One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc. Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. 403-828-3201

It's progress...A foot in the door.....a light at the end of a very loooong tunnel...

2012-02-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you all know what I have been up to.
I've been on holidays....BAhahahahaha,lol. Just kidding. I think I made myself laugh at that one :-)

But, the lack of holiday has been worth it.
In the past few months I have had a local hotel using the One Three Tree product for their establishment. The cleaning staff love it! The clients enjoy the chemical free cleaned rooms and really enjoy the refreshing scent of peppermint! Love it.

I have also presented my cleaning product to a very large daycare, who want to provide their staff and 3 foot clientele base, with a safely sanitized environment.

The product is at the local car wash, for all those who love a safely cleaned vehicle!

I will be doing a presentation at my children's school about how we can switch the current cleaning products for a safer alternative, One Three Tree. I will be letting them know all of the benefits, including cost efficiency. Yes, they will actually save money, be part of the "Get with the program, the recycle program!" and promoting clean air quality. THAT is absolutely fantastic!

I will be quest speaking at the Carriage House Inn for the Health and Wellness Trade Show, March 10th.

Everything is starting to come together.
Thank you for all of your support with Chem Free Cleaning and with One Three Tree.

brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

"You won a brand new car?!! That's super!! So why are you walking?"

2012-01-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

Did you know, some people are so sensitive to chemicals, the luxury of buying a new car, can be debilitating. I am one of those, only my sensitives aren't to that extreme. But, for me, just sitting in a new vehicle, with those toxins clouding my head, can cause me to get a mild headache. For some, the ramifications can be worse.

Think about how much you drive on a daily basis. Some of us drive, more then we sleep. Thankfully, we don't sleep while we are driving. But, did you know, that for some, the consistent lingering of the harsh chemicals seeping in from the outdoor toxins, added to the interior fumes of a newer, or newly cleaned vehicle, can cause some to be extremely "bogged down" and foggy headed. Not exactly a great mix when you are behind a metal, four wheeled, lethal transporting machine. And, for some, it can cause itchy watery eyes, again, we need those spec's to be clean and clear, for us to see where we are going and all the obstacles we have to avoid, while on routine.

Here is my suggestion. Take the power as a consumer, and use it full force. If you want a chemical free clean vehicle, state that right up front. If they say, "we can't promise a COMpletely chemical free cleaned vehicle. We don't have that kind of alternative", then bring in something they CAN use, One Three Tree Essential Cleaning products.

I have had many, many friends use the all purpose spray to clean, sanitize and disinfect their auto's interior, safely and very effectively. And I had actually taken a concentrated version of my product, for them to sanitize and disinfect my upholstered seats and carpets, as well as, the all purpose cleaner and glass cleaner, for the interior windows. The auto detailing company obliged, and did a fantastic job of cleaning my entire vehicle, WITHout that nasty toxic sludge luming over my body, as I drive!! They too, were kept from harms way.

When doing an auto detailing job, you have to feel for those guys. If you think cleaning your house is suffocating, because of pour air circulation, think about cleaning a car or truck with NO circulation. The detailing services, for the most part, usually have that space closed off, to prevent splattering of any toxic ingredients. So they are breathing that horrible cra....stuff for 8, sometimes longer, hours a day!

Have you ever actually walked into a car detailing shop and been blown away by the stench? Those poor workers don't have the luxury of dropping the keys off and running outside! I actually knew of a detailer, that was incredibly sick, because of the very occupation that was providing his family with a roof over their head. He had to be sent to the hospital because the chemicals had finally taken their tole on his lungs. The last I heard, he had sold the business and was looking for another way to make a living AND live to see his children graduate from high school.

This is what I say, if you want to have your vehicle sanitized and disinfected safely, grab a bottle of One Three Tree, or something you would rather they use and that you know is safe. A good business man/woman will do the task at your request. If not, find someone that will.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Pricing for both, Chem Free Cleaning & One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Prod. Inc

2012-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

I have had allot of inquires regarding cost for the cleaning service, so here they are;

For residential cleanings in Okotoks (where the office is based) $30 per hour/per staff.
For residential cleanings outside of Okotoks, rural areas, $35 per hour/per staff. This covers the gas expense as well.

For Calgary residential, $35 per hour/per staff.
For outside Calgary area such as Airdrie, Tuscany&Chestemere, $35 per hour/per staff,(plus an additional extra $15 gas fee).

(GST is not included in the above prices)

For discounts on residential weekly cleanings - take the total of cleanings, per month and subtract 10% (gst is included in the total amount).

For discounts on residential bi-weekly cleanings, with a 3 month prepayment contract, take the total cost for three months (bi-weekly) and subtract 10% (gst is included in the total amount).

For discount on residential weekly&bi-weekly, with a bi-annual prepayment contract, take the total cost for 6 months and subtract 15% (gst is included in the total amount.)

For discount on residential annual prepayment contracts, take the total for the year and subtract 20% (gst is included in the total amount).

For discounts on commercial bi-weekly cleanings, the same calculations apply, as above.

For discounts on commercial weekly cleaning, the same calculations apply, as above.

For Move in's and Move out's, there is no GST.

For One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products, the cost are as follows;

For direct purchase of any scent of the 500ml bottles (Pleasing Peppermint, Citrus Smiles, Lavender & Lace, White Rain (unscented) - $4.50

For direct purchase of the Sunshine glass cleaner, 500ml bottles - $3.50

For direct purchase of the 3 gallon containers of any scent (including unscented, White Rain) $60 (plus gst), which equates to 22 of the 500ml bottles.

For direct purchase of the 3 gallon container of glass cleaner - $50 (plus gst).

You want even more savings? Wow!! Smart crowd :-)

After your 1st purchase on the 3 gallon container, any scent and including unscented (White Rain), as well as the Sunshine glass cleaner. If the container is reusable and in the same condition it was in on your initial purchase, you will receive a 15% discount on your second purchase.

Need that broken down? Not a problem.

First purchase of Pleasing Peppermint, in the 3 gallon container (=22 500ml bottles) $60+gst= $63.00 (less then $3 a bottle).

After your return and your refill of the 3 gallon Pleasing Peppermint (or any other scent you would like)$63 - 15%=$53.55 (is now less then $2.50 a bottle).

One Three Tree Carpet cleaning solution; $34.00 (gst not included) for 1 gallon. No toxic residue! Nice and fresh :-)

The larger hotels, motels, schools, clinics and even other janitorial companies, can really save money with One Three Tree.

And remember, you are now,

Benefiting your health,
Benefiting the health of your family and friends,
Benefiting the Planet, by avoiding the landfills with all those plastic cleaning bottles.
And even better yet, you are saving money.
Isn't that everyone's New Year's Resolution?

More questions? Send me an email @onethreetreeinc@gmail.com

by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Segregation.

2012-01-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

I truly didn't know why I felt that pertained to me and why I felt that segregation was affecting me, developer of One Three Tree, until I sat down and actually thought, "why do we have to distrubute to "specialty stores", for healthy and alternative products only?

Think about this for a sec. If you want to buy alternative produce, or alternative chemical free facial products, baby products, vitamins&minerals and cleaning products, that are made by the "smaller guy", you have to go to a special store to do so.

The bigger guys on the other hand, Clorax, Johnson & Johnson, Aveeno, Great Value cleaning products, are distributed world wide, in every Walmart & Safeway from here to kingdom come. For the heath conscience and health activists out there, you already know that those "green" products the larger companies are promoting, are anything but that. Just because you have "lavender extracts" as a scent, and listed lastly on the label, does not mean you are a safer and greener product. It just means, you have manipulated the already careless government, to allow your rubbish on the consumer's shelf.

The government makes it so difficult to obtain mainstream shelf space. By that I am talking about, having my product available to EVERYONE, not just those that may have the ability and means to spend a sometimes higher price point, for certified organic foods, or 100% alternative cleaning products, like One Three Tree...(shameless plug, right here...). The government likes that the Clorox's and the J&J products are willing to fork out that cash, to promote their products. Which, is rather a great team, I have to say. Considering the government is aware of all those nasty cancer causing chemicals, contained in such products as Green Works. that have been scientifically tested. The government has seen and is aware of the fatalities caused by exposure to them, yet the dollar sign seems to blur their decision to pull those particular products off the market. "Not enough proof"....Right. I keep forgetting, "not enough casualties".

So what is the worst that would happen, should we allow some of the great "alternative solutions",into our Safeway's and our Walmarts? More revenue for the stores, because now they are going to have all those new clients, who are now able to buy EVERything in one stop. More work, because now those stores are going to need manpower, to keep up with the supply and demand. Am I naive? Or is this viable? I think we should give it a go and decide from there...

Again, I am thinking out loud.

Brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Here it is in a nut shell....

2012-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between your commercial cleaner, that means Clorox, Clorox Green Works, Lysol, Pledge, Comet and any other well known hazardous brand name products on consumer shelves today? Yes, I am including even the "Green" ones in that question.....Or using my product, One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products? Will you ever get another cold, or a sniffle if you switch to One Three Tree?? Yes. You will. Just as you have and you will continue to get sick, even sicker, using the Cloroxes and the Lysols of today. So what is the purpose of this question, when using both cleaning brands, you still end up getting sick??

Great question. Let me tell you the difference.

We. You. Are always going to get sick. Catch a cold, the sniffles, even the flu. It is inevitable and impossible to eliminate 100% of our germs, and that's ok. We need germs, we just need to protect our "good germs" and rid our "bad germs" Catching these illnesses, and other certain illnesses, helps to strengthen our bodies and teach our bodies how to protect itself from the bigger "bugs" we will encounter. BUT, you can minimize those "bad germs" and continue to stengthen the good ones, without monopolizing your immune system. One Three Tree products, will not result in birth defects, ADD, ADHD, respiratory problems, reproductive abnormalities, Eczema, Leukemia, Breast or Prostate Cancer. You cannot find traces of endocrine or hormone disruptive chemicals, in your babies blood stream, or the mothers ambiblical cord, using my all purpose and glass cleaner.

There are NO long term, or short term effects, to cleaning and sanitizing your home, using One Three Tree. As it should be.

When you think you are doing well by grabbing a Lysol or Clorox wipe, to wipe off those sandwich crumbs, or spraying your babies toys and bedroom down with these chemicals, and you have to know, that that is all these products contain, pure toxic chemicals, that should not be in our environment, let alone, absorbed into our and our babies skin, like the sponges that we are. You as a mother, a father or even an adolesent, AS A CONSUMER, have the right to make a safer, alternative choice for you and your environment. When you are purchasing these horrible chemicals, unknowingly and for some, knowingly, you are allowing the Government to say, "Yes, you are purchasing these toxins and you are allowing yourself and the ones you love, to be put directly into harms way. You agree to this, because you are financing its growth, as you pay."

As I have said in the past. One Three Tree will kill germs, but it won't kill you or the ones you love.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Buy more and save! No, seriously!!

2012-01-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Want your cleaner to last longer?

Would you like to save 15% off of 3 gallon's of all purpose cleaner, or glass cleaner upon the return of your undamaged container?

This is perfect for custodians at a school, office building, or clinic. You are actually saving your staff, your clients, the planet AND money!

Non toxic, biodegradable, 100% safe for children and pets, including our marine life. How can you even think twice?

Just as effective as commercial toxins, that do nothing but pollute our bodies and our atmosphere.

More then 40 million tons of plastic containers, cleaning containers included, are thrown into our landfills every year. That number is continually growing. I don't think I have to tell you where our Earth as we know it, will be. Not a pretty picture.

Four scents, Lavender & Lace, Pleasing Peppermint, Citrus Smile & Sunshine Glass Cleaner, 100% alcohol and ammonia free. Plus White Rain unscented, for those with extreme sensitivities.

Want to find out more? Email me @ onethreetreeinc@gmail.com. Or, go to my store at store.chemfreecleaning.ca to place an order for the 500ml to sample.

Is this FInally the year we say, "out with the old and in with the new!" Cause the "old", just ain't cuttin' it anymore!

Brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. & One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home".

Are your germs better then mine??

2011-12-29T12:35:00.002-08:00

I came across a statement, that really made me think. Actually, I have had a couple people say the very same "statement" to me. So now I am going to ask you.

For those of you who do not know me, I am the owner of Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. A chemical free cleaning service, for both residential and commercial clientele. We use only chemical free cleaning products, one of which is my own cleaning product line, One Three Tree all purpose cleaners and glass cleaners. All are 100% non toxic and safe. And when I say safe, I mean safe. I drank them to prove it....Can all the other "green" cleaning product companies say that??Clorax, care to take the challenge?? Ya, that's what I thought.... Anyway, I was doing an interview with a client and I had told them, that my ultimate goal is to get my cleaning service and product into the larger commercial buildings, as well as schools and hospitals. "Well, your product will work in residential and smaller commercial buildings, but we need something stronger for the larger commercial clients." ??? What? What does that even mean, "something stronger for the larger clients."??? So, because I service smaller clients, my product is safe. But, for the schools and hospitals, or the larger clinics, "we" have to use something "stronger".

