Swab test for Norwex cloths....PROOF!

Tuesday, 13 April 2010 15:46

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWoaHZzSnTg

Norwex Cloths Worth the Cost Environmentally friendly and easy to use

Norwex Cloths Worth the Cost Environmentally friendly and easy to use

Wednesday, 21 April 2010 21:27

Jane Dunbar The Edmonton Journal Sunday, April 13, 2008 I've tested a lot of cleaning products over the years for this column, and a few remain favourites. Here, just in time for spring cleaning, are some that deserve mentioning again. One is Sponge Ups, which come in packs of three and still cost only $2.99 at Superstore. These biodegradable sponges are terrific for spills and can be laundered over and over. I often wonder when the first one will wear out so I can use the rest in the pack. Another is Bounty Paper Towels, which are so durable they can be substituted for dish cloths. I use them when I'm concerned about food contamination. One sheet will wash up a stack of dirty pots and pans and wipe down the counter. Try that with any other paper towel. Then there are the Norwex cloths that have no equals as far as I'm concerned. It was Barb who told me about a line of cleaning products she sells for a company called Norwex and wanted me to try these anti-bacterial cloths. The company markets itself as environmentally friendly, as its products reduce the consumption of cleaning chemicals such as the ones we use in the bathrooms and kitchens. I was happy to test the blue microfibre Anti-bac Enviro Cloth and the silky Anti-bac Window Cloth. It's been a year since I started using them, and I remain a satisfied customer. Washing windows has always been one of the first spring projects I can't wait to get at. In the past I would wipe them off with soapy water and then spray them with Windex. The most important step was to polish to a streak and lint-free shine. That not only took effort but it was essential to have the right cloth for the job. I tried Windex Glass and Surface Disposable Pre-Moistened Wipes, which come in a sealed package of 25 for around $4. The results were exactly what I wanted, but one wipe doesn't go very far. It took two packages to do all my windows, leaving me feeling guilty when I saw how wasteful this was. I do however keep a package in my car, as they are ideal for touching up the inside windows and panels. The Norwex cloths clean windows guilt-free as no soap or Windex is needed. Just warm water and the microfibre cloth is all it takes to get the dirt off and the window cloth shines them up. I was fixated on clean windows when I first got them, but their ability to remove bacteria with just water has consigned them to more important chores. I no longer spray my sink and bathtub with any disinfectant cleaner. A good scrubbing with my microfibre cloth and a rinse of water gets rid of soap scum and leaves them germ free. I have a bottle of Scrub Free Oxy Complete, so I decided to give the tub a spray to see if it looked any better. I was quickly reminded why I stopped using cleaners when I inhaled the strong fumes and had to don rubber gloves to protect my skin. The results looked comparable, but as a bonus safety feature, the Norwex side was less slippery. These strong cloths are made to withstand the rigours of everyday use for most tasks inside and outside the home. Toss in the washer and they come out looking as good as new. They are guaranteed for two years, but are made to last for 10. Besides sparkling windows, when I use the window cloth on mirrors, granite countertops, stainless steel fixtures, appliances and mirrors, the results are dazzling. Even though it's not touted as such, I've also used it as a duster. My other dust rags only pushed dust around without picking it up. I tried furniture oils and sprays, but they are expensive and seem to attract dust. I've tried a few products like Vileda Disposable Dusters, and while the "electro static" does a great job picking up the dust, it also will not release it. That's why they're disposable. The Norwex window cloth removes dust without any polishers or sprays. When I'm done cleaning, I either shake it clean or throw it in the wash. There are other cloths in stores that sell for less than the approximately $20 you'll pay for each Norwex cloth, but it's hard to imagine getting anything that substantial for less. They're a good investment if you have allergies, chemical sensitivities or just want to reduce the consumption of cleaning chemicals. © The Edmonton Journal 2008

