Everyday Alternatives FAQs

FAQs

How do you measure the environmental impact of your products?

In 2001, we created our patented Greenlist(TM) process to help our scientists understand the impact of different ingredients. They use the process to make choices that protect people and the planet, while maintaining the high performance of our products. Find out more.

Why use additives like dyes, preservatives and fragrances...why not just use the basic ingredients a product needs?

Dyes, preservatives and fragrances provide valuable benefits. Dyes are an important visual cue that helps you know where you're spraying a product and, in fact, that it's the product you intended to use. Preservatives prevent the growth of microbes as products sit on store shelves or in the home, helping the products last longer and perform better, without becoming spoiled. Finally, many people associate a fresh fragrance with a clean and welcoming home, and they specifically seek out products that offer this added benefit.

How does SC Johnson determine when to stop using a questionable raw material?

First, we always comply with the legal and regulatory requirements where our products are sold. Beyond that, our Greenlist™ process includes rating each raw material on a scale of 3 to 0. An ingredient rated 3 is considered “Best,” 2 is “Better,” 1 is “Acceptable” and 0-rated materials, while legal, are used only on a limited basis. If we can, we will replace a lower-rated material with a higher-rated one. This process helps us go beyond regulatory requirements to make our products continually better.

Do you disclose your product ingredients?

Yes, in March 2009 we announced that SC Johnson would voluntarily launch an ingredient disclosure program for our home cleaning and air care products such as Windex®, Shout® and Glade®. Making information about the ingredients in our products readily accessible and easy to understand helps our consumers know they can continue to trust our products. Get the facts at www.whatsinsidescjohnson.com.

Why use chemicals at all...why not make products from natural ingredients?

Keep in mind that all materials are "chemicals." For example, water is a combination of the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen (H2O), and air is a mix of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases. Also, there are plenty of chemicals found in nature that are toxic, such as arsenic and cyanide. Importantly, sometimes a synthetic ingredient is a better choice for any number of reasons, including sustainability. For example, using a natural ingredient that's in short supply could wipe out what's left of it, so using a virtually limitless synthetic might be more responsible. SC Johnson does use ingredients found in nature, but only when they meet our strict standards for health, the environment and product performance.

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