Energy News You Can Use
1 Nov
Biokleen was founded by Jim Rimer in 1989. In the past, he had sold cleaning chemicals in the industrial market, but he began to worry about the adverse health effects of such products. After studying chemistry, Rimer was ready to make a stand and develop products like Bio Kleen Bac-Out with Foaming Sprayer to deliver effective, non-toxic and environmentally safe cleaning supplies. As their motto goes, “Tough on dirt, Safe on the Earth.”
Consumers who swear by the Bio Kleen Bac-Out with Foaming Sprayer say they have eliminated some of the worst smells and stains in their households, including cat urine, cigarette smoke, blood, grass stains, diaper leaks, dog poop, red wine, oil and vinegar. They indicate that the product’s fragrance is “soft, pleasant” and doesn’t leave behind a lingering “perfume” smell, which is of utmost concern for people with allergies. Buyers have used Bac-Out on clothing, rugs, blankets, pillows, sofas and baby diapers with great success. Thirteen Amazon reviewers gave the product 4/5 stars.
Peggy from Virginia said she “was hopeful this would be a useful product and healthy for the environment,” but she was disappointed to find it “wasn’t that effective in stain or odor removal.” Instead of the Bio Kleen Bac-Out with Foaming Sprayer, she recommends using regular white vinegar before washing. This was the only negative criticism of the actual product, though. Most reviewers seemed discontent with the shipping procedures from ordering online. More than one package arrived with its contents saturating the box and consumers reported some difficulty getting refunds. The overall sentiment seems to be that Bio Kleen makes great products, but buyers should head to stores to purchase them!
Often consumers become disillusioned with “green cleaning products” because they find that there are hidden chemicals like sodium laurel sulfates in the products. Companies may use the “natural” moniker because they have used mostly natural ingredients, but since there is no oversight required on “organic” or “natural” labeled products, they can sneak in a few perfumes or chemicals. However, Bio Kleen is very candid about the ingredient list, which satisfies the consumers with the highest eco-friendly standards. For more information on Bio Kleen Bac-Out with Foaming Sprayer, visit www.biokleenhome.com.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in the yeast infection no more. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural remedy for yeast infections treatment. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the cure for yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
29 Oct
“Method products are our favorite,” writes Adam, a blogger over at www.lifegoggles.com. He adds, “They work brilliantly and are great for the environment.” In his review, he said that the Method Daily Shower Spray, which contains all natural ingredients, is great for the shower because it doesn’t smell or require the use of rubber gloves. Ideally, consumers will thoroughly clean their showers using Method Tub and Tile Cleaner first, then use the Shower Spray after each shower to maintain tile cleanliness.
According to consumer reviews on Amazon and Epinions, there are many pros to the Method Daily Shower Spray. Consumers like that the scent is light and pleasant, with a unique “ylang ylang” scent that contains hints of jasmine and custard. They like that it’s easy to use, effective, non-toxic, safe for use around pets and is biodegradable. Other people commented that the packaging is attractive and they found the price to be “reasonable.” Many people remark that they use and enjoy the other Method cleaning and personal products as an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals found in traditional consumer goods. The product is designed to be used following a thorough cleaning and after each shower as a way to maintain clean tiles.
There were a couple sour reviews of the Method Daily Shower Spray too. The scent is a deterrent to some. One Amazon reviewer likened it to “a tank of wet diapers steeped in a cubic yard of rotting gardenias;” meanwhile, an Epinions reviewer called it a “sickly, cloying industrial restroom deodorizer” and “the harlot of the bathroom.” A couple of people mentioned they didn’t like the spray bottle so much and had to transfer the product to a different bottle to use. Several reviewers said they didn’t feel like the product made that much of a difference in their shower.
One of the Epinions reviewers complained, “The company WILL NOT list the ingredients on the bottle” and that the Method Daily Shower Spray website “does not mention the ingredients either.” This may be disconcerting to people who really like to analyze every ingredient in their products, rather than taking the “all-natural” assurances at face-value. However, the reviewer’s comments were a bit of misstatement, since www.methodhome.com describes the ingredients as follows: potassium lactate, mineral alkalinity booster, purified water, corn and coconut oil derived surfactant, fragrance oil blend, ethanol and preservative (under 0.1%). They invite consumers with questions about the ingredients to email them at info@methodhome.com.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in treat yeast infection. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural treatment of yeast infection. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
28 Oct
Green cleaning products are finding favor with mainstream American consumers who are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Perhaps it was Al Gore’s activism and films that inspired a generation of people to wake up. Or maybe it was a general disdain for being dependent on foreign oil and helplessly watching fuel prices skyrocket. Whatever the reason, green cleaning products are growing in numbers. Even the top offender Clorox is on board with a new Green Works line of cleaning products. The most popular of the 95-99% natural, sustainable and biodegradable products is the Clorox Green Works Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner.
Over at Amazon, the few reviews posted about Clorox Green Works Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner are favorable. “C. Conner” from California says the products “have a great smell, great on hands and clean really, really well.” A professed “green skeptic” from Raleigh, North Carolina said that Green Works is priced fairly and works great on mirrors, chrome and countertops. “Peggy” from Norfolk, Virginia admits that there are some controversies with the corn-based ethanol, which still creates an environmental impact, and with the fact that this product appears to use “safer, but not necessarily safe chemistry.” Even so, she admits that the product works well, is priced fairly and does not use phosphates, ammonia or bleach like many other cleaning products.
Of course, not all consumers are wholly satisfied with the Clorox Green Works Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner. One reviewer on the Clorox website reported, “I’m surprised that people thought that this was streak free. I’ve washed my windows three or four times now trying to get the streaks off.” A similar report was published at the Associated Content website, where a reviewer mentioned that she “wiped that mirror about 50 times and there were still some small streaks left behind on the glass, no matter what,” which she surmised was due to the coconut-based cleaning agent. A consumer at www.ecohuddle.com said that she preferred the Seventh Generation products and didn’t like that it “foamed up when sprayed on glass,” which had her scrubbing to get the glass clean. Lastly, there are some concerns that the Clorox products aren’t 100% environmentally sound, with a few questionable ingredients. Critics suggest that, while better than petroleum-derived products, their coconut-derived and corn-oil-derived ingredients may still be responsible for rainforest habitat destruction.
“It’s great to see a major company like Clorox take the initiative on creating a product line that is safer, biodegradable and effective,” says Loren LaVoy, President of Green Clean LLC, a green cleaning crew. Perhaps over time, products like Clorox Green Works Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner will inspire other major manufacturers to make the switch to more environmentally-friendly ingredients, packaging and production practices. The more companies that hop on board with this, the more sustainable our Earth will be and the more we’ll be able to reduce our carbon footprint for generations to come. You can learn more about the Green Works line at www.greenworkscleaners.com.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in the treat yeast infection. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural remedy for yeast infections treatment. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the natural cure for yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
28 Oct
In an op-ed piece for the Huffington Post, Seventh Generation co-founder Jeffrey Hollender says he’s all for having one universal certifying standard for natural, organic and green products. “A single certifying seal that consumers could depend on would bring much-needed clarity to the marketplace,” he argues, adding, “It’s like the Wild West out there, and dozens of organizations are competing to be sheriff. According to some counts, there are more than 200 different green product certifying programs in the U.S.” Jeffrey Hollender is pretty confident that his Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent and other household products will pass the test with any certifying agency since they’ve been on the leading edge of creating safe and environmentally responsible products for the marketplace for nearly 20 years; before it was even fashionable.
The new Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent is said to be an improved version of their regular Natural detergent, using even less resources to make and lasting much longer. In June of 2009, New York Magazine squared off “goliath” Tide Laundry Detergent against “green” Seventh Generation Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender Natural Laundry Detergent. Critics paid $6.69 for a 16-load bottle of Tide, versus $6.99 for a 20-load bottle of Seventh Generation. They awarded Tide good marks for lasting scent, stain removal and towel fluffiness. They mentioned that Seventh Generation eliminated coffee, food stains and makeup “fairly well,” produced “adequate” towels and a “weak” lavender scent. Overall, they concluded that Seventh Generation gave consumers “more bang for the buck,” even though Tide had “superior cleaning power and scent.”
In the world of consumer products, you can’t please everyone and Seventh Generation’s Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent is no exception. There are 11 unfavorable reviews of the product on Amazon (out of 41 total), with some consumers shocked to see sodium laurel sulfate in the ingredients list, which is a known toxin. One woman with eczema said her dermatologist told her to never use any product containing this ingredient. Another reviewer prefers Arm & Hammer and Citra Suds for stain removal and scent. A few people report getting a “tie-dyed” look with colored loads washed with the detergent. One reviewer comments, “It is easy to tell that sweaty clothes still smell… our dish towels look like they have never been washed… and dirt stays on the cuffs of trousers.”
Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent can be found at all major supermarkets, Target locations and online at Amazon, www.drugstore.com or www.seventhgeneration.com. While it’s roughly 50 cents more than other leading brands, many consumers say they get more uses out of their concentrated formula, so it’s worthwhile. Part of consumer resistance to “going green” is the belief that these products do not work as well as chemical-laden products they know and trust. Also, the studies have not come back confirming the danger of long-term exposure to cleaning products. Yet, there is still an underlying desire to support ethical companies and do our part, as stewards of the earth, to make wise environmental decisions.
Matthew McMillan is a leading expert in the genital warts treatments. His works are regularly featured in online health publications on matters relating genital wart remover. For more information, visit treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
24 Oct
Finding an earth-friendly stain remover can be a challenging task. Many of the products you’ll find pledge to use recycled materials, be completely biodegradable, and use plant-based ingredients. However, these promises do not mean that there are absolutely no toxic materials in the products. The cleaning agents are often just the sort of substances many people making the switch to a “green” lifestyle wish to avoid. If you’re just looking to be more earth-friendly, as far as recycling, treating animals humanely and using mostly plant-derived ingredients, then you may want to try the Ecover stain remover, which has received many accolades from consumers. Yet, those with allergies and health concerns who want 100% natural products devoid of all toxins may find the search considerably more difficult.
There are many benefits to using the Ecover stain remover. The company uses attractive recycled packaging and does not test on animals. They also use many plant-based ingredients that have been tested by independent labs for toxicity and biodegradability. The convenient brush (much like the Shout products have) makes it easy to scrub away grass, mud, blood, food and sweat stains. To use, Ecover says to moisten the fabric, apply a small amount of liquid to the stain and work it in with the built-in brush, then wash. While you can’t use this product on wool, silk or delicate fabrics, most clothes, such as whites, colors or dark items, will respond well to this “green” stain remover. “It even takes away stains that are old, have dried and have been washed before,” comments one consumer over at www.amazon.com, adding: “It is just my magic stick.”
Even though there are no negative reviews for the Ecover stain remover online, many “green” seeking consumers are looking for 100% non-toxic ingredients. People who are concerned about adverse health effects and allergies from many cleaning products and personal hygiene products may find little consolation in the Ecover stain remover ingredient list. Sure, there’s no harm in water, alkyl poly glycoside C10-16 (a peptide), sodium chloride (salt), cellulase (an enzyme), citric acid, subtilisin (a protease) or linalool (an essential oil). However, there are some troublesome ingredients. According to www.scorecard.org, the ingredient 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol is a “suspected gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, immunotoxicant and skin/sense organ toxicant.” Another ingredient, ethanol, “causes skin and eye irritation,” according to the Material Safety Data Sheet. Sodium lauryl ether sulfate is in a lot of products, including Ecover’s stain remover, and is said to “cause mild irritation on contact with skin, eyes or mucous membranes” and may “cause irritation or allergic reaction.” Sodium lauryl sulfates are the most common source of eye irritation from shampoos and have been found to cause a drying effect on the skin by the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. One must also wonder what exact ingredients are included in “fragrance,” as the label simply states.
It should be noted that all of these Ecover stain remover “toxins” have been approved for use in personal and household products. Most mainstream cleaners and hygiene products contain ethanol and Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, in fact. Using products containing these items have not been linked to cancer or serious disorders caused by long-term exposure. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin that tends to break out or get irritated, then this product may not be for you. Also, if you are looking for the most holistic items for your home, you may not be pleased with this stain remover, even if it does work well.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in treat yeast infection. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural cure for yeast infection. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
19 Oct
Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner is ideally used for routine maintenance of kitchen countertops and bathrooms. While some say it can take out heavy spills and stains, others dispute the ultimate cleaning power of this product. Some buyers who are typically sensitive to smells enjoy the Seventh Generation line, while others just enjoy the fragrances they are used to. Seventh Generation is a good start for people who are looking to try the world of green cleaning.
Consumers at Amazon seem to really like the Natural All Purpose Cleaner. People like the “light orange” smell that is not overpowering at all. Some consumers mention that they’ve suffered health problems in the past from cleaning chemicals and they appreciate that there are no harmful ingredients in this cleaner. They also like that it works “as good as any chemical-filled product,” as reviewer Cherise Everhard puts it. She adds, “I have used it to clean up frozen mud on a window, grease and various miscellaneous spills. I really think it does a fantastic job.”
However, there are a few qualms about the Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner too. Store Trooper Karen Kirkman says she prefers Lysol All-Purpose and that the Seventh Generation didn’t get the stains out of her porcelain sink. In reviews at www.drugstore.com, consumers commented that they sometimes get streaks on mirrors or a filmy residue with this product. Reviewers have described the scent as “fishy,” “chemical” and “strange.” Some of the raters at www.ecohuddle.com said they were disappointed with the “cleaning power” of this product, although they admitted that they’re not really “into cleaning that often” or that they hoped the product would tackle larger messes and stains.
Seventh Generation’s line of green cleaning products, including their Natural All Purpose Cleaner, are looking to inspire more consumers to get into the eco-friendly spirit. The company’s co-founder often pens op-ed pieces for The Huffington Post, mentioning that he feels we should have one gold standard for environmental products that fancy themselves “natural,” “organic” or “green.” The absence of such standards creates a sort of “Wild West” of cleaning products, he says, which sows doubt into the minds of consumers and leads them to fear they’re being led along for the ride as manufacturers charge higher prices; not because the naturally derived ingredients cost more but just because they can.
Being a professional, Matthew McMillan only recommends the best cure possible for the treating genital warts. His methods are highly recommended and information of how to get rid of genital wart can be found at treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
12 Oct
At first glance, Nellie’s Dryer Balls look more like stress relievers or massage tools than green cleaning products. These powder blue balls are designed to reduce drying time up to 25% and give you an alternative to softening fabrics with chemical-laden dryer sheets or liquid fabric softener. Additionally, you can re-use these balls time and time again, so you won’t be clogging up landfills. The balls tumble around in the dryer with your clothes, lifting and separating the fabric to fluff it up. Independent testers say they can also make ironing easier and decrease lint as well.
While there aren’t many reviews on Amazon, the people who have tried Nellie’s Dryer Balls seem to like them. In fact, 14/18 reviewers would give this product four or five stars and only one person was wholly dissatisfied. One mother comments, “These really work. I have a baby with very sensitive skin. I can use these dryer balls without dryer sheets and his clothes are soft and fluffy. Also, I’ve noticed my towels are fluffier and more absorbent.” She also adds that the material is more resilient than cheaper store brand dryer balls, which fall apart after the second use. Another reviewer likes that the dryer balls make clothes soft, without chemicals or environmental waste.
Even though the press has been largely positive, one Amazon reviewer from Cincinnati, Ohio had a negative review of Nellie’s Dryer Balls. “I used the dryer balls for about 5 months before one split in half,” the reviewer writes. “I contacted the company to request a replacement, but two weeks later I have not received a reply.” The consumer goes on to say there was no shortened dryer time or softer clothes. “I recently discovered that they are made of highly toxic PVC plastic,” the reviewer adds. The “Real Green Girl” blog echoes this sentiment about the dryer balls. “All three of these balls are made out of PVC, poly-vinyl chloride,” the blogger writes. “PVC, number 3 plastic, is the worst of the worst of plastics. It is the most toxic in production, presents problems during its use and creates a nightmare for disposal, with recycling barely and rarely done. In order to soften it, like some toys that are now banned in Europe, additives are added to the PVC. These additives are also very unhealthy, some say toxic, and include chemicals such as the phthalates and lead. PVC is considered the most damaging plastic to the environment.”
“We’ve seen items such as Nellie’s dryer balls take off as well as more concentrated, affordable detergent options,” says Valerie Reddemann, president of Greenfeet, a supplier of eco-friendly products. Reddmann says that her top sellers are Nellie’s Laundry Nuggets, Bac-Out Stain and Odor Removal, Earth Friendly Products All-Natural Spray Starch and Bi-O-Kleen Oxygen Based Bleach. Other eco-friendly laundry habits include using white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach, choosing dryer balls over dryer sheets, buying Energy Star appliances and wearing your clothes a few times before washing.
Being a professional, Matthew McMillan only recommends the best cure possible to curing genital warts. His methods are highly recommended and information of genital wart remover can be found at treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
11 Oct
There are little requirements mandated for a product to be packaged and sold as “organic” or “all-natural,” cautions the Federal Trade Commission. However, you can still feel good about Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap, which takes their pledge that Mrs. Meyer’s products are “earth-friendly, biodegradable, have no phosphate, no chloride, no solvents and are plant-derived, and not tested on animals,” explains Monica Nassif, founder and president of Mrs. Meyer’s and Caldrea. More and more consumers are turning to these cleaning product alternatives now that the harmful effects of toxic chemicals found in most cleaning supplies are well-known.
The most common accolade given to Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap is that the fragrances used are “soothing and invigorating.” Reviewers at Amazon describe the scent with adjectives like tranquil, fantastic, heavenly, divine, wonderful, clean-smelling, invigorating and inviting. A number of enthusiastic consumers report that the Mrs. Meyer’s products actually made them want to clean more. Once they got started, they couldn’t help but use the full line on dishes, dirty laundry, kitchen counter-tops and soiled bathrooms. People with allergies mention that the soap is gentle enough for them to use as well.
The most common complaint with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap is that some of the “fragrances” may not be as “natural” as one would think. “Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and many other products in this line are very toxic,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “I’m told they made it into the ‘health section’ of stores because they are biodegradable. However, synthetic fragrances are known to disrupt hormones (promoting obesity, thyroid disorders, sperm damage, and birth defects), induce or worsen respiratory problems, cause immune system suppression cancer and kidney disease, and damage the brain and nervous system.” Another reviewer, Elaine S from Los Angeles, says that the product contains the chemical sodium laurel sulfate, which is simply described as a “plant-derived surfactant” on the bottle. “The nonsense about being scented with essential oils is green-washed bull-hockey,” says Stephanie Adams from New Jersey. She says the scent is artificial, with a smattering of real lemon or real lavender to seem legitimate. “I despise brands that pretend to be eco-friendly and natural just to make an extra dime off the gullible,” this consumer adds.
The Mrs. Meyer’s website states: “Our fragrances are inspired by our gardens. We plucked essential oils from garden-fresh flowers and herbs that are especially powerful against dirt, grime, fingerprints and the like. Our philosophy is to make straightforward, honest cleaners that smell good and work like the dickens on dirt. They are also aroma-therapeutic, which is another fancy word for healthy and good.” You can buy Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap at www.mrsmeyers.com for $3.99 per bottle. Consumers warn to use the soap sparingly, as it suds up more than other commonly used brands.
Sarah Lomas is a foremost expert in yeast infection cures. She has had extensive experience and conducted countless experiments in finding natural yeast infection remedies. She is also a highly acclaimed writer in the yeast infection field and you can find out more at remedyforyeastinfection.com.
1 Oct
The Only Natural Pet Stain & Odor Solution can be used on both carpets and hard floor surfaces to eliminate pet stains and odors. This natural cleansing solution is environmentally safe, non-toxic and free from phosphates, parabens, preservatives, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Instead, they use ingredients like aloe vera, coconut extracts and essential oils to clean up spills. Their product is gentle enough to use around puppies, kittens and babies alike. The Only Natural product line is fully committed to recycling, using wind power and delivering as many eco-friendly ingredients as possible.
According to the makers of Only Natural Pet Stain & Odor Solution, there are many reasons to reject competitor products containing phosphates, parabens or sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates. Since the 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency has been recommending lower amounts of phosphates be allowed in the water system, arguing that over-abundance kills algae, plants, fish and frogs. Paraben preservatives and the foaming agent sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates are used in many household products, but may contribute to health problems like autoimmune impairment and allergic reactions. Instead of using these toxins, the Only Natural Pet Stain solution contains purified water, non-pathogenic bacteria cultures, coconut derived surfactant blend, pure grade essential oils and certified organic aloe vera.
There are very few online reviews of Only Natural Pet Stain & Odor Solution, but the handful available are all 5/5 star positive. Consumers indicate that they were able to use the stain remover to clean up the worst puppy accidents, including diarrhea. The fragrance is widely lauded as pleasant and non-toxic to use around puppies and young kids alike. The odor solution also seems to deter pets from returning to their usual spots to relieve themselves, which is helpful when trying to litter-train or yard-train an animal.
A 16-ounce bottle of Only Natural Pet Stain & Odor Solution sells for $9.99 at www.onlynaturalpet.com. If you spend more than $49 on Only Natural brand items (or $99 on all other brands) you will qualify for free shipping, so it pays to stock up. In addition to selling Only Natural brand products, you can also choose from Merrick, Dr. Harvey’s, Wellness, Nature’s Variety and more than 150 other natural, environmentally-friendly brands. You can buy online, by catalog or at the Only Natural Pet store in Boulder, Colorado.
Matthew McMillan is a leading expert in the genital wart removal. His works are regularly featured in online health publications on matters relating to gential wart cure. For more information, visit treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.