I’ve always loved lists — particularly, beautifully art-directed glossy paged magazine lists of sexy new products. This isn’t one of those.
This is a list of my five favorite clean and green products. A no nonsense rundown of products I love and trust to keep my family and my environment happy and healthy.
The reasons for using ecologically responsible products are numerous, but there are still people who purchase products that contain questionable ingredients, “why would they sell stuff that’s bad for you?” Why indeed. I’ll plan a future post on some environmental documentaries I love.
The main reasons I try to purchase sustainably are related to health. We all know that eating processed, packaged foods is not nearly as good for you as eating fresh, whole foods — then why use over-processed house and beauty products that contain even tiny amounts of toxic chemicals that can build up over time when there are safer products available?
The skin is the largest organ. When we use hazardous products we are warned to avoid skin contact because the skin can absorb chemicals. When we use personal care products that contain cheap additives that strip away the skin’s natural defenses and leave harsh residue behind, we allow that stuff be absorbed into our systems. And for this same reason, pregnant ladies are advised to avoid Retinol A, Parabens, Phathalates, and even Soy products. It travels right through the skin, deep into their bodies where their babies are developing.
The health of the planet should also affect shopping decisions we make. With only one Earth, there is no ctrl-z,no do-over and there really is no good place to bury and hide our garbage. Sustainable products lessen the impact on our environment: from manufacturing, to packaging to how they are disposed of. It really is about time to reduce our contributions to air, water and ground pollution. And this includes all of us.
There is no definitive authority for green products and no way to verify that any product is officially “green”. But there are some great resources to help your research potential purchases. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working to eliminate the use of dangerous chemicals in personal care products. Skin Deep is a searchable database with the ingredients in more than 25,000 shampoos, makeup, deodorants, sunscreens and other personal care products with 50 toxicity and regulatory databases. You can find out more about what is in your cleaners by going to the Household Products Database
Some factors to keep in mind are:
1.Composition
2.Biodegradability
3.Toxicity
Here are a few products I have bought, enjoyed, and become a raving fan of! These products work just as well if not better than those toxic ones!
Natureclean Products
According to the company website, All Nature Clean products are non-toxic, biodegradable and are created from naturally derived ingredients.The products are tested by independent labs to ensure that they perform as well as, or better, than traditional cleaning products. Products are proudly manufactured and packaged in Canada!
My favs are:
The Household Disinfectant
The Concentrate Laundry Liquid
The Auto Dish Powder
NORWEX
Another great way to clean is with antibacterial microfiber cleaning cloths, such as the ones available from Norwex. Using a special cloth to clean with water the microfibers work to wipe away dirt and debris from all washable surfaces, claiming to pick up 99.9% of bacteria.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Talk about a classic! The number-one-selling natural brand of soap in North America, 2008 marked both the 60th anniversary of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps in America and the 150th anniversary of the family’s first soapmaking in Germany. Not only did Dr. Bronner use his soap to help spread message of world unity, he also made a terrific product.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Classic Soaps are made with a combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils. It’s super sudsy without all those crazy chemicals used to create bubbles in those big name soaps (which are really just detergents).
What is true soap versus fake soap? Here’s a super entertaining video clip where it’s explained by David Bronner (Soap, Drugs & Rock and Roll)… odd News report intro starts it off… just keep watching past the first minute!
I love the classic (USDA National Organic & Fair Trade Certified) Castile vegetable soap. Diluted by about half with water, it works in those great little self-foaming soap pumps. It also makes a nice face wash, body wash, and bubbly bath!
Saje Natural Wellness
This product line is a local favorite and past client of mine! SAJE uses ZERO petro-chemicals, preservations, artificial colours or synthetics, only organic grade essential oils, and only 100% natural base ingredients.
Their Remedies line has some fantastic natural products for allergies, skin irritations, and immunity. I use their
The DIVA Menstrual Cup
One of the most impactful choices a woman can make in my opinion…
“Women, on average, experience a lifetime menstruation span of 41 years (11-52). From use of disposable feminine hygiene, an estimated 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons are dumped into the North American environment each year (1998). More than 170,000 tampon applicators were collected along U.S. coastal areas between 1998 and 1999. Our revolutionary, reusable product is a modern, viable alternative to disposable tampons and pads.”
“Most tampons and pads contain surfactants, adhesives and additives. In addition, most pads contain polyethylene plastic whose production is a pollutant. Also, dioxin, a known carcinogen, is a by-product of the bleaching process of tampons containing rayon. In landfills, many of these substances can leach into the environment (groundwater, streams and lakes) causing serious pollution and health concerns.”
~from the DIVA website
The facts are pretty clear. But the product is also amazing! Comfortable, easy to use (once you get the hang of it), and super, super CONVENIENT! Get past your reservations and give this one a try ladies – you will not regret it.
So that’s my list… now, what are some of your favourite green products?
