8 Underrated Benefits of Switching to Sustainable Cleaning Products
6 minute read
You probably already know that sustainable cleaning supplies are a safer choice for your family, especially when it comes to your little ones and pets. But did you know that they also contribute to a reduced environmental footprint and better indoor air quality? Let’s take a closer look at some of the underrated benefits that come with making the switch.
Reduced Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
According to the New York State Office of General Services, switching to sustainable cleaning supplies can reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. These products tend to use eco-conscious ingredients that are not only effective at cleaning, but also safer for your skin, lungs, and eyes. In fact, the Office of General Services reports that sustainable cleaning supplies help reduce the incidence of asthma attacks triggered by chemical allergens. By choosing sustainable cleaning supplies, you’re taking a proactive step towards protecting your health and that of your kids and your pets, from harmful chemicals that are often found in conventional cleaning products.
Possible Lower Risk of Migraines & Headaches
Sustainable cleaning products can also have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Did you know that certain chemicals used in conventional cleaning products have been linked to migraines and headaches? A 2014 study, for example, found odorant substances trigger headaches in migraine patients. By making the switch to sustainable options, you can potentially lower the risk of experiencing these unwelcome symptoms.
Reduced Impact to the Environment
Sustainable cleaning products are a true game-changer when it comes to reducing our impact on the planet. First, they typically contain natural ingredients and biodegradable formulas instead of harmful chemicals that accumulate in the environment and harm living organisms. Also, many sustainable cleaning product companies are committed to environmental responsibility, taking active steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether it’s through achieving certifications for waste reduction, carbon neutrality, or the use of renewable energy sources. By supporting these companies, you’re making a conscious choice that has a meaningful impact on our precious environment.
At ECOS, we achieved TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification in 2015, which means we divert over 99% of our waste away from landfills and incinerators. In 2021, we became the first manufacturer in the country to reach LEED Zero Carbon, LEED Zero Energy, and LEED Zero Waste certification.
We’re proud to see many other sustainable cleaning product companies take a similar approach. Some are carbon neutral. Others use renewable energy. Some support critical water systems. By buying from sustainable cleaning product companies, you could be making a choice that has a meaningful impact on the environment.
Possible Effects on Fertility
Let’s not forget about fertility-related issues. It’s a topic that concerns many couples who are trying to conceive. Many household cleaning products contain phthalates, a class of chemicals linked to reproductive health issues. Others contain quats, which have been shown to reduce sperm quality and reproductive health.
By switching to sustainable cleaning products made without quats or phthalates, you could reduce the risk of fertility-related issues. Although more research is needed to verify this connection, many couples concerned about conceiving switch to sustainable cleaning products.
Fewer Allergens & Irritants
Many household cleaners contain allergens. Allergens are compounds that cause respiratory or sinus irritation in certain individuals.
Common allergens in household cleaners include synthetic fragrances, perfumes, sulfates, phosphates, chlorine, and dyes.
Although they may not impact everyone, allergens could significantly affect health and wellness in certain people, especially pets and children.
Safer for Kids & Pets
Kids and pets are often more vulnerable to exposure to toxins due to their proximity to the ground and their smaller bodies. That’s why many parents and concerned pet owners choose sustainable ingredients when cleaning their homes, particularly in areas where their little ones spend a lot of time. By using sustainable cleaning products, you’re actively safeguarding the health of your kids and pets, as even small amounts of toxins can be harmful to their well-being.
For both of these reasons, many parents and concerned pet owners use sustainable ingredients around the home – particularly in areas where kids or pets spend a lot of time.
Surprisingly Affordable Prices
Sustainable cleaning products should not be a luxury. At ECOS, we believe everyone has the right to a healthy home. That is why we design our products with affordability in mind, through concentrated formulations, where a little goes a long way, to deliver more value per load or per ounce of product.
Cleaner Indoor Air
Household cleaners could release toxins into the air. As you clean, these toxins enter the air and spread throughout the home.
Air fresheners, for example, are associated with higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. VOCs pose various risks to our health and the environment including respiratory Issues, eye, nose, and throat Irritation, headaches and dizziness and allergic reactions. Extended exposure to high levels of VOCs has been associated with more serious health issues, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some VOCs are even classified as carcinogens and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer over time. Additionally, VOCs also play a role in air pollution and can contribute to the formation of hazardous particles.
Choosing sustainable cleaning products that prioritize low or no VOC content is a step towards reducing these potential health and environmental risks.
Final Word: Sustainable Cleaning Products Have Surprising Benefits
The sustainable cleaning product industry has truly come a long way. Today, eco-conscious cleaning products are not only effective at keeping your home clean but also use proven, safer ingredients. Take the lead in creating a healthier home environment by choosing products, like ECOS, that are free from harmful chemicals like dyes, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates. With 90 Safer Choice-certified cleaning products, ECOS is a safer choice for you and your family.