GreenBrig

Finally with 3M’s introduction of their “Greener Clean” products, there is an option for all of us who cannot spend $5 on a bio-degradable scrubbing sponge. At only around $2, this new products seems like the light at the end of the tunnel. Many manufactures are giving consumers alternatives to their regular products, ones that are more eco-friendly with the added bonus of being easier on the wallet. You can find these “Greener Clean” products at Walmart, Target, and Shop3M.com. It isn’t available at all the stores, but the more consumers demand these types of alternatives, only then will it become mainstream.

There are basically 4 types of this “Greener Clean” products available. First is the Scrubbers that is available as a non-scratch sponge or pad. They are made with 50% natural Agave plant fibers, and even the packaging is made with recycled material. These can be used to do the dishes or clean the bathrooms. Second is the Soap Pads which are basically scrubbers with green  soap loaded on them. The soap is biodegradable and phosphorous-free. The soap pad is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Apparently a 12 oz plastic bottle can make up to 6 of these pads.

Third is the Bamboo Cleaning Cloths and Wipes. Since Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the Earth, this is a great use of material. The product is absorbent and washable. Finally the fourth product is one of my favorite the Sponges. One of this sponge can almost replace up to 30 paper towel rolls. Best of all they can be cleaned in the dishwasher or in the microwave.The fact that you can wash and reuse them, is such a great idea.

You no longer need to buy paper towels in bulk for $16 and find a place to store it. With only a $2 sponge you can do all the cleaning you need in a day. This saves money and the environment. Also use these products with greener cleaning products like Seventh Generation and you will be doubling your savings.

3M has always tried making innovative products for all of us, but they have also been very conscious about the environment. I’m glad they are stepping up and leading this cause. I know that green products can be expensive for the average household, but when products like these are available you should definitely try to spread the word around.

Now a days there are many companies advertising their cleaning products as ‘natural’ and ‘green’, but beware that there are no standards set to measure if they truly are natural. Just having the word ‘natural’ and ‘green’ on the bottle doesn’t mean they were produced using organic or non-toxic material. More studies and standards are being established to help the consumers from being misguided.

If you haven’t, you should think about changing to organic and non-toxic cleaning products. Especially those of you who have children and pets. One of the most serious injuries that regular cleaning products cause is that children mistaking consume these cleaning products thinking they are fruit juices. Also when dogs or cats lick the freshly mopped floor, some of the residue from the cleaning products could get into they digestive system and cause harm. Also toxic chemicals around the house can increase your chances of infertility.

Lately, there have been many commercials for Seventh Generation natural cleaning products. I was definitely interested and started reading about them. Looks like they are really taking the initiative to educate people and to create natural home care products that truly are organic and non-toxic and mostly made from plant based extracts. The packaging also uses much less material than most traditional products. This is very important when thinking about waste disposal.  Their website had forums and blogs that you can join, get coupons and useful tips on how to make natural cleaning products at home.

I haven’t used any of their products, but will be testing out some soon to see if they actually get the job done. I’ve purchased natural cleaners before, but they didn’t clean the surfaces as well as the traditional brands do. From the forums and blogs, looks like the natural cleaning agents do work and are worth your money and time. The prices on these products are very reasonable too. If you want to think about the long term affects of artificial chemicals in our everyday life, then small steps like these can make a big difference. You don’t have to anymore hold your breath as you clean the bathroom.

Hopefully all the other major companies start providing us with non-toxic, natural home care products as part of their portfolio moving forward and a big part of that movement is us. They will only change if we demand for it. So go ahead and start changing and the other corporations will follow you.