Let me paint the picture, that is forming in my mind, when someone says those words to me.....
I picture going to a clinic...a LARGE clinic. I decide for whatever reason, that I would like to invite everyone over for tea...(it could happen...) Anyway, I invite the whole office, patients included, over to my house for tea. They stay and we all socialize and have a great time. Then they leave my LARGE house. Now I have the delight of cleaning up after everyone. So I pull out my product, Pleasing Peppermint and start to sanitize and disinfect. Ok. That's done. A week goes by. I might end up with a cold, maybe a sniffle here and there. A cough. Then that goes away. A month goes by. I'm still here. Still alive and in one piece. I don't have six heads and my home did not dissolve from all the "germs" that were invited, along with all that attended.

Part II

I go to the same clinic. I invite the same people back to my house for tea. We have the same great time. But this time, I pull out the "stronger" stuff, they say I should be using, the same stuff the hospitals and schools use, to sanitize and disinfect their buildings. Ok. A week goes by and my house still stinks of toxic neon cleaner. My eyes are watering from spraying it all over. I actually feel quite ill because it has absorbed into my furniture and resonates throughout my air ducts. I actually have a film on my mirrors, from the residue those cleaners leave (and yes, they DO leave a thin residue over your mirrors. One example; if you have been using Windex in your bathroom, for your mirrors, try cleaning it with an alternative. The film will not remove, until after several cleanings, if at all. Then, buy a new mirror and use just an alternative, vinegar and water or Sunshine Glass Cleaner by One Three Tree. There won't be a film. Now think what sort of film coats your insides from those other commercial cleaning products. EEwww!!)

Sorry...trailed off again...

So tell me, which scenario would you prefer? Which would be the lesser of the two evils? Personally, if I go to a public place, I may get ill whether they use Clorox or stronger cleaners, or if they use One Three Tree products. The only difference being, after long term exposure and even short term exposure, my product will not cause harm to your internal self or your external self. AND, it is 100% safe for our environment. Remember, I drank it! It was disgusting, but at least I know it cleans safely and there are no long term or short term health hazards.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd
& One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Simplicity, at it's best.

2011-11-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

I have chemical sensitivities, as do so many others, without even realizing it. What effects me the most, is strong, fabricated, artificial odors, or as it is cleverly disguised as, "fragrance".

Fragrant applications, be it, perfume, creams, house hold cleaners, laundry detergents, baby products, facial products, unless otherwise noted and even UN noted, can contain fragrances, which, translated, is a mixture of hundreds, thousands of different toxic, carcinogenic chemicals, going directly on your body, or around your body. Which, will absorb into your blood stream, in approximately 10 minutes with direct application. Inhalation, is alot quicker. An asthmatic, or a person with respiratory problems, can attest to that.

So why is it, that when you walk into a mall, you may experience a headache, claiming it's because you've been roaming aimlessly around the mall all day. Or from those horrible florescent lights. Althought those scenario's are very real and true, it can also be from the thousands, millions, of pacers by, the fragrant department stores, that are literally spraying some sort of cologne every 5 seconds. The department stores, are just as bad for poor air ventilation, as our hospitals. Well, I feel your pain. My eyes and nose, start to water after about a half hour, to 45 minuets, of being in a public place. and shortly after, will be the headache. Needless to say, no shopaholic here!!

But, I am very pleased to say, there has been progress!! Doctors offices, clinics and even some clothing stores, do not allow any fragrance, of any type, in there vicinity's. Yeah!! I know, I know, some people think that this is a bit extreme. I'm sorry. I do not. To the "Fred and Wilma's" out there, that think it is abit "extreme", don't think you are not being effected. If you are not having the instant effects, you could have the after effects, such as coughing, sneezing, itchy watery eyes. You're probably thinking, you're coming down with something. Well, you are. Mild sensitivities.

Those are a few reasons, I wanted to develop, "White Rain"Unscented. For those who have extreme and debilitating sensitivity's. I can still drink it. And yes, it still tastes disgusting. But it is 100% safe. Water, vinegar and other ingredients, researched by myself, to be just as effective and in fact exceeded, some of the commercial cleaning products, on the market today. No rashes. No irritation and no breathing difficulties, to the consumer, or anything the product is applied to. Just plain clean. You have to remember, "a little, can do alot".

White Rain can be used in clinics, and other public places.

For more information, contact me @403-828-3201.

Gentle scent, or no scent. Either way, my view is, "simplicity is always at it's best".

brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Through chaos and craziness, comes.....my answer.

2011-11-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Just when my month was becoming to much. When the thought of "making a difference in my world", was maybe to much of an unrealistic dream. I get a call from a lady, who, I can hear, is overwhelmed with her new role of mom, dad, bill payer, sole errand runner, sole caretaker of her children, her home and her husband, who is going through chemotherapy and radiation, because he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. She asked, almost out of breath and out of hope, if we, Chem Free Cleaning, can come and clean her home. My reply, is "yes". When I tell her that we also donate 1 hour of cleaning, to those supporting someone going through what her husband is going through, you can almost see, through the phone, her relief and maybe a small smile of gratitude.

Then I receive a call, from a long-term friend that tells me about a family, whose little girl,8years old, has been diagnosed with leukemia, asking if I can phone them and let them know about our, "Clean with Care" program. My reply without hesitation is "yes".

My staff arrive at a new clients home and she points out that there maybe more hair then normal, because she is going through chemotherapy and radiation, due to an auto-immune cancer. After we clean her home and as she is coming downstairs, she puts her hand on over her heart, and smiles, almost in tears, because cleaning her home, is one less thing she has to think about.

After long, quiet and late commutes home. After asking myself many, many questions of, "Am I making a difference?". "Are people going to be receptive to my service and my products?". "Am I just dreaming an unattainable dream?". When I see their faces, or hear in their voices, the relief of doing one chore, one errand for them, such as safely cleaning their house, so that they can support themselves, or a family member going through something so traumatic, I guess I have answered my own question. And I continue on with my dream and goal of Chem Free Cleaning and One Three Tree cleaning products, making a difference in this loving and crazy, crazy world.

And at the end of the day, it's worth it.

brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd & One Three Tree Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Just a thought....

2011-11-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

Has it ever crossed your mind, that maybe germs aren't what is making us so ill. That maybe it is the products were are spraying to kill those germs, that is making us so vulnerable and weak?

Just something to ponder.

Brought to you by
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Thank you.

2011-10-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

For all your visits at the Natural Trade Show. I met allot of fantastic vendors, potential clients, and some very insightful people.

I enjoy speaking and educating those who may not be so aware of their surroundings, or possible warning signs your body may be giving you, that are a result of toxins in your own home, school or workplace. It may not take as long as we may think, to change the legislation of cleaning products being allowed on our consumer shelves after all. The sooner you are educated, the sooner you will realize that you have the voice to speak up and not allow such lax "product" decision making, to be made on your behalf.

Think of it this way. Would you like it if someone decided what you and your families worth and value is on this planet?

You already have, by saying nothing.

The voice is a powerful instrument. Play it loud and proud.
There are strength in numbers people.

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Hey!! Are you my friend on facebook yet? Why not??

2011-10-16T11:22:00.001-07:00

We can all use more friends....especially on facebook,lol.

Join me at Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. and get words of wisdom, quotes, tips, facts and laughs, all for free!!

Let's change the world together :-D

I hope to become your friend soon!

What is the "Clean with Care" Help End Cancer program?

2011-10-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

I went for my usual weekend run, to my local Starbucks. I bumped into a lady that I haven't spoken to in a very long time. We were talking about how things were going and fell onto the subject of Cancer.

Her husband was diagnosed suddenly with Prostate Cancer, a few years back. I had told her about the "Clean with Care", Help End Cancer program, that we have started. She said that she thought that was a great idea. Then, when she was going through Cancer with her husband, she could have really used some support herself. I didn't quite understand what she meant at first. She said something that really clarified things for me. She spit out the words I have been trying to form, but I was not clear on how.

She needed support with supporting her family, just as much as her husband did.

To help her husband while he was going through the chemo and radiation appointments. Support taking care of her family, making meals, specific meals for her husband. The banking, the grocery errands, the loving and explanation to her small kids of what daddy was going through, while working herself, to help pay the bills. Cleaning her house was the absolute last thing on her mind. No kidding!! I'm exhausted just typing it!

So that's it. That is why I wanted to start the "Clean with Care" Help End Cancer Program. I want to help those that are helping a family member mother, father or child, going through the healing process of Cancer. If a child has Leukemia, or a father has prostate cancer, or a daughter has ovarian or breast cancer. Those are the households we want to help. Those families need to love, comfort and focus on healing. Not of cleaning a home. And that is where we step in.

We are here to help. Chem Free Cleaning will come in, clean your home and at the very least, make your household a little more organized, at a time when mental and emotional organization is full of fog and turmoil.

The next time you hear of a mother and father, who are exhausted because they are by their child's side at the Children's hospital 24/7, or you hear of a family that has a father or a mother who themselves, are healing due to prostate or breast cancer. Call and we can help.

This is a delicate subject, I realize that. But, what I, Chem Free Cleaning, want to do, is to just let you know that we are able to eliminate just a little bit of the load you may be caring on your shoulders, at a very precious time.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products that care for your health and your home."

Oh Canada....Really?

2011-09-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by all the products that Canada allows on consumer shelves. I have come to the conclusion, I don't know how patriotic I can really be, for a country that doesn't seem to give a sh....care, about me.

The Calgary Sun had an article on skin and hair care products. The just of this article was about false advertising. About how commercials and magazine advertisements air brush, primp and clip, parts of a woman's body,just to make the false illusion that "you too could look like you have never cracked a smile, wore a frown, given birth, or experienced any stress throughout out your whole existence on earth!"

A large skincare company, based in Canada, agreed to pull a specific slimming cream from the shelves after an investigation found that it made misleading, unproven claims.The article goes onto say that companies commonly use "buzz" words and do not use properly proven claims.

Cigarette ads now, must have health disclaimers, while cosmetics AND HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS go on our shelves without question. The UK is cracking down on cosmetic giant,L'Oreal, for using print ads with famous actresses and supermodels, as misleading."People accept these claims without questioning them. It almost boarderlines as fraud". Hmmm....Clorox Green Works. Green?...Sorry, inside voice again...

Other products have forced Health Canada to issue warnings for containing high amounts of cancer-causing chemicals. An example; Brazilian Blowout solution, contained an excessive amount of formaldehyde, Health Canada stated last year. People were complaining about hair loss, burning eyes and breathing difficulties, after using the product. WTH??

"There is little oversight about what goes into products. There's only investigations, when something happens" Wow. Ain't that the truth!

See my point? I choose to focus on household cleaning products. It gets to be to overwhelming, when you start to question what the government is letting on our cosmetic shelves, on our baby shelves and even in our food.

Oh Canada....Really?

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products that care for your health and your home."

Jelly Bean flavored hand sanitizer. MMMmm, that'ssss yummy. WTH??

2011-09-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I was standing in line at a clothing store, of all places, and on the counter top, there is a line of "flavored" hand sanitizers. This was a clothing store for kids, by the way. So I flipped the bottle over to see the ingredients, "62% Alcohol".

I took a wiff of the sanitizer and it really smelt yummy. Almost good enough to eat. Didn't smell like alcohol at all. And that is what really scared me.

There was a video last year on You Tube( http://www.cbc.ca/) about a British Columbia, Canada student, that became drunk off of hand sanitizer. They liked the smell so much, they were licking it off of their hands. For such a little body, any amount of alcohol would have a serious effect, so 62% ethyl alcohol is alot of alcohol! And now that they have it in "several delicious flavors" to disguise the smell of pure alcohol, isn't helping the matters any.

Hand sanitizer is on the "back to school" list. So any and all grades have access to it and teachers can't monitor how much a student is using. If it were me, and I didn't know better at that age, I would be lubing up my hands every second I could, just so I could lick it off, just like it were syrup or jam! I wouldn't be surprised to see a little body in the back of the class, passed out on their desk, because they were "sanitizing while learning"!

If a student needs to clean their hands, most classrooms I have been in have sinks. Is it that much of an inconvenience for a student to wash his/her hands during class? Even if the student has to be excused and use the bathroom to wash, is that to much of a pain? I think if I were a teacher and one of my students raised their hand and asked to "be excused, so they could wash up", I would be just fine with that. As opposed to the other option of having a kindergartner drunk using their "lollibean" hand sanitizer instead.

I was just voicing my opinion...again.

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. & One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

I'm pi.....erked!

2011-08-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

I love my local health store for getting information. They provide insightful, educational and informative magazines, for it's customers to review for free!

One of my favorite magazines, is Alive. And while I was picking up my natural organic peanut butter, I came across the newest edition.

I had only turned several pages into the magazine, when I came across an article about the FDA voting against the banning of labeling for foods that contain artificial dyes.

"I thought you only researched chemicals in household cleaning products?". Stay with me on this....

The article went on to say that studies have been going on regarding the safety of food preservatives and food dyes, since the well known pediatrician, Benjamin Feingold's 1899-1892 expressed his views on this very subject. His recommendation was to eliminate all aritificial food colorings or dyes and all other preservatives, in treating the symptoms of hyperactivitiy in children, which is one of the highest growing disorders in young children today. In more recent studies, as of 2004, meta analysis in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, supports the hypothesis. Stating that "yes", artificial food dyes promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactivity disorders.

In 2007, another studied appeard in the Lancet which added further concern. An increase in hyperactive behaviour in children of age 3, and another group ages 8-9. It was observed when a placebo-controlled trial took place after the two groups consumed beverages that contained food coloring and a very common preservative, sodium benzoate.

After this study was published, the Britian's Food Standards Agency issued an advisory, to limit children's intake of the additives used in this specific study, if they noticed any effect on their behavior.

A petition set up by the CSPI (Centre for Science in the Public Interest), to the FDA in June 2008, protested a ban of the food dyes and artificial additives, or at the very least advocating a warning lable on foods that contained synthetic food dyes and colorants (the list will be at the end of this blog).

The petition was not "FDA Approved". Really?? And to date, the FDA advisory panel have voted against recommending warning labels, concluding that there is no solid proof that artificail food dyes are the cause of hyperactivity. BUT... it has accepted that artificial food dyes may worsen hyperactivity in small susceptible children??? Oii...seriously. Does that not make sense to you, or is it just me?

Europe on the otherhand, has banned arificial coloring foods intented for small children and infants and requires warning labels on all other products containing them. Canada has not responded.

Canada opended up a consultation process in 2010 that would eliminate the option of using the word color and require that individual colors be identified on the food ingredient label. No regulatory amendments have been passed....yet.

All of this upsets me. If the FDA will not regulate placing a simple, small warning on a food label, that has been studied and has been determined to have developmental disorders on small children, then the FDA to label a warning on household products stating, "this cleaning product contains known carcinogens", is obviously going to be a very long and drawn out waiste of time as well. How very, very sad of our government. And that is what really, really pi.....erks me.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Here is the list of synthetic food dyes that should be banned, or should be labelled with a warning.

FD-C Blue NO. 1
FD-C BLUE NO.2
FD-C GREEN NO.3
Orange B
FD-C Red NO.3
FD-C RED. NO.40
FD-YELLOW NO.5
FD- YELLOW NO. 6

Did you know that these dyes can also be found in cleaning products as well? Are you alright with that? Just thought you should know.

read more in the latest Alive magazine - September 2011. Available in Nutters and other healthfood stores.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!!"

2011-08-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yes!! The singing has begun. The "dancing in the isles" has ensued. And the smile upon my face has not come off yet!!!

Of course I love my children. But entertaining them for two months non stop, is most exhausting. Even though they are almost in junior high, it doesn't get any easier!!

Before your children set off to meet their new teachers, find their new seats and meet their new friends. I am asking for your support. Would you be willing to put One Three Tree on your school supplies list? Why, you ask? To help eliminate the grey cloud of toxic musk that luminates over every school classroom.

I wrote an earlier blog about all the chemicals being used in our schools, from the new markers used to write on white boards. The pesticides used on the playing fields. The teachers perfume or calone, and of course the horrible cleaning products that our custodial staff, teachers and our children are subjected to for several hours a day, 5 days a week. All that yuck accumulates inside their bodies, like some sort of mucus tarp, that has been scientifically proven to effect our childrens capacity to learn. Leaning disabilities such as ADD and ADHD are constantly increasing. Asthma rates are another. We can do something.

I read the book, Death by Rubber Duck by authors Smith and Lourie (a strongly suggested great read. Love their writing technique. They put a bit of humor in something that isn't so funny.) Anyway, they loaded themselves with as many everyday chemicals as they could, for a short period of time. Then, after that time was complete, they had their bodies calculated for how many chemicals had already existed in their bodies and how those chemicals increased with the "self inflicted exposure". It was amazing and scary, all at once.

I tried something for myself. When I would do my morning regime, I would do what most people do. I jump in the shower, lather up the suds. Rinse. Apply the conditioner, let is sit. As I am letting the conditioner sit, I suds up and wash. I brush my teeth. And then I rinse. After my shower, I apply the lotions. Then the makeup. Plus the gel and the hair spray. Now I am good to go!! Wow!! That is the usual routine for allot of women and men (minus the lotions and make up :) ).

What did I notice? I noticed that I was physically tired. I almost felt drained. Think about all the chemicals you, or I for that matter, have just applied to and around ourselves. I can safely say, thousands in a very short period of time. That was just for the morning. That doesn't include the chemicals in the food I ate. The residual chemicals from my clothes. The car I drive. The air I breath. The list is endless.
STOP!! Yes, I agree. It is overwhelming.

Well the same over exposure to chemicals, apply to our kids. They are continuously exposed from the moment they wake up, to the moment they enter the school property. And the unfortunate thing is, they can't do a thing to avoid it. Or can they?

Here is what I am thinking. I have contacted numerous schools, written letters to the school council, with no response at all. I have met with school custodians, that can not try the products my company provides, because of the school criteria. This leaves me very frustrated. But what if the students brought their own chemical free cleaning products to the teachers? One Three Tree Cleaning products are 100% non toxic and 100% safe, to clean and sanitize classrooms with, while the students are IN the classroom!! That would be alright. Wouldn't it?

I will be sending my children each, a bottle of Pleasing Peppermint and Lavender and Lace to give to their teachers and hopefully, their teachers will take a stand and start using it in their classrooms.

This is the step that I am going to take this year, to make my kids air breathable and safe.

I hope you support me.

Thank you.

For more on how to keep your child safe while at school, go to blog/comments/how_can_i_get_my_childs_school_to_be_greener_safer

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.... Well, okay you can. I did. But just to give you something to think about.

2011-08-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

I have two children and they are all about science experiments. So I thought I would do a science experiment of my own.

I purchased a bottle of Clorox, "Green Works" and poured it over a pesky ant "condo" that was under construction out my back door. I dumped the whole bottle over the ants and to my wonderment and surprise, they vanished and haven't been back to bother me since.

Hummmmm.....I found that kind of....interesting.

I know that Raid kills ants and Off kills ants, because there are pesticides and that is why people purchase them. That is what they are made for, killing insects. Ummm...am I the only one that thinks that's abit scary? I mean "Green Works" is supposed to be a safe cleaning product for spraying around our home? Knowing what I know now, I don't know how excited I would be to spray that all over my kitchen counter tops, knowing it can kill the ant that may be sitting next to a sandwich, that my liddle guy is about to eat. Yikes! And, yuck!!....(did I mention I drank my product??) Sorry, that was my inside voice talking again...

For a product claiming "green" and "safe", after doing my science experiment, it confirms my question mark of, "is this product REALLY safe for my family and my environment?" My answer is a definite "No".

PS. But it really does do a great job of ridding those pesky ants!! Well hey, at least it's good for something. Right?

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

It's here!! My glass cleaner is finally here!! In stores now!! No ammonia. Nothing but pure natural!!!

2011-07-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

I drank it...and it still tastes gross!! But your mirrors and stainless steel will never look so good!

Just a simple observation...

2011-07-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

I went to my local hardware store to pick up weed killer. I know, I know, "bad Charlotte, bad". But, I can't seem to find anything non toxic to work, so I have to pull out the heavy guns, the really, really harsh cra...stuff!!

Anyway, my point is that when I was reading the lables, the odd yet interesting thing was, all the ingredients were there. Granted, I couldn't pronounce any of them, after all, they had numbers and letters all in the same ingredient. "What does this have to do with anything?", you maybe asking yourself. Well, as I have pointed out to you in many of my blogs, to read lables on the back of your household cleaning products, to make sure you know what is in that particular product. When I was buying this particular pesticide, I bought it knowing it was meant to kill weeds, so I knew the ingredients were not going to be safe. I don't know that I can say the same about buying household cleaners.

Another point of interest. I was in my local market and I came across carpet cleaner, not to my surprise, I flipped it over to see what was inside and, again, no ingredients listed whatsoever. I stepped back and just shook my head in utter disappointment and physical disgust. It just doesn't stop. The lazy and careless attitude of our government, for allowing these products and many more, without proper regulations. I spoke to a local carpet cleaner and asked him what the ingredients were in his cleaner of choice. He couldn't find them. He didn't have a clue what was in the product he was using, and he isn't alone. When I spoke to 2 other cleaners, they said the same thing, "I don't know what's in it. I just get it at a good price."

I am not blaiming these people at all. It shouldn't be their responsibility to search out the ingredients, it should be in black print, so they can read it and decide at that point if they want to use put themselves and their clients in harms way.

As far as pesticides go, you might want to save yourself a trip and just go to the grocery store and pick up a bottle of Lysol or Clorox. My thinking is, there are pretty close to the same thing. The only difference would be the Lysol or Clorox will have a prettier smell. And for the carpet cleaning solutions with no ingredient listing at all, take that as warning in and of itself. Just don't buy it.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

In the works. One Three Tree goes beyond cleaning products.

2011-07-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

I dislike anything to do with chemicals, but yet I do understand that somethimes we just do not have a choice in what we can use.

My purpose is to try and replace as many of the chemical products that I possibly can and create safer alternatives.

As you have noticed, my cleaning product line is first and foremost. My next line will be for our newborn. I have already started distributing to my cleaning clients with baby gifts that are 100% safe, 100% chemical free. I have decided to call it, "My Pure Baby". I have three children, so I know that these alternatives work!!

So far, I have a beautiful alternative to baby oil, as well as, a fabulous and so simple baby powder that is amazing for baby diaper rashes and feminine infections, such as yeast growth.

Stay tuned. These too, will be in the online One Three Tree store.

Thank you for all of your support.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

One Three Tree Carpet Cleaning solution!!

2011-07-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

100% non toxic. 100% safe for pets and children. Three beautiful scents; Citrus, Peppermint and Lavender.

No carcinogens here!!!

"It cleans better then my other cleaner. It's brighter".
Lomenda Carpet Care.

"I put some peppermint cleaner in my machine. Shut the bedroom door and went shopping. When I came home, the pet stains were gone and the room smelt amazing!"
Tammie.

"I used it on my stairs. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 9.5, compared to other carpet cleaners".
Chem Free Cleaning Client.

"I liked the Lavender for cleaning my couch."
Karen

Coming to the One Three Tree online store, opening soon!! Stay tuned.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd.&
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Coming Soon

2011-07-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

"Sunshine" Glass Cleaner.
100% non toxic. 100% safe. 100% Ammonia Free. "I drank it!! And it still tastes grose!!"

"I can't believe how it doesn't leave streaks!"
   A client of Chem Free Cleaning

"It's amazing. There are no streaks"
   A Chem Free Cleaning Staff

"It works on stainless steel better then the "green" stainless steel cleaners in stores"
   Another Chem Free Cleaning Staff

In stores soon.
Will also be available to order from the One Three Tree Online Store coming soon.

Stay tuned!!

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Question???

2011-06-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just something that entered my mind awhile back, that I would like your opinion on.

My children go to a school where peanuts of any sort are banned. Now, I am perfectly fine with that. I fully understand that parents want to make sure their children are safe and not exposed to something that could very well kill them (I dislike making that statement, but it is a fact).

So that being said. I would like to express my concern with teachers who wear way to much perfume or calone in class. To the point of making the very lovely flowers upon their desk, wilt at their very presents. Jiffy markers that have the fragrant power to make a sailor, that has been lost at sea for weeks on end, twitch at one sniff or whiff of the writing of one mighty long paragraph, on the ever so long and blessed White Board.

And of course, the school commercial toxic cleaning products that permeate endlessly for 7 days a week and 292 days of the year. Making a sort of greyish, pillowy haze that drifts up and down the hallways and swirls around the heads of students, in their concealed classrooms.

Can we, like the parents of the children with peanut allergies, ban those mentioned in the above as well?

I'm just protesting, I mean, asking...?

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd.& One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products. Inc.
*alternative cleaning solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Hmmm.....here it is....

2011-06-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend?
Mine was, wow, breath taking and euphoric, uplifting. A second insight.
Why?
Let me sum it up for you in a nutshell.

So, just a bit of my experiences so far with starting up a new company and trying to stay on top of "being creative", with my current cleaning service.

My cleaning service started off as just "something to pay the bills". But, within the first 6 months of it's existence, it grew to the point of needing to hire staff and busy enough, that I could leave my dayhome. So that was step 1 of my journey, and so I thought, the only "step". Boy...was I way off base!! But, in a "hey....this is something people real want. Great!" kinda way.

That is when my idea of creating "something to pay the bills", became a "i really enjoy helping people in a safe, alternative way." I was cleaning without using chemicals and it really made me feel like I was helping people, in more then a 9-5 way.

But, as I have pointed out in some of my blogs, I wanted to do more with that. So I started creating my own cleaning supplies. And wow again! Another great response from my clients! I had some guidance from friends and a few months later, my One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc., were available in stores.

How fabulous is that?!!!

But wait. With the birth of this company, I had developed an even larger goal. A massive, unexplainable passion. A drive like I had never had before. This company wasn't just "something to pay the bills", this was a true calling for me. I saw great things in store. I would see , The Children's Hospital. I would envision children smelling peppermint and lavender while their bodies were healing, and loving it. My heart would swell at the thought of my product cleaning The Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, for helping all of those patients who might have been directly affected by the very toxins that I was wanting to eliminate.

This is a big undertaking. "Can I do this?", "What am I thinking? Am I crazy?" This kind of a dream will not happen over night and it definitely won't be and isn't, a walk in the park. But my heart, my blood and my visions are so real, that even if I steer away from them for a bit because something larger then I think I can handle, has come into my path and has temporarily distracted me, the visions, the feelings, the power inside of me, keep coming back.

I want to change the world.... Okay, now get up, brush yourself off from falling off your chair, because you believe that I am officially "Loco". Am I really though? Because I want to better peoples health. Because I want to change the way people think about cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting. The way people view the word "green". To teach people to read, to sit up and say something about the way things are being controlled by the government. Am I really that far off my rocker? I don't think so.

But. I am one person.

So, when I said my weekend was breath taking, euphoric and "a second insight", know that this is why....

I physically climbed a mountain. I am not 100% sure it was a mountain. The sign said "Mountain" in it, but it could very well have been a very large hill!!! Nonetheless, I climbed it. Just me. One person. And when I got to the top of that mountain. I looked out and saw other mountains that were huge, but amazing, strong and almost touchable. I stood there, for only a few minutes (it was cold!!), after it took 2 hours to finally get there. I stood there and went over what I had just accomplished. See if this may pertain to you, in some form of your own life, as it did mine.

1. I wanted to accomplish something huge (my mountain)
2. I was scared.
3. It was a new endeavour.
4. I went off the beaten path and became confused.
5. I fell many times. I actually cut myself to the point of asking myself, "What the heck am I doing here?" and thought, "I'm done"."I'm turning around and heading back". But, I wiped the blood away. Packed up my pity party and moved on.
6. When I found the path once again. I climbed down the steep hill and actually started to laugh at myself and smiled.
7. I came to a gate and then a row of spruce trees. And like I was opening a set of pine covered curtains. There it was. Pure natural beauty, in the shape of the sky and snow tipped cover mountains.

I had been breathing the whole time, but the breath I took when I looked out at that view, was like I had just taken my first breath of life. It was amazing to say the very least.

"I did it. I climbed a mountain." And as I stood there, shaking because I was so cold, my hand was bleeding (not gushing, just a drip here and there)and the effort it took to get to that point, all I could think of was, "which mountain of the ones I was looking at, was going to be the next one I climb".

Do you think I'm crazy now? Or can you see something similar to that, of your life's obstacles, dreams, passions or goals? The oh so many hills and mounds of dirt you have to walk over, the rocks you trip on and cut yourself with, for yourself and maybe even to achieve for the sake of others. Isn't it worth it?

I had to share that with you, because knowing what I now know about the ups and downs of what I am going through, in hopes of accomplishing such a large task at hand. I had to let you know that, I am not "Loco", but I maybe just like you and have an enormous passion to create change.

I don't believe there is anything wrong with that.

by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."
.

I am planting a seed. Something for your to seriously consider. Because as a caring parent, you should.

2011-06-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have only touched on household chemicals in all of my blogs. But now, I am going to start to pick on the "big boys", our children's schools.

Let's put this into perspective. I have spoken to you about all the toxic chemicals that you maybe using in your homes and what there harmful short term and long term detrimental effects can be, especially for our children. When sending them off to spend several hours at school, the last thing we are thinking about is what chemicals are they being exposed to? If you are like me, I am sending them off to school and wondering, "will she do her work, or be a social butterfly?", "will he ask for a Kleenex, or will he use his sleeve instead ?"

When I started reading up on these ingredients, it was kind of horrifying. For example; here are some of the ingredients that are contained in the schools cleaning supplies.

Red flag #1

Chloroform: an organic compound. Colorless, sweet smelling, a dense liquid.Considered somewhat hazardous.It is used for producing dyes and pesticides in the pharmaceutical industry. Chronic exposure to chloroform can result in kidney failure. When this ingredient was exposured to mice during pregnancy, they had a higher incident of birth defects and abnormal sperm were found in the male mice, that had breathed the chloroform sprayed air, for over a period of days. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has classified chloroform as a possible carcinogen to humans. For more information on this ingredient, go to http://en.wikepedia.org/wiki/chloroform

Red flag #2

Benzene: In 1903 it was used to decaffeinate coffee. In the early 20th century, benzene was used as an after shave lotion for men (Oops. Sorry boys!). In both instances, it's toxicity became obvious and was discontinued.

Prior to it's 20th century usage, it was a significant component in consumer products such as paint strippers, Liquid Wrench, rubber cement and spot removers. Between the 1950's and the 1970's leukemia deaths were found to be associated with Goodyear's Pliofilm production operations in Ohio. Up to and until the 1970's, the selling of benzene in small quart size cans was promoted for general purpose for the general public. Yikes!!

It is also a gasoline additive, increasing the octane rating and reducing the knocking sound in your vehicle.
In the United States there was concern over the negative health effects and the possibility of benzene entering the groundwater which have led to stringent regulations of gasoline's benzene content. Now, keep in mind, we are still talking about what is in your child's schools cleaning products, as well as your own. Just in case you were wondering if you missed something....yes, we are still on the same topic!!

Benzene has serious health effects. In 1948 the API (American Petroleum Institute) considered its absolute safest exposure rate, was zero. Meaning no exposure is safest. Hmmm, now that has my wheels a spinning...because this is an ingredient in many, many household and classroom cleaners. Just flip the container over and it will be printed right there, in all its glory. If it is listed on the container at all! Benzene has been listed as a known human carcinogen. Long term exposure and excessive levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia. For further information on this chemical, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzene

So that was only 2 ingredient, "red flags" listed. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) found 450 more chemicals very similar to those I listed, in cleaning products used by our school custodians. And let me point out, unlike when we clean our homes, which is usually once a week, on average, school custodians spray these chemicals daily, hourly for 6 hours straight. Subtracting 1 hour they may take for lunch! It is also reported that like our homes, the toxic circulation is much higher indoors then it is outdoors. So when someone says "Your liddle Johnny is an angel in class." I will tell you that that is not a halo over "liddle Johnny's" head, it's a smog hat!

As I have mentioned time and time again, it is NOT a requirement to fully disclose all, if any, of the contaminants in ANY commercial cleaner. Basically, it would be safe to say, "Anything goes, minus the kitchen sink".

I had recently went to a school and managed to sneak into the janitor's storage room....yes, I really did that! On one of the bottles I managed to grab quickly and read, the active ingredient was alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. This ingredient can lead to asthma. The amount listed was 5%. You may think that that doesn't sound like allot, but when it is continuously being sprayed on a regular basis, it adds up and accumulates in our bodies. Your child's bodies. And just to defend our honored and true school custodial staff, it manifests itself in their bodies as well. Even more so. The don't wear masks when cleaning. Allot of janitor's don't even wear protective gloves. Have you ever taken a close look at their hands? You may notice the pigment in their hands has faded, or that there skin is bluish grey. Ask them about their health and see if you spot the "exposed effects". When I approached a custodian about their hands, they were quick to blame themselves for not taking responsibility in wearing gloves. IT SHOULDN'T BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY!!!! IT IS THE GOVERNMENTS!

Okay. Sorry. Fell off track.

We all know children are continuously growing, that means their organs are still developing at daycare and preschool age. So from daycare, to preschool, to elementary, their minds are still absorbing all of their environmental surroundings.

BUT, what is absolutely wonderful, is that there are schools that have addressed these parental concerns. And these schools have decided to take heed and go a safer route. "Good for them!!" But again, some of the "greener" cleaners still contain the active ingredient alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.

We as parents have to start being a bit more aggressive. In that, we have to start demanding some changes in our schools. We pay, therefore we say.

I wanted to give you this information, because as the owner of Chem Free Cleaning and the developer of One Three Tree cleaning products, I want my services in my children's school. In your children's school. I have addressed the school boards, but have had no luck. Most of the teachers are supportive, but the school board is not. They are not convinced that bleach, chlorine and all other chemicals, are what is causing Leukemia rates to continuously be on the rise, or the reason why asthma rates have doubled in the past decade.

I am only one voice. If you want this to change, then please, say something to your school board council. If we get enough parents wanting a change and demanding safer alternatives, the school board will have to listen and my voice will gladly step up to represent all.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd
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*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

For more information about classroom pollution, go to http://cincovidas.com/

Asthma. What do we do when our liddle guys can't breath?

2011-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

I had just experienced what every parent fears the most. When your child can't breath, or they can breath, but with extreme effort.

It is a horrible experience for those parents who have a child with Asthma. There is nothing worse, then sitting helplessly as your child's windpipe is closing and becoming more constricted at every millisecond of their life.

For my son, it happens when he is trying to play a game outside with his friends and finds he has to stop because his chest feels like an elephant is sitting on it. Or when he is at someones home and we find out they have a cat or a dog that sheds. A short visit can lead to an afternoon or an evening in the emergency room and sometimes just sitting up with him in a bathroom full of steam, with a couple teaspoons of Benedryl as a bedtime snack.

As a parent we feel helpless. Or if you are like me, have a million questions going through your mind as this drama is transpiring. "What did i do to have this happen to him?". "I didn't eat fish. I didn't smoke. I wasn't on any medication that could have induced this." "What did I do?". So, I stopped beating myself up and did some research.

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the lungs. Since 1980, the asthma rate has more then doubled in children. In 2002, approximately 30.8 million people had been diagnosed with this disease, and 8.9 million of those were children. 300 million people are affected world wide, with 4,269 people who have actually died from this disease as of 2001 and of those stats, 65% were women. 1 out of 250 deaths are Asthma related.

Let's distinguish between "causes" of Asthma and "triggers" of Asthma. One example of a trigger, could be outdoor air pollutants, which in the United States have lowered in the past 3 decades. Asthma triggers are not any more common now than they were decades ago. So why the increase in frequency and severity?

It appears that people have become more sensitized to the triggers of asthma attacks, suck as dust mites, exoskeleton particles and pet dander. With that interpretation, the cause of increase in frequency is an increase in sensitivity to trigger, not an increase to the actual triggers. Because of the increase in sensitivity, the frequency of asthma could go up, even when the triggers are lessened.

Genetics, which is what I had initially thought happened with my liddle guy, are not why the dramatic increase in frequency and severity of occurrences in asthma cases. More people are being diagnosed with asthma who do not even have a family history of the disease. The increased frequency of Asthma has been too fast and too large of a gradient, to be explained by inheritance of genetic susceptibility.

"What about environmental factors?" you ask.This is where my little voice says, "if I only would have known then". Expectant mothers who have been unknowingly exposed to herbicides and pesticides (which have been found in household cleaners, as well as in our food and our lawn) and in children before the age of 1, were much more likely to develop early persistent asthma.

The Immune system development during infancy and childhood, involves the predominance of different immune system cells. If a baby has a higher level count of these particular "T-helper" cells, they are much more likely to develop Asthma.

Indoor pollution has dramatically changed over the past 3 decades. New chemical products have been introduced into household goods. One example would be the air fresheners, either the plug in's or the aerosol can brands, and building materials can increase exposure to many different volatile organic compounds. Very few of these chemicals have been tested for effects on the developing immune system. Some types of chemical exposure either weaken the immune response while others may make the immune system over react.

Kids who are athletic and into outdoor sports, are in a higher ozone risk and can be more susceptible to developing Asthma. Children living on high traffic areas are at a higher risk, because of the diesel exhaust from passing motor vehicles. Second hand smoke (that's a gimmie)is another contributing factor.

What triggers an Asthma Attack? Indoor triggers can be second hand smoke, dust mites, exoskeleton dust, mold and for my son, pets, particularily cats. Some people are more sensitive to these small triggers then others. Outdoor reactions could come from ozone, nitrogen oxides, diesel exhaust and pollen. Different constituents of air pollution can trigger an attack.

It's not only air from our environment that can have this effect. Asthma attacks can occur from different foods we may be eating. Some drugs, sulphites such as food additives used in dried fruit, wine, dehydrated potato products, seafood and other foods that may contain this ingredient.

So the bottom line is, the frequency and severity of Asthma, in all age groups can be inherited genetically, but also through environmental factors, indoor and out. Research indicates that changes in the womb or shortly after birth, regarding the immune system does heighten allergy sensitivities, which will increase Asthma rates.

I try to use the "process by elimination" concept. For example; when my son had his first Asthma incident, he was playing a sport, Lacrosse. An outdoor sport, but also a very aggressive and physically demanding one. Thankfully my son was not to disappointed when I said he shouldn't play, because of the continuous mild attacks. So, I suggested basketball. Still a very active and moderately aggressive game, but played inside at his school. Oddly and wonderfully enough, he did not have any difficulties breathing when he played, which led me to believe his attacks were from the pesticides and other chemicals they spray on the school yard lawn. Another example; he has a friend that has cat's. When he plays at that particular friends home, he will have difficulty breathing when he comes home. So we minimize those play dates.

I could be wrong with what I have noticed with my liddle guy and the allergy attacks he has. But being mindful of his surroundings has been helpful to me. This way he knows and I know, what will trigger his breathing to change. It is comforting to know that he is being educated about his environment as well. Makes him feel more in control of his body. What Mom wouldn't love it!

Suggestion: When I can hear my liddle guy's chest starting to tighten, I fill his humidifier with water and add a couple drops of eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint. If you give them a warm to bath to relax, let their room fill with the scent for about an hour before bed, it will help to ease their lungs while sleeping.

I have actually even tried using a facial steamer that you can buy from Wal Mart. I get my boy to put his face over the container, put a towel over his head and let him sit infront of the t.v. while the steam loosens his chest. Reading him a book or watching tv while he is steaming, helps to relax him so that his body isn't so tight from the stress it's presently under.

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This lady knows her stuff!! My interview with Dr. Wendy Poole ND, HP, CKTP

2011-05-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to sit down with a noted Naturopath, Dr. Wendy Poole ND, a US Certified Naturopath, International Homotoxicologist, European Certified Iridologist, Registered Defeat Autism Now Practitioner and International Kinesio Taping Practitioner.

