One of the best ways that a company can commit to social responsibility is to avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Oftentimes, toxic substances are found in everyday items and can have a negative effect on people's health and the environment. A recent press release indicated that toxic chemicals may be prevalent in more items than previously understood. As a result, companies and facilities should rely on green cleaning supplies instead.
A recall of household cleaning supplies was necessary
The Consumer Product Safety commission has asked for a recall of certain household cleaning supplies. Due to mislabeling, the information on products did not accurately reflect the contents of the bottles. The CPSC is responsible for working to ensure the safety of consumer products such as toys, power tools, lighters and household chemicals. Evidently, the recall was a necessary move.
The industrial-strength cleaner and degreaser that was recalled, according to officials, bore the label "Does not contain ammonia." Testing of the chemicals inside revealed that this statement was false. Apparently, the cleaning product did contain ammonia and could potentially be a chemical hazard – especially if mixed with products like bleach or other known household chemicals. The recalled cleaning solution was sold in white and green containers at major retailer outlets like Fred's, Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, Dollar General and Dollar Tree – between August and November 2014. While there were no reports of incidents involving the cleaners, consumers were told to immediately discontinue using the product and return it to the retailer for a replacement. Situations like this make the case for green cleaning supplies obvious. Hopefully, those that returned their bottles found safer products instead.
Chemical cleaning products are more dangerous than they appear
According to Feelgood Style, there are many reasons why chemical cleaning products should not be used by consumers. The average home may contain up to 62 toxic chemicals, which the news source pointed out is more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century. Sadly, toxicity is tested in less than 2 percent of all synthetic chemicals. Additionally, the combination of chemicals in particular is not tested – which poses a threat since some solutions may accidentally be mixed without knowledge of the results. Cancer, respiratory disease, autism and other ailments have been linked to cleaning supplies as well. It is worth noting that considerable money goes into the packaging of these materials, which are oftentimes non-renewable and made from petrochemicals. Green cleaning supplies, on the other hand, tend to not rely on petrochemicals and are more likely to come in recyclable containers.
While scare tactics are not the best way to educate the market, and sometimes statistics are questionable, other times a strict warning is the only way to alert consumers regarding potential issues. The news source mentioned that as per an Environmental Protection Agency survey, indoor air quality could be three to 70 times more polluted, as a result of everyday chemical solutions, than the air outside of an office or home. This is alarming, as people expect and require their homes to be safe places.
Children may be harmed by cleaning products
Household cleaners are the single largest culprit when children are accidentally poisoned, reported Feelgood Style. Green cleaning products offer several distinct advantages, and a major one is that children are safer when they are used. Products comprised of natural ingredients and non-toxic substances are becoming more popular than ever for this reason alone. Many green cleaning supplies are biodegradable and non-harmful upon exposure. Furthermore, chemical interactions are much less likely to occur given their composition.
It seems that the responsible thing to do would be for companies, universities, schools and all facilities that are frequented by people every day to use green cleaning products instead of chemical ones. Parents do not want their children exposed to situations where accidental poisoning may occur. Companies also certainly do not want to put their employees at risk. As previously mentioned, switching to complete reliance on green cleaning supplies conforms well with corporate social responsibility principles and could help generate some good will and demonstrate a commitment to safety and sustainability. Whether at a school, in a business or at home, going green is safer.
