Is Simple Green ethical?

Overview

Simple Green is a household and industrial cleaning brand founded in 1975, best known for its original all-purpose cleaner. The brand emphasizes biodegradable, non-toxic formulas that are safer for users and the environment. The product Green Earth Car Wash & Wax is a standout, designed to be effective while minimizing ecological impact. Simple Green holds several credible certifications, including EPA Safer Choice, Cruelty-Free International, and Leaping Bunny, and has avoided major controversies, making it a reliable choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Certifications

Simple Green's Green Earth Car Wash & Wax carries three notable certifications: EPA Safer Choice (formerly Safer Choice), which ensures that each ingredient meets strict safety criteria for human health and the environment; Cruelty-Free International and Leaping Bunny certifications, which confirm that the product is not tested on animals at any stage of production. These certifications are verified by independent third parties and are well-recognized in the ethical product space.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Simple Green is committed to a cruelty-free policy. The brand does not test its products or ingredients on animals in any phase of development or manufacturing. Additionally, Simple Green offers a vegan range, meaning that none of their formulations contain animal-derived ingredients or by-products. However, the brand does not explicitly label all products as vegan on a case-by-case basis, but the Green Earth Car Wash & Wax is free from animal substances.

Sustainability Pledges

Simple Green has made several sustainability commitments. The brand's formulas are biodegradable, using plant-based surfactants where possible. They also emphasize concentrated formulas to reduce packaging waste and shipping emissions. The company has implemented recycling initiatives in their facilities and encourages consumers to recycle packaging. However, Simple Green does not disclose specific carbon footprint data or comprehensive sustainability targets like net-zero goals, which slightly limits their transparency.

Sourcing & Labor

Simple Green sources ingredients from a variety of suppliers, and the company states that they adhere to ethical sourcing standards. However, detailed information about supply chain transparency, labor practices, and audits is limited. The brand does not publicly share factory locations or labor certifications (e.g., Fair Trade, SA8000). This lack of detailed disclosure is a common area where Simple Green could improve, as it makes it difficult to verify working conditions or raw material origins.

Controversies Context

There are no major controversies on record for Simple Green. The brand has maintained a positive reputation, with no reports of misleading claims, environmental violations, or legal disputes. Some minor concerns have been raised over the years regarding the Vapor Pressure and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), but Simple Green has since reformulated to meet strict regulatory standards. Overall, the brand's ethical track record is clean, contributing to their solid rating.

Bottom Line

The Simple Green Green Earth Car Wash & Wax earns a strong 79/100 ethical rating due to its reliable third-party certifications (EPA Safer Choice, Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny), vegan-friendly ingredients, and consistent sustainability efforts. The product is safe, effective, and free from major ethical blemishes. However, customers seeking full transparency in sourcing and labor practices may find the brand lacking detailed public information. For everyday eco-friendly cleaning, Simple Green remains a solid, affordable choice.