Mainstream, cheap detergents more often than not result in our waterways being polluted, damaging extremely delicate ecosystems and can cause or aggravate human and pet allergies or sensitive skin. New green, “kinder” household cleaning products can bust the dust, cut the grease, and zap the bacteria without compromising our earth and ourselves. “There is no need to sacrifice washing performance for green credentials”.1
Detergent traits to look for:
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– Packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials |
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– Packaging should be recyclable |
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– Naturally derived ingredients |
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– Biodegradable ingredients |
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– Not tested on animals |
While we eco-warriors or simple home owners wanting to make more ethical choices are now spoilt for choice in products with the green movement, here are some brands that have been tried and tested by the Living Naturally team and deemed great!
Nu Eco
- 100% natural.
- 100% vegan.
- Biodegradable ingredients.
- Paraben-free, SLS-free and sulphate-free.
- Not tested on animals.
- Animal and wildlife friendly.
- Approved by Beauty Without Cruelty.
- Approved by SA Vegan Society.
Woolworths Earth Friendly cleaning range
- Packaging is fully recyclable.
- Packaging made from recycled plastic.
- Naturally derived ingredients.
- Biodegradable ingredients.
- No synthetic fragrances or colourants.
- Vegan.
- Approved by Beauty Without Cruelty.
Checkers Simple Truth
- Biodegradable.
- Cruelty free.
- Naturally derived ingredients.
- No artificial colours.
- Paraben free.
SoPure
- 96% Naturally derived ingredients.
- Packaging is made with recycled and recyclable plastic.
- Natural preservatives and essential oils.
- Non-toxic formulation.
- Paraben and phthalate free.
- Biodegradable.
- Not tested on animals.
Now you may be thinking, “I spend so much on cleaning my home already, how could I possibly afford these eco-friendly products?” You may be surprised by just how affordable some of them are. Have a look here, we have compared the four brands mentioned above with the average price of mainstream products in various categories.
| Mainstream brand | Nu Eco | Woolworth Earth Friendly | Checkers Simple Truth | SoPure | |
| Dish washing liquid | 750ml – R31.99 | 750ml – R54.99 | 500ml – R59.99 | 500ml – R38.99 | 500ml – R49.95 |
| Tile and floor cleaner | 750ml – R44.99 | 750ml – R52.00 | 750ml – R66.99 | 750ml – 42.99 | 1litre – R69.95 |
| Glass and window cleaner | 750ml – R49.99 | None | 500ml – R55.99 | None | 500ml – R59.95 |
| Laundry liquid | 1.5litres – R84.99 | 750ml – R85.98 | 1.5litres – R189.99 | 1litre – R69.99 | 1litre – R89.99 |
*Pricing sourced at time of publication (April 2022) and therefore subject to change
It is important to do one’s homework on so called “eco-friendly” cleaning products. Often “natural” products only comprise of 85% natural ingredients which is the threshold at which these brands can, by law, claim to be natural. Look for brands that claim 100% natural on all their products.2
Switching from harmful cleaning detergents to greener products is a must for every home, business and individual. Looking for certified cruelty free, natural brands should be second nature to us if we wish to live long, healthy lives as well as preserve our environment for future generations. It’s just that simple.
References:
- Good Housekeeping. 2022. 8 best eco-friendly laundry detergents that really work. [online] Available at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g36815448/best-eco-friendly-laundry-detergents/ [Accessed 6 April 2022].
- Nu-Eco. 2022. About Us | Natural Cleaning | Biodegradable | Eco-Friendly | Nu-Eco. [online] Available at: https://nu-eco.co.za/pages/about [Accessed 6 April 2022].