Sustainable Cleaning
- Isle Bee Well
- Oct 22
- 16 min read
Updated: Oct 26
Throughout our evolution, humans have recognised the need for cleanliness and public sanitation. From ancient ash and vinegar solutions to industrial chemical mixtures, the world of cleaning has evolved considerably. As more is revealed about public health risks and environmental pollution fossil-based cleaning products pose, consumers are seeking greener alternatives to cleaning. This blog explores sustainable cleaning, the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, the DPSIR Framework in the context of pollution from household solid waste and an innovative, refillable approach to everyday cleaning products, such as Dish Soap, Hand Soap, Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Laundry Detergent to list a few— eco-friendly items you should add to your home 'eco-cleaning' lineup. Cleaniless and the act of cleaning itself can promise more than dirt removal or a bad stench, finding comfort in cleaning releases neurotransmitters such as Endorphins, brain-based pain-suppressing and mood-elevating hormones for our wellness.
History of Cleaning Products
Long before industrially manufactured detergents were stocked on supermarket shelves, people made cleaning agents in the form of soap from animal fat and wood ash. In ancient Egypt and Rome, essential oils, clay, and alkaline salts were used to clean the skin and everyday surfaces. By the Roman era, soap was widely used for personal hygiene and other household textiles. During the Middle Ages, personal cleanliness declined in some parts of the world due to misconceptions about disease transmission. However, the Renaissance period revived an interest in hygiene, expanding soap production across Europe. The Industrial Revolution made soap production ubiquitous, making cleanliness accessible to the wider population. By the 19th century, industrialisation brought chemically produced soaps, and by the 20th century, synthetic detergents made from petroleum derivatives dominated the market. While these innovations back then promised effective cleaning, they also introduced questionable ingredients that now pose public health and environmental risk.
The Chemistry of Cleaning
Conventional cleaning products contain a mixture of Surfactants, (Surface Acting Agents) that work at the interface between Hydrophilic, water-loving, and Hydrophobic, water-fearing, compounds, dissolving dirt, grease and grime. These surfactants are the Functional Components of cleaning formulations. Additional functional components such as Preservatives, Chelators, Fragrances, and Disinfectants, serve to extend product shelf life, imbue a favourable aroma to the process of cleaning and add anti-microbial features. While standard cleaning product ingredients can be effective when combined well, today's eco-conscious consumer market is aware of their non-biodegradable petroleum origins.
Cleaning relies on breaking down and removing dirt, grease, and microbes. Most cleaning agents leverage special chemical classes of compounds:
Surfactants– These molecules reduce surface tension, allowing water to penetrate surfaces and lift away grease and grime.
Solvents– Often used to dissolve stains, solvents help clean surfaces by breaking down oil-based substances.
Chelating Agents– These compounds bind to minerals in water, preventing residue and enhancing detergent effectiveness.
Preservatives & Antimicrobials– Added to prevent microbial growth in cleaning formulations.
Fragrance– Aroma compounds that can mask or add a sensory touch after cleaning, giving the perception of a successful wash.
The effectiveness of cleaning agents depends on their chemical structure. Traditionally, many of these compounds have been derived from petroleum-based sources, offering powerful cleaning properties but also introducing environmental challenges.
The Impact of Petroleum-Based Cleaning Ingredients
Many conventional cleaning products rely on petroleum-based surfactants and solvents, such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients pose several environmental and health concerns:
Water Pollution – Many petroleum-based detergents do not fully biodegrade, leading to water contamination and harm to aquatic ecosystems.
Air Pollution – Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from synthetic cleaners contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution, affecting respiratory health, in some cases triggering asthma.
Toxicity to Wildlife – Some surfactants, particularly nonylphenol ethoxylates, are known endocrine disruptors, affecting aquatic organisms and disrupting ecosystems.
Carbon Footprint – The extraction and refinement of petroleum for cleaning chemicals contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Conventional Cleaning Ingredients
SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
An anionic surfactant (negatively charged) with effective cleaning performance and foam boosting potential.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
Another anionic surfactant (negatively charged) of the sulfate family with effective cleaning performance.
