Green Cleaning: Eco-Friendly Solutions for a Sustainable Future

As consumers we are aware of the environmental impact of everyday products. The cleaning industry is no exception. Eco-friendly cleaning, often called green cleaning, has emerged as a crucial practice for businesses that care about both the planet and human health. But what does green cleaning really mean, and how can you make sure your cleaning practices are truly sustainable?

What Does Green Cleaning Really Mean?

Green cleaning refers to the use of cleaning products and practices that are environmentally friendly. This means selecting products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources. These products should not harm the planet, human health, or wildlife. Green cleaning involves reducing waste, minimising water usage, and avoiding harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and water systems.

By adopting green cleaning practices, businesses can 

• reduce their carbon footprint 

• improve indoor air quality 

• create a healthier environment for employees and customers

The Risk of Greenwashing

While the rise of eco-friendly cleaning products is promising, the term "green cleaning" is sometimes used misleadingly by companies trying to capitalise on the sustainability trend. 

Greenwashing refers to a practice when a product is marketed as "eco-friendly" without being substantiated by environmentally friendly practices or ingredients.

To avoid falling for greenwashing, it's important to look beyond marketing claims and verify the product’s environmental credentials. Look for certification badges and always review the ingredients list and safety data to ensure that the product meets environmental and health standards.

The Risks of Using Green Cleaning Products Made for Domestic Settings in Commercial Environments

You might think that domestic green cleaning products will work just as well in commercial environments, but that's not always the case. Products designed for home use may not be strong enough for the heavy-duty cleaning required in commercial spaces. The cleaning standards in a commercial setting are typically more demanding, and using domestic products could lead to poor cleaning results, higher product usage, and ultimately, inefficiency.

When selecting green cleaning products for commercial settings, it's important to choose those that are formulated specifically for business environments, ensuring they meet both environmental and performance standards.

How We Do It at Core Services Cleaning

We deliver sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that meet the highest standards of both cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Here’s how we approach green cleaning:

Select Chemicals Carefully

We understand that not all cleaning products are created equal. That's why we choose cleaning agents that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and certified as safe for both human health and the environment.

Adhere to Key Regulations

We follow EU and UK regulations, including:

REACH Regulation: A European Union regulation concerning the production and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on human health and the environment.

The Detergents Regulations (EC No. 648/2004): This regulation outlines requirements for detergents, including their biodegradability and safety.

UK Regulation SI 2020 No. 1617: This legislation addresses the amendment of the Detergents Regulations after Brexit, ensuring that cleaning products meet similar standards for biodegradability and safety in the UK.

Check MSDS Sheets for Toxicity and Other Key Factors

We review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product to assess its toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, persistence in the environment, and other factors such as mobility in soil and endocrine disruption. Here’s what we look for:

Toxicity: We ensure products are low in toxicity to minimise risk to humans, animals, and aquatic life.

Bioaccumulation: We avoid products containing ingredients that could accumulate in living organisms over time.

Persistence and Degradability: We favour products that are biodegradable, meaning they will break down naturally without leaving harmful residues in the environment.

Mobility in Soil: We prioritise products that do not contaminate the soil and water systems when they are flushed away.

PBT and vPvB Testing: We avoid substances that meet the Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic (PBT) or very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) criteria, as these can cause long-term environmental damage.

Endocrine Disruption: We choose products free of ingredients that could disrupt hormonal systems in humans or animals.

By considering these factors, we ensure the cleaning products we use and recommend are safe, effective, and sustainable.

Even When a Product Has Toxic Compounds, Check Disposal Guidelines

Some cleaning products contain toxic compounds, but when diluted properly and disposed of according to recommended guidelines, they can often be safely flushed into sewage systems. 

It’s always important to follow the disposal instructions on the label, as this ensures the product is treated correctly and does not harm the environment. This is included in staff onboarding and ongoing training. 

Source Locally Made Chemicals to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

We prioritise sourcing cleaning products made in the UK. This not only supports local businesses but also helps us minimise the environmental impact associated with transportation, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. 

Go Paperless Where Possible

In our commitment to reducing waste, we are proud to be paperless wherever possible. From invoices to signing-in sheets, we conduct business electronically to reduce paper waste and reduce our carbon footprint.

