Nature’s Source Cleaners – A Push for Mainstream Green Cleaning

Household cleaning giant S.C. Johnson has released a new brand of “natural” cleaners under the Nature’s Source brand name. The company is likely targeting mainstream customers who wouldn’t bother with green cleaning if it wasn’t as convenient to shop for the products as chemically-laden cleaning products are.

The following products are currently available: Nature’s Source Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner by Windex, Nature’s Source Natural Bathroom Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles and Nature’s Source Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner by Windex.

Here is the press release with more information on the cleaners:

While many parents are interested in creating a natural home, an overwhelming 81 percent wish it was easier. Most parents don’t want to sacrifice convenience or effective results in the process, and they still want to manage their budgets. When it comes to keeping their homes clean, there’s another option that washes away the dilemma – Nature’s Source(TM), a new line of natural cleaners from SC Johnson, a family company.

“SC Johnson has a long-standing commitment to the environment and doing what’s right for future generations – and an equally long legacy of meeting families’ evolving needs,” said Kelly Semrau, SC Johnson Vice President of Global Public Affairs and Communication. “Nature’s Source is our answer for those who want a natural choice in cleaners that is widely available, affordable and gets the job done right.”

The majority of parents (62 percent) are interested in using natural cleaners to benefit their family’s health – always a top priority, but especially at certain stages, like when a new baby comes home or children begin crawling around the house. But 44 percent don’t think that natural cleaners are as effective as traditional cleaners. Not only are Nature’s Source cleaners more than 99 percent natural, but they also tackle tough cleaning jobs with the power of Windex(R) and Scrubbing Bubbles(R), trusted brand names. The products clean naturally and effectively, leaving nothing behind but a fresh scent.

Going Natural with Nature’s Source

According to the Nature’s Source Natural Living Survey, only 44 percent of parents think their family is doing enough to live naturally. While they might like to “do more,” 63 percent believe it would be difficult. The top three obstacles are:

1. They think it is too expensive (54 percent).
2. They are suffering from eco-confusion, meaning they are confused as to
what natural activities and products are effective (20 percent).
3. They think it is inconvenient to purchase the appropriate products or
tools needed (17 percent).

The Nature’s Source product line is a solution for parents seeking affordable, effective and widely available natural cleaners. The line includes the following four cleaners:

1. Nature’s Source Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner by Windex- Safely
cleans glass, mirrors, chrome fixtures, stainless steel and more,
leaving behind a brilliant shine
2. Nature’s Source Natural All-Purpose Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles-
Naturally tackles grease and grime on countertops, stainless steel,
appliances and more
3. Nature’s Source Natural Bathroom Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles
-Powerfully removes tough soap scum and grime on glazed ceramic tile,
stainless steel, chrome fixtures, fiberglass and more
4. Nature’s Source Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner by Scrubbing Bubbles-
Naturally removes organic and hard water stains while deodorizing with
a fresh scent

Families can feel good using Nature’s Source cleaners because they offer an environmentally responsible choice. In fact, all four Nature’s Source products were recently recognized for safer chemistry by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) partnership program. In addition, they use plant-based, biodegradable cleaners; they are sold in recyclable bottles; ingredients are listed on the bottles; they do not contain ammonia, bleach or phosphorus; they meet SC Johnson’s stringent Greenlist(TM) criteria for sourcing ingredients; and they are partly produced by renewable energy from a local landfill.

Convenience and cost matter, especially to families, and Nature’s Source cleaners are as easy to find as they are on the wallet. With the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Nature’s Source Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner being $3.69 and the MSRP for the Nature’s Source Natural All-Purpose, Bathroom and Toilet Bowl Cleaners being $3.49, Nature’s Source products are affordable and are available in grocery, mass merchandise, drug, and do-it-yourself stores nationwide.

Visit www.NaturesSourceCleaners.com to learn more about the entire line of Nature’s Source natural cleaners, SC Johnson’s environmental history and natural lifestyle tips. Beginning in February, the Web site will offer “natural” project ideas to help families live more naturally at home and in their communities.

(1) By “natural” we mean living in a way that has minimal impact on
the earth and using products with ingredients that come from
natural sources.
(2) The SC Johnson Nature’s Source Natural Living Survey was
conducted online by Harris Interactive between November 14-18,
2008 among 2,518 adults ages 18+, of whom, 657 are parents of
children under 18. Because the sample is based on those who agreed
to be invited to participate in the Harris Interactive online
research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be
calculated. A full methodology can be obtained by contacting Jenny
Taylor or Apryl Ehmann.

So what do you think? Is this another example of greenwashing or are these items truly green cleaning products? Has anyone tried any of the Nature’s Source products? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Comment below.