Any niche or idea that creates a profitable outcome will have many followers and some will try to scam you. They know if they gain your trust you will willingly buy any product they offer. Same idea applies to your laundry room detergents. How do you know the product they say is earth friendly is just that? You need to determine if it truly is, or if there was just a label touting the phrase was thrown onto it.
Unfortunately, the laundry market is unregulated as far as telling you what is contained in the bottle. The manufacturer is able to simply throw on the label, without having to prove what it truly contains. They are however, required to keep MSDS (material safety data sheets) on each of their products. Simply type the product name with MSDS after it into any search engine and see what results you find. If you see Danger or Poison listed, this is not a earth friendly product. Try to find a product that not only lists ingredients on the label, but also tells you what is not in it – for example NO Phosphates.
Until this industry becomes regulated, the consumer must research and protect themselves. You need to do the legwork and ensure the product is truly “green” before you make that purchase. Another idea you may want to utilize is searching for recipes to make your own cleaners. Many recipes will use white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils – if you take this route, you will certainly know what is in there, because you created it. Be sure to clearly label the bottles and store them as you would any other cleaner.
For ages, our mothers and grandmothers have been cleaning the home with chlorine bleach. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know this is extremely toxic and should not be used in the home. If you truly can not break away from this chemical, think about switching to hydrogen peroxide bleach. This must be left on the surface to be cleaned for at least ten minutes, removing it any sooner will not kill the germs.
I have done my shopping for the safe alternatives online. I have found four companies that list the ingredients on their packaging that I would like to mention. Seventh Generation, ECover, Mrs. Meyers, and Bi-O-Kleen all list their exact formulas on their packaging. They are not required to do this, but in doing so they are proving that their formulas are earth friendly. In my opinion, this makes them very reputable, and I feel more companies should follow suit. Do not be scammed by a label that touts earth friendly, when it truly is not.
Same theory applies for any product that states it is biodegradable. If you use a product that has this on the label, try to find one that gives you an exact time frame as to when the product will decompose, making it safe for the environment.
Do not use any product with the following terms on the label: Corrosive, chlorine bleach, ammonia, phosphates, or petroleum products. Please also avoid products with artificial fragrances or animal bi-products. All of these terms indicate that the products is harmful to the environment and your home. Keep in mind that it is up to you to research the impact this product will have on you and your environment before making the purchase.
Finally, all products will have a toll free number on their label. If you are unsure, call them and ask specific questions about the ingredients. Ask them every thing mentioned in this article, if they refuse to answer the questions, consider finding another product. Any reputable company will provide this information freely and you should give your money to support them.
Finding earth-friendly products is not an impossible task. It just takes time to do the research, and ensure it truly is what it claims to be before you make the purchase. Remember, I already have mentioned four reputable companies in the article. Don't forget you also have the opportunity to make your own formulas, but you still need to research the recipes. I suggest looking on Amazon for some books on the subject. I have purchased many books here and have gained ample knowledge.