Dr. Poole was introduced to the study of ASD when working alongside as an assistant to Dr. Hartmann, a US & German Certified Naturopathic Doctor. She has studied Autism Spectrum Disorders for the past 5 years and has become very familiar with its many symptoms.

Dr. Poole sees up to 4-6 children per week with ASD. Parents like you and I may not be aware that some of the symptoms that appear on the spectrum for ASD may relative to our children. These symptoms can be digestion issues, bowel illness, leaky gut syndrome, yeast problems, bacterial/viral issues, diarrhea and constipation. Dysbiosis refers to a condition with microbial imbalances on or within the body. Dysbiosis is most prominent in the digestive tract or on the skin, but can also occur on any exposed surface or mucous membrane such as the vagina, lungs, nose, sinuses, ears, nails, or eyes. Dysbiosis has been associated with different illnesses, like inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Poole tries to help balance the bowel flora so the body can keep things under control itself.

Children with ASD are accompanied by real physical illness. Our digestive system is 70% of our immune system, so that means bowel dysfunctions like Leaky Gut and other Nutrient Deficiencies are present. The immune system, the gastrointestinal system and the metabolic system are also all affected.

The more stereotypical symptoms of ASD are ones we may have seen in a movie or in a documentary at one time or another. These symptoms can be a bit more severe and more noticeable. Hyperactivity (can’t stay focused), stimming (sensory play, self-stimulating behaviour) are all terms used to describe a group of behaviours seen in many children). It is repetitive, it often appears compulsive and it can occur using any of the senses. Parents usually describe it as “something that doesn’t seem quite right”. Spinning, head banging; self-harm, sleeping problems, skin rashes, and eczema are also signs to look for. The one that my son has along with allot of other boys I know who can’t sit still to eat at the table. Another “habit” is tapping or drumming. Have you ever heard yourself saying, “Can’t you just stay still!” or "Stop drumming!"?

The good news is that if you recognize some of these symptoms, something as simple as detoxing your child and modifying their diet,could help eliminate or lesson them. A gluten free diet may be suggested to take the pressure off of the bowel tract to help it heal faster. I can attest to that. I have always had bowel tract problems and skin problems, such as Acne. It wasn’t until I eliminated gluten from my diet, that I began to see and feel positive results.

I asked Dr. Poole if she believes household toxins are a contributor. She does believe that environmental toxins are one of several contributing factors, along with others such as, issues at birth and vaccinations. Dr. Poole says that kids have a hard time detoxifying all heavy metals and especially the ones found in vaccines like mercury and or aluminum. She also states that genetics can definitely play a major role.

* In my opinion, if you were to ask your health practitioner how much mercury and or aluminum are in the vaccinations he/she is giving your child, the response should be “none”. Any amount of mercury and or aluminum in a person’s body, let alone a child’s, is NOT safe.

Speaking with Dr. Poole gave me a bit more of an understanding about ASD. What I enjoyed most when speaking with her and reading her website (www.okotoksnaturalhealthcentre.info) was that besides her extreme intellect on this subject and her passion, she strongly believes there are alternative solutions that can be incorporated into your child’s life, that will get the positive results you and they want. With diet, supplementation and detoxification, Holistic Health can play a major role in lessening and dealing with ASD, as well as other childhood disorders such as hyperactivity, ADD and ADHD.

I believe that there are always alternatives. Sometimes we just have to do the research to find them. But the rewards are so worth it!

For more information visit http://www.okotoksnaturalhealthcentre.info/

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" Hi, this is your Mother speaking. Mother Nature that is".....

2011-05-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Okay people, so are we getting the message yet? What message am I speaking of? Umm...the forest fire(s) wiping out towns, the volcano's erupting, the tsunami's, the "freak" snow storms. Oh and I forgot, THE FLOODING IN OUR OWN CITY!! Not the first one in a 7 years, but the second one, in 7 years!

What are we waiting for, to get the message the big "MN" is sending to us? I just drove downtown Okotoks Alberta, to see something again, for the second time in my life that looks like something out of a history book or a horror flick. And yes, it will be in a history book, a history book for our children. At least I hope they will be here to read about it, if not by witnessing it as mine are right now.

It is breath taking and I don't mean that in a "OMG!! It's so amazing!" kind of way. This has to turn on a light bulb for you by now. I mean, these natural disasters are not "coincidences". This is our doing. All of our doing. Taking Mother Nature and her resources for granted. You know how you feel when you have been taken for granted? Now image if you had the power and fury that She has, to express her anger and disappointment.

I am truly stunned, at what it is taking in order for all of us to acknowledge and take 100% responsibility in causing these events. Yet sadly, we still just "blindly carry on". And when the sun comes out, we will all go along our daily lives and not make any changes, until this event or something else dramatic, happens to us again.

We have documented scientific proof of the evolution of our planet (tune into David Suzuki sometime). We have documented proof of what we have done to damage and slowly destroy our planet as well (The Inconvenient Truth). There are the skeptics of course (just to keep the universe in balance), but even they have to question "what is going on here?".

As I have indicated before. I am not a scientist. I am not a doctor. But, I am a human with 5 senses and all of my senses are agreeing, that we have done wrong. My gut is telling me that we have to change this and quick. Mother Nature is very, very upset and she is letting us all know that she is done trying to see if we can figure out these "suttle" signs ourselves. And apparently, we haven't. So now she is going to get a little bit more aggressive and see if we can pick up on those warning signs.

Well, I know I have been paying attention. I know my kids have. I am now hoping you have. I don't want to know what she will do next, if we don't heed her calling soon.

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
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Vist our new Chem Free Cleaning Website! Go to http//www.chemfreecleaning.ca

2011-05-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

A big "Thank you"....

2011-05-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

To the boys at Okotoks Auto Detailing. My vehicle smells beautiful and looks fantastic!! Lavender & Lace, how fabulous is that? Driving has never been soooo relaxing!!!
Not a single toxin in the air!
Fabulous!

New Carpet Cleaner by One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

2011-05-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antimicrobial and safe for your children and pets.

Now available for cleaning carpets. A little goes a long way.

Pleasing Peppermint, Lavender and Lace, Citrus Smiles and White Rain.

Watch for the One Three Tree Store, to order online. Coming Soon.

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New all purpose cleaner coming to stores soon.

2011-05-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

"White Rain" unscented.

For those with extreme sensitivities and would prefer the smell of. Nothing.
Anti microbial. Anti bacterial. And anti fungal.

by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Read, Read, READ your lables!!

2011-04-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is such a, to put it nicely, slap in the face!! I came across this site http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/kids/hometour/labels.htm. The EPA come right out and state that there are pesticides and harmful toxins in our household cleaners. What's worse? This is a sight for kids and you can see by the way it is set up, how patronizing it really is.

The EPA are supposed to be "the enforcers", "the big cheese", the "I have your back" group. They are to be monitoring what is "safe" for our children, our pets and us, the consumer, to be exposed to. And just for the record, this is a very well set up labelling system, if anything. I mean, I am not sure where this type of labeling system can be found because I have never seen a label set out like this one in Canada on any product! Hmmmm, wonder why that is?? Possibly because we may not purchase the item, if we were really aware of all the hazards associated with it!

The EPA even state that in the section labled "other ingredient", that this information does not have to be disclosed to the public. That the "other ingredients" are toxic chemicals that may be used to break down some of the ingredients that are already listed on the back, for better efficacy. So that leads me to my next question, what are those ingredients and how do they react to the contents already contained in this bottle?

Products like Green Works by Clorox,would fall into this category. If you check out their website, http://www.cloroxcsr.com/fragrances/ you will see that they are not as green as they claim to be. It also states that some of the fragrances and coloring (used for aesthetics purposes) are synthetic. Some synthetic fragrances and colors can be considered carcinogenic. Some of the more noticeable symptoms can be headaches, dizziness, rashes, or hyperpigmentation, which is something I noticed first hand. I was speaking to a local custodian at my son's school recently. When I asked about her hands and why they were so discolored and cracking, her response was "it's probably nothing really. I have just learned to live with it."

What is also shocking to me, is that Clorox has 40% of the "green" cleaning product industry. That indicates to me that we need to do more of our own homework because this particular company seem to be finding discrete ways of pulling the wool over our eyes at no one else's expense, but our own. Did I mention...40% of just the green cleaning product industry. Translation, $$$$$!
Another ingredient besides fragrance, that is contained in Clorox's cleaning products is sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, also known as SLS. This is an inexpensive,but harsh ingredient often derived from petroleum. It is disguised in cosmetics with the phrase, "comes from coconuts". It causes eye irritation, skin rashes and allergic reactions. That doesn't sound safe to me?

I have always had my suspicions about Green Works. Even when I was just starting my chemical free cleaning service, I noticed a hint of toxicity, similar to that of chlorine. This is where you really do have to read between the fine lines. The lable may say "no bleach" but what about chlorine or it's derivatives? After all, this is a bleach making company. The EPA has also posted this information about bleach, which is again, similar to that of a slap http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/products/bleach.htm. A leopard doesn't change its spots. Especially a leopard that is making billions of dollars. I am quoting a close friend when I say, "A spade is a spade." Are you thinking I am a skeptic? Then I will agree. I am. "Something smells fishy in here....and it isn't the sea!!"

Please, if you can take anything away from my blog, start reading your labels.

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What is a Pesticide? An "EPA" defenition

2011-04-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

"A chemical used to prevent, destroy, or repel pests".

"Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, weeds, fungi, or microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.

For example termites are a pest. Dandelions and other weeds you find in your backyard or the fields around your school or church, those are pests.

Most pesticides contain chemicals that can be very harmful to people, animals and our environment. It also asks the question, "did you know these common products have pesticides?"

1.. floor cleaners
2. bathroom cleaners
3. household plant sprays
4. lawn and garden products and,
5. swimming pool chemicals
(you can visit the http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/kids/hometour/pest.htm website to read more.)

I looked up what bleach was and found out that it is in fact, a pesticide. It was initially manufactured on an industrial scare, also known as chlorine, an rare gas in nature. It is an active ingredient in household cleaners, laundry soaps and for the most part, all cleaning products in between.

Chlorine bleach and chlorinated compounds are a toxic respiratory irritant, that can severely damage skin and other internal membranes. If inhaled, and we have all, at one time or another, accidentally taken a wiff of bleach or it's sibling chlorine, so this is not to hard to imagine. When inhaled, will cause excessive coughing, shortness of breath, irritating the nose, throat and lungs. Long term effects of continuous exposure are asthma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, and emphysema.

In 1990, the Clean Air Act listed chlorine as a hazardous air pollutant and extremely harmful to our aquatic friends and plant life down below. In 1993 a unanimous resolution urged manufacturers to "phase out" its usage. Obviously, that did not work, if need be said, it has actually remaind the same or has even become more used and readily available. The only difference being, it is under a different name. Those manufacturers are sneaky little buggers, now aren't they? No pun intended!

Again, love our European friends. If you were to travel to Germany, bleach is virtually impossible to find. But in 1993, 40,000 household exposures to chlorine were reported to poison control center and in a more recent reporting as of 2000, 18,863 children under the age of six bleach and chlorine related instances, were reported to the U.S poison control center.

I realize that these stats are based on the U.S.A and their records. But, if you follow my blog, I have pointed out on a few separate occasions, that Canada is the "last of the believers", so I could only estimate by hunch, that our country's stats may be equal, or even a bit or allot higher.

As I have mentioned earlier, just because 'a' product doesn't say "contains bleach", (which the majority don't anyway), does not mean that you are safe. Here are some derivatives of chlorine.

1. Trihalomethanes - a toxic by product chlorine. Used as a disinfectant for our water supplies. May cause 10,000 cases of bladder and rectal cancer each year.

2. PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls) - these are chlorine based chemical compounds. These have been banned since 1997, sadly they are still lingering in our environment. Exposure to this byproduct has been linked to deficits in intellectual ability, poor short term memory and attention span. It also is a disruption of thyroid hormone homeostasis, a crucial part of fetal development. It has been listed as a probable carcinogenic, by the EPA.

3. Vinyl chloride - a flammable gas. Found in pacifiers, kids toys and plastic water bottles, as well as vinyl flooring. It too, is listed as a known carcinogen and has also been linked to liver disease.

4. Organochlorines - These do not break down easily and are extremely dangersous. Dioxin, the most toxic man made substance, is an organochlorine.

So, here is what I was thinking. I want to put things into perspective for you. And please, I am not trying to offend anyone. I would just like to give you a visual and maybe another way to see what I am saying... the next time you want to clean your kitchen counter, or bathroom tile Take a can of Raid or Off Bug Spray and spray it on those surfaces. Then wipe off . Would you do that knowingly? No, I absolutely do not believe you would do that knowingly. But, unknowingly, you are.

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Somemore interesting numbers to consider.....

2011-04-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had that nagging achy, headache that would not just go away? Can't figure out why you keep catching that "office bug", or "that cold or flu going around the office or school". What about that extra 2-5lbs you just can't seem to loose, not matter how much you decline that chocolate brownie!!

I picked up the True Blue Spirit magazine, which you can find at any Nutter's store, or health store near you. The article is about, common symptoms we just brush off as "seasonal ailments", when they can in fact, come from our very own home.

Toxic overload. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? Let's think about how "no so far fetched", that really isn't. After the fall and winter's, we as Canadians have and being inside for half of the year, it can't be surprising of all the toxins we store in our bodies, as a result.

