Growing Adoption of Green Cleaning
When we clean the bathroom, we've got all kinds of stuff to help us out: a cleaning solution that removes dirty marks from the shower walls and something in a squeeze bottle that makes the toilet sparkling clean. When all is done, the room is neat and clean,1dirt and bacteria. There's just one problem—the2we used to clean can be harmful to people and the environment. For this reason, many people say that traditional cleaners should be3and replaced with less harmful "green" products.
The problem4the fact that some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that just aren't healthy for humans, animals, or the planet. Think of the5coming from a factory and getting into the air. The smoke creates air pollution, which harms the environment and makes us feel ill when we breathe it in.6, the chemicals in cleaning products pollute the air and can hurt us when we breathe them in or when they get on our skin. However, not all cleaning products are harmful. Green products, which do not contain harsh chemicals, are said to be good7because they are effective at cleaning and are safe for people and for the planet.
8about chemicals has led many states to require schools and government buildings to use environmentally friendly cleaning products instead of products containing poisonous chemicals. Last year, 10 states required the use of green products and at least 5 other states were considering9in support of these products. A proposed bill would apply to bathroom and floor cleaners, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and etc.
Many green cleaning products are widely available at prices10traditional products. In some cases, manufacturers receive green certifications for products they have long had on the market, and the prices of these products remain low. But not everyone shares the view about the 11of green products. Toilet paper, trash bags and paper towel made from recycled materials can cost up to 20% more than traditional products, said Stephen, director of the Green Cleaning Network.
So,12of the proposed legislation are concerned about the potentially higher costs for some green products. These critics say that states should not determine which products13institutes and agencies must buy, especially if they increase costs, since many universities are already struggling financially. Some states have made compromises (妥 协) to help14concerns about costs. In Wisconsin, a recent adjustment to the bill would give schools and agencies three years instead of one to begin using green products. It would also15 them to quit if they could show that their costs would increase.
