An Overview of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Categories
- Alessia Galeffi
- Jun 8, 2025
- 3 min read
🌿 GREEN CATEGORIES: A SUMMARY
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of the main categories that define whether a product is genuinely eco-friendly:
Biodegradable
Plastic Free
BPA Free
Recyclable
Compostable
SLS Free
Cruelty Free
Locally Made
Transparent Labels & Natural Ingredients
🔍 DETAILED EXPLANATIONS: WHAT DO THESE TERMS REALLY MEAN?
1. Biodegradable
A biodegradable product breaks down naturally through bacteria, sunlight, and moisture—leaving no harmful residues in the environment. Especially critical for cleaning products that go down the drain.
Caution: Biodegradable doesn’t always mean fast—some items can still take years to fully degrade.
2. Plastic Free
Indicates that the product contains no plastic in its content or packaging. This helps reduce waste and our dependence on petroleum-based materials.
What to look for: Glass, paper, metal, or plant-based plastic alternatives.
3. BPA Free
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many plastics, linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. BPA-free labels indicate safer use, especially for containers storing liquids or food.
A genuine green product will clearly state it is BPA-free.
4. Recyclable
A recyclable product or container can be processed into new materials, helping to conserve natural resources and reduce landfill waste.
Check for: Recycling symbols and material types clearly listed.
5. Compostable
Goes one step further than biodegradable: a compostable product turns into nutrient-rich compost in controlled conditions.
Look for certifications like EN13432 or OK Compost to ensure authenticity.
6. SLS Free
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a harsh detergent that can cause skin and eye irritation. Green products use milder, plant-based surfactants.
Bonus: SLS-free items are usually safer for sensitive skin and respiratory systems.
7. Cruelty Free
This label means no animal testing was involved in any phase of product development.
It’s not just ethical—it also signals attention to responsible sourcing and human-safe testing.
8. Locally Made
Products manufactured locally reduce carbon emissions from transportation and support the local economy. They also often provide greater supply chain transparency.
9. Transparent Labeling & Natural Ingredients
A true green product will have a simple, understandable ingredient list, often without mysterious codes or harsh chemical names.
Tip: The shorter the list, the better. Trust brands that list full ingredients upfront.
❌ GREEN PRODUCT MYTHS—DEBUNKED
❗MYTH 1: “They cost too much”
False. Green products are often more concentrated, meaning you use less per job. Over time, they are cost-effective—and reduce expenses tied to protective gear, ventilation, and hazardous waste disposal.
❗MYTH 2: “They don’t clean as well”
Wrong. Modern green formulas are tested to meet or exceed cleaning standards. Many outperform traditional products, without leaving behind harmful residues.
❗MYTH 3: “It’s just a trend”
Nope. Eco-conscious cleaning is a permanent shift, addressing major global challenges like pollution, climate change, and public health.
❗MYTH 4: “You need more products to do the same job”
On the contrary. Many green cleaners are multi-purpose, reducing clutter and making cleaning protocols simpler.
🏷️ WHAT TO LOOK FOR (AND AVOID) ON A LABEL
✅ SHOULD BE PRESENT:
Biodegradable or compostable logos
Clear “chlorine-free” or “ammonia-free” statements
Full ingredient lists
Trustworthy certifications (Ecolabel, Vegan OK, Leaping Bunny, etc.)
Recyclable packaging symbols
“Cruelty Free” or “Not Tested on Animals” logos
❌ RED FLAGS:
Vague terms like “eco-friendly” without certifications
Intense artificial fragrances (these often contain VOCs)
Toxic or corrosive warnings
Ingredient lists filled with numerical codes or unrecognizable chemicals
💚 TOUCH OF CLEAN: GREEN CLEANING WITH PURPOSE
At Touch of Clean Aberdeen, I believe professional cleaning should protect health, not endanger it.
I am proudly:
Use only certified green cleaning products
Create safe environments for staff and clients
Minimize our environmental impact through mindful practices
Use the Fill, Refill and Respect policy
🔍 FINAL THOUGHT: READ THE LABEL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Every day, you have a choice. You can choose to protect the people around you. You can choose to preserve the planet. And you can choose a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
So next time you pick up a cleaning product, pause. Look at the label. Ask yourself: Is this truly safe for my workplace and our planet?
If you're unsure, let me help you find clarity.
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