You May Ask, “Why Bother?”

We operate in the Black Country, an area historically known for its heavy industrial pollution. You might be wondering why it’s important for a business like ours to focus on sustainability. The truth is, the Black Country is changing. While it remains home to many manufacturers and steel companies, it is also becoming more sensitive to environmental issues. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are more aware than ever of pollutants in their environment.

By doing our part, we contribute to this positive transformation. We believe that every business, no matter its industry or location, has a role to play in protecting the planet. For us, it’s worth it and we contribute to the change in our own way.

Feel Free to Contact Us for More Planet-Friendly Solutions

If you're looking for more sustainable cleaning solutions for your business or have questions about how we can help reduce your environmental footprint, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to provide tailored advice and eco-friendly solutions that work for your needs.

FAQs About Eco-Friendly Cleaning:

1. What is green cleaning?

Green cleaning refers to the use of cleaning products and methods that are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable. It involves selecting cleaning products made from biodegradable, natural ingredients, reducing harmful chemicals, and ensuring minimal negative impact on both human health and the environment.

 2. Why is it important to choose eco-friendly cleaning products?

Eco-friendly cleaning products are essential because they help reduce the environmental impact of harmful chemicals that can contaminate water systems, soil, and wildlife. By choosing green cleaning products, you’re helping protect natural resources, improve indoor air quality, and contribute to a healthier planet.

 3. What is greenwashing, and how can I avoid it?

Greenwashing is when a company falsely claims that their products are environmentally friendly or "green" when, in reality, they may not be. To avoid greenwashing, look for products with third-party certifications, review the ingredients on the label, and research if the product complies with environmental regulations like REACH and Detergents Regulations.

4. Can I use domestic green cleaning products in a commercial setting?

While domestic green cleaning products are generally safe for home use, they may not be effective or powerful enough for commercial spaces that require frequent and intensive cleaning. It’s best to use products specifically formulated for commercial use, as they are designed to meet the higher cleaning demands of businesses while still being eco-friendly.

5. How does Core Services choose eco-friendly cleaning products?

At Core Services Cleaning, we select cleaning products based on their environmental impact, ensuring they meet strict regulations like REACH and The Detergents Regulations. We also review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to check for toxicity, biodegradability, and bioaccumulation potential. We favour products made in the UK to reduce transportation-related emissions and minimise our carbon footprint.

6. What are the main environmental factors we consider when choosing cleaning products?

When selecting cleaning products, we consider several environmental factors:

Toxicity: We choose products with low toxicity to ensure they’re safe for both people and wildlife.

Bioaccumulation: We avoid products with ingredients that can accumulate in the bodies of living organisms.

Persistence and Degradability: We prioritise biodegradable products that break down naturally in the environment.

PBT and vPvB Testing: We check that products do not meet the Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic (PBT) or very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) criteria to prevent long-term environmental damage.

Endocrine Disruption: We steer clear of products that may disrupt hormonal systems in humans or animals.

7. Is it safe to dispose of eco-friendly cleaning products down the drain?

In most cases properly diluted eco-friendly cleaning products can be safely flushed in the toilet and treated by sewage systems. However, it’s always important to check the product’s disposal guidelines, as some ingredients may still require special handling, even when diluted. Always check local regulations and laws.

8. Why is sustainability important for businesses in the Black Country?

The Black Country is undergoing a transformation. While historically an industrial region known for pollution, it is now home to a more eco-conscious population. Many people are becoming more sensitive to pollutants in the environment, and businesses are starting to play a key role in reducing their environmental impact. By choosing sustainable practices, Core Services Cleaning is doing its part to contribute to this positive change.

9. How does Core Services contribute to reducing carbon emissions?

At Core Services Cleaning, we take several steps to reduce our carbon footprint. We choose locally-made products to reduce transportation emissions, adopt paperless systems to minimise waste, and prioritise sustainable cleaning practices to protect the environment. These efforts collectively help reduce our overall environmental impact.

10. How can I get in touch with Core Services Cleaning for more eco-friendly cleaning solutions?



We are always open to providing our clients with more sustainable and planet-friendly cleaning solutions. Call us on 01384 918 451 today!