What can we do differently in 2024 to protect the environment?   

The era in which we live demands that we have an active environmental conscience in order to preserve the environment and ensure its prosperity for our children and their generation. 

If we all do our bit, preserving nature is possible. However, we need to do it consciously and not just on the basis of what we hear.

Whilst on one hand we all want to and should do our bit for the environment, on the other hand we also want to maintain hygiene standards in our homes. And sometimes that’s contradictory. But we can work to reduce this impact.

Nowadays we are bombarded with terms like “green”, “biodegradable”, “natural”, “environmentally friendly”, “organic”, etc., often associated with cleaning products. And “magically”, we immediately associate them with non-toxic or non-carcinogenic products.

The reality is different. Often these words are just marketing buzzwords that do not reflect the environmental impact of these products. There is not enough legislation to force brands to use these terms correctly. 

That’s why it’s up to each of us to evaluate our surroundings with a critical mind, which can be acquired with a little curiosity and by looking for reliable scientific sources.

Be wary of advertising without proof

Often, the great environmental impact does not come from the use of products, but from their production. Associating the word “natural” or “bio” with the product does nothing to diminish its danger. Sometimes only one or two ingredients are actually natural.

When buying products with these labels and designations, you need to take their meaning seriously, because it’s not because it’s natural that it’s instantly less harmful. 

Let’s take the case of petrol: it is natural. The mechanisms used to extract and refine it make it extremely polluting and harmful.

Another aspect to take into account is “biodegradability”. 

Biodegradable ingredients are ingredients that will be broken down by bacteria and fungi and their enzymes when put into circulation in the environment, thus reducing their impact. 

In a literal sense, almost all products will eventually degrade, the question is: how quickly?

Even plastic will eventually degrade, the problem is that this process can take up to 200 years! Look for products that biodegrade more quickly. That way, you’ll actually be contributing to the environment.

What about packaging?

It’s not just cleaning products that pose a threat to the environment. There’s also the issue of packaging. For reasons of convenience, we buy our products in small, ready-to-use containers. Because, as you can imagine, it’s quite convenient to reach in, grab a container and start cleaning without having to worry about dilutions. When we’ve finished, we rinse the packaging and put it in the recycling container, and we think we’ve done our bit. 

What if we could actually reduce the amount of plastic in circulation?

Choose to buy packaging with a larger capacity and as concentrated as possible.

By doing so, you’re reducing the amount of plastic you consume, as well as reducing the impacts of producing that item, from the product to the packaging, labelling, transport, until it reaches the shelves and, finally, the consumer’s home!

There may not be any viable options on the market that meet all the parameters in terms of the environment, sanitising to the desired standards and price. But any little bit helps. 

We therefore suggest the following practical tips to bear in mind when buying your cleaning products:

1. Avoid excessive use of disinfectants, especially bleaches – these disinfect but don’t clean and can be harmful to the environment and your health;

2.       Choose products that do not contain harmful and/or toxic substances, such as the ammonia present in most window cleaners and other products;

3.       Question whether what you’re buying really is what’s advertised or whether you’re buying a bargain;

4.       Read the labels! The label will tell you how to use the product correctly and stick to the recommended doses – more is not always better;

5.       Choose concentrated products and dilute them yourself. You’ll end up saving money and the environment.

Our brand Biosoluções symbolises Grupo Extermínio‘s strategy towards innovation and our commitment to protecting nature.

With this brand, we are committed to the development and commercialisation of more effective and profitable concentrated products, in order to enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the most varied types of commercial and private spaces.