With all the buzz about “green” and “natural” cleaning products in the media these days, it is understandable that consumers may be tempted to try a new approach to housekeeping.  However, they should do so with caution because cleaning products provide important public health benefits, and a less effective product can cause trouble.

“Green” and “natural” products and ingredients make a good story in the media because they appear to offer “politically correct” solutions to ordinary tasks.  But consumers need to be careful before changing from tried and true cleaning products.  In addition to providing a clean house, effective cleaning with the proper products protects against threats such as viruses that cause the common cold, flu and diarrhea and bacteria such as Salmonella and E.Coli that can contaminate food surfaces.  

Traditional cleaning products have been designed to ensure safety and environmental compatibility.  They contain carefully selected ingredients (many of them are natural) and are extensively tested to ensure safety and environmental compatibility.

In my mind, that gives them every right to be called “green.”  But instead, traditional cleaning products are increasingly being portrayed as just the opposite.  They frequently come under attack from those who seek an emotional response and perhaps economic gain.

What is a “green” product or a “natural” ingredient?  Let’s look at some facts:

The term “green” is not well defined and may be misleading.  There is no universally accepted definition for “green” cleaning products, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be used as an effective marketing tactic.  It is also a common misbelief that naturally occurring or naturally derived substances are always less toxic and better for the environment than synthetically derived ingredients.  In actuality, scientists have found no connection between “naturalness” and toxicity. 

Navigating through the wave of green and natural products, consumers could be led into thinking that traditional cleaning products are not naturally derived but made only from synthetically sourced materials.  Consumers should know that the brands of cleaning products they have used for many years may contain ingredients derived from natural raw materials.

We frequently hear that “green” products are non-toxic or contain no chemicals.  It is a common misperception that chemicals are either toxic or non-toxic.  In fact, all chemicals are toxic at some level, and virtually everything on this earth is comprised of chemicals.   

It is also important to note that naturally derived materials must undergo chemical processes similar to synthetic materials.  No matter what the source, to be made useful, materials must be purified or chemically modified to enhance performance properties.

Marketing, advertising and labeling are used as a means of representing chemicals in a different light.  For example, acetic acid sounds very “chemical,” but vinegar sounds very safe and familiar – yet they are one and the same.  Some of the most toxic substances known today are natural chemicals such as aflatoxins and toxins formed in botulism contamination. 

Many “traditional” products are already “green” and may contain “naturally derived” ingredients.  It is the market as well as consumer perception that have finally caught up with what industry has been doing all along.

For a better understanding of green cleaning, read the CSPA paper Knowing the Facts about Chemicals Helps to Put Traditional and “Green” Products in Perspective.