Sorting through the confusion of green cleaning products.

Many companies are re-evaluating their product lines to better fit "green" standards.

Green Cleaning

Watkins didn't know it at the time, but the products that we have been committed to developing and bringing to your family for 140 years are getting a lot of attention and actively sought after by consumers.

Today we have many choices for natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products. How do we weed out the truly natural products from impostors? Gina Moore, Watkins Home Care Product Manager sat down with me to sort through this confusion and give us a few tips.

What makes a green cleaning product "green?"
At Watkins we have defined green cleaning products as items that use renewable, non-toxic, phosphate-free and biodegradable ingredients. Products that work, but don't create fumes or leave behind residue that may affect the health of your family or impact the environment.

How do "green" cleaners work?
Green cleaners break down dirt and grease using surfactants from natural renewable resources. For example, instead of using ammonia as the active ingredient, Watkins uses natural plant extracts. These active ingredients act like magnets pulling dirt up and away from the surface.

What should we be looking for when we are looking for "green" cleaning products?
Watkins of course! Your first indication that a cleaning product isn't as natural as it could be is the use of colorants or dyes. A neon pink or purple cleaner should send up a red flag. Pay close attention to ingredient decks, cautionary statements and label warnings. These might be an indication that the product isn't as natural as it could be.

How do we know a "green" cleaner is truly not going to harm our environment?
The Clean Water Fund, a non-profit organization, estimates that the average American uses forty pounds of environmentally harmful household cleaners each year. Multiply that number by 245 million Americans and the effects are significant! The important claims to look for with regard to environment are biodegradable and phosphate free. Also steer clear of aerosol cleaners that can deplete the ozone.

What ingredients should we steer clear of?
Watkins has established a freedom code for our Natural Home Care line complete with all the ingredients we steer clear of:

* Ammonia Free
* Animal Ingredient Free
* Benzene Free
* Biodegradable
* Boron Free
* Butyl/Ethyl Free
* Cellosolve Free
* Chlorine Free
* Diethylene Free
* Dye Free
* Ethanol Free
* Ether Free
* Formaldehyde Free
* Isopropanol Free
* Kerosene Free
* Mineral Spirit Free
* Non-toxic
* Petrochemical Free
* Phosphate Free
* Phosphoric Acid Free
* SLS Free
* Sulfuric Acid Free