What Is "Green Cleaning" and Should You Do It? We Share How to Get Started

The term "green cleaning" means using cleaning products and methods that keep people in the home and the environment healthy while reducing landfill waste and the human carbon footprint. 

Exposure to chemicals and toxins can potentially cause irreparable harm to health, the water supply, air quality, and ecosystem balance.

Read on to learn how to go green with your household cleaning routine.

What Is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning can mean that you only use natural green cleaners, such as baking soda, ​vinegar, and lemons, to clean the home surfaces. It can also mean you only use commercial "green" products that have been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as better for the environment.

Green cleaning products typically have the following characteristics:

• No phosphates
• No chlorine
• No artificial fragrances
• No artificial colors
• Biodegradable or recyclable packaging
• Organically grown ingredients using sustainable farming practices

Some green cleaning products may certify that they are fair trade, meaning they meet specific environmental and labor standards by those who produce them.

Other green cleaning products may not be free of additives or harmful chemicals, but they may donate some of their profits to environmental causes. It is important to carefully read all cleaning product labels and follow the directions for use.

How to Reduce Landfill Waste While Cleaning

Besides using green cleaning solutions, you can also go green by reducing landfill waste while cleaning.

• Get reusable cleaning items: Reuse cleaning cloths, washable mopheads, and natural sponges (made of cotton or cellulose). Reduce the use of paper towels or single-use cleaning wipes. Microfiber cloths work exceptionally well for polishing surfaces and trapping dirt or dust. After use, wash the cleaning cloths or heads in the washing machine to reuse them repeatedly.
• Skip single-use plastic jugs: Buy cleaning product refills in paper or glass containers. Select concentrated products with "add water" instructions. The concentrates weigh less, are often smaller, and are easier to package and ship, reducing greenhouse gases in transportation and shelf space.
• Reuse old toothbrushes: Since switching out toothbrushes is a three-month task, repurpose old toothbrushes for detailed cleaning tasks like cleaning grout lines, along crevices, or polishing jewelry.
  

How "Green" Are Green Cleaners?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice program and Design for the Environment program mandates that labels are put on products that meet EPA's chemical criteria.

Comparing green and traditional cleaners:

• Some green cleaners are more expensive than mass-produced, petroleum-based cleaning products. However, if you make your own cleaners using basic pantry ingredients, the savings are significant.
• Labels with vague terms such as "environmentally friendly" and "non-toxic" are not regulated and potentially misleading; these "green products" may still contain unhealthy ingredients.
• Some green cleaners may be safe for the environment but not strong enough to disinfect surfaces. To effectively kill germs and stop the spread of infection, be sure you use a product that cleans and disinfects.