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
A solubilizer and surfactant used to add fragrance to the formula and combine different types of ingredients in the formula.
Phthalates
Used in synthetic cleaning products as solvents and in fragrances for improved longevity and stability, but are also known endocrine disruptors.
Triclosan
Common in antibacterial and disinfectant cleaners, is now linked to antibiotic resistance and has been banned in several countries.
Sodium hypochlorite
Referred to as Bleach, it is used to kill off the majority of microbes, and serves as a whitening agent. However, it emits harmful fumes and can react with other chemicals to form toxic by-products, which aerosolise, resulting in respiratory effects.
Health Impacts of Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential practice in maintaining hygiene and promoting overall health in our living and working environments. However, it is important to recognize that the health impacts of cleaning extend beyond simply removing dirt and contaminants. The methods and products used in cleaning can have significant effects on both physical and mental health. One of the primary concerns regarding cleaning is exposure to various chemicals found in cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning agents contain hazardous substances such as Ammonia, Bleach, and Phthalates, which can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. Prolonged inhalation of the fumes from cleaners, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can exacerbate Asthma or trigger allergic reactions like Contact Dermatitis. Moreover, improper use of cleaning products can result in chemical burns or poisoning. Mixing certain cleaners, like bleach and ammonia, can create toxic gases that pose serious health risks. The breakdown of single-use packaging waste often made from plastic polymers, are not biodegradable, instead breaking down into smaller and more harmful Microplastics. These microplastics get consumed by marine life, which eventually can end up in our bodies. Therefore, individuals must be aware of the proper usage and potential dangers of these substances to minimize health risks.
Indoor Air Quality
Conventional cleaners can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to respiratory issues and indoor air pollution.
Waterways and Aquatic Life
Ingredients like phosphates lead to algal blooms and oxygen-deprived dead zones in oceans and lakes.
Microplastic Pollution from Packaging Waste
Single-use plastic bottles contribute to the global microplastic crisis—most end up in waterways and marine life..
Environmental Impacts of Cleaning
The health impacts of cleaning are not limited to human health; they also extend to environmental health. Both the Biosphere and Ecosphere at large share this common air and influence living organisms and their environmental habitats. Many conventional cleaning products contribute to Indoor Air Pollution and Environmental Degradation. The release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere not only poses health risks to individuals but negatively affects public breathable air, contributing to polluted ground-level air and tropospheric Ozone. In response to these concerns, there has been a growing trend towards the use of eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products. These alternatives often utilize Natural, Nature-derived and Nature-identical ingredients that are potentially less harmful to both human health and the environment. By opting for greener cleaning solutions, individuals can help protect their health while also contributing to a healthier planet.
Cleaning Product Packaging Waste
Cleaning products typically come in various types of packaging, including plastic bottles, spray containers, pouches, and cardboard boxes. The most common material used for these containers is plastic, which, while lightweight and convenient, poses severe challenges in terms of disposal and recycling. Many cleaning product containers are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), both of which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Moreover, the presence of residues from the cleaning agents can complicate the recycling process, as many recycling facilities are unable or unwilling to accept contaminated materials. Once discarded after use, these plastics break down into smaller Microplastics, which can end up in oceans and waterways, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Incineration of plastic waste can release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, further exacerbating air quality issues.
Natural, Nature Derived, Nature Identical
Natural
Sourced directly from plants, minerals, or animals. Minimal physical or mechanical processing that doesn't significantly alter their chemical structure. Some examples are: essential oils, shea butter and coconut oil.
Nature-derived
Starting material obtained plants, minerals, or animals but has been minimally chemically altered in most cases. A few examples are: green surfactants like Cocoglucoside, Decyl glucoside and Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate,
Nature-identical
Starting material usually being fossil-based chemical building blocks, synthesized to resemble and function like natural ingredients, especially when the natural ingredient is in low supply or difficult to harvest. Some examples are Vanillin, Citric Acid and Benzoic Acid.
