EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is like a nutrition label for cleaning products, showing you exactly how much environmental impact each item has throughout its entire life.

Think of it this way: just like you check food labels for calories and ingredients, an EPD lets you check your cleaning supplies for their carbon footprint and environmental effects. This helps you make smarter choices for your home or office while still getting everything sparkling clean.

For busy homeowners and office managers, EPDs take the guesswork out of going green without sacrificing cleaning power.

What is an Environmental Product Declaration?

An EPD is basically a report card that tells you everything about a product’s environmental impact from cradle to grave. It covers how much energy was used to make it, how much pollution it creates, and what happens when you throw it away.

Think of it like your car’s fuel efficiency sticker, but for cleaning products. Just as that sticker helps you compare gas mileage between different cars, an EPD helps you compare the environmental cost of different cleaners.

For example, if you’re choosing between two all-purpose cleaners, the EPD will show you which one used less water to manufacture, creates fewer toxic fumes, and breaks down better in the environment. It’s all verified by independent experts, so you know the information is reliable.

The best part? You don’t need a science degree to understand the basics. Most EPDs highlight the key numbers you actually care about, like carbon footprint and toxicity levels.

Why You Should Care About EPDs

Here’s what EPDs mean for your daily life: you can finally stop guessing whether your cleaning products are actually as “green” as they claim to be. This translates to better air quality in your home, fewer chemicals around your family, and a smaller environmental footprint without extra effort.

For you, this means no more falling for vague terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural” on labels. EPDs give you real numbers, so you know exactly what you’re bringing into your space.

Studies show that products with EPDs typically reduce indoor air pollution by up to 40% compared to conventional cleaners. That’s fewer headaches, less irritation for family members with allergies, and better air for everyone.

If you ignore this information, you might end up paying premium prices for products that aren’t actually better for your health or the environment. With EPDs, you can invest your cleaning budget in products that truly make a difference.

EPD vs Other Green Certifications

Think of EPDs as the most detailed option – perfect when you want to make data-driven decisions. Use other certifications for quick screening, but rely on EPDs when you really want to understand what you’re buying.

Key Things to Know About EPDs

They’re Independently Verified

Unlike marketing claims, EPDs are checked by third-party experts. This means companies can’t just make up numbers or hide negative impacts. If a product has an EPD, the data has been audited and verified.

They Cover the Whole Story

EPDs don’t just look at how a product performs in your home. They track everything from raw material extraction to manufacturing, shipping, use, and disposal. This prevents companies from shifting problems around instead of solving them.

The Numbers Are Standardized

All EPDs use the same measurement methods, so you can actually compare different brands. It’s like having the same scale for weighing different products – the comparisons are fair and accurate.

They’re Updated Regularly

EPDs expire and need to be renewed every few years. This means the information stays current as companies improve their processes or change their formulations.

Focus on What Matters Most to You

You don’t need to understand every number in an EPD. Focus on the categories that matter for your situation: carbon footprint for climate impact, toxicity for health concerns, or water use if that’s your priority. Many EPDs highlight the most important findings upfront.

Getting Started: Simple Steps

Start Here (Easy Wins)

• Look for EPD logos: Check product websites or packaging for EPD certification marks. Many companies display them prominently if they have them.
• Start with one product category: Begin with your most-used cleaner (probably all-purpose or glass cleaner) rather than trying to replace everything at once.
• Ask your current cleaning service: If you use professional cleaning services, ask what products they use and whether they have EPDs available.
• Check major retailer websites: Many large stores now filter products by environmental certifications, including EPDs.

Next Steps (More Involved)

• Read simplified EPD summaries: Look for the executive summary or key findings section rather than diving into technical details first.
• Compare similar products: Once you find 2-3 options with EPDs, compare their carbon footprint and toxicity ratings to make your choice.
• Consider your specific needs: If someone in your home has allergies, prioritize low-emission products. For office environments, focus on products with minimal odor and quick-drying formulas.
• Test before switching completely: Try EPD-certified products for one room or area first to make sure they meet your cleaning standards before replacing everything.

Did You Know? Interesting Facts & Stats

Did you know that products with EPDs typically reduce water pollution by 60% compared to conventional alternatives? This means choosing EPD-certified cleaners for your deep cleaning projects can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

Surprising fact: The average household uses 15 different cleaning products, but switching just your top 5 most-used items to EPD-certified alternatives can cut your cleaning-related carbon footprint in half.

Industry insight: Companies that create EPDs for their products typically discover they can reduce manufacturing costs by 20-30% by optimizing their processes. These savings often get passed on to consumers, making green products more affordable.

Health impact: Buildings cleaned with EPD-certified products show 45% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air quality tests. In practical terms, this means less chemical smell and fewer respiratory irritants.

Global trend: Europe already requires EPDs for many building materials and is expanding to cleaning products. This means the selection and quality of EPD-certified cleaners will only improve as global standards rise.

Common Questions & Quick Fixes

Q: What if EPD-certified products cost more upfront?

Many EPD products are concentrated, so you use less per cleaning session. Calculate the cost per use rather than per bottle. Also, start with just one or two products rather than replacing everything at once.

Q: How do I know if EPD products clean as well as my current ones?

EPDs measure environmental impact, not cleaning power. Look for products that have both EPDs and performance certifications. Test them on a small area first, and remember that some eco-friendly products may require slightly different techniques.

Q: Is it normal when EPD products smell different or have no scent?

Yes, this is completely normal. Many conventional cleaners add artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive people. EPD products often have minimal or natural scents. You’ll get used to the difference, and your indoor air quality will improve.

Q: What if I can’t find EPDs for the specific products I need?

Start with what’s available and gradually expand. Focus on your most frequently used cleaners first. You can also ask retailers to stock EPD-certified options or contact manufacturers directly to request EPD information.

Q: How do I read an EPD without getting overwhelmed by technical details?

Look for the summary section first, which highlights the key environmental impacts. Focus on categories you care about most (like carbon footprint or toxicity). Many EPDs include simplified charts or graphs that make comparisons easier.

Q: What if my professional cleaners don’t use EPD products?

Ask if they’re willing to switch to EPD-certified alternatives for your space. Many professional housekeeping services are happy to accommodate client preferences, especially when you can explain the health and environmental benefits.

What’s Coming Next for EPDs

In the next year: Expect to see EPDs become more common on store shelves as major retailers like Target and Home Depot expand their environmental certification requirements. This means more options and competitive pricing.

By 2025: Digital EPDs will become standard, with QR codes on products linking to detailed environmental data. You’ll be able to scan a product in-store and instantly compare its environmental impact to alternatives.

By 2026: Government purchasing programs will likely require EPDs for cleaning products used in public buildings. This will drive down costs and improve availability for residential consumers.

Future trend: EPDs will expand beyond cleaning products to include everything from carpet maintenance products to air conditioning maintenance chemicals, giving you complete transparency about your home’s environmental impact.

For homeowners and office managers, this evolution means easier access to verified environmental information and better integration with smart home systems that can track and optimize your overall environmental footprint.

Bottom Line

Environmental Product Declarations take the guesswork out of choosing truly eco-friendly cleaning products by providing verified, standardized environmental data you can actually trust and compare.

Start small by replacing your most-used cleaners with EPD-certified alternatives, and you’ll quickly see the difference in both environmental impact and indoor air quality.

Remember: you’re not just buying a cleaning product, you’re investing in verified environmental performance that protects both your family’s health and the planet.