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Knowing when a claim of being green is actually true and not an advertising
ploy can be difficult if you are not armed with the knowledge of how to spot a
green cleaner. There are a few approaches to finding the right green cleaner for
you - use the third-party certifications listed below to guide you in the right
direction, review the list of ingredients and product label and/or research the
company.
Third-Party Certifications or Ecolabels
There are many different third-party certifications or ecolabels, as they are
commonly known as, available worldwide to green products. Three of those
examples, Design for the Environment, Green Seal and Ecologo are listed below.
Each certifier has a different set of standards to which they adhere. Review the
different standards of each to decide which certification you find the best
fit.
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Design for the Environment (DfE) —
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's certification program works in
partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risks to people and
the environment by preventing pollution. DfE focuses on industries that
combine the potential for chemical risk reduction and improvements in energy
efficiency with a strong motivation to make lasting, positive changes. DfE
convenes partners, including industry representatives and environmental
groups, to develop goals and guide the work of the partnership. Partnership
projects evaluate the human health and environmental considerations,
performance, and cost of traditional and alternative technologies,
materials, and processes.
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Green Seal —
Founded in 1989, Green Seal provides science-based environmental
certification standards that are credible, transparent and essential in an
increasingly educated and competitive marketplace. Green Seal's industry
knowledge and standards help manufacturers, purchasers and end users alike
make responsible choices that positively impact business behavior and
improve the quality of life. Green Seal certifies hundreds of products and
services.
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EcoLogo —
Founded in 1988 by the Canadian government, EcoLogo is now recognized
world-wide, as North America's largest environmental standard and
certification mark. EcoLogo provides customers – public, corporate and
consumer – with assurance that the products and services bearing the logo
meet stringent standards of environmental leadership. With thousands of
EcoLogo Certified products, EcoLogo certifies environmental leaders covering
a large variety of categories, helping you to find and trust the world's
most sustainable products.
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Review the Label
If a product does not bear an ecolabel from a third-party certifier, it
certainly does not exclude it from being environmentally friendly. It is
important to review the label and ingredients to determine if the product is
environmentally preferable. Also, be sure to consider the packaging of the
product and overall environmental responsibility of the company.
Look for products that are:
- non-toxic
- biodegradable
- phosphate-free
- bleach-free
- dye-free
- petroleum-free
- chlorine-free
- made from renewable resources
- scented with natural plant derivatives or essential oils
Packaging
- Buy in bulk.
- Purchase a concentrated product and dilute as needed.
- Buy refills instead of a new product each time.
- Look for packaging made of recycled content.
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Research the Company
Whether it's a large company with a new green line such as Clorox GreenWorks,
or an independent manufacturer, it's worth doing a little research on the
company and the products you are interested in. Read environmental blogs,
consumer reports and review the company's own Web site. Many companies provide
facts and statistics for their cleaners and have had independent research done
on their product. Doing research is the best way to find which product works
best for your needs.
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Green Cleaning Links
Programs
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2012 State of Florida