The Shift toward Biobased, Sustainable Cleaning
In response to the public health and environmental concerns of how we clean, a new generation of cleaning products is emerging, products that promise to be Plant-based, Biodegradable, and Non-toxic for people and the planet. These alternatives prioritise ingredient transparency, essentialism, and circular design principles. Biobased cleaning means that a cleaning product is mostly derived or identical in function to renewable cleaning resources like coconut, corn, or sugarcane in place of petroleum. This reduces carbon footprint across manufacturing value chains to produce safer and greener solutions. But sustainability should not stop at a formulation's ingredient choices—it also extends to how products are packaged, transported, and refilled. The transition to biobased cleaning products is not just a trend but a necessary shift to reduce environmental impact and promote healthier living spaces.
Novel Plant-based Cleaning Ingredients
AlkylPolyGlucosides (APGs)
Coco glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside and Caprylyl glucoside are coconut-derived nonionic surfactants for gentle, effective cleaning with good foam stability and are fully biodegradable.
Acyl Glutamates
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Lauryl Glutamate are of the glutamate surfactant class from coconut oil, glutamic acid and lauric acid with gentle cleaning potential and are biodegradable.
Sarcosinates
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, an anionic surfactant with mild cleansing and cushioning foam properties, derived from sarcosine and lauric acid, is also biodegradable.
Enzyme-based Cleaners
These leverage natural biodegradable enzymes, large biomolecules, to break down tough, organic stains like ice cream and condiment smudge, blood stains, and old skin cell build-up on fabrics, reducing the need for simpler cleaning compounds.
Other Biobased Cleaning Alternatives
Plant-based Surfactants
From coconut, palm, rapeseed or corn, these surfactants offer effective cleaning with better biodegradability.
Soda Ash
Also referred to as Sodium carbonate, soda ash is a white chalky, strong alkali powder with strong detergency due to its high basicity needed to dissolve dirt and grime.
Soap
A cornerstone of cleaning, regular soap made from the process of Saponification, where fat or oil like Coconut oil is combined with a strong alkali or base like Sodium Hydroxide also called Lye, to form a 'soap molecule' is used for a range of basic cleaning tasks.
Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon or Lime
A time-tested natural cleaning mixture that combines the acidic properties of acetic acid, vinegar and sodium bicarbonate, a strong base, to clean dirt away and deodorise surfaces. Citrus scents such as fresh lemon or zesty, help break down and mask malodours.
Essential Oils
Biobased cleaners harness essential oils with known antimicrobial properites like lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus, containing high concentrations of organic compounds like Limonene, Pinene, Linalool and Eucalyptol, for a natural, clean, fresh scent.
The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry
Green chemistry is an innovative approach to chemical research and manufacturing that seeks to minimize the environmental impact of chemical processes while maximizing efficiency and safety. The twelve (12) Principles of Green Chemistry, formulated by Paul Anastas and John Warner in 1998, provide a comprehensive framework that guides chemists and researchers in the design and development of processes and products that prioritize sustainability. These principles represent a paradigm shift in the field of chemistry, advocating for a transformative approach that not only emphasizes the importance of chemical research and manufacturing but also aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with these activities. Green Chemistry is an emerging subfield that addresses pressing global challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. By focusing on the minimization of waste and pollution,
Green Chemistry seeks to improve chemical processes and products in ways that are both innovative and responsible. The twelve principles serve as foundational guidelines that chemists can employ to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in their work. The principles encompass a wide range of strategies aimed at fostering a more sustainable chemical industry. One of the key principles emphasizes the importance of preventing waste rather than treating or cleaning up waste after it has been created. This proactive approach encourages the design of processes that inherently minimize waste generation, thereby conserving resources and reducing the burden on waste management systems. Another principle focuses on the use of renewable feedstocks, advocating for the utilization of materials that are sustainably sourced and readily available, as opposed to relying on finite resources. This shift not only supports sustainable practices but also helps mitigate the environmental impact of extracting and processing non-renewable resources.