Make your home toxics-free

Friday, 23 April 2010 20:57

from the David Suzukis Foundation Make your home toxics-free Credit: dorsal stream via Flickr Disposable dust cloths seem to make cleaning a breeze. Simply open the package, pull out a damp cleaning rag, do your chores, and then throw it away. Not so fast. Wipes soaked in cleaning solution are dripping with chemicals. Microfibre dusting cloths or mops are a better idea. Microfibre picks up the dust bunnies, but you can also wash and reuse it. We recommend avoiding microwave oven wipes as well. These release VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) into our lungs while we use them, and are also easily absorbed into our skin. Instead, bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave — the steam will loosen the dried-on food particles. If you just can't escape the lure of the "wipe and toss", a San Francisco-based company called Method is making biodegradable wet wipes that can be composted. The dish on dish soap Most conventional dishwashing liquid and detergent is full of harmful chemicals with names like: Acetone Benzaldehyde Benzyl Acetate Benzyl Alcohol Camphor Ethyl Acetate Limonene Linalool a-Pinene Potential risks from exposure to these products ain't pretty: central nervous system disorders, damage to the immune system, respiratory disturbances, and headaches. Check your local shelves—many stores now carry safer alternatives. While you may spend a little more on a safe product, the planet (and you and your family) will be better off in the long run. Static-free and loving it That "fresh clean smell" you get right after you wash your clothes might irritate your skin and nasal passages. Fabric softeners often contain strong artificial scents that are potentially flammable. Chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane are even more dangerous when heated in a tumble dryer. The good news is that there are new products that help reduce static and keep clothing soft. "Static Eliminator" is a reusable dryer sheet system that is chemical-free and safe for infants and people with allergies and eczema. Another alternative to fabric softener is a dryer ball. These tiny, spiked plastic balls tumble around with your clothes to increase air circulation. Your clothes will turn out static free in 25 per cent less time and you'll reduce energy consumption. Or hang drying your clothes: you'll save yourself some money and lower your carbon footprint. Your dryer is one of the most energy intensive appliances in your house.

Top Hazardous Household Cleaners- are they in your home?

Top Hazardous Household Cleaners -are these in your home?

Friday, 30 April 2010 12:22

Saturday, 10 April 2010 13:48 Thanks to Richard Alexander who compiled this list. He is a partner in the law firm Alexander Hawes LLP, personal injury lawyers in California. AIR FRESHENERS: Most air fresheners interfere with your ability to smell by coating your nasal passages with an oil film, or by releasing a nerve deadening agent. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener include: Formaldehyde which is highly toxic and a known carcinogen; Phenol which when it touches your skin can cause it to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives and can also cause cause a host of personal injuries: cold sweats,convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and even wrongful death. AMMONIA: It is a very volatile chemical, it is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin. BLEACH: It is a strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. WARNING: never mix bleach with ammonia. The fumes can cause wrongful death. CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO: Most formulas are designed to over power the stain itself, they accomplish the task but not without using highly toxic substances. Some include: Perchlorethylene, a nown carcinogen that causes personal injuries including damage to the liver, kidney and nervous system. Ammonium Hydroxide is a corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages. DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated and a leading cause of child poisonings, according to poison control centers. DRAIN CLEANER: Most drain cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid or trichloroethane. Lye is caustic, burns skin and eyes, if ingested will damage esophagus and stomach. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and causes personal injuries to the eye and skin, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Trichloroethane is an eye and skin irritant, nervous system depressant and damages the liver and kidneys. FURNITURE POLISH: Petroleum Distillates are highly flammable, can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol: (see Air fresheners, Phenol.) Nitrobenzene is easily absorbed through the skin and is extremely toxic. MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANERS: Chemical components include: sodium hypochlorite a corrosive that irritates or burns skin and eyes, causes fluid in the lungs which can lead to coma or death. Formaldehyde is highly toxic and a known carcinogen. It is an rritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin and its additional personal injuries include nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath. OVEN CLEANER: sodium sydroxide (Lye) is caustic, strong irritant, burns both skin and eyes. Inhibits reflexes and will cause severe tissue damage if swallowed. ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANERS: may contain Triclosan. Absorption through the skin can cause liver damage. LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: Sodium or calcium hypocrite are highly corrosive, irritates or burns skin, eyes or respiratory tract. Linear alkylate sulfonate is absorbed through the skin. It is a known liver damaging agent. Sodium tripolyphosphate irritates skin and mucous membranes, causes vomiting. Easily absorbed through the skin from clothes. TOILET BOWL CLEANERS: Hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive, irritant to both skin and eyes. Damages kidneys and liver. Hypochlorite bleach is corrosive, irritates or burns eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which may be fatal. OTHER NASTY THINGS THAT ARE AROUND YOUR HOME PESTICIDES: Most pesticides have ingredients that affect the nervous system of insects. Dimpylate which is better known as Diazinon is extremely toxic. It impairs the central nervous system. Chlorinate hydrocarbons are strongly suspected carcinogens and mutagens. It accumulates in food and in fatty tissue. Will attack the nervous system. Organophosphates are toxic and poisonous. If you can smell it, your lungs are absorbing it. FLEA POWDERS contain carbaryl which is very toxic, causes skin, respiratory and cardiovascular system damage. Chlordane accumulates in the food chain, may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidney and skin. Dichlorophene causes skin irritation and suspected as causing damage to the liver, kidney, spleen and central nervous system. LICE SHAMPOO: Children are especially vulnerable. Lindane inhalation, ingestion, or ABSORPTION through the SKIN causes vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and circulatory collapse. May cause liver damage, stillbirths, birth defects and cancer. CAR WASH AND POLISH: Petroleum distillates are associated with skin and lung cancer, irritant to skin, eyes, nose and lungs. Entry into the lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema, most are marked Danger, Harmful or Fatal. TAR AND BUG REMOVER: Contains XYLENE and PETROLEUM DISTILLATES. Warning terms used are significant: DANGER – Harmful or fatal if swallowed A taste to a teaspoonful taken by mouth could kill an average sized adult. WARNING – Harmful if swallowed A teaspoonful to an ounce taken by mouth could kill an average sized adult. CAUTION – Harmful if swallowed An ounce to over a pint taken by mouth could kill an average sized adult.

