Have you ever been in the store about to pick up a cleaning product that claims to be eco-friendly or green, but really aren't sure if it is or not? Here' are some good questions to ask yourself before adding it to your green cleaning regimen.

Are the ingredients on the label?

Green cleaning starts with knowing what's in your products. Otherwise, how can you determine if it's the right choice? So, if the ingredients are not listed on the label, consider putting the product right back on the shelf.

The manufacturer may very well be hiding some potentially harmful ingredients from you. There are other "fish" in the sea to choose from so to speak. Plenty of green manufacturers want you to know what's in their products and proudly list all the ingredients. Some even offer additional information about the ingredients they use on their company websites.

Is the formula a fake color?

Sometimes you can tell if something might be safe by simply by looking at what color the formula is. If the product you're considering is a crayon-box, popping color like bright yellow, purple, or green, for example, most likely it contains artificial dyes, which is something you don't want or need. The best green cleaning products use natural colorants or nothing at all.

How does the product smell?

Take a whiff. If the fragrance (e.g., apple spice, spring showers, mocha cafe) doesn't quite smell or sound like something from a real plant, most likely it's made in a laboratory. So, look closer. If it simply says "fragrance" on the product label, it's probably artificial.

Or, perhaps a manufacturer doesn't want to reveal its secret formula. Nevertheless, a green product will often use essential oils or even be scent-free. The best ones will definitely state the specific ingredients that make up the scent.

Are the ingredients safe for you?

Check out the ingredients. Are they are a laundry list of unpronounceable chemical terms that have no resemblance to natural ingredients that are mineral and plant-based? Do you see any hazard symbols on the product label that represent toxicity, flammability, or corrosiveness? Then think twice before buying it. Green products have ingredients that are non-toxic and safe. For example, ingredients like chlorine and ammonia are not a part of green cleaning, but ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils are.

Are the ingredients eco-friendly?

True green cleaning products are biodegradable and do not contain chemicals that bioaccumulate or adversely affect the soil, air, waterways, fish, or wildlife. In addition, the best ingredients are not only sustainable, but also renewable. So, forget about products with phosphates, chlorine, triclosan, mineral oil, optical brighteners, etc. Choose eco-friendly ingredients that won't harm you or the planet.

What kind of packaging is used?

Is the product you're looking at created using smart packaging? Green packaging might include materials that are biodegradable, renewable, and from recycled post-consumer content. In addition, the look is often minimal without superfluous packaging that just ends up in landfills. Also, eco-friendly non-toxic inks and non-bleached, recycled paper might be used. And, of course, the package should be recyclable, so look for a recycling symbol.

Is the formula concentrated and are refills available?

To cut down on excess packaging and the use of fossil fuels to transport heavy products, smart, green manufacturers are making concentrated products and some are even selling refills. So, if one of your favorite products looks like it has shrunk. Check to see if it has a concentrated formula. If so, that's a good thing!

Are bulk sizes available?

Many green companies now offer their products in bulk sizes, which is good for you and the environment. Energy and resources that would have been used to make smaller bottles are saved. Not only that, but you often save some green cash, too!

Does it have third-party certifications?

Are there any certification symbols on the product? Common third-party certifiers are Green Seal, EcoLogo, PETA, and Leaping Bunny. Green companies often get certifications to show their products are: (1) made with organic ingredients; (2) safe and eco-friendly; and/or (3) not tested on animals. However, the process to get these certifications is sometimes expensive, so you may not find certification labels on perfectly green products from smaller companies.

Who makes it?

Finally, green products come from green companies. The best green cleaning companies employ socially conscious, safe, and environmentally friendly business and manufacturing practices. From the sourcing of materials to packaging design to product shipment, they consider the impact their policies and products have on people and the environment.  In addition, many are also instrumental in social and environmental change and give back to the community and the world around them, so it’s vital to know from whom you are buying. Not all green cleaning companies are created equal!