Australian Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Comparison of Environmentally Friendly Household Cleaners
Aug 4, 2008
Increased environmental awareness has led many consumers to be more discerning in their everyday purchases. In response, many companies have sought to make their products more eco-friendly to attract consumer interest. These environmental improvements may affect product ingredients, the manufacturing process and/or packaging.
There are many brands of cleaning products in Australia that claim environmental benefits. Consumers should consider price, effectiveness, availability and environmental factors to ensure that they are purchasing the product that best suits their overall needs.
The following brands are Australian-made and do not contain chlorine, phosphates or petrochemicals.
Cinderella Cleaning Products
A comprehensive range of products to cover all household cleaning needs, Cinderella Products are 100% plant-based and biodegradable. Each product has a pleasant natural fragrance and the neutral pH means that the products are gentle on the skin and can be used regularly with or without gloves.
Most Cinderella Products are available at Coles and Bi-Lo supermarkets. The full product range is available online through the Cinderella Products website. Priced at approximately A$6 for 500mL, these products offer reasonable value for money.
Cinderella Products enable consumers to be kind to the environment as well as achieving excellent results at a good price.
Clean Conscience Cleaning Products
Clean Conscience offers an extremely environmentally friendly range of products containing only natural ingredients, which are clearly and explicitly listed on the product packaging.
The cleaners are effective for everyday cleaning, although they do not have the cleaning power necessary to remove long-term build-up such as baked-on oven grime. Used regularly, the products are suitable for maintaining a clean home and dealing with everyday cleaning needs.
In addition to natural ingredients, Clean Conscience offers price incentives for consumers to buy in bulk and reduce waste packaging. There are two bulk purchase centres in Tasmania, Australia where existing containers can be refilled at reduced cost. The products are available for purchase online and enquiries are welcomed from health food stores or other businesses looking to stock bulk supplies for customers.
Fragrances are natural orange, lemon and eucalyptus scents. Prices, particularly for bulk sizes or refills are comparable to other cleaners, although the limited availability may discourage some shoppers.
Orange Power Cleaning Products
Orange Power products rely on the cleaning properties of d-Limonene, a clear liquid derived from orange oil. In addition to being based on a naturally renewable resource, the Orange Power manufacturing process is under ongoing review to reduce the impact on the environment.
Most products in the range are available in either larger spray bottles (750mL size) or in concentrated form to reduce packaging waste. All Orange Power products have a fresh, citrus scent and are extremely effective household cleaners.
Most Orange Power products are readily available at Coles, Woolworths and other major supermarkets. They are economically priced, ranging from A$4.50 to A$6 for a 750mL bottle depending on the product. The orange/citrus fragrance may not appeal to all consumers.
Mean & Green and Glitz Green Cleaning Products
Produced by Pascoe’s, one of Australia’s largest cleaning chemical companies, Mean & Green and Glitz Green offer a range of cleaning products without the harsh chemicals that many consumers are looking to avoid.
While not as overtly environmental as some of the other products listed, Mean & Green and Glitz Green do offer effective cleaning products that are safer and more eco-friendly than general household cleaners at a comparable price.
Both product ranges are conveniently available from major supermarkets and department stores including Coles, Woolworths, Big W and Bunnings. Prices are economical and range from A$4 – A$6.
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