Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning
Back when the climate crisis was the number one concern for humanity (news flash: it still is), I was striving for ways to increase my positive impact on the planet and discovered the environmental cleaning products company Norwex. I was so impressed that in February I became a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant and began using their products in my home and clinic - to replace paper towels and lots of cleaning products.
Of course, since February our world has changed dramatically, and unfortunately our global reliance on disposable and chemical products has grown exponentially, with negative impacts on our planet and health along with it. I have never used so many paper towels (extra thick! triple roll!) in my life, nor so many toxic chemicals.
Sigh.
HOWEVER, I still believe that there are ways to incorporate both during this challenging time. Ways that can help alleviate some of the harm.
I now use the Norwex cleaning products PRIOR TO using the chemical disinfectants (a surface must first be free of dirt and debris in order to be effectively disinfected of viruses) as well as AFTER in order to remove the chemicals from the clinic surfaces that I disinfect, thus protecting myself and my clients from further exposure to them. Think - where you touch, where you sit, where you hang your hat. So yeah, it increases my cleaning but also our safety and my peace of mind, so it’s worth it.
Key highlights that make me love Norwex are:
their environmental record - they use 100% renewable energy to produce their products, they have a recycling program for worn out products (which can take years or a decade or more - they are made to last!), they use minimal and recycled / recyclable packaging, they purchase carbon offsets for shipping, and they use recycled plastic in some of my favourite products - up to 70% so far!
most products use just microfiber and water to clean virtually anything REALLY easily and well!
removes up to 99% of bacteria and other contaminants from surfaces when used properly
contains silver threads that then naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew in the cloths
a truly easy and effective replacement for paper products, plastic sponges etc to reduce waste
So far my favourite cleaning product is the EnviroCloth Travel cloths. They are made from the same fabric as the larger household cleaning cloths but are in a very convenient travel / cleaning size to carry with you or use for single cleaning jobs and then throwing in the wash (as I do at work). Great for wiping down desks, doorknobs, faucets, glass, mirrors, and counters. Pair that with the Window cloth (which is the same fabric as the face masks, read on…!) and you are getting a very thorough clean and polish job.
But my current FAVOURITE favourite product, which didn’t even exist when I joined up, is the reusable face masks.
Early in the pandemic Norwex pledged to make and donate a million masks to front line health care workers. After meeting this goal they released them to us, and as someone who has tried a number of types of masks (from surgical to cloth accordion to cloth face-shaped, single or double layers, with and without filters) I am now wearing these exclusively for 3 hours daily, 5 days a week. And I often forget to take them off in between clients!
They are light and breathable, and have been independently tested at 81% efficacy for blocking 0.1 micron particles, which is excellent for a non-medical mask. They recently released kid sized masks too, which got two thumbs up from my little tester as well.
In clinic…
In family…
“At Norwex, we believe that there is a strong and direct link between our health and the health of the environment. That’s why we have made it out purpose to reduce the harmful chemicals and waste that challenge our quality of life and the future of our planet.”
As a further commitment to the planet, I donate 25% of my Norwex product sales to environmental causes.
I would be happy to share more information or set you up with any products you would like or need!
Anni Elliston - lotus.blooms@ yahoo.ca / 867-333-0253