We clean our homes daily, weekly, to ward off "cold/flu germs". We are in the office, school and for stay at home mom's or self employed people, at home for 6-8-24 hours straight. Add everything we are inhaling in that time from cleaning product chemicals, office worker/teacher parfum's wofting around us and circulating though the vents. You have fax machine ink pumping out nasty toxic, microscopic particles, magic marker particles, blackboard felt particles in schools, hand sanitizer gel everywhere you go, dust from inside the vents from the furnace and so one and so forth. It does'nt end!

After inhaling these chemical particles ALL DAY for 7 days a week, for 12 months straight, at pretty much every turn you make (this is not including the chemicals you inhale in your vehicle on the way to work/school). The EPA(Environmental Protection Act) found that the air quality in our homes to be 5-10 time more toxic then the air outside, where many of us go to get fresh air...(isn't that kind of an oxymoron??) After reading that, doesn't that make you think about how those toxic chemicals are going to start to layer themselves inside your body like a silicone mold, you may use for baking? Hense, the weight gain mentioned earlier. Oii!

So that is Part I of my reading.
Numbers, stats. This is my, Part II.

Household cleaning products are one of the largest consumerism in North America. I so love this next clip from this article, because I feel the saaaame way. With the constant advertisements that bum bard our always overcompensating, household occupants (myself included) who feel that "their toilet bowel is just not white enough"(I'm not quite to that extreme!!), or "Sally Sue's floor is not gleaming like Raveshing Rita's...how boo!". Here is a stagering number, 18 BILLION! No. This is not what is in my bank account, but that is the estimated expense consumers spend to achieve those "sparkling floors". That "glistening toilet bowel". That, OMG!!! How did you get that stainless steel fridge to just SCREAM, "I'm here, look at me!!" That is allot of money, that could otherwise be going towards your child's eductation.

Those same cleaners, as I have indicated before, have numerous, dozens of toxic chemicals. Approximately 85,000 are contained and neatly packaged on our grocery store shelves today. More numbers, 5-10% of which equals approximately 4,250 - 8,500 different chemicals, suspected to be carcinogenic to humans. I am going to go out on a limb here and add our furry, four legged (and sometime leggless and furless) friends to that stat. These chemicals are yet to be regulated, or even identified by the officials that have been sworn in, to have "our backs". The government.

Sadly. Another stat. A study done in Oregon, for over 15 years, reported that women who worked in the home, had a 54% higher death rate from Cancer, then women who worked outside the home. The study suggested that chronic exposure to cleaning products played a key role. After reading that, does that toilet bowel and those counter tops, really need to sparkle? That stat, is unexceptable to me, as it should be to you.

So. Now some tips, to prevent these numbers from climbing!

1. The air you are breathing. Circulate fresh air through out your home as often as possible. No, that does not mean "air fresheners", or "deodorizers". That means opening the window(s) and getting a good old wiff of Mother Nature's Breath mint! Especially in the Spring!

2. Avoid any sort of aerosol canned product, cleaning or otherwise. Tiny, tiny toxic particles.

3. Cleaning products, 101 - Buy cleaning products that have the manufacturer list their natural ingredients on the label (shameless plug here: One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products, as well as Natura, which is one of my other favorite pics and Ecoscense). Purchase cleaners containing non-petroleum-based surfactants, that are chlorine and phosphate free and that it is stated and visible on the label.

4. Personal Care Products. Now I am just starting to read about these bad boys and that they are, bad boys! Again, read labels. If you cannot recognize or pronounce the "ingredient", ask your store clerk what it is, or for a quicker and more efficient response, try something else.

5. Pesticides. Now here is the kicker. Most commercial cleaning products and even some personal care and baby products, have one or more pesticides in their products. The trick is, you have to do your homework. And no, the "pesticide" contained in that particular cleaning,baby, or personal care product, will not be disclosed, but a derivative of it might.

6. Bedding. Go for the natural materials, such as cotton or wool. Making sure they are not bleached or treated with formaldehyde. It will state on the package if it is "green cotton".

As indicated in this particular article, converting your home into a safer haven will take time. But, diligence will pay off. Just keep reading labels, asking your store manager or store clerk what "this" ingredient is, or looking up unknown ingredients by snooping on the net for alternative ideas.

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"Clean with Care." Help to End Cancer Program

2011-04-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

If you are an avid follower of my blog, you are aware of how I believe that there is a 70%, if not more, household cleaning product link and cause, to Cancer.

Known carcinogens, are contained in some of the biggest distributors household cleaning products, on our consumer shelves today.

I want it to stop. I have a chemical free cleaning service. I have developed my own cleaning product line, THAT I RESEARCHED and know to be safe. What next? To give back.

I have started a program, to "Clean with Care" and help to end cancer. I want to be proactive. So my cleaning service, Chem Free Cleaning Ltd., is donating 1 hour of free cleaning to anyone who is going through chemotherapy and radiation. A parent who may have a child going through these therapies and does not have time to do specific chores at home, because they are tending to their child's needs. It is those people and children, that I want to help.

Please bare with me, as this is a new program and I am wanting to gather other cleaning services who may be interested in signing up, to help with the "Clean with Care" program. This is an opportunity to get your business out there and show them what you can do to help. The catch? You use my cleaning product, or a product I feel safe with you using in a Cancer patients home. As you are aware, their immune system is very, very fragile. I want nothing that will compromise a patient, to loose strength and focus on healing themselves.

If your service would be interested in signing up to help donate time, please contact me directly @ 403-828-3201. I will be interviewing, to see if you meet the criteria.

NOTE; This is an opportunity to get your company involved, in helping make a difference and to help promote your business also. But, this is also about helping those who are going through a tough and challenging time and are fighting a horrible battle. The companies that I will be choosing, are only those who's staffing show compassion, and are wanting to go that extra mile and put a smile on someones face.

Thank you for your continued support. Hope to chat with you soon.

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When mama says, "don't let the bed bugs bite", she isn't kidding!!!

2011-04-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Bed bugs are real! News to me. I always thought, that was just moms way of making me think twice, before jumping out of the closet when she wasn't expecting it! Turns out, they are a small insect about 4-5mm long, that like to feed on human blood and other animals...(dass grrreat. Eek!)

These little critters like the good life. They prefer a mattress and other cushioned furnishings. They are more active at night, but can be spotted during daylight hours (oh goodie...something else to creep us ladies out!!). They were believed to have been eradicated 50 years ago, but have since re appeared at an alarming rate.

To tell a bed bug bite, is to experience an itch that lasts longer then that of a mosquito bite. Nausea and illness could be a result of an allergic reaction, but those are rare occurrences.

In 2009, a report indicated that New York was slammed with 33,772 calls related to bed bug bite inquires, an increase of 54% since 2008.

The sudden hit with these bugs, is due to the banning of DDT, which didn't have any effect on the 6 legged creepy crawlers, but it did have a negative effect on humans. DDT was banned by the states in 1972, but when animals were recently tested for chemical exposure, DDT still resonates in their blood 35 years later. Don't forget, DDT was also an ingredient in bug killer for humans as well. My guess is, if it can be traced in an animals blood stream, there is a very, very good chance it can be traced in ours. Just another chemical in our body of toxic stew!!

So what do you do, besides itch as you are reading this?? Relax. Breath deep. There is a natural way to rid these annoyances. Wash all bedding in super hot H2O. I might suggest mixing a few drops of Tea Tree Oil in Castile soap, as a laundry detergent alternative. Tea Tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial essential oil. Using the extra hot cycle on your dryer help. Steaming them is very effective as well, considering they can not survive temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). That means steaming carpets, drapes, furniture cushions and your mattress.

Another method of taking precaution, is to seal any holes or cracks they can eek through. It is not just the bugs themselves, but this would stop them from laying their eggs. And lastly, insecticidal dust, which would include borax or silica powder. These two ingredients can rub off the bed bug's shell and dry the insect out.

Well then, I have to say that that was the most skin crawling blog that I have ever posted.....
To read this article in its entirety, you can pick up the newest issue of Vista magazine, at any local health store.

And, "sleep tight. Don't let the" ....eeewww, you get the picture!

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"Ooh Can-ada. We stand on guard for thee", but who is standing on guard, for me?

2011-03-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

So I am not to familiar with baby products and the toxins in them. But, the sad thing is that some of the same toxins I research for my blog, are the same chemicals found in baby products. Baby products. Cleaning products. What are these two products doing in the same sentence?

This article comes from one of my favorite magazines, Vista, issue 74. It starts by saying that children are far more vulnerable to damage from chemical exposure, then adults. That to me, makes perfect sense. Now, I know and I believe, I have told you at one point or another, that I am not a doctor, nor am I a scientist. But, I am a mother and I have common sense. So when I continue to read on and find out that bath products are contaminated with the cancer causing chemical, formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane, just 2 of the numerous toxins that are swimming around our, your children at a time of play and bonding, I grow very concerned and a bit miffed.

According to a recent study done in 2009, by the US researchers of personal care products which indicates that pesticides, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants are all industrial chemicals, are in our baby care products as well. These are not safe for adults, let alone for a new born baby, yet, they are neatly lined on our consumer shelves.

Baby oil, also known as "mineral oil" another product of concern, is made by using heat to remove gasoline and kerosene from crude petroleum. The use of sulfuric acid, absorbents, solvents, alkalis and hydrocarbons, which can result in death if swallowed by a child, as well as other chemicals, are removed which leaves mineral oil. Add to all that mix, a toxic fragrance.  Baby powder is another potential carcinogen for the lungs and for ovarian cancer.

Side note. I spoke to a lady, who had just found out that her 2 year old son, was diagnosed with Leukemia. That is just not right. My heart was shattered.

Here is where my patriotic commitment grows grey, blurred and staggered. As with cleaning products, Canada's cosmetic labelling requirements are non existent, or at the very least, vague. Canada, last of the conformists, are not required to disclose ALL ingredients. And the "contaminants" that are listed, are very misleading and misrepresenting.

Most chemicals that are in baby products and cleaning products, are NOT tested for human safety. It's kinda like our country is saying, "K, well just throw this chemical in there, let's make some coin and if a disease or mutation happens, it will take years before anyone starts to get suspicious and see the connection.... Mwwahahaha!!" An example of this; fragrance, which can also be listed as "parfum" has a mixture of several chemicals, which can include allergic sensitization, potential side effects on the endocrine system or even reproductive toxicity. Parfum can be used as a mask when claiming that the product is "unscented".

Enjoy the fresh smell of a natural new born baby, "no additives or preservatives please". Besides, it is when they grow up that you should start to concern yourself with the different funky odours coming from their bodies!! (just kidding).

This isn't something you haven't heard before, so I will say it again just to refresh. Exposure to chemical toxins, at any age, can result in cancer, infertility, obesity and other illnesses. Toxic ingredients are absorbed through our skin (think of your body as a sponge, with eyes!!)and enter into our blood stream, which are sometimes even more dangerous to our system, then if the toxins were ingested. READ LABLES. ALL LABLES. FOOD, BABY, PERSONAL CARE AND CLEANING PRODUCT LABLES. BE INFORMED AND EDUCATED.

Here are some "ingredients" you should avoid, when purchasing personal or baby care products;

Sodium lauryl and laureth sulphates: Foaming agents. Skin and eye irritants. Toxic to the liver.

Alternative; Castile soap. My favorite, multi-purpose soap. Can be used for laundry, dishes, to wash your baby and your pooch...at the same time!!

Parabens: Estrogen-like compounds. Can be used as a preservative in personal care and cosmetics. These can interfere with hormone function and are associated with breast cancer. I have to say, when I was snooping around Wal Mart and doing as I do, read lables, I came across these new "breast wipes". Great idea, but parabens were on the ingredient list. That means that when you wipe your nipple to get ready for nursing, your baby will be getting more then just fresh breast milk!! Baby will be coming directly in contact with these parabens. Doesn't a warm wash cloth do the trick anymore??

Linolin: Used by nursing mothers. A fatty substance from sheep wool. Can contain pesticides, which cause cancer.

Triclosan: an antibacterial and anti fungal found in hand soap, sanitizers and toothpaste (and garden hoses!). Antibacterials that can cause resitance and interfere with thyroid function, as well as harmful to our environment.

Synthetic fragrances and colours: A mixture of chemicals, which can cause allergies, asthma, cancer and problems with the nervous system, hyperactivity, ADD and ADHD.

Alternative; if you really want a scent, high quality essential oils can be used anywhere and are so much safer.

Phthalates: used in fragrances. Adverse side effects on developing hormone systems, can be a result of over exposure. Found in lotions and shampoos.

Alternative; 100% pure Aloe gel. A few drops of lavender in glass jar of the gel. Aloe can be applied directly to the skin, with the essential oil (you only need a drop or two, to a 300 ml jar), which will give it a nice soothing scent, for both mom and baby.

I have a tip of my own  for babies diaper rash, or even a yeast infection. Burnt flour. A cleaning client suggested I try this for my babies and to apply when I started to notice the bumps and redness. Works like a charm. You can brown tons of it (flour) and simply store in a sealed glass container and set it in the fridge. Use at anytime.

Another Alternative: Coconut oil can be used in place of baby oil. Fabulous!!

Another suggestion; When you have a baby who is just having a really bad day. You know those days when nothing you can do will sooth them. Try tossing their receiving blanket into the dryer with a face cloth scented with lavender. Then wrap baby up, like you were making a kite (with baby in the centre) and just cradle him/her. You and baby will settle down and become a bit more, relaxed...Ommmeee, Ommmeee.

