Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

After hearing more and more accounts of household cleaners potentially causing serious illnesses or products that have carcinogens, it's no surprise that people want to switch to a more natural and eco-friendly product. Thanks to major household cleaner companies, it's hard to weed out what's really natural and what's greenwashed as natural. When I thought I was making a more natural and sustainable switch on my last household products haul, I started to look into the company, only to realize that it was known for greenwashing... so this is as much of a learning experience for me as it is for you. So what can we do about this? Here are a couple of options:

- You can make your own products using household materials

When possible, make your own cleaners and buy glass to store your products in. Vinegar, lemon and rubbing alcohol are just some products you might already have in your house and are staples for creating all-purpose cleaners. LiveSimply has an easy recipe on how to make your own all-purpose cleaner as well as glass cleaner and general floor cleaner spray. If you're looking for other ways of natural cleaning, Wellness Mama has a large selection of recipes of cleaners that are excellent substitutes for those harsh chemicals found in your grocery store.

- Do the research and find a natural company you want to support

Greenwashing is everywhere... you could pick up an amazingly Rosemary scented hand soap and think it's all natural, only to realize it is made with harsh fragrances that are all synthetic (not bitter.. not bitter at all...) If you're really looking to make the switch to all-natural, you have to do the research, whether it's using apps like EWG or Think Dirty or just Googling to find results. If you need a refresher on the signs of greenwashing, here's Greenbuilt's top 10 list to watch out for. Some of these signs are hard to point out but luckily, there are a ton of bloggers and journalists who have likely already done the research for you and can provide evidence if the company is or has greenwashed in the past. With that said, The Good Trade has a ranking of natural and eco-friendly companies. I tend to disagree with a few on this list but take a look, make your own assessments and do the research.

My goal: After I use up the products I purchased in the latest Grove Collaborative haul, I'm wanting to make the switch to make my own cleaners. To me, it's the only true way of knowing what products are 100% natural. No greenwashing. Will you be making the switch? Do you have recommendations of companies or products you've used in the past? Let me know at consciouslyeco@gmail.com or through the contact button on the blog.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash