As a teenager I came across a book explaining how to make your own cleaning and beauty products from natural products. I think it appealed to my thrifty and creative side and like I often do when I go 'through a phase' I went overboard and went out and supplied myself with tons of empty bottles to fill with my creations. Like a mad scientist I mixed together ingredients to made surface spray, washing powder and face wash and toner. As much as I enjoyed this little dabble in cleaning product achemy my enthusiasm for it ran out so its lucky that there are companies who do this for you. If you are interested in making your own natural products you can buy books like this one to show you how.
When I first left home for university my mum packed me a little box of essentials, pasta, toothpaste, tea bags.. and some Ecover washing up and laundry liquid, a care package.
Ecover for me feels a lot like comfort and home for those reasons. At some point in university I bought lazily, cheap deals or convenience meant I choose other brands and what I gradually realised was that it wasn't making me feel good. By this I mean I actually noticed a change in my health. Ecological cleaning products are great for the environment and for being ethically moral but for me I buy eco products for health reasons and the reason for this is the following.
When using other washing detergents/liquids and cleaning products I felt panicky and out of breath, I suffered from headaches almost daily and I honestly think this (as well with the odd hangover) was due to the chemicals in the cleaning products I was using. Studies have actually been taken that suggest the same thing and even that the chemicals used in these products can lead to anxiety like symptoms. Many laundry detergents contain perfumes, dyes and other scents, which can include chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenol and glycerin which can cause a range of allergic reactions in people.
By switching back completely to Ecover products such as Ecover's washing powder and washing up liquid I saw a remarkable change in my health, I no longer suffered from constant headaches and felt that I could breath better.
I often wonder that some of us make the effort to eradicate chemicals from our foods by eating organic for example but then use harsh chemicals to clean their house. I think the most common reaction I get from people when they see I use natural cleaning products is that they wont work as well. Whilst you could take my word for it that they do Ecover are running a 'Agent of Change scheme' providing free samples for you to see for yourself!
NB - Ecover sponsored this post but the above stands true, I fully endorse and use their products and would recommend them!
When I first left home for university my mum packed me a little box of essentials, pasta, toothpaste, tea bags.. and some Ecover washing up and laundry liquid, a care package.
Ecover for me feels a lot like comfort and home for those reasons. At some point in university I bought lazily, cheap deals or convenience meant I choose other brands and what I gradually realised was that it wasn't making me feel good. By this I mean I actually noticed a change in my health. Ecological cleaning products are great for the environment and for being ethically moral but for me I buy eco products for health reasons and the reason for this is the following.
When using other washing detergents/liquids and cleaning products I felt panicky and out of breath, I suffered from headaches almost daily and I honestly think this (as well with the odd hangover) was due to the chemicals in the cleaning products I was using. Studies have actually been taken that suggest the same thing and even that the chemicals used in these products can lead to anxiety like symptoms. Many laundry detergents contain perfumes, dyes and other scents, which can include chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenol and glycerin which can cause a range of allergic reactions in people.
By switching back completely to Ecover products such as Ecover's washing powder and washing up liquid I saw a remarkable change in my health, I no longer suffered from constant headaches and felt that I could breath better.
I often wonder that some of us make the effort to eradicate chemicals from our foods by eating organic for example but then use harsh chemicals to clean their house. I think the most common reaction I get from people when they see I use natural cleaning products is that they wont work as well. Whilst you could take my word for it that they do Ecover are running a 'Agent of Change scheme' providing free samples for you to see for yourself!
NB - Ecover sponsored this post but the above stands true, I fully endorse and use their products and would recommend them!
10 comments:
Fab post lovely! When we moved to Norwich we got left some Ecover washing up liquid- which worked amazingly well and since then I've really thought about what cleaning products I use. Having asthma and allergies to dust, pollen etc I notice even the smallest of smells and hate harsh cleaning products- I can't stand it! It's definitely much better for you! xx
I love Ecover too, it's so nice to know that you're not clogging up the waterways with nasty chemicals. :)
When i was at uni my only luxury purchase was Ecover laundry powder! It was pretty expensive then, but totally worth it. Nowadays it's much more affordable which is great to see as I think it shows there is more demand for it and people are making more considered choices about what they use in their homes and the effects it has on the environment. Great post! x
Thank you for this post. I too find that normal chemical filled cleaner make me feel ill and they really make my ezcema flare up so I will look to switch everything I use to ecover. I already use their laundry products which are great. Really happy with their stance of animal testing too.
I've been thinking about changing to Ecover recently, but wasn't sure on the antibacterial properties as they're obviously chemical free - I'm just wondering if I'd be happy using the cleaning spray after preparing raw meat etc. Any advice would be great!
@Natasha Thanks Natasha, thats really interesting that you find it better for your asthma! x
@Bianca it is much cheaper now your right, its good to know that it must be because more and more are using them!x
@Vicky I'm so sorry I'm not sure really as I dont eat meat but I'm sure there website can help? x
I wish I didn't either, but the husband would sooner die than give it up totally, tut! I'm definitely going to switch to their washing powder, just waiting an age to finish our industrial sized box of fairy!
@vicky hehe Tom eats meat too but only out of the house, I've never cooked meat so I would most certainly kill someone if I did! Let me know how you get on! :) x
@Kate! for some reason your comment ended up in my spam folder but yes! Their animal testing policy is brill too, very good point! x
I'm gradually switching to be greener & will be replacing our cleaning products with Ecover when they run out. Having recently been suffering from anxiety this was an interesting post to read! Thanks.
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