For more alternatives, or information about the products on our shelves today, go to http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ and the ewg@ewg.org.  has great information about personal products as well.

Natural is always best for baby.

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Now more about Essential Oils....

2011-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

I know that I tend to focus allot on the harmful toxins in our air and our environment. So this time, I thought I would have you be a bit more informed about the aromatherapy way of life. The grass truely can be greener on this side of the fence...
oooommmmmeeee, ooooommmmmeeeee :)

The use of essential oils as a therapeutic and healing practice, dates back to as early as 4000 BC. Ancient Egyptians were the first masters in the therapeutic application of essential oils. Whether it was for medicinal, religious, spiritual or therapeutic use. Spices and resins from essential oils, were used to purify and preserve bodies during the mummification process. A similar, yet oh so much safer approach then formaldehyde (smells a whole lot nice too!!).

Oil was extracted from botanicals through primitive methods, until approximately 1000 to 1100 AD., when the plants were pressed, crushed and stems, roots and foliage were steeped in olive oil or boiling the plant in water, then separating the oil. A long and tiresome process.

Advances of this method came in the 11th century when Avicenna, an Arabic physician, created the first means of distillation. A very similar essential oil extraction process is used to this day.

The 1900's, another period of essential oil history, came from the first book ever written and translated to english, about the many healing properties of aromatherapy, a phrase also coined by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. A man who is referred to as, "father of aromatherapy".

Traditional Ayurveda has always encourage and practiced the used of medicinal oils, along with other things, suggesting that it keeps the nervous system balanced and to maintain optimal immune system responses. That the oils promote the release of neurotransmitters that facilitate optimal emotional health. Does you tile and tub commercial cleaner do that?

Today, some Europeans prescribe essential oils in capsule form to provide safe and effective anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. In North America, this method can be found in the holistic industry. However, more and more studies have begun to surface over the past 10 years, that may encourage our community to rethink its position on the many medical uses of essential oils.

Some resent doctrines, such as the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, published in 2009, suggests there are cancer fighting properties in frankincense. Another paper, Phytotherapy Research, published in 2007, suggests the possible role of natural oils in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosos and thrombosis. It also states that the effective application of the oils, is through skin penetration. I don't think Clorox or Lysol could make the same claim without being arrested!!

Yes, there are precautions to take. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and may always be recommended that you use a carrier oil, such as jojoba, grape seed, apricot kernel, avocado or olive oil. There should be a common ratio for mixing, but, as I indicated earlier, a holistic practitioner or a health store advisor, would be someone to ask any question you have about how to use this method as an alternative. Specific essential oils, once mixed with the proper carrier oils, can allow the essence of the herb to be directly absorbed through the skin, sinuses, blood and lymph. The oils are safely eliminated through the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract.

There are hundreds of oils and combinations of oils available at your disposal, through Internet or your local book store. Talk to a holistic practitioner. If you don't know where to find one, ask your local health store advisor. They can be very helpful in finding someone in your area, who can help you with any questions you may have.

Remember what I said about choice? I am giving you an alternative one.

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"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

If you would like to place an order.

2011-03-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

I have had requests to purchase One Three Tree cleaning products. If you can bare with me, I am in the process of setting up an online order form. If you would like to place an order until then, all I require is your address and can take payment by online transfer. The sample/travel sizes are $4.50. These are great for kids to take to school and store in their locker or desk. Mom's can carry them in their purse, or diaper bag. They are ideal for cleaning your auto, while sitting at a stop light :) and fit nicely in your glove compartment.

For the larger size, 3 gallons, which are great for janitors and other cleaning ladies/companies,(we can all work together to better our environment), they are $60 (+gst). But, once you purchase the 3 gallon container and you are finished with it and would like another, simply rinse and send back to me undamaged and reusable, for a 15% refill discount.

If you would like to learn more, please email me @onethreetreeinc@gmail.com, or call 403-828-3201.

There are two scents, Pleasing Peppermint and Citrus Smiles. Lavender and Lace will be out shortly. Enjoy!

I feel as though I am being bullied. Just like I was back in elementary school, all over again.

2011-03-18T03:13:00.000-07:00

I walked into my local Wal Mart store the other day and there "they" stood. The guys in the blue and white, front and center. In two and three packs. They wouldn't move, I had to walk around them. They took up the whole isle. And what was worse, they had everyone stopping in their tracks, to listen to what they were screaming, "Germs, germs, germs. Come and get your sprays and wipes. Only $4 to sanitize and disinfect your home. Families need these products. Buy now, or you will pay later". And that is just it. Families will pay later.

I tried to turn a deaf ear, but then I walked a bit further and found "their" buddy in the green and white, chanting the very same thing. Only these guys were bigger! They came in the 750 and 900 ml bottles. I felt helpless!! Are you wondering what the heck I am talking about? I am referring to the Lysol and Clorox all purpose cleaners, scattered throughout the department stores, gas stations and grocery stores. It's like being followed by a group of angry teenagers, that just won't leave you alone. And the parents of these bullies, Mr and Mrs. FDA and EPA that allow their "children" to be placed on our consumer shelves, knowing full well they are going to hurt somebody. Well, I think they should be locked up and charged with assault containing a deadly weapon!!

Then, after being almost stalked by these toxic subliminal messages. I go home to have my lunch and watch a bit of T.V. only to find that they have made it to national stardom! They are all over my favorite T.V. programs. Three minute infomercials every 15 minutes! "Get away from me!" I keep thinking.

I can not believe how Lysol and Clorox have become almost as popular as American Idol, or CSI. Has anyone else noticed that? I mean, it seems like just this year, maybe the last 2 years, during the H1N1 epidemic may ham, that the advertisements for Lysol disinfectant household cleaners and Clorox wipes are as bad as the Micky D advertisements. They are all over the air waves. And such horrible and mortifying commercials at that. Some innocent mom spraying down everything her kids have touched, as they themselves are sitting or running under the glistening mystic toxins, shooting out of the bottle like ammunition from a small, white pistol. Everyone is so happy in these commercials!! You know everything about those commercials are not real, right? Number 1; do you clean your home with a huge grin on your face, like you'd much rather be spraying death drops all over your home, instead of sippin' a margie moo on a deserted beach with only Fabio to cater to you? Ya, neither do I!

These commercials make it look like it is so healthy, normal and loving!!. No wonder people feel guilty if they don't use these products to clean their home. They make it look so incredibly, acceptable and safe... but, it's not. If they were to advertise the "body burdening" harmful facts of these chemical cleaners, the short and long term, I don't believe for a minute, these products would be so "front and center" in your local department store. Something tells me that if people were shown the real effects of these poisons, like Luekemia, Asthma, ADD and ADHD, it wouldn't make for good T.V. and the feeling like your being bullied, would come to a stop real fast.

That's just my view.

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If you knew, would you still make the same choice?

2011-03-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend the other day, whose mother is in the hospital after having a cancerous cyst removed. When we were talking about what her mother needs to do while she is recovering, it was quite wonderful that she thought to present her healing mother some different choices. What do I mean by choices?

Have you ever found yourself staring at the cleaning isle, with that blank stare on your face? No worries. You are just like everybody else. But why do we stop and question what is on the isle? It should all be safe, after all, it was FDA approved. We shouldn't have anything to worry about.....Really?

I have dabbed about this subject before, but let's dollop a bit more. Unfortunately, just because the FDA or the EPA put there stamp of approval, means nothing. Correction, I mean it is has gone untested but is assumed it is safe for humans and all other living life forms. Has anyone ever told you what to assume, really means? This is what I have come to learn about that phrase..."to ass ume, is to make an @$$ out of you and an @$$ out of me."

The cleaning products and other personal products on consumer shelves, are on the shelf because....I believe the FDA and the EPA are .......ignoring all the scientific warning signs, and documented signs at that, these products are not safe in any way shape or form. There, I said it. For example; dialkyl - dimethyl ammonium chloride. This ingredient is in Lysol. This is a known carcinogen and is toxic to aquatic organisms, but it is on our shelves for all to purchase at their leisure.

Then there are floor cleaners, wax and polishes, which contain neurotoxic mineral and petroleum solvents. Again, this is below the Lysol container in your supermarket cleaning isle. Another household product is laundry soap. Laundry soaps are mostly derived from petrochemical ingredients, even if they say "fragrance free", some will still contain chemical fragrances, bleaches or synthetic whiteners. Skin irritation can be the result of ammonia, ethanol, napthalene and phenol ingredients. Ethoxylated alcohols can also be contaminated with the carcinogenic 1,4 dioxane. Petroleum based detergents are also one of the top household poisonings, than any other household product (when swallowed by children).

So now let's try some of the ingredients in my product, One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products. Water. H2O.

Vinegar. Vinegar is the oldest ingredient used for cleaning. It has been proven to work as well and even surpass the disinfecting abilities of chlorine.
Peppermint. Peppermint is extracted from the whole plant above ground just before flowering. It is non-toxic and a non-irritant when diluted. Therapeutic properties include; stimulating mental agility and improving concentration. It is an antiseptic, antispasmodic, decongestant, nervine (therapeutic calming on nerves). It can be used to relieve skin irritation and itchiness such as dermatitis and eczema. When inhaled it can help apathy, shock, headaches, migraines, nervous stress, faintness. Can ease general respiratory disorders such as, dry coughs, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

These are only a couple of the ingredients in One Three Tree and as you can see, the list of ingredients are quite different from those of the above commercial cleaning agents. Did I mention, I drank my product!! Would I suggest you sit down and pour a glass of One Three Tree to enjoy with a pork roast and baby potatoes? No. Absolutely not. It is not meant to be served as a beverage, but I wanted to drink it, to let my customers know that if a child were to accidentally lick it off their play table, or soother, or a pet were to lick up a spill on the floor, it will not cause convulsions, internal bleeding or death. It will simply taste discusting and possibly cause your child to make an extremely grosed out face!! What do you think would happen if your child accidentally drank Lysol or Clorox? I don't think I have to go into detail, because I think you already know.

Now let's say you are back at that cleaning isle in your local grocery market, knowing what you know now, which would you choose? Just remember, you do have a choice. So make it.

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Have you ever thought, "it's not how you clean to rid germs, but what you clean."

2011-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about where your keys have been? It may turn out that they have a more active lifestyle, then you!! They've been dropped in dirt, grass, snow. We put them on the back of the toilet when we are in a public facility, or on the counter of a busy restaurant, or on top of a gas pump, while we wait for our fill up. They go in our jean pocket, our coat pocket, on our dashboard in our truck, in the console of our car. We toss them to our friends to unlock our front door, or toss them in a bucket or bowl, like it was a daycare for our keys! You don't know where those other keys have been! We use them as a back, butt, ear and nose scratcher. Oh, come on, you know you do. We all do!

We wash our hands a thousand times a day, but we never think to wash our keys, when our keys are absolutely everywhere our hands are!!

When was the last time you cleaned them? How many germs do you think are on those same set of keys?
Why not give them a quick soak? Get a cup and pour in One Three Tree all purpose cleaner. Drop your keys in and just let them soak for a few minutes. Give them a swirl and and rub and take them out to pat dry. You should make a habit of doing that daily. Drop them in a cup to soak, while you are changing out of your work clothes. Quick, easy.

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Now this is just MY way of seeing things

2011-02-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, I have been reading numerous articles, watched television shows and broadcasts of the association between household chemicals and the negative effect they have on our health and the environment.

Conclusive studies have been surfacing for years, even decades. From David Suzuki reports, to Bill Moyers public confession's, on air, in 2001, for his bodies toxicity levels, to public reports on high level readings showing up in mother's breast milk. Even chemicals showing up in an expectant mother's placenta. Yet, we seem to be dismissing them, as well as those above us, that are in a more powerful level. The Governement. Well, that's not working for me and millions of others feel the same way. So what do we do? Sit back and hope things will change, get better. Turn a blind eye? Ow, I think we are stronger then that...

I think, for many of us, we do know household chemicals are bad, but we don't know how to fix it. Understandably so, we are a busy society. Single parents, even working couples with a family, don't have time to look at the back of every single bottle of household cleaner, to make sure it is safe for our family. Quite honestly, I do believe that should be the job of our government. They should have already approved those products, to be 100% safe for the consumers health. Isn't that their job? Isn't that part of the reason they get paid the big bucks? To serve and protect?

Another thing I would like to point out, just from my own thinking process. When go to our local grocery store, to load up on cleaning products, to ensure we clean our home effectively enough to ward off all harmful germs that enter our place of solitude, is that we have to stop and think for a second. With all the products we spray around our bodies, lather on our bodies, to ensure we stay healthy and are not exposed to germs, are we infact weakening the very thing we are trying to preserve, our body (and mind)from harmful germs!

Again, I lay in bed and I think of these things. But, doesn't it make sense? That if you continually expose yourself to harmful chemicals, your body is going to become immune to them. Isn't it kind of like being a parent and continually telling Johnny to "do this" and "do that". "Don't say that" but, "say this". "Wear this", "but don't wear that". You see someone picking on your Little Johnny, so you do what a parent does, you run to his aid, not even giving him the chance to learn how to defend himself. Little Johnny is going to grow up not listening to you at all, as well as not know how to stand on his own two feet, should someone/thing, try and test him. I believe our body is kinda the same but, it is the constant contact with chemicals, unhealthy diet and stress, that it has become immune to and unable to defend itself.

