Eco Tips: Clean and Green

In 2013, I made a commitment to use Green Eco-Friendly cleaning supplies, to preserve the environment and reduce harmful irritants in the home. At first I was skeptical of the Green alternatives, particularly Dish and Laundry Detergent.  Much to my surprise I found the majority of eco-friendly products worked at the same level or with more efficiency than their toxic alternatives.   Green cleaning products reduce waste, reduces toxins drained into water systems, reduces factory emissions, protects forests (paper towels that are not recycled - means more oxygen giving trees are cut down, than suitable for even conservation cutting, leading to deforestation)...if you have allergies/sensitive skin the chemicals in traditional cleaners can cause allergic reactions (this has happened to me); the biggest benefit is you get a GREEN product without sacrificing the cleaning endurance and quality.

Here are my Eco-Tips for high quality Green Cleaning products for an affordable price. (I have used these products and find them essential in my household)

Laundry Detergent:
I'm a klutz, who spills everything from BBQ sauce to juice on my shirts.  As a hiker, my socks get muddy - so I need a strong detergent.  For years I was an avid TIDE user and was hesitant to switch.  I have since switched to the following two eco-detergents:

- Earth Friendly Products (ECOS): Sold at Cost-Co, and many grocery stores including Whole Foods, Co-Ops. Earth Friendly Products sells a wide variety of cleaning products - all which I recommend.  The concentrated form of liquid detergent is eco-on the budget allowing more loads per bottle.  Even my toughest stains come out in one wash and clothes are fresh and clean. 

- Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation has a full products of cleaning products that stand up to the test.  Their detergent runs around $11.00, but lasts twice as long as Tide did for us. 

(I also used BioKleen and it worked great!)

Dish Detergent:
Unfortunately we do not have a dishwasher right now.  Not only is a dishwasher a hassle-saver, it is far more eco-friendly than hand-washing dishes. Dawn actually is fairly good, in spite of not being officially Green, although we use Seventh Generation detergent for our sink. 

Trash Bags:
Seventh Generation:
Natural Value - these bags stand up to the kitchen trash test - we use their tall kitchen bags
*Glad - although not entirely Green, they have made a commitment to going GREEN and have a lot of recycled products that are sturdier to reduce overall plastic waste.

Paper Towels/Toilet Paper: I am a born and bred Bounty girl, but after learning that they have no recycled content, I decided to make a switch. If you don't go completely Green, then opt for the sturdiest paper towel (machine shop towels) with some recycled content.  A few good options:
White Cloud Green Earth
Seventh Generation Paper
Natural Value
Green Forest

Furniture Cleaner:
Mrs. Meyer's Cleaning Products - this are great on the environment and your house, even delicate furniture pieces (discovered at Restoration Hardware)
Murchison-Hume Furniture Spritzer

Surface Cleaner:
-Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner
-The Laundress Surface Cleaner
-Green Works by Clorox - although owned by Clorox, the Green Works line is a good cleaning option that is greener than the equivalent without loss of antibacterial fighting power
- iQ All Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, ECOS also have great Surface Cleaning options.

Bathroom Cleaner:
- Seventh Generation
-ECOS Earth Friendly - they have a wide array of products for bathroom (toilet, bath and shower...)

Drain Cleaner:
Citra Drain

Links to Top Green Clean Manufacturers:
-Seventh Generation
-ECOS Earth Friendly
-BioKleen
-Green Works by Clorox
-Natural Value
-Whole Foods 365 Products: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com
- Mrs. Meyers
- Simple Green
- J.R. Watkins
- Ecover
- The Laundress - http://www.thelaundress.com
- Murchison Hume: http://www.murchison-hume.com

I will continue to post about new Green Cleaning Products on Into the Great Unknown.  If you have any tips let us know!