If you often ask yourself, “Why are eco-friendly cleaning products more expensive,” then perhaps you are part of the population who wants to try green cleaning but are also skeptical about it because it is expensive.
Eco-friendly cleaning products are more expensive than conventional chemical-based cleaning products for various reasons ranging from high manufacturing costs to lack of demand.
You must be frowning upon reading this, thinking eco-friendly products should not be this costly. We agree with you, but that’s the reality of eco-cleaning products.
Even so, let’s dig deeper into why sustainable products can be more expensive and whether it’s worth it to buy them.
Although eco-friendly products may have higher prices, we will focus mostly on eco-friendly cleaning products for this post.
What Is an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Product?
Before we get into why eco-friendly cleaning products are more expensive, let’s tackle what an eco-friendly cleaning product is.
Eco-friendly means not harmful to the environment. So, when you say eco-friendly cleaning products, these are products made without harming the environment.
However, you must note that an eco-friendly product does not necessarily mean it is entirely natural or organic.
For this post, we will refer to manufactured eco-friendly cleaning products you can buy online or in a store.
To learn more about eco-friendly/ green cleaning products, read our article – Are Green Cleaning Products Really Safe for the Environment?
What Is a Chemical-Based Cleaning Product?
Chemical cleaning products are literally products that contain harsh or toxic chemicals.
They are undoubtedly efficient in accomplishing cleaning tasks but carry several potentially harmful hazards.
Some popular chemical cleaning products include store-bought laundry detergent, dishwashing, and bleach. Many well-known commercial brands have these types of cleaning products.
Some chemicals, when used, may slightly endanger consumers’ health, and some products, if consumed, can endanger the lives of people.
These chemicals can give off vapors that lead to health issues like coughing and asthma; others may include carcinogens.
Why Are Eco-friendly Cleaning Products More Expensive than Commercial Cleaning Products?
Similar to questions about why organic food is a lot more expensive, many consumers also wonder why the best eco-friendly cleaning products are costlier.
There is a lot of overlap between green goods and organic food, as well as what increases their price.
Although green cleaning products are growing in popularity, generally, they are more expensive than chemical-based cleaners or contain less volume for the same price.
However, in reality, some of the reasons eco-friendly products are more expensive may have to do with why you should buy them.
Here are the reasons why eco-friendly cleaning products are more expensive.
High Manufacturing Costs
Let’s put it this way: organic fashion brands use organic cotton clothes for their business. Hence, their manufacturing costs can be more expensive than those of fashion brands that use regular cotton.
It’s the same for eco-friendly cleaning companies that use plant-based ingredients. They have to use plants that adhere to certain qualifications and certifications.
These qualifications and certifications, as well as procedures for manufacturing the product, can be costly, raising the price.
Low Demand
While green living continues to rise in popularity overall, there isn’t a huge demand for eco-friendly cleaning products.
As we have learned in our economics class, according to the law of demand, when there is a low demand for a product, the business must raise its prices to make a profit.
On the one hand, as the demand increases, there must be a reduction in the price of the product.
Don’t be discouraged, though. Fortunately, there is hope for eco-cleaner lovers out there.
In a study, it was found that Gen Zs are willing to pay more for eco-cleaning products.
And in Europe, shoppers don’t mind spending 2,000 more euros a year for their eco-friendly lifestyle.
Following Green Practices
If you are a business with a certification that prioritizes sustainability, you will incur additional costs related to waste reduction, energy consumption, and carbon emission reduction.
For example, investing in renewable energy resources like wind turbines or solar panels can be more expensive.
Still, it can save businesses in the long run by reducing the company’s carbon footprint and energy costs.
Are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Worth It?
Despite the high cost of green cleaning products, is it worth purchasing them? After all, you are saving the environment and your family’s health in the long run.
There are solid reasons for buying eco-friendly, such as they are healthier for you and your family. Using chemical-based cleaning products can cause health problems.
Cleaning products like Miracle II Soap or Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner come in concentrated bottles. These bottles can last you longer than commercial chemical-based cleaning products.
How Much Do Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Cost?
According to a Netherlands-based consulting firm study, sustainable products are 75 to 85% more pricey than conventional products.
However, the cost may vary depending on the product type and the comparison of particular brands.
For instance, some eco-friendly household cleaning products may only be a few cents pricier than regular chemical-based ones.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion products such as organic cotton shirts can be more expensive than their non-sustainable counterparts.
What Household Cleaning Products are Eco-Friendly?
Gone are the days when eco-friendly cleaning products were only limited to cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and whatnot.
Nowadays, most common household products are also made environmentally friendly.
Some cleaners that have been made green are the following:
- Air Fresheners
- Floor Cleaner
- Toilet Cleaner
- Descaler
- Surface Sanitizers
- Kitchen & Bathroom Spray
- Degreaser
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing soap
How to Save Money on Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Going green is intimidating for those on a tight budget because buying sustainable products and saving money are pitted against one another.
Sure, you must have experienced standing in a supermarket staring at a product labeled as eco-friendly only to feel like a failure as you decide on the cheaper, chemical-based option.
To avoid the same feeling again, use these tips to save money while enjoying the green lifestyle.
Look for Sales, Discounts, Loyalty Programs, and Other Promotions.
Many retailers promote eco-friendly products, especially during Earth Day or other environmental awareness events. Keep an eye out for these deals to score some savings.
Check for coupons or loyalty programs offered by eco-friendly brands or retailers. These can help you save money on your purchases.
Buy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products in Bulk
Purchasing eco-friendly cleaning products in bulk can often lead to significant savings. Look for larger sizes or multi-packs to get more for your money.
DIY Alternatives
Consider making your cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemons, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also a more sustainable option.
Compare Prices
Don’t assume that all eco-friendly brands are expensive.
Take the time to compare prices and read reviews to find affordable options that meet your needs.
Choose Refillable Options
Look for eco-friendly cleaning products that offer refillable options or, as mentioned earlier, bottles with the concentrated form of the product in them where all you have to do is add water.
This allows you to reuse the packaging and buy refills at a lower cost, reducing waste and saving money.
Conclusion
The cost of eco-friendly cleaning products should not be the only factor you should consider.
While it is tempting to settle on the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of a product and the environmental impact it provides.
Making eco-friendly cleaning products more affordable is a tough challenge that manufacturers struggle with.
However, if you still want to save money on cleaning products, consider the tips above.
To learn more about eco-friendly cleaning products, check out our article – Are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products More Expensive?
