Biodegradability: It is the decomposition of organic substances
into carbon dioxide, water and other harmless substances.
Rapid biodegradation reduces impact on the environment and the food chain. Rapid
biodegration is the ratio of BOD over COD being over 60% threshold in a 10 day window
over a 28 day limit.
All our organic cleaning ingredients are readily biodegradable per OECD (Organization
of Economic Development) Test 301D at use dilution under load and simulated real
life conditions as tested by Ortech, a Canadian government certified lab and research
company. In addition, the dosage levels are at least equal to standard products
thereby lessening the total burden on the environment.
Toxicity: It is defined as being a chemical which has an LD50 of
50 milligrams (mg) or less of chemical per kilogram (kg) of body weight. The greater
the LD50, the less toxic the product.
Our core products are considered essentially non-toxic (acute oral/dermal) according
to WHMIS and OSHA regulations, for all but government approved disinfectants.
Aquatic Toxicity: Our core products exceed acute toxicity standards
for fish, daphnia magna and algae at use dilutions, thereby minimizing the impact
on fish, wildlife, drinking water and swimming locations. This is very important
to humans as it has a direct effect since it is the beginning of the food chain
and a major source for drinking water. Aquatic toxicity should be greater than 10mg/L.
All tests for Biodegradability, Toxicity and Aquatic Toxicity are
conducted by independent labs.
Hazardous Ingredients: Our products contain no carcinogens, mutagens,
or teratogens. None of our core cleaning products contain ingredients found on the
U.S. Department of Health’s “Hazardous Substances Fact Sheet”,
SARA – 313 40 CFR 372 (Toxic Chemicals), Cercla -102 – 40 CFR 302 Hazardous
Substances, RCRA – CFR 261(D) Hazardous Air Pollutants, Clean Water Act -
313 - 40 CFR 63(C) Hazardous Water Pollutants, National Pollutant Release Inventory.
Surfactants: The ones we use are carefully selected so as to have
the least negative effect on the environment. We do not use LAS (Linear Alkyl Benzene
Sulfonates) or DSBA, common in many cleaners. None of our cleaners use NTA or EDTA.
In general, we rely on chelating agents (such as sodium citrate) that do not encourage
the utrification of water.
Many cleaners claim ready biodegradability based on ingredient based testing. The
review of detergents (surfactants) in the inland waters identified the most common
surfactant used LAS (Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates) as being present in significant
amounts even though LAS is readily biodegradable.
Many surfactants used in the common household and commercial cleaners are not normally
tested for effluent discharge by municipal waste treatment plants even though they
represent a significant percentage of surfactants entering waste treatment plants.
In a review of detergents (surfactants) in the inland waters the following conclusions
were reached:
- Environmental concentrations of surfactants in the inland
waters around populated centers range between .005mg/l and
2 mg/l.
- Surfactants can be toxic to aquatic life at concentrations
as low as .025 mg/l.
- Surfactants have demonstrated effects on aquatic life at concentrations
as low as .005 mg/l.
- Surfactants have demonstrated synergy with many chemical compounds
and may interact with other more toxic pollutants
to create mixtures of unknown toxicological properties.
Builders: We carefully select ones that biodegrade
readily to compounds with low environmental concerns and mild
pH. For example we use:
- Ethylene Glycol
- Butyl Cellusolve
- D' Limonene
Naturally Renewable Resources: Wherever possible,
only natural based, renewable ingredients – such as grains,
corn oils, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, sugar cane juice, glucose's
and corn and soy based ethyl esters replacing petroleum based
solvents - are used in our products. Traditional formulas are
typically based on petroleum and non-renewable resources that
have definite negative impact both when they are being manufactured,
and again when they are released back into our atmosphere. In
addition, they have negative effects on health.
NPE’s (Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate): Only
two products (US-disinfectants) contain NPE, a known toxin and
chemical linked to widespread reproductive and sexual abnormality
problems. Our products use a replacement linear alcohol ethoxylates.
APE’s (Alkylphenol Ethoxylate): Are
not contained in any product.
Packaging: Subject to availability, our bottles
and jugs are made from 10% to 25% pre - and/or post-consumer
regrind. Many of our labels are printed on plastic sleeves while
the self adhesive ones are printed with vegetable inks. The
cartons are made from recycled cardboard, both pre- and post-consumer
Where possible, products are concentrated,
thereby reducing chemicals and packaging, consequently waste,
while reducing use costs for end-users and transportation costs
for distributors.
Endorsements: Eco-Logo
and Green Seal for the Core Cleaners.
Conclusion: Our products have been independently
proven to be more environmentally sound with respect to total
burden/impact. We make a focussed effort on ensuring our detergent
residues that end up in the aquatic environment are minimized
in quantity, toxicity and other harmful components and factors.
