Cleaning for Nature - How to Avoid Chemical Cleaning Agents
Annually, thousands of tons of cleaning agents are purchased in Cyprus, and the quantities continue to rise each year. These chemicals end up in wastewater and are not always broken down in treatment plants. Many of the ingredients are toxic to aquatic organisms.
The consequences for the environment and health are often underestimated. Many substances in cleaning agents are difficult to degrade and can enter our groundwater, agricultural fields, or rivers, lakes, and seas through various pathways. Treatment plants do not filter out all substances, and the sludge is sometimes reused as fertiliser in agriculture. During heavy rain, sewage systems overflow. Therefore, it is best for the environment if as few cleaning agents as possible are used. This applies both to the dosage and the variety of cleaning agents.
• For household use, the following five cleaners are sufficient and versatile:
• Dish soap for washing dishes and cleaning windows and smooth surfaces.
• Dishwasher cleaner for the dishwasher.
• All-purpose cleaner, particularly effective against grease.
• Bathroom cleaner for removing limescale.
• Scouring cream for stubborn dirt.
When purchasing cleaners, it is best to look for the European Ecolabel. For bio-based cleaning agents, check for the Ecocert label, which focuses on bio-based ingredients.
Many essential oils are toxic to aquatic organisms
Since the cleaners are discharged into wastewater, the effects of essential oils in water must be examined. Citrus oil, in particular, is toxic. According to environmental authorities, the limonene in it is classified as environmentally hazardous. It can cause allergies and is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Even though essential oils are natural products and can also be obtained from organic farming, this does not change their effects. Therefore, they should not be used in organic cleaning agents either.
Less is better for the environment
For the environment, it is best to dose cleaning agents as low as possible. A few drops of cleaning agent are often enough. However, most cleaning bottles make it difficult to dose the amount low because the bottle opening is too large. A smaller opening would be much better and a clear task for product designers. For example, the consumption of dish soap has been increasing in recent years, even though more and more households are using dishwashers and thus need to wash fewer dishes by hand.
• These cleaners are very harmful to the environment and should be avoided if possible:
• Caustic toilet and pipe cleaners are the most toxic household cleaners. Ecobug caps and cleaners combat deposits in drain pipes effectively and safely.
• Glass-ceramic cleaners contain microplastic particles. Burnt spots can be scraped off with a ceramic hob scraper.
• Toilet fragrance blocks. They have no cleaning effect, but with each flush, harmful chemicals enter the drain. In contrast, Ecobug caps and cleaners not only effectively combat odours but also truly clean and are harmless to the environment.
• Oven sprays are caustic and harmful to health.
• Disinfectants are dangerous to both the environment and humans. Disinfectants kill harmless germs, allowing dangerous ones to multiply. The human immune system cannot develop adequately either.
• Many other specialised cleaners...
Scrubbing instead of using aggressive chemicals
Instead of aggressive agents, it makes sense to scrub away dirt with brushes, plungers, and sponges. Let dried stains soak to remove them more easily. Surfaces can also be cleaned without cleaning agents using wrung-out microfiber cloths. For cotton cloths, choose a thin quality; muslin cloths are particularly suitable. After cleaning, hang up the cloths to dry well to prevent germs from forming. Disposable cloths or dusters create unnecessary waste.
Household remedy treasure chest
• Gall soap: Very suitable for stain treatment. Gall soap removes fat, protein, and dye-containing stains like oil, blood, milk, fruit, or vegetables.
• Citric acid: Citric acid works against limescale. The powder can be used to descale many household appliances and fixtures.
• Soda or baking powder: Together with vinegar, it cleans clogged drains and burnt pots.
• Boiling water: Preventively pour boiling water down the drain regularly.
• Freezer: Put textiles with gum or resin residues in the freezer overnight, then scrape off.
• Iron: Enclose textiles with wax stains on both sides with absorbent paper (e.g., kitchen paper), place a towel on top, and iron. The wax melts and is absorbed by the paper.
• Cold water: Soak blood and other protein stains in cold water. Then treat with gall soap.
• Soaking: Soaking makes it much easier to remove oven, pot, and many other stubborn stains. Ecobug caps and cleaners actively combat odours and deposits while being absolutely safe for water and nature.
For sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning, consider using Ecobug’s organic cleaning products. By choosing Ecobug, you not only save money but also contribute to protecting the environment, conserving clean water, and preserving nature. Our eco-friendly cleaning agents help in saving water and ensuring a cleaner, greener future.