The principles include: 1. Prevention of Waste- design processes to minimize waste. 2. Atom Economy- maximize the incorporation of all materials used in the process into the final product. 3. Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses- design synthetic methods to use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment. 4. Designing Safer Chemicals- chemical products should be designed to preserve efficacy of function while reducing toxicity. 5. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries- minimize the use of auxiliary substances wherever possible and make them innocuous when used. 6. Design for Energy Efficiency- energy requirements should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be minimized. 7. Use of Renewable Feedstocks- a raw material should be renewable rather than depleting whenever technically and economically practicable. 8. Reduce Derivatives- unnecessary derivatization (blocking group, protection/deprotection, etc.) should be minimized or avoided if possible.
9. Catalysis- selective catalytic reagents are superior to stoichiometric reagents. 10. Design for Degradation- chemical products should be designed so that at the end of their function they break down into innocuous byproducts. 11. Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention- analytical methodologies need to be further developed to allow for real-time monitoring and control of hazardous substances while in formation. 12. Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention- substances and the form of the substance used in a chemical process should be chosen to minimize potential chemical accidents. Through the application of these principles, the field of Green Chemistry continues to evolve, driving innovation and fostering a more sustainable approach to chemical science and industry.
Solid Waste Pollution in Grenada, W.I: An Analysis
Isle Bee Well have embarked on a waste diversion project which will now be highlighted. Grenada’s total waste has been steadily increasing at 1.2% annually. Waste generation on the island has reached a high of 40% since 1990. Household solid waste constitutes about 45% of the tri-island’s total waste with about 24,000 tonnes of residential waste entering the Dumfries Landfill in Carriacou and the Perseverance Landfill on the mainland (Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, GSWMA).
The sister island of Carriacou is faced with greater challenges as its landfill site is falling short of its solid waste capacity. The Perseverance Landfill is a semi-aerobic landfill that operates at 50% capacity, three (3) of its six (6) cells being functional. Unaccounted for spatial planning and limited space resulted in the landfill placement within a National Protected Area, just 200 meters away from Halifax Harbour Bay and 600 meters away from two other Marine Protected Areas, the Beausejour/Moliniere Protected Areas.
Landfill placement at Perseverance Protected Area has contributed to the displacement of habitats and endemic species, most notably the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), the national bird of the island now critically endangered. Observation of pollution and coral reef degradation at the Beasejour/Moliniere Marine Protected Area has been reported over the years (Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area Management Plan, 2010). Before strategic interventions by the Grenada Solid Waste Management Agency (GSWMA), and other environmental stakeholders, the landfill site was ablaze from spontaneous methane combustion, obscuring driving visibility and triggering respiratory allergies for western travellers. Collaborative work by all stakeholders started remediation at the dump site, from the installation of leachate traps, landfill capping, and the planting of vetiver roots for detoxification. To add further momentum to this endeavour, Isle Bee Well are championing a refillable cleaning system as an alternative to liquid home cleaning products featuring biobased tablet concentrates that activate when combined with water.
Learn about our Impact Project here: https://www.islebeewell.com/projects-7
Upstream Waste Management Solution
Our team has analyzed Grenada’s solid waste challenges together with their public health influencers. Our condensed analysis employs the DPSIR framework, which is used to abstract complex problems of socio-environmental interplay. The sanitary needs of Grenada's population are driving the importation of non-biodegradable, single-use toiletries. With an extended end-of-life cycle, together with a complete recovery and recycling plan, plastics accumulate. Pollution is unavoidable, and habitat displacement is the outcome. In response, reactive actions such as incineration, landfill capping, and leachate collection systems are employed to reduce and contain waste.
As a proactive solution, we propose an upstream waste management approach, reducing waste at the source with a refillable design. The system relies on refillable cleaning concentrates in tablet form together with a foaming dispenser, which is assembled and activated when combined with water. This elegant zero-waste solution has various cleaning applications from Hand soap, to Dish soap, Surface cleaners and Laundry detergent to list a few. At Isle Bee Well, we believe that we should clean up the way we clean, in a way that extends beyond personal hygiene, into our homes and communities. We are proud to launch our Refillable Cleaning Tablets, a zero-waste, biobased solution designed with island living and global sustainability in mind.
