Myths vs. Realities of Eco-Conscious Cleaning: Separating Truth from Greenwashing

As concerns about environmental impacts grow, terms like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” and “sustainable” have become more common in the cleaning products industry. However, greenwashing—the practice of making products appear more environmentally friendly than they really are—can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuinely eco-conscious products from those that only claim to be. Here, we debunk some common myths about eco-conscious cleaning and show how ECOS offers authentic solutions for a healthier home and planet.

Myth 1: All “Natural” Products Are Environmentally Safe

Reality: Just because a product contains “natural” ingredients doesn’t mean it’s safe or sustainable. Many cleaning products claim to be natural but may still contain non-biodegradable or petroleum-based ingredients that don’t break down easily or leave toxic residues.

ECOS uses plant-powered ingredients certified safer by the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program. ECOS detergents and cleaners are formulated without phosphates, artificial dyes, or petroleum-based ingredients, ensuring they are safer for both people and the environment.

Myth 2: Eco-Conscious Cleaning Products Are Ineffective

Reality: The perception that plant-based, eco-conscious products are less effective is often based on limited knowledge of plant-based cleaning science, past experiences with ineffective “green” products, and persistent myths about conventional products’ superior cleaning power.

• Limited Awareness of Plant-Based Cleaning Power: Many consumers are unaware that certain plant-based ingredients, like coconut oil surfactants, citric acid, and vinegar, have natural cleaning and disinfecting properties. These ingredients can be highly effective at dissolving grease, removing stains, and fighting odors.
• Past Experiences with Ineffective “Green” Products: In the past, eco-conscious cleaning products were often less effective because plant-based ingredient technology was still evolving. This created the perception that these products couldn’t compete with conventional cleaners. Today, thanks to advances in formulations, plant-based ingredients can be just as effective as synthetic ones in removing stains and odors.
• “More Foam = Better Cleaning” Myth: A common misconception is that cleaning products that produce lots of foam are more effective. However, foam isn’t an indicator of cleaning power. ECOS Dish Soap, for instance, does not add unnecessary foaming agents while still providing highly effective cleaning without leaving harsh chemical residues, making it safer for your health and the environment.

 

ECOS invests in research to develop products that are both safe and effective. They are also environmentally friendly and certified by the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program, the gold standard for ensuring ingredient safety and product efficacy.

Myth 3: A Biodegradable Product Is Always Eco-Conscious

Reality: Biodegradability is only one aspect of sustainability. The production, packaging, and transportation of a product also affect its environmental impact. While biodegradability is an essential step toward sustainability, it doesn’t guarantee a product is entirely eco-conscious.

Here’s why a biodegradable product isn’t automatically eco-conscious:

1. Production and Material Sourcing
   • A product can be biodegradable but still be made using unsustainable practices, such as excessive water consumption or non-renewable energy.
   • Biodegradable ingredients can come from intensive farming practices that lead to deforestation or use harmful pesticides and fertilizers, causing a negative environmental impact before the product is even used.
2. Transportation and Packaging
   • If a biodegradable product is packaged in plastic or non-recyclable materials or transported over long distances with high CO₂ emissions, its total environmental footprint may be larger than expected.
3. Toxicity and Environmental Safety
   • Some biodegradable products can break down but may release harmful chemicals into the soil or water during decomposition, negatively affecting ecosystems.
   • A genuinely eco-conscious product should be non-toxic to the environment and decompose without leaving harmful residues.

Myth 4: If It Says “Eco-Conscious,” It Must Be Non-Toxic

Reality: The term “eco-conscious” is not regulated, so companies can use it without meeting specific sustainability or safety requirements. This means a product can use this claim as a marketing strategy without necessarily avoiding toxic ingredients.

1. Lack of Transparency in Labeling
   • In the U.S., cleaning product manufacturers aren’t federally required to list all ingredients on the label, except in California, where regulations are stricter.
   • ECOS has been listing ingredients on its labels and website for years, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and allowing consumers to know exactly what they’re using in their homes.
2. Safety and Sustainability Certifications
   • Certifications like the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program help consumers identify products that have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
   • ECOS products are certified by the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program, which ensures their formulas are made with safer, non-toxic, and truly environmentally friendly ingredients. ECOS has over 120 products certified Safer Choice, assuring consumers of the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Myth 5: Eco-Conscious Cleaning Products Are Expensive and Inaccessible

Reality: Eco-conscious cleaning products don’t have to be costly or inaccessible. With refill options, concentrated formulas, and a focus on affordability, companies like ECOS are breaking the perception that sustainable products are a luxury.

Choosing affordable, eco-conscious products is becoming easier, allowing consumers to care for their home and the planet without breaking their budget.

Brands like ECOS are committed to making eco-conscious products accessible by offering high-quality, affordable alternatives to conventional cleaners. ECOS owns four strategically located manufacturing facilities in the USA. Making the product in house allows ECOS to manage quality throughout the production process and reduce shipping costs.

ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent, for example, is often as inexpensive as conventional cleaning products, protects fabrics to save you money over the long term, and is readily available at major retailers like Costco, Walmart, Amazon and other national and regional retailers around the country.

 

Risks of Greenwashing and How to Spot It

Greenwashing misleads consumers and creates distrust in the sustainable products market. By exaggerating or falsifying a product’s eco-friendly credentials, companies make consumers think they are making a positive choice for their health or the planet when the impact may be negative.

To avoid greenwashing, look for the Safer Choice logo on cleaning product packaging. If a company is transparent about its practices and has certifications like Safer Choice to support its claims, it’s likely a genuinely eco-conscious brand.

Conclusion

Eco-conscious cleaning isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity in a world where sustainability and transparency are increasingly valued. By choosing products like those from ECOS, committed to effective, safer formulas backed by the U.S. EPA, consumers can make informed choices, protect their health, and help reduce thier environmental impact. Avoiding greenwashing and choosing truly sustainable products are the best ways to contribute to a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.