Contributed by Sara Shea, Catalogs.com Info Guru

Clean living and green living should go hand in hand.

Learning to pay close attention to the details and phrasing on product labels is tremendously important. Beware of vague claims and green terms such as “natural”, “Eco-friendly” and “non-toxic.”

Instead, look for specific ingredients listed on the label, and facts about the product’s composition such as “no phosphates”, “no solvents”, “no petroleum-based ingredients” or “plant-based.” Also seek out green products that break down rapidly in the environment and are biodegradable in 5-10 days. 

To save you time, effort and energy, here is a list of our top ten best organic and natural household cleaning products. Starting at number ten on the list, we have:

10.  Make Your Own with Natural Ingredients

Last but certainly not least, a great suggestion for implementing organic cleaning is to make your own household cleaners from safe, natural and non toxic ingredients.  Believe it or not, there are few incredibly simple, all natural ingredients that can handle most household cleaning needs, when accompanied by a bit of elbow grease and a sponge.  These ingredients include, castile soap, water, baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice and borax.  Creating your own, safe cleaning agents can also save you plenty of money on brand name products. Find some recipes to make your own organic cleaners.  

9.  Mrs. Meyers Clean Day

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day cleaning supplies make cleaning your home fresh, fun, and fragrant. All of these cleaning supplies are made with natural essential oils, are biodegradable and phosphate-free, and are never tested on animals.

 

8.  J.R. Watkins

 Nestled in the Mississippi River Bluff town of Winona, MN., Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living since 1868.  As America’s original natural apothecary manufacturer, Watkins uses only the finest natural ingredients in its diverse lines of personal care, home care, remedies, and organic flavorings.

 

7.  Nature Clean

This company began in the early 1960s as a family business.  The mother of the family suffered allergic reactions to the harsh chemicals used in traditional household products. To help her, her husband began developing his own natural formulations. Since then, this family business has continued the tradition of creating healthier, non-toxic alternatives for household cleaning products.

6.  Simple Green

This company offers cleaners, degreasers, polishes, pet stain and odor removers, even specialized car wash, motorcycle and barbecue grill cleaners made from 100% natural ingredients originating from nature: chicory, coconut, corn, palm, naturally occurring minerals, salt and sugar, and water. Nothing else.

 

5.  Shaklee

 

 

 

Shaklee began as a natural nutrition company in 1915, and has expanded to six international countries.  Shaklee bears the honor of being the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral certification.  Today, Shaklee offers health, beauty, and home cleaning products.

 

4.  Ecover

Ecover is an international company with retail locations around the globe. According to their mission statement, Ecover produces washing and cleaning products in an ecological, economic and socially responsible way in a unique ecological factory.

3.  Method

Offering multi surface sprays, dish detergents, dryer clothes, skin and body wash, floor cleaners and even glass cleaners, all packed in recycled bottles, this company is pushing the boundaries of green cleaning products.  Method had created innovative products such as the first compostable wipe and the first 8X all natural laundry detergent. 

2.  Ecos – Earth Friendly Products

Boasting drain cleaners made from natural enzymes, pet products, shampoos and stain removers made from natural ingredients, and dish detergents made from coconut oil based surfactants, salt, and grapefruit oil, this earthy company is too good to be true.

 

1.  Seventh Generation

This unique, forward-thinking company with an environmentally sound mission statement took its name from a famous Iroquois Indian quotation: “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” From kitchen cleaners, to bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents, baby products, feminine care products and household paper goods, Seventh Generation Products rank number one on this list.

More on Organic, Green and Natural Living

Natural and organic household cleaners offer healthier and environmentally sound alternatives to the toxic chemicals and pollutants found in so many household soaps, detergents, polishes, disinfectants, scourers, softeners, bleaches, air fresheners and other cleaners used for kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, carpets and floors.

Many people consider their homes as a safe oasis, free from toxins, pollutants and chemicals. Many people also take great care to buy natural and organic foods, and provide their families with the freshest produce possible. 

However, according to the EPA, indoor air in the average American household is more that 100 times higher in pollutants than outdoor air, largely due to home cleaning products. Many of these cleaning products can cause immediate hazards such as skin chemical burns, respiratory irritation, watery or burning eyes, and poisoning, if accidentally ingested. Some potent cleaners can even cause chronic or long-term health concerns such as cancer, hormone disruption, and even brain damage.

In addition, once these household cleaners are washed down drains and into sewers many of the toxic chemicals do not break down immediately. Instead, these toxins are washed into rivers, lakes and waterways where they can pose harmful risks to fish, birds, and other wildlife. 

In May of 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a research study of contaminants in stream water samples across the country.  Researchers found “persistent detergent metabolites in 69% of all streams tested. Sixty-six percent contained disinfectants.”   

Cleaning green is, with out a doubt, the best choice for our bodies, our families, and our environment. The first step toward green cleaning is making the commitment to research products, carefully read labels, and only purchase cleaning agents that contain all natural ingredients. 

Supporting the companies that are producing organic, natural and safe cleaning projects, and avoiding any products that contain harmful chemicals is the only sure way to turn the tide and raise awareness about the importance of cleaning green.