Many cleaning and cleaning product companies claim to use 'environmentally friendly' products but what is meant by that? The words are often vacuous.
All products, whether or not labelled as 'environmentally friendly' have to comply with stringent environmental guidelines. Any chemical product will have an impact on the environment and 'environmentally friendly' products may simply be 'less bad', rather than per se good for the environment. Thus the oft-seen 'environmentally friendly' is a misnomer.
The method of use is often as important as the product itself in producing minimal impact on the environment. Measured dosing is one means of restricting environmental damage while still obtaining results. Another is knowing which chemical to use for the job and its application and correct disposal. For example, using the correct pre-treatment agent can reduce the level of cleaning chemical and power usage needed to clean a carpet effectively. Using bleach in a toilet can cause more cleaning problems in future, as well as producing toxic fumes when mixed with certain other chemicals.
There is a trade off between good results and damage to the environment. Thus responsible cleaning companies, and domestic users, should try to balance the two issues and try to be 'environmentally responsible' in that they choose chemicals with care, using the optimum dose of the relevant chemicals to achieve the best results with the least possible damage to the environment.
So next time you see the words 'environmentally friendly', please take time to think about what, if anything, it mean sand whether it’s worth the money.
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