How Our Refillable Cleaning Works:
Drop one tablet into our reusable glass spray bottle filled with tap water.
Let it dissolve and fizz, releasing powerful plant-based cleaning agents.
Guiltless cleaning—without the plastic guilt, harsh chemicals, or overpowering synthetic scents.
A Refill and Biobased Future
Whether you're cleaning countertops, bathrooms, or glass surfaces, our cleaning tablets deliver an effective, mindful cleaning experience. With the peace of mind that you are contributing to a conscious choice for better health and a greener planet, our cleaning refills cater for both. As Grenada and the wider Caribbean move toward more resilient and regenerative economies, small steps—like rethinking how we clean—add up to meaningful impact. At Isle Bee Well, we’re committed to reducing waste, protecting biodiversity, and promoting circular living through every product we create.
Steps for Safer Cleaning Practices
Implementing practical changes in our cleaning routines not only safeguards our health but also contributes to a sustainable future. As we move forward, let us prioritize safety and environmental consciousness in our cleaning endeavors, ensuring a cleaner and greener world for everyone.
1. Choose Biobased Products
Start by selecting cleaning products that are labelled as biobased, non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harmful chemicals or approved by the USDA or the EPA's Biobased or BioPreferred Certification; and the European Union's EcoLabel Certification. Other green indicators like a Green Seal or EcoLogo could help affirm biobased products.
2. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Consider making your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and a biobased preservative like Preservative ECO, Liquid Germal Plus or Geogard ECT. These ingredients are not only effective but also safer for both your health and the environment.
3. Proper Ventilation
When cleaning, ensure that the area is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, which helps to reduce the concentration of any lingering chemicals in the air.
4. Use Microfiber Cloths
Instead of disposable wipes or paper towels, opt for microfiber cloths. They are reusable, effective at trapping dust and dirt, and can be washed multiple times, reducing waste.
5. Use Gloves
Using gloves to clean serves as a physical barrier between the skin, a biological living surface and other inanimate surfaces. This approach lowers the chance of allergic skin reactions like contact dermatitis.
6. Warm Water
Warm water in cleaning agitates and loosens dirt particles, by increasing the enthapy of a thermodynamic system, thus lowering the activation energy, resulting in faster cleaning.
Wellness Derived Cleaning
Beyond physical health, cleaning can also have substantial effects on mental health. A clean and organized environment can contribute to reduced stress levels, increased productivity, and enhanced mood. The act of cleaning itself can serve as a form of physical activity, which is known to release Endorphins and improve overall mental well-being. Conversely, excessive cleaning behaviour, often referred to as obsessive-compulsive cleaning, can indicate underlying mental health issues such as anxiety or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is essential to strike a balance between maintaining cleanliness and recognizing the potential for compulsive behaviors that can be detrimental to mental health.
In Closing
In summary, the health impacts of cleaning are multifaceted and encompass various aspects of physical and mental well-being. Cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining a hygienic environment, which is essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring overall health. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with the use of certain cleaning products and practices. Many traditional cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and other health problems for both the individuals performing the cleaning and those who inhabit the space afterward. To mitigate these risks, people can opt for safer cleaning methods and products, such as those that are biobased or made from natural ingredients, derived or identically synthesized. Other alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are effective alternatives that can clean surfaces and deodorize without the harmful side effects associated with synthetic chemicals.
Additionally, adopting practices such as using gloves, ensuring proper ventilation during cleaning, and following safety guidelines can further reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances. The act of cleaning itself can have positively influence mood through the release of brain chemicals that suppress pain and lift mood called Endorphins. Engaging in cleaning tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and control, contributing positively to one’s mental state. However, excessive cleaning or the use of cleaning as a compulsive behavior may indicate underlying anxiety or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tendencies. It is essential to strike a balance between maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that cleaning habits do not adversely affect mental health. This proactive approach contributes to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable living environment, fostering a space that supports both physical health and emotional well-being.
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