According to Clean Water Action, some aspects to consider in safe green cleaning products include:

biodegradable or not.
nontoxic.
bulk packaging.
recyclable packaging.
packaging from recycled materials.
phosphate-free.
label with full disclosure of all active and inactive ingredients.
natural fragrances.

The only way to know if a product is safe is to become informed. But, honestly, it’s incredibly difficult to keep up. There are thousands of potentially harmful chemicals in our household products – and one chemical can go by 6 different names.

Simplifying your life is about making those better choices – but not becoming a slave to them!

We don’t want to be spending an entire afternoon in the supermarket deciphering labels. I’ve been there, and I’d rather be getting on with my life! So – throughout the years, I figured out a way to shop better. We live in a modern world, we have technology at our fingertips – so lets use it!

I’m going to show how to make informed choices within seconds. You’ll reduce toxins, support better brands and feel good in your home!

Choosing Green Cleaning

The Eco-friendly demands of today’s businesses and consumers have caused cleaning chemical manufacturers to jump on board. They have created a “buffet” of healthy and environmentally friendly options for those wanting to go green and provide more “greener” options.

With so many products on the market these days, how do you know which ones are truly “green”? Here are some recommendations on what to look for when choosing green cleaners:

Is the product certified by Green Seal®? Green Seal® is highly regarded in the industry and provides science-based environmental certification standards for green cleaning products.
Is the product non-toxic? Look for products that are non-toxic to humans, pets, and aquatic life.
Is the product biodegradable? Biodegradable means that it can be broken down by microbial action. The longer it takes to break down, the more harmful it is to the environment. Check the label to see if it says it’s biodegradable.
Is the product concentrated or ready-to-use? Ready-to-use cleaners are composed of 90% water, which means extra energy and packaging went into making the product. And extra packaging means extra solid waste ending up in our landfills. Concentrated product however, uses very little water and less packaging, which is much more environmentally friendly. It also cuts down on weight, which means less cost associated with the fuel needed to transport product to its final destination.
Does the product work in cold water? Using cold water saves energy, whereas the need for using hot water with the chemical uses more energy.
Does the product contain chlorine bleach? The wastewater after using a product containing chlorine bleach can react with other chemicals, which can be toxic.
Is the product derived from petroleum? Petroleum-based solvents are made from non-renewable resources, they are flammable, and can be toxic when inhaled. It’s better to use solvents derived from pine oil or citrus because they’re considered renewable resources.
Is the product an aerosol? Aerosol bottles can be dangerous if punctured, as they may produce an uncontrolled spray, which can put you at risk of exposure.
Is the product neutral in pH? Neutral pH products are safer for the environment and end user. Acidic or alkaline products can burn if accidentally spilled on your skin. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral.
Is the packaging made from recycled products? Many containers and cardboard boxes are made from “post-consumer” materials.