Organic or “green” cleaners are no longer reserved for hippies who know a thing or two about mixing witch hazel and beeswax. Big name brands including, SC Johnson, which sells Windex, Pledge, Drano, Shout, and host of other household cleaning products offers a complete line of environmentally friendly products.
The company has been using Greenlist labeling since 2001 to note their commercially produced “green” cleaners. Generally, the Greenlist items have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than the traditional products. For example, since the early 2000s, Pledge has been reformulated for better biodegradability and less VOC pollutants. In addition, Fantastik Orange Action cleaner is now entirely VOC free.
Of course, SC Johnson is not the only company that markets organic cleaning. These days it is easier than ever to find high quality “green” cleaners. Some of the most reputable companies include: Seventh Generation, Sun and Earth and Gaiam. Of those, Seventh Generation is probably the most well-known and well-respected. The company has earned numerous awards for its outstanding line of organic cleaning supplies, from shower sprays, toilet bowl cleaners and dish soap to glass cleaners, laundry detergent and tub and tile sprays.
Gaiam also offers a variety of green cleaning supplies, as well health and beauty products and yoga apparel, while Sun and Earth manufacturers plant-based cleaners for the home, including dishwashing soap and stain removers. While the products are effective, they aren’t as readily available in big discount retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target. Rather, you need to shop at places such as Whole Foods and other natural food stores in order to find them on shelves. The other drawback to purchasing organic cleaners is that you will have to shell out a bit more for them. However, knowing that you are helping to preserve the planet and that the products are cruelty-free may be well worth the extra money.