Clean by Nature was formed in response to a personal need for change and the result of over 7 years of research and development into the health and environmental risks associated with toxic chemicals.. As the owner of a residential cleaning business for almost 20 years I have been exposed to many toxic chemicals and have experienced the effects of them. I am passionate about consumer education and advocate for research and regulations concerning the elimination of such dangerous chemicals. As part of Clean by Nature’s charitable contributiions, we have supported organizations such as the Breast Cancer Fund. This is the only national non-profit organization whose sole focus is to identify and advocate for elimination of environmental and other causes of breast cancer, including household cleaning chemicals
It is my hope and desire to educate and inform as many consumers as possible of the hazardous effects and risks associated with household cleaning products.
Please feel free to post any questions or comments you may have concerning natural cleaning.
Posted by Greg Prizant on July 15, 2010 at 9:45 am
I am starting a “Green” House cleaning business. I want to start in integrity and I was looking at an all natural product line but it’s all purpose cleaner does not clean as well at EarthSense ph neutral all purpose cleaner. This EarthSense is a chemical cleaner with Green Seal Certifications with no voc’s,no phosphates, solvents, or nonylphenol exotholate surfactants. Readily biodegradable no fragrance, no silicates , or chelating agents or caustics. Can I use it and still say that I am a Green Cleaner. It seems like It is a Green chemical. But does Green mean that the ingredients have to be natural? Or does it just mean earth friendly or enviromentlly responsible aw compared with the majority of the toxic cleaners out there. I mean Turpentine, Radon, and Asbestos are natural to name a few? Natural doesn’t necesarily mean safe. Can a safe Chemical be considered green?
Posted by cleanbynature on August 15, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Greg,
Sorry for the delay in repsonding to your post. First, congratulations on starting a responsible business.
In order to answer your questions, I must first explain that these views are my personal ones and may not be those of the”definers” of green cleaning. For all intents and purposes “Green” is the practice of using products, techniques and supplies that are safe for the environment and non-pollutants. The products do not have to be natural to be green and natural does not always mean safe. In order for a product to carry the Green Seal, it needs to meet specific requirements. There are no such requirements for a product to be labled “natural” so we must use due diligence to research it’s ingredients. I chose a natural business that uses non-chemical products because I feel the end product is not my only concern. Chemicals produced throughout the world create pollution to our air, land and waterways. Just because the end product does not release VOCs does not mean the manufacturing of such product doesn’t. Another issue that I have with the certified green products is that they are not all non-toxic, they are less toxic than traditional products. Fragrance is not something that disqualifies a products from certification even when there has been many, many studies documenting the hazards of synthetic fragrance. You also have to realize that out of approx 80,000 chemicals produced, there is a database of approx 800 of them that have been tested for toxicity, carcinogens, etc. which leaves to much unknown. I believe if the job can be done with natural, non-toxic products effectively; there is no need for the chemical counterparts.
As to the specific product, EarthSense – I looked up the MSDS on this particular product and you are correct. There are no known health hazards listed, non-corrosive and no added fragrance although specific ingredients are not listed (something I require of all products I use). It is also available in concentrate which reduces plastics.
One misconception of those looking for “green” alternatives is that it begins and ends with product use. This is not true, as I stated before, Green is the practice of using products, techniques and supplies that are safe for the environment. We’ve covered the products part, techniques would include using no-rinse products to reduce water use. Supplies would include items that trap dust particles instead of releasing them into the air. Your best bet would be to do some research on the subject, take some online courses, etc. and become an expert in green cleaning – it will only benefit you and your business.
Good Luck!