What is EPA Safer Choice?
EPA Safer Choice (formerly Design for the Environment) is a voluntary EPA program that helps consumers and businesses identify products with safer chemical ingredients. When you see the Safer Choice label, it means EPA scientists have evaluated every ingredient for safety.
The Safer Choice Standard
- Every Ingredient Reviewed: EPA evaluates each ingredient, not just the final product
- Functional Performance: Products must perform as well as conventional alternatives
- Safer for Health: Ingredients pose the lowest concern for health effects
- Safer for Environment: Low impact on aquatic life and ecosystems
- Transparency: Full ingredient disclosure required
How EPA Reviews Products
The EPA uses a rigorous scientific process to evaluate cleaning products:
- Manufacturers submit complete ingredient lists
- EPA toxicologists review each chemical against Safer Choice Criteria
- Products are tested for effectiveness
- Approved products receive the Safer Choice label
- Annual audits ensure continued compliance
Green Seal vs. EPA Safer Choice
Green Seal
Independent non-profit certification focusing on product lifecycle, packaging, and environmental impact in addition to ingredient safety.
EPA Safer Choice
Government program with primary focus on ingredient-level safety evaluation using EPA's toxicology expertise.
Best Practice: Look for products with both certifications when possible. TBM Green prioritizes products meeting one or both standards.
Categories Covered
EPA Safer Choice certifies products across many categories relevant to commercial cleaning:
- All-purpose cleaners
- Bathroom cleaners
- Glass cleaners
- Floor care products
- Carpet cleaners
- Hand soaps
- Disinfectants (limited, as disinfectants have stricter EPA registration)