Organic House Cleaning Products
As people become more conscious of how their lifestyles impact the environment and their bodies, organic and green products are gaining in popularity. One of the aspects of daily life that's going green is housekeeping, making organic cleaning products more in demand. While the cleaning industry and the government are still developing green cleaning products and policies, the movement is already in full swing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Health Benefits
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Although non-organic cleaning products are commonplace in many American households, they contain many potentially harmful substances. Traditional cleaning products can be immediately harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with skin, potentially causing redness, irritation, itching and swelling. Using organic cleaning products can reduce the need for thick rubber gloves and masks while performing routine housework. For households with pets and small children, organic cleaning solutions make it less likely that these smaller household members will become ill due to accidental exposure to toxins.
Cost
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Organic cleaning products are available at comparable prices to traditional cleaning products, although some are more expensive. According to Consumer Reports, green cleaning products are 10% to 30% higher in cost than traditional cleaning products. However, there is a way around paying more for these products. Some manufacturers make these organic cleaners available in highly concentrated forms that can be added to a spray bottle of water in just a few drops. These concentrated cleaners save money on liquid and containers in addition to working to save the environment by reducing the use of plastics.
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Effectiveness
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Green cleaners can be just as effective as traditional cleaners at removing dirt. However, only a disinfectant can kill germs and disinfect. It's important to know that not all green cleaners contain disinfectants. Even some that are labeled as disinfectants do not kill germs as effectively as their traditional counterparts. In 2008, the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus forced one major company to change its claims about its green cleaning product, saying that their ads were misleading when they claimed to work as well as traditional cleaners.
Availability
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Organic cleaners are widely sold in the same aisles of stores as traditional cleaners. In addition to availability in stores, it's possible to make organic cleaners right at home. However, since some natural products can be dangerous if mixed, it's best to follow a recipe when assembling these homemade solutions. Green cleaning parties, during which people gather to make their own organic cleaners, have grown in popularity as they meet the needs of families looking for more ways to go green.
Warning
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Be aware that the claims on cleaners that are labeled as "natural," "organic" and "green" have yet to be regulated by the government. This makes it easy for companies to use these labels without having to adhere to strict or uniform standards.
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