A GREENER CLEAN
Choosing wisely is the key: here
are some ideas to get you startedBuy less, use lessReducing
consumption is the cardinal principle
of greener living, even if you’re
choosing good products. “You simply
don’t need a different product for your
shower, sink and your tiles,” says Dr
David Santillo of the Greenpeace
Laboratories based at the University
of Exeter. “In most products, only a
couple of the ingredients are there to
do the actual cleaning, such as
detergents (often labelled
‘surfactants’). The rest is often just
marketing.” Choosing fewer products,
and using less of them, can offset the
fact that green goods sometimes cost
more – or, to put it another way,
mass-produced chemical-filled
products are often very cheap...
Say no to single-useDisposable
items such as cleaning wipes are an
environmental no-no. Not only do
they break every rule in the ‘Reduce,Reuse, Recycle’ book but often they
contain plastic, meaning that even if
they are technically flushable, they
certainly aren’t biodegradable
(flushed-away wipes are a major
constituent of the grotesque fatbergs
sometimes found in city sewers).
Replace wipes with a micro-fibre cloth
that you can wash over and over.
Read the label You don’t have to
decipher every last detail to make
a wise choice. Some things to look for:
OEthical Consumer Best Buy Green-
living bible ethicalconsumer.com
scores products against a range of
ethical and environmental measures
O Soil Association Organic products
bearing this logo have undergone a
rigorous certification process ensuring
they meet high environmental, animal
welfare and packaging standards.
OAllergy UK Synthetic fragrances are
rife in standard cleaning products and
can cause irritation or allergies. This
badge means the product has a
reduced allergen content, making it
suitable for sensitive skin.OFree from... parabens, triclosan and
phthalates (this last one is usually
disguised as synthetic fragrance or
‘parfum’). Many green products are
free from a host of other chemicals,
too, but these are three real nasties to
avoid, linked to hormone disruption,
skin irritation and general toxicity.
OSuitable for septic tanks Even if you
don’t have a septic tank, this is a good
sign, indicating the product does not
wipe out all bacteria, good and bad.
OConcentrated Concentrated
products have a lower environmental
impact: the manufacturer can use
less packaging and less fuel for
transportation. It might look like
you’re getting less for your money,
but check the dispensing instructions- a little should go a long way.
ORefillable Much more eco-friendly
than recyclable, refillable packaging
cuts resource use significantly. Many
smaller retailers, such as health food
shops, offer refill services and even
Waitrose is trialling the idea in some
of its stores.
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LIVING (^) | WEEKEND PROJECT