Before you begin your seasonal assault on dust bunnies, consider taking a kinder, gentler approach with “green” cleaning products. These products contain sustainable, biodegradable ingredients such as plant extracts and essential oils to get the job done without exposing you or the environment to toxic substances.
Here are ten reasons to consider green cleaning:

• Overuse of antibacterial or antiseptic agents may hamper your body’s own natural defenses against allergies and colds. 
• Many chemicals act as irritants, triggering asthmatic and allergic reactions.
• According to the EPA and the American Lung Association, some chemicals found in conventional cleaning products are suspected or known to cause cancer.
• Certain ingredients in cleaning products are toxic to aquatic species if they reach the environment untreated. 
• Other chemicals remain harmful to the environment even after passage through water treatment facilities.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted from some cleaning products affect indoor air quality causing headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and skin reactions.
• Green products are safer around infants, toddlers, and pets.   Small children are especially susceptible to toxic chemicals as they are frequently on the floor and putting objects in their mouths.
• Many natural DIY alternatives such as vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are readily available—you probably already have them in your home.
• DIY home cleansers are almost always more economical.
• And finally, many users report that green cleansers are just as effective as their chemical-laden cousins.

If you’d prefer the convenience of store-bought cleansers, many green brands are available from your local grocer or department store. When shopping for green products, look for biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and concentrated formulas that reduce package size and waste. For more information on natural cleaners, click here.

Sources:

CDC, Antibacterial Household Products:  Cause for Concern

American Lung Association

American Academy of Pediatrics

EPA