaning product, minus certain potentially harmful chemicals,” says Dr. Lauren Heine, a green chemistry consultant and senior science advisor for Clean Production Action in Bellingham, Wash. “They took out the toxic ingredient and didn’t replace them,” Heine says. “But now there are greener chemicals.”
Turns out many new green cleaners are effective, safe and priced about the same as traditional cleaners.
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“Green cleaners are becoming more cost-competitive,” notes Johanna Kertesz, an environmentally preferable purchasing specialist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “These days, several mainstream cleaning product companies are developing green product lines that are priced similarly to the conventional products.”
Clorox Goes Green
For a quick cleanup, Clorox Greenworks Wipes, work on most non-wood surfaces, including acrylic, fiberglass and vinyl without using harsh chemicals. In fact, they’re made with essential oils, a coconut-based cleaning agent, glycerin, filtered water, corn-based ethanol, a biodegradable preservative, and 100% wood-based fibers. And Greenworks Wipes are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment Program for pollution prevention.
“Consumers can look for reputable eco-labels, such as EPA's Design for the Environment, Green Seal, and EcoLogo, to assist with the selection of safe and effective cleaning products,” Kertesz syas. “These certifications indicate that the product met environmental and performance standards.”
Price: $3.39 for 30 wipes.
