As someone who’s always been environmentally conscious, I’ll admit that I used to think of myself as a pretty savvy green consumer. I dutifully recycled, kept my carbon footprint in check, and even shopped for ‘eco-friendly’ products whenever I could. But it wasn’t until I had a real eye-opening experience that I realized just how much work there is to be done when it comes to keeping our homes and families safe from harmful toxins.
The Lightbulb Moment
It all started when I was working on a project that required me to research some new environmental regulations. That’s when I stumbled upon a law in California that was aimed at reducing the lead content in faucets. “Wow,” I thought, “I had no idea that was even a concern.” Up until that point, I guess I had just assumed that if a product was on the shelves, it must be safe, right?
But as I dug deeper, I quickly realized how naive that mindset was. The truth is, the regulations around household cleaning products are shockingly lax. There are virtually no requirements for companies to disclose their full ingredient lists, let alone prove that those ingredients are actually safe for human health and the environment.
That realization was the catalyst for a major change in my approach. I decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in environmental engineering, determined to gain a deeper understanding of how everyday products can impact our world. And one of the first things I learned? The cleaning products we use on a daily basis can have a huge ripple effect, both in our homes and out in the broader ecosystem.
The Importance of Transparency
As I dove into this new realm of eco-conscious consumerism, one thing became crystal clear to me: transparency is key. When it comes to the products we bring into our homes, we deserve to know exactly what’s in them. But alarmingly, many conventional cleaning brands don’t even list their full ingredient lists, let alone indicate which ones might be harmful.
That’s why I was so inspired by the mission of a company called Meliora. Their founder, Kate Jakubas, shared my belief that consumers have a fundamental right to understand what they’re exposing themselves and their families to. “People deserve to know what’s in their products,” she told me. “That ingredient list should be on the front of the package or at least on the package at all.”
It’s a radical idea, I know – but also one that I wholeheartedly support. After all, how can we make informed choices if we don’t even have access to the most basic information? Meliora’s commitment to full transparency is a big part of what drew me to their brand, and it’s something I try to embody in my own approach to toxin-free living.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning That Actually Works
Of course, transparency is just the first piece of the puzzle. Even if a company is upfront about their ingredients, those ingredients still need to be safe, effective, and affordable for the average consumer. And that’s where Meliora really shines.
“We don’t compromise on ingredients,” Kate told me. “We cross-reference banned lists from places like Europe, which have much stricter regulations than the US.” The result is a carefully curated lineup of cleaning products that are not only non-toxic, but also highly performant.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried Meliora’s Oxygen Brightener – I was amazed at how well it cleaned my coffee mugs and removed stubborn stains. “It works really well to brighten those clothes,” Kate said, “but there’s a lot of other uses for it.” I can attest to that – it’s now a staple in my toxin-free cleaning arsenal.
But perhaps most importantly, Meliora is committed to making their products accessible to everyone, not just the eco-elite. “We want to make a product efficiently so that we can sell it at a price point that’s accessible,” Kate explained. “We don’t think that it should be out of reach for people to afford products that are healthier for them.”
Beyond the Ingredients
Of course, a company’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond just the products themselves. That’s why I was so impressed to learn about Meliora’s broader corporate practices and certifications.
For starters, they have a “really green facility” that prioritizes water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. They’re also a certified B Corp, which means they’ve undergone a rigorous assessment of their social and environmental impact. “It looks at our entire operations,” Kate told me, “who owns the company, are we paying a living wage, are we offering benefits – really looking holistically not just at the products we make but how we operate the company itself.”
In a world where greenwashing is all too common, this kind of accountability and transparency is truly refreshing. It’s a testament to Meliora’s values and their unwavering commitment to creating positive change, both for their customers and the planet.
Making the Switch
If you’re like me and you’re ready to ditch the toxic cleaners for good, the good news is that making the switch doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, switching to eco-friendly cleaning products can actually save you money in the long run.
Take Meliora’s homemade dishwasher tabs, for example. According to my calculations, each one costs just 6 cents to make – a far cry from the 18 cents or more you’d pay for a store-bought version. And the best part? They work just as well, if not better, than the conventional alternatives.
Of course, I know change can be daunting, especially when it comes to something as deeply ingrained in our daily routines as cleaning. But I can assure you, the benefits are well worth it. Not only will you be protecting your family’s health, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce your environmental footprint and support companies that are truly committed to sustainability.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to make the switch to toxin-free cleaning. Your home, your health, and the planet will all thank you.
Adam Cleaning Services is a company that can help you make the transition to eco-friendly cleaning products and practices. Check out their website to learn more about their services and how they can support your journey to a healthier, more sustainable home.
