BBB: How to Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products – Burnaby Now

Using eco-friendly cleaning products in your home can reduce toxins like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to your health and the environment.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are more popular than ever , so shoppers have plenty to choose from. But navigating between seals, certifications and marketing claims can be confusing.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​has provided the following tips for choosing effective cleaning products that are safe for you and the environment.

Make your cleaning routine more eco-friendly

Check the packaging for eco-friendly labels.

• Products that carry the Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice label contain safer chemical ingredients. According to the EPA, products labeled "are rigorously tested ingredient by ingredient, meet stringent performance standards, and are evaluated to ensure that the potential for adverse effects on human and environmental health is minimized."

Beware of " greenwashing "

Make sure product claims are true

• According to the Federal Trade Commission, if a product makes certain claims such as "no VOC" or "non-toxic," the company should be able to prove that its product does not contain that or another ingredient that is causing the problem. . same kind of risk. If you spot a misleading green marketing claim, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov .

Try homemade cleaning products

• Many pantry staples, like baking soda and white vinegar, make great cleaning products. This article from greenamerica.org explains the ten basic ingredients that can get most cleaning jobs done.

Choose products with minimal, recycled or biodegradable packaging.

• Environmental protection is not just about chemicals. It is also important to consider how a product is packaged. For example, if you use paper towels to clean, buy a branded recycled paper towel. Additionally, always choose biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible. Additionally, companies that use less plastic and offer refillable packaging are a good option.

Avoid disposable products

• Disposable products do not last long and their packaging ends up in landfill. Think about disposable products that you can do without. For example, use cloths that you can wash and reuse instead of paper towels. Avoiding disposable items and packaging protects the environment and is generally more cost-effective.

Get rid of plastic trash bags

• Conservation.org reminds consumers that plastic trash bags take ten years (at least) to decompose , harming ecosystems and animals. Try replacing your plastic trash bags with paper bags, or don't use bags and wash your trash.

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