Why Go Green for Cleaning Supplies?
In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted the potential health risks associated with conventional cleaning products. Many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous chemicals that can adversely affect indoor air quality and pose significant health concerns. Just yesterday I was looking up the ingredients for Windex because I was curious and I just don’t understand why it’s still one of the most popular products people clean with…and blue. We know so much more now but the information isn’t necessarily easy to find. Here’s the breakdown…because I love doing the research for you all…
Ethylene Glycol N-Hexyl Ether (2-Hexoxyethanol): Serves as a solvent that helps break down soils and grease stains.
Monoisopropanolamine (Isopropanolamine): pH adjuster to maintain the product's effectiveness over time.
Ammonium Hydroxide: Commonly known as ammonia, it acts as a cleaning agent to remove dirt and adjust the pH of the product.
Lauryl Dimethyl Amine Oxide (Lauramine Oxide): A surfactant that helps loosen dirt from surfaces, allowing it to be wiped away.
Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate: Another surfactant that aids in breaking down and removing dirt and grime.
Fragrance: Added to provide a pleasant scent during and after use.
Sky Blue Dye: Gives the cleaner its distinctive blue color.
It's important to note that some of these ingredients, such as ammonium hydroxide and certain solvents, can emit VOCs. Not only that but I always like to research the truth about their testing process. Many companies that test on animals will sometimes even have animals in commercials to make a viewer feel like it’s safe for pets…and meanwhile animal testing is happening behind the scenes and often with very sad results.
I found that SC Johnson is not cruelty-free. It’s not clear if they test on animals, themselves or have third parties do the testing. Naturewatch has been begging the public to boycott the company for years but alas, they have money for advertising and we all know there is a special demographic of people that continue to believe everything they see on TV.
Their website home page has two links that I thought to myself …oh, maybe they’ve got a plan to change things and are moving towards a more sustainable and toxin-free future!. The links read “A Healthier World” and “A More Sustainable World”.
But when you click “A More Sustainable World”- You’ll find “We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste; accelerating the transition to a circular economy; and helping drive sustainability efforts that deliver lasting change.”
How? When? I love seeing the words “circular economy” but it certainly looks like an empty promise. And it’s clearly not environmentally sustainable to keep putting these ingredients out into homes.
When you click “A Healthier World”—You’ll find “Everywhere we operate should be better because we’re there. That’s been our commitment through five generations, and it drives our contributions, local collaboration and programs for social good.”
I’m not understanding. I mean, they do seem to do some work on malaria prevention and Habitat for Humanity, but hiding behind the good is a lot of harm to our environment and our bodies. And after I dissected the Windex ingredients I just can’t even imagine that Raid, Pledge, OFF!, and Glade aren’t full of harmful indoor pollutants too.
For a comprehensive list of ingredients of any of these items that you may use, I suggest doing a deep dive. Plus, we know that aerosol products are certainly a problem, including the waste left behind. Aerosols products contain VOCs, neurotoxins and carcinogens.
Here are some links I used to deep dive below. Note a hypothetical situation I read: “A person has been using Glade Plug-Ins their whole life and they have a baby. That baby grows up inhaling these fumes. That baby grows in to a child with allergies. That child with allergies grows up needing an inhaler. As an adult that person finds out they have damage to their lungs from using said inhaler their whole life even though it’s the only thing that could help them breathe.” Wheww…. It’s a lot to wrap your head around. We have got to turn around and lead the change and I really hope I’m helping by providing my community with alternative options to things that could potentially harm them.
Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of fumes from certain cleaning products can lead to respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic responses, such as skin rashes or respiratory symptoms, due to chemicals present in cleaning agents.
Headaches and Dizziness: Exposure to strong chemical odors can result in headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Long-term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals found in cleaning products has been associated with more severe health effects, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 30 cleaning products and detected a total of 530 unique VOCs. Of these, 193 were identified as hazardous, with the potential to cause health harms such as respiratory system damage, increased cancer risk, and developmental and reproductive impacts.
Another study highlighted that residential exposure to cleaning products has an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset and the occurrence of asthma-like symptoms among children and adults.
Given the potential health risks, it's important to consider alternatives to conventional cleaning products. Green cleaning products, which are formulated without hazardous chemicals, can help reduce exposure to harmful substances. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that using green cleaning products can help to reduce human health and environmental concerns associated with traditional cleaning methods.
Tips for Choosing Safer Cleaning Products
Read Labels Carefully: Look for products that disclose all ingredients and avoid those containing known hazardous chemicals.
Choose Fragrance-Free Options: Fragrances can contain a mix of undisclosed chemicals; opting for fragrance-free products can reduce exposure to potential allergens and irritants.
Use Natural Cleaning Agents: Consider using natural substances like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which can effectively clean without harmful side effects. We carry lots of options in bulk or packaged.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Always use cleaning products in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of fumes. If you’re trying to use up what you have but are suffering from any adverse effects you think may be connected to your cleaning products: Use them up outside or in your garage and swap to cleaner options for indoors.
By being mindful of the cleaning products we use, we can create healthier indoor environments and reduce the risk of adverse health effects associated with exposure to harmful chemicals. The Cleaning Tablet Deal is still on the website because I really want this swap to be accessible. $2 a tablet for Bathroom, All-Purpose and Window cleaner is far more affordable than chemical cleaners in plastic. Plus…your health is priceless.
