May 2024
Climate change has made “going green” more urgent.
“Going green” encompasses what we eat and wear, how we build and maintain our homes, and cleaning activities. Most frequently, it refers to how we clean. The process of “going green” is necessary but can be slow as we better understand what this means to our health, safety and future.
Why Go Green
“Going green” is heathier, better for the environment, and can be more economical. Green cleaning products are eco-friendly. They reduce water and air pollution, minimize ozone depletion and help counter climate change.
Green Cleaning Products
Household cleaners can contain hazardous chemicals that are linked to eye, respiratory and skin irritation. Green cleaning products do not include these hazardous chemicals which can be released into the air. Green cleaning products help to improve air quality.
Green cleaning products can be more economical. Rather than using individual products for specific tasks – floors, windows, walls – a single multipurpose product means fewer products to purchase.
The most dangerous chemicals commonly found in cleaning products are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which include ammonia, phosphorus and nitrogen. Waste treatment processes are usually unable to remove these chemicals which contribute to environmental contamination. Their impact extends beyond spaces where they are used. Laundry and dishwasher detergent containing phosphates can trigger widespread growth of algae in wetlands and waterways. Reduced oxygen levels in water from phosphates makes it unfit for drinking, bathing, recreation, and is harmful to wildlife. Opening windows during or after cleaning releases toxic chemicals to the environment.
Using eco-friendly cleaning products that reduce or eliminate the volume of VOCs is healthier for the environment and safer for everyone.
Cleaning Odours
Older cleaning products tend to be harsh smelling. Post cleaning, the smell of ammonia or bleach can linger for an extended period. Some residents can have strong or negative reactions to these odours. Green cleaning products are designed to have a mild or imperceptible smell.
Avoid Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a marketing tactic. Some products are labelled green when the only thing “green” about them is the name, colour or dilution of chemicals.
Green Cleaning Solutions
Odoban and Simple Green are all purpose eco-cleaning products used in some residential communities – to disinfect, wash floors, clean walls, and as a deodorizer.
Pre-diluted products can contain at least 90 percent water and are designed for immediate use. Purchasing products that need to be diluted eliminates the cost to transport and store water.
Steam cleaners that require only water to clean, sanitize and deodorize can be used to clean and sanitize floors and exercise equipment without the need for cleaning products or chemicals.
Utilize green products when renovating to protect residents, particularly those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, from toxic products. The greenest, sustainable and durable carpets are 80 percent wool 20 percent nylon. Use wall coverings and paint with a low level of VOCs.
“Going green” is the future as environmental and cleaning standards are likely to become more rigorous. Green products and solutions will continue to improve as environmental concerns increase.