Lifting Serum

Norwex lifting serum! WOW!

Wednesday, 05 May 2010 15:38

Tuesday, 04 May 2010 07:22 The consultant used the lifting serum for two weeks prior to conference, twice a day on only 1/2 her face to see the results...can you see the difference?? Tech Talk by Candi Bezte, Norwex Science & Technical Advisor Given that our lifting serum works so well we have received queries regarding what is in it and how it works. All of the ingredients are listed on the container, so you know exactly what it contains (feel free to Google). Some of the key ingredients are aloe, macadamia nut oil, hydrolyzed rhizobian gum and acacia senegal gum, extracts from a number of organically grown Swiss alpine plants (Masterwort, Marrubium, delweiss, and Artemisia, saccharide isomerate, olive oil, jojoba oil and xanthan gum. Together, these ingredients work to soften, hydrate, tone, restore the appearance of the skin, nourish the skin, help to retain moisture, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and imperfections. The keys to the “lift” in this product are the rhizobian gum (or rhizobium gum), acacia senegal gum also referred to as gum arabic), and xanthan gum. What are these? Rhizobian gum is a mucopolysaccharide (a complex sugar) formed by fermentation of sugars by a Rhizobium sp. bacterial strain. Acacia senegal gum is a complex sugar; it is a sticky substance that comes from the acacia tree, and xanthan gum is another complex sugar formed by the fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the Xanthomonas campetris bacterium. Once again, we have friendly microbes to thank for the benefit that we derive from our products. The acacia senegal gum and rhizobian gum work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The xanthan gum also likely helps with this, as well as working to thicken the product…Solutions brought to you by Mother Nature herself. Apply the Lifting Serum gently to cleansed skin, followed by the day or night cream, and allow to absorb

A Wake Up Story...very powerful video..watch it!

Incredibly powerful videos...worth watching!!!

Thursday, 06 May 2010 16:31

Well if you weren't convinced before you will be after watching these really two powerful video. Do something caring for your loved ones with Norwex. A Wake-up Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vAVkv1LBx8 Learn about Health Child Healthy World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbzqNE9pUnI&feature=channel

Not So SEXY Chemicals in Fragrance

Not-So Sexy Chemicals in Fragrance

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 15:38

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 13:17 Here's an interesting article and another reason to use Norwex cloths for cleaning which are scent free! New Report Reveals Secret, Not-So-Sexy Chemicals in Fragrance; Ask Congress and Celebrities with Fragrance Collections to Take a Stand for Our Health! Check out the report, and take action! A new analysis by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group reveals that top-selling fragrance products - from Glow by JLO and Calvin Klein Eternity, to Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce and Old Spice body spray - contain multiple allergens and hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to asthma attacks, headaches and serious long-term effects such as infertility, thyroid problems and increased risk of cancer. Many of the chemicals were not listed on labels, and most have not been assessed for safety by the beauty industry's self-policing review panels. Check out our report, "Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance," along with actions you can take, personal and political, to protect your family from toxic chemicals in fragrance. How can so many popular perfumes - including scents endorsed by celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Halle Berry and Miley Cyrus - contain toxic, untested and unlabeled chemicals? Well, in the United States, companies are allowed to put nearly any chemical into cosmetics, with no required safety assessment, and a huge loophole in federal law explicitly exempts fragrance ingredients from being listed on labels. So the public is in the dark about what's in these products, and how they are impacting our bodies. Clearly, the system is broken. Here are two ways you can help us make change: Our cosmetics laws must be updated to ensure cosmetics are safe. Please ask Congress to give the FDA the authority and resources it needs to ensure the safety of cosmetics and ensure full disclosure of ingredients so consumers can make informed choices; and We have the right to know what's in the products we put on our bodies, and we expect companies to make the safest products possible. Sign on to our letter to the celebrities whose fragrances we tested - Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Halle Berry and Miley Cyrus - and ask them to show their true leadership by taking a stand against toxic chemicals in personal care products, beginning with their own fragrance lines. Thank you for joining the movement to make our body care products safe, and please spread the word! -Stacy, Mia, Genevieve, Marisa, Lisa and the entire Campaign for Safe Cosmetics team