Warning! Flammable! Toxic! With labels like these on some conventional cleaning products, you get a pretty good idea that they aren’t really that safe. Many chemicals (e.g., chlorine and ammonia), when mixed together, can be downright dangerous.

Small children and pets are especially vulnerable due to higher exposure levels because of their size. Plus, household cleaning supplies are one of the top five substance classes accounting for calls to the National Poison Control Center according to its 2010 annual report. So, minimize your risk with green cleaning products that aren’t toxic or as dangerous.

Feel better with green cleaning products—literally. Unlike conventional cleaning products, you’ll know that what you’re using won’t harm you, your family, or your pets. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, headaches, and more may “mysteriously” disappear once you stop using toxic cleaning chemicals.

Considering many of the hazardous chemicals in conventional products are often carcinogens, neurotoxins, mutagens, teratogens, or endocrine disrupters, it is definitely worth ditching them in favor of natural green cleaning products.

Did you know that the use of conventional cleaning products can contribute to higher pollution indoors than outdoors? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been associated with a host of health problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, are released when products are used and stored and can also linger in the air long after use. That’s nothing to cough at. Breathe easier knowing that this is not a problem with cleaning products that are truly green.

When you choose to use green cleaning products, you are making a vote to protect the environment so to speak. Most ideal green cleaning products are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and naturally derived, safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients that don’t negatively impact the environment.

On the other hand, some conventional cleaning products contain ingredients that are toxic, hazardous, non-biodegradable, and from non-renewable resources like petroleum, so they adversely affect the earth’s eco-systems.

Add some green to your pocketbook by making your own green cleaning products, or save money by buying eco-friendly all-purpose cleaners that do multiple jobs, so you won’t have to purchase other products. With more and more manufacturers entering the green cleaning scene, natural products are often competitively priced with their conventional, chemical-laden counterparts, and, in some cases even cheaper.

It’s much easier to have a few products that take care of your general cleaning needs than a whole arsenal of toxic products. For example, vinegar can easily replace mold and mildew removers, window cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and more.

You can often tackle multiple cleaning jobs in your home without switching products as you clean. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting bleach stains on your clothes or accidentally mixing dangerous chemicals together as you clean when you go green.

Many manufacturers of green cleaning products take social responsibility very seriously and often give a portion of their profits to organizations that further social, environmental, and educational change. So, purchasing products from these companies means you are also giving a little back to your community, whether local or global.

Manufacturers of cleaning products aren’t required by the U.S. government to divulge ingredients; however, many green cleaning manufacturers make it their policy to be fully transparent, whereas some conventional manufacturers don’t and may only list a portion of their ingredients.

Once you start using eco-friendly, green cleaning products and tools and see how well they work, others will most likely follow suit. Don’t be shy about green cleaning at home or the office. As more join in, it means a healthier planet for us all to enjoy! Setting an example for children guarantees a brighter future for our planet as well.

Try on your creative side by making some of your own green cleaning products, such as this aromatherapy cleanser, with eco-friendly green cleaning ingredients and supplies. You will not only save money and time shopping but can also customize products to suit your needs by using different natural ingredients, such as essential oils.