Cleaning products on the market have changed drastically over the past 10 years. When you walk into any supermarket or large retailer, you’ll probably see a large section of cleaning products labeled with phrases like “green”, “environmentally friendly”, “organic”, “safe”, and “derived from plants”. As we become more aware of the changes our planet and environment are enduring, many people are making the switch to cleaning products that are better for the environment. There are still many people who don’t know the harm of many cleaners that have been on the market for years.
Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that are harmful for humans, animals, and plants to consume. When these products end up in the environment, it can cause damage to vegetation and wildlife. Many of these products end up in the environment by being washed down the sink drain, toilet, or being improperly disposed of in the trash. The chemicals enter our waterways and it’s nearly impossible to remove all the contaminants from these chemical products through the process at water waste treatment facilities.
Different cleaning products have different effects on the environment depending on their chemical makeup. Some kill of wildlife and plants. Others can actually increase vegetation growth, which leads to an ecosystem imbalance. Others end up in the ozone layer, having a negative effect on ozone levels and contributing to climate change. Cleaning products also affect the environment because they often come in plastic packaging, which many people don’t recycle.
If you want to help reduce the negative impact cleaning products are having on the environment, there are multiple things you can do. Learn about the chemicals and ingredients that are in your cleaning products. Most stores carry trusted brands that are known to be a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative. These products might be more expensive, but they are better for your health and the health of the planet. In addition to making the switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products, you can responsibly recycle the packaging that your cleaning products come in. If you want someone to take care of the cleaning for you, there are companies that specialize in green cleaning.
