simple + green

Household cleaners are downright scary. The chemical residue from ordinary household cleaners is enough to put fear anyone who is paying attention. These have been linked to promoting everything from cancer to learning disabilities. Laundry detergents pose the same question: how safe are these chemicals I’m readily exposing myself to?

Here are some reasons to consider not using standard cleaners and detergents:
1. everything from air fresheners to glass cleaners contribute to an ‘indoor pollution’ of toxic fumes. Sounds awful!
2. conventional laundry detergents leave residues on clothing that may irritate sensitive skin
3. household cleaners have been linked to triggering allergies and asmatha
4. the runoff from their use are highly toxic to the environment.
5. most have very strong, off-putting smells

Luckily, there are eco-friendly options for us.

We’ve used Seventh Generation and Ecover household cleaners for years. Some of the positives of these include:
1. Vegetable-based. These made without chemicals that are so detrimental to our health
2. Optical brightener and phosphate-free: optical brighteners are fluorescent chemicals that convert ultra-violet light to blue-white light that makes whites appear whiter. They don’t readily biodegrade and are often toxic to aquatic life. Phosphates are used in detergents to soften water. Phosphates can cause algae blooms in lakes and ponds that can lead to the suffocation of aquatic plants and animals.
3. Septic and grey water systems compatible
4. Biodegradable
5. No animal testing
6. Most products free of perfumes, dyes, and optical brighteners
7. Kosher!

Seventh Generation also makes baby products (simple+green swears by these!) and personal care products for women. Ecover and Earth Friendly Products are two other companies that make eco-friendly cleaners and detergents.

Next time, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite eco-friendly cleaning product options.