The Lifeblood Of Our Planet
Water is the lifeblood of our planet. However, increasing water pollution and waste are threatening not only human health but also wildlife. In this blog post, we will explore how these environmental issues affect animals and why it is crucial to take action.
Water Pollution: A Deadly Threat to Animals
Chemicals and Heavy Metals: Industrial waste and agricultural pesticides often enter rivers, lakes, and oceans untreated. These substances contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals like mercury and lead, which enter the food chain. Fish and other aquatic organisms absorb these toxins and often suffer fatal poisonings. Predatory birds and other animals that consume these fish are also affected, experiencing reproductive issues and diseases.
Plastic Pollution: Microplastics and larger plastic debris are growing problems. Marine animals such as turtles, whales, and seabirds mistake plastic for food. Ingesting plastic can lead to choking, internal injuries, and death. Plastic particles also accumulate in organisms, impairing their health.
Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient input from fertilizers leads to the eutrophication of water bodies. This causes rampant algae growth, which depletes oxygen in the water and creates "dead zones" where life cannot thrive. Fish and other aquatic creatures die in these oxygen-deprived areas.
Water Waste: An Underestimated Problem for Wildlif
Habitat Loss: Water waste reduces available water resources. Rivers and lakes shrink, wetlands dry up, and many animals lose their habitats. Animals in arid regions, which rely on scarce water sources, are particularly affected.
Altered Ecosystems: Excessive water use for agriculture and industry changes natural waterways and ecosystems. Dams and diversions disrupt the natural migration patterns of fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to population declines and threatening the survival of many species.
What Can We Do?
Reduce Water Pollution: Stricter environmental laws and improved wastewater treatment can reduce pollution. Everyone can contribute by reducing the use of chemical cleaners and pesticides and opting for plastic-free alternatives.
Sustainable Water Use: Mindful use of water resources is crucial. This includes water-saving measures at home and more sustainable irrigation methods in agriculture.
Raise Public Awareness: Education and awareness are key to sensitizing society to the issues of water pollution and waste. Together, we can pressure governments and companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
Conclusion
Water pollution and waste have devastating effects on wildlife. From poisoning to habitat loss to ecological disruptions—the consequences are diverse and threatening. It is our responsibility to address these issues and create a more sustainable future for all living beings. Only through collective action can we protect our planet and its inhabitants.
How Well Do Organic Cleaning Products Really Clean?
Many people believe that organic cleaning products are not as effective as their toxic counterparts, the chemical cleaners. Or they might have had bad experiences with less advanced products. We are happy to explain why the biotechnologically advanced and 100% organic cleaning products from ecobug and BioHygiene are an exception.
Not all bacteria are created equal. Bacteria produce enzymes that break down specific waste into smaller molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by cells, enabling growth and thriving. Without the correct enzymes, bacteria have little to no impact on waste. The species and strain of bacteria are crucial in determining how products perform and what they can achieve.
Hundreds of strains have been analysed to identify those that produce the most effective enzymes for breaking down fats, starch, cellulose, protein, and uric acid:
Lipase: Breaks down fats, oils, and greases
Amylase: Breaks down starch, e.g. in potatoes and pasta
Cellulase: Breaks down cellulose, e.g. in vegetable matter
Protease: Breaks down proteinaceous matter, e.g. meats and cheeses
Uricase: Breaks down uric acid
Superior Cleaning Performance
We combine biotech and ecotech ingredients that work together to deep clean, remove odours, and provide long-lasting protection.
Deeper Cleaning Action
Our proprietary bacteria colonise the application areas, delivering a thorough cleaning effect:
Eliminate any level of odour or stain
Clean areas traditional technology can't reach (such as soft fabrics, grout, and cracks)
Break down organic residues left after cleaning
Clean without damaging surfaces or reducing their shine
Residual Cleaning Action
Our proprietary bacteria form biofilms on surfaces, creating a healthier environment and providing ongoing cleaning action. Organic matter is broken down at the source, eliminating odours and making future cleaning less labour-intensive.
Odour Removal
Odour Trapping Biotechnology: Absorbs odour molecules, effectively removing unpleasant smells.
Odour Neutralisation Biotechnology: Encapsulates and binds odour molecules, making them undetectable.
Odour Degradation Biotechnology: Breaks down organic matter and odour molecules, eliminating the smell at its source.