In the cleaning industry, there are choices that need to be made which ultimately define and shape future and repeat business.  Or in a household setting, can affect you and your families health and daily life.  The supplies used and how  they are used can be the difference between an exceptional job well done and an average performance, in a corporate setting.  Supplies can affect whether or not a company is successful to the public, the employees working for the company and ultimately the environment.  Someone in your family can start having an allergic reaction or worse a cancer diagnosis, due to the products that are suppose to help and clean your homes and workplaces.  Everyday cleaning supplies have harmful, toxic ingredients and whether these supplies are used in homes or commercial, the knowledge of their affects must be communicated.  Comparatively, natural, green cleaning supplies have so many benefits and with IJCSA’s help, I will attempt to make this clear.
    How harmful are everyday cleaning supplies?  There are very many toxic and harmful ingredients in many cleaners.  I will touch on three to give a glimpse.  Alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols, found in laundry detergents and all purpose cleaners, causes chronic health problems.  Studies in England, have found that it can alter the activity of certain genes and lead to breast cancer.  Ammonia, a chemical most have heard of, is often found in window cleaner.  Ammonia has horrible affects on the body and has been known to cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat; pain in the lungs; headache; nausea; coughing; and increased breathing rate. OSHA even regulates the amount in the air to protect its workers.  Napthalene, a chemical in carpet cleaners, is derived from coal tar and known to cause allergic skin reactions and cataracts, alters kidney function and is extremely toxic to children.  These are harmful and possibly lastly effects, of using everyday cleaning products.  
    There are natural cleaning supplies that are so much better to use and are naturally found in the environment.  These few are often used to clean surfaces and happen to be. Words you can pronounce.  Baking soda is made of soda ash and alkaline.  It is known as an air freshener and a carpet deodorizer.  White Vinegar cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, stains and build-up.  Lemon is a strong food acid that some even have growing on there trees in this area.  Lemon is effective against most household bacterias and smells clean and fresh.  Cornstarch is found in most kitchens in America.  It can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets.  Isopropyl Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant.
    Natural and green substances are their active ingredients in green cleaning.  Simple Green is a popular cleaner that has stood the test of time.  “Simple Green is a brand of cleaning products produced by Sunshine Makers, Inc. Their most well known product is Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, which in 2004 totaled sales of at least $5.7 million USD.”  Though the company has had some toxic concerns, it stands by its 3 Million dollars in safety testing and is very often used many kitchens.   
    What are the advantages of green, natural cleaning products?  Ultimately, the use of natural cleaning products allows companies and individuals to clean on their terms.  They control the environment, get the job done well, and can save money and be very successful.  The negative affect versus the positive affects are easy to see and with the knowledge and resources IJCSA provide, together, we can continue to clean the best, natural and effective way for communities and to enhance our environment.