My belief, is we have to teach our bodies (yes, you heard that right...)to build up it's own immune system. To have our bodies learn to defend itself from viruses and germs (people fall under these two categories as well!!). If we treat our bodies with respect (again...yes, you heard that right...) it will respect us back. You know that to be true. Why? Have you ever been so overwhelmed in your life, work, kids, family, diet hasn't been what it should be, because you've been so busy and not able to focus. The dog and cat are peein' all over the house, your neighbor is complaining because a "twig" is on his side of the fence. Your boss is just being difficult. Your hubby won't take out the trash, so you always trip over it, as you are chasing the kids out the door, because they are late for school. GASP!!Your body just gives up and says, "Yep. I'm done".

All this time you've been neglecting your household duties.So, you pull out the trigger and start sprayin', cause at this point, your body has become run down for the "everyday" activities, you think, you better clean the house, you can feel a cold or a flu coming on.

Everything has hit you all at once! You are a done potato. Your body has been beaten black and blue, been sprayed, lathered and drenched in environmental chemicals and now, here you are. Reading my blog in your bed, because you are to exhausted and run down to move. The body didn't get the "me" time, it so desperately needed. There is a black blanket of environment goo, coating the very organs you need to function. All these exterior elements take their effect on the body. Could this be different? Yes, I think so. Let's see it from this perspective...

You wake up on a Monday morning,(no, the sun is not, and the birds are not singing) it's snowing. Massive blizzard. So let's throw our mind's duty into solving the problem of stress and ache on the body..(still with me??)Instead of cursing at the unexpected blizzard. Get over it. Start is right. There is still a blizzard outside your window, yes. You then go wake up your guys, get them a nice healthy breakfast, scrambled eggs, a piece of rice toast(for all you Celiac's out there! I am now one myself!)and a glass of orange juice.

Kids are running around brushing their teeth and getting ready for school. You are still, cool as a cucumber. You clean up the aftermath of the morning, should you have time. So, you grab a One three Tree all purpose cleaner, a product you know is safe for your world, out from under the sink. There. All clean.

You now are able to get ready yourself. You have a shower and wipe down the water streaks right away, so it won't create a build up. No need to spray anything. Just a quick wipe. You proceed to get dressed. You quickly iron your suite with steam, no sprays needed to remove any creases, just a good mist of warm water. Done. Off to work you go, or if you work at home, pour yourself a cup of green tea and start the paperwork.

You are needing to refuel your body, it is now time for a healthy snack. So you grab some almonds to kick start your brain and a nice apple, freshly washed in vinegar and water. You may even sit and stare blankly outside at that snow storm and actually feel a bit of peace, knowing that you are truly taking a "me" break. Suddenly, you realize that all those earlier things going on during the week, just aren't so bad. They are, solvable. There is no need to get worked up about maybe, somethings you can't control, or even people, who you can't control. All you have to know, is how to control you and your surroundings. About controlling and creating a safe, healthy oasis for you and your family. It is also a fact, that if your home life and atmosphere, is quite, healthy, loving and peaceful, the outside environment will be easier to deal with, for your body and your mind.

When you look at the bigger picture, your health, your families health. When you focus on those things and be glad that they are all in tact. That is all that should matter. The rest of life's events, can take a back seat. Things will turn out all right, should you be having a rough day, week or month. Just remember to respect your body and your mind as well, because one cannot function without the other, so you will have the strength you need and mental ability you need, to achieve and to deal with any difficult people and challenging situations, life tests us with. Make sense?

That is just my way of seeing things.

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The Myth Busters set it straight. I heard it and seen it with my very own eyes and ears!!

2011-02-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

I was sitting on my couch channel surfing with my guys, when we came across The Myth Busters. I have watched the show from time to time and quite enjoy the fact that they test everyday myths, to see if they are fact or fiction. Instead of just saying "yes it is true", or "no it is false", they physically do the experiment to set the myth straight.

This particular episode was on "the spreading of germs". The team of four came together and planned a bit of a dinner party. The host had a tube attached to his hand and had the tube spray invisible ink every time he wiped his nose or sneezed(this replicate mucus). The invisible ink would show up wherever and on whatever, the host (or tube of invisible ink)touched.

The cameras showed where the mucus had spread to, after the party was over. There were several people in on this experiment, and in the end, only one didn't have a trace of mucus (or invisible ink) on her. She confessed, that she was a "germaphobic", but that she simply took precaustions to avoid being exposed to the host's cold.

They played back to clip and demonstrated steps to take to avoid the spread of germs. There wasn't one guest at the party, that had a spray bottle of Lysol or even hand sanitizer. What the girl did to avoid the hosts germs, was wiped objects the host had touched, before she touched them.

At the end of the experiment, the hosts claimed what I have believed all along, "it might be challenging to stop the spread of germs without using harmful chemicals, but it can be done".

A few suggestions;

1. If you are sick, stay home from work or have your children stay home from school (if you feel it would be better). If you can't stay home from work, take "public responsibility". Take a microfiber cloth and wipe what you have touched and what might be touched by someone else. (One Three Tree has a 2 oz travel size bottle for just that reason. To stop the spread of germs wherever you go, without harming the environment and those around you). For children, have them sanitize their own space at school. The 2 oz travel size fits perfectly in their backpacks, desk or locker. There are no toxic ingredients, I drank it and I was fine, although it does taste discusting!!

I especially like the term they used, "public responsibility". Being responsible for our health, as well as how we protect others from our illness, eg; colds, flu's, should be our responsibility. That is just being a good citizen. I know that's what I want to be.

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Plastic, plastic, plastic. It is absolutely everywhere!

2011-02-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

I came across some great articles about plastic. I new it wasn't a good product, but after watching the Dr. Oz show on Autism, the "why does Autism exsist", has really grabbed my attention.

I came across a few articles on plastic and wanted to know more about it. This is what I found.

Plastic is made from hydrocarbons, found in oil and natural gas. "Monomers are bonded together into chains, which are called polymers. When monomers are bonded together, they create different types of plastic, from soft and pliable to hard and durable and all other plastics in between.

We "like" plastic, because it's inexpensive and very convenient. It has multiple uses from storing our foods, bagging our groceries, containing our drinking water, can be used for nursing our infants, quenching the thirst of our toddlers with sippy cups. As well as other, more durable uses such as, leak proof and child resistant plastic containers are used for holding dangerous household products like bleach, ammonia and other harmful cleaners.

The unfortunate thing about "liking" the availability and over abundance of plastic, is that our planet is being overwhelmed with the toxic aftermath of the manufacturing of and the decomposing of, plastic(s). Sadly, scientist are just beginning to understand the seriousness and dangerous consequences of plastic toxic substances on our health, as well as the health as well.

Lisa Gue, environmental health policy analyst with the David Suzuki Foundation, said that the toxic chemicals from chemical discardment, are building up in our bodies and in our environment at a very quick pace. Chemicals such as PCB's, take a very long time to break down in the environment, while only taking a short time to accumulate in our bodies. This accumulation can be linked to thyroid and brain damage, as a couple of examples.

Bisphenol A, or more commonly known as "BPA", is a chemical used to manufacture hard and clear plastics and Phthalates, which give plastics the flexible properties, think pacifiers, baby bottle nipples, or chew toys for babies and pets. Throw into this toxic stew another chemical PBDE, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, used as a fire retardant. When you hear PBDE's, think computer equipment, televisions, building equipment and upholstered funiture. All of these chemicals are known to cause hormone and reproductive system damage. BPA has been linked to prostate cancer, miscarrages and birth defects.

PBDE'S have been in our atmosphere since they began production in the late 1970's. They are currently being manufactured in 8 different companies, with a 40,000 annual consumption rate, estimated back in 1980. That really isn't that long ago and think of what has been added to that count since then?? What about the chemicals PCB and DDT? There was record of their accummulation back in 1950. These two chemicals have since been banned since 1970 .Even though some of these chemicals have been banned, they still linger and register in our enviornment today and will for dacades to come.

This is what makes me question the increased stats of Autism. A neurotoxicologist says, "these effects are persistent and worsen with age." Per Eriksson who led a study at the University in Sweden, on mice/rats, says that some women and their babies are carrying levels of PBDE's that equal those that harm newborn rodents. Health Canada says that these levels are to low, and normal use doesn't pose a threat. What?? So what is a "normal use"? A single small dose fed to newborn mice/rats, leads to brain development disruptions, altering their ability, memory, behavior and hearing. A study involving the U.S and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), fed mice less than one part per million of the chemicals in question, and concluded that the mice performed poorly in maze tests and were hyperactive and slower to become habitated in new environments. That is the equivalent amount found in fluoride, found in soft drinks bottled in fluoridated areas.

Please do not think I am trying to solve something I know nothing about, because I don't have children with Autism. What I am saying, is that these results sound very familiar to those of which I have heard, regarding parents with children of Autism. The comparisons are extremely similar.

Women who were more recently tested, were found to have half the level of PBDE's in their tissues, with Canada's rates doubling every few years.

It is so interesting to me, that some of these and other chemicals, have been banned in Europe, but are still being found and used in the U.S. and Canada. Incidentally, after the banning of some of these chemicals, the levels of toxicity in European woman's breast milk, have started to decline.

Health Canada and the EPA, are a bit of a disappointment, in that, Health Canada has just begun a risk assessment and toxicological study, but has not removed PBDE's, even after they have read the damaging results. These chemicals do not break down. Meaning, the use of these chemicals are still being used, with the accumulated deposits still showing up in the North American food chain. So, the fact that we carry 10 to 70 times as much of these toxins in our Canadian breast milk tissue, as the Europeans do, some of these chemicals have been removed over there, but still remain here.

Our government is a bit on the slow side, considering they are still approving harmful chemicals for commercialization, without knowing the harm they can do on our health and environment, and only initiating studies decades later, on toxic residue in humans and wildlife.

Manufacturers of some of these chemicals, know of alternatives that are much safer but, "they have there drawbacks". There cost is to high, less effective fire retardency and durability of furniture is reduced. Hmmm, I am weighing the pro's and con's......"costs a bit more....take other measures for fire prevention.....and find another way to make more durable furniture......I'm willing to support funding for these alternatives. I like my health and the health of my children and their children. Let's get to work on finding those!" Would it be that hard to try out these alternatives for a while and see what the outcome is?? Or should we just continue on this path of environmental and human health distruction, that we are ever so intimidated to get off of?

With enough evidence, states Canada's own scientists, chemist Mehran Alace states, "if you have enough evidence that a chemical is increasing in the environment and there's potential for toxicity, you don't wait until it has an effect to do something about it."

I agree with him. Now, what exactly is it we are waiting for again??

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"Get with the program, the recycle program!"
ask your local health store for details and save money!

referrences by Alive Magazine. Visit http://www.alive.com/ for more articles and stories similar to this.

Feature presentation, "Autism". Where is it coming from and why? Here are my thoughts.

2011-02-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

I watched Dr.Oz last night. This particular episode was very interesting to me. It was an topic on Autism. I am fortunate, in that, I do not have a child with Autism, so I can't even begin to imagine how hard it would be to raise one that does. But the mystery behind its cause, had me asking allot of questions to myself.

They spoke allot about vaccines and the "possible" link to them and Autism. For those who are like myself and not certain what Autism is, it is a neurological disorder and to date, no one knows what causes it. Every 15 minutes, a child is born with Autism. The scary part is boys are more susceptible, 1 out of every 7 will have the neurological disorder,while 700,000 people have already been suffering from this disease in the United States alone.

But what I was a bit disappointed about, was the lack of discussion on environmental pollutions. They did briefly mention that living to close to a busy highway could be a causing factor...Okay, I believe that could be one cause. But what about indoor pollution? What about all those chemicals we have lingering in our home, from air fresheners, to household cleaners, to fragrances you may spray on yourself, before leaving for work? What about all of those environmental pollutants? Were you aware that Autism has doubled, in the past 20+years and is still growing?

Do I believe household pollutants play a major factor in Autism? Yes, I do. Considering the research I have done, all the cleaning products that are neurotoxins, that gives me one reason to strongly believe there may be an absolutely direct link between the two. For example; aerosol products such as, Pledge or Lysol, air fresheners, all contain neurotoxic ingredients. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, being one of those ingredients, which can be found in a container of Lysol. Another example of a neurotoxic ingredient, d'limonene, which is also an active ingredient in insecticides. This particular contaminant can be found in "orange fragrant" products. Many fragrant cleaners contained over 884 toxic substances out of 2,983 that were tested, in a study done in 1989 by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Toluene, which was found to by the US Environmental Protection Act (the EPA), to cause brain damage, as well as damage to a developing fetus. This ingredient as well, is contained in some fragrant household cleaners.

Phosphoric acid, found in liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants and bathroom lime and mildew cleaners, are also toxic to the central nervous system.

And lastly, but oh so not least, bleach, also known as Sodium hypochlorite, which we are all familiar with. It to, is a neurotoxin and has a wide range of uses in the majority of household cleaners. Just because it doesn't directly say "contains bleach", there is a very good chance there is a derivative of the ingredient inside. **Just a word of warning, if a package instucts "do not mix with bleach products", it is because it itself contains a derivative of bleach or ammonium. Mixing the two and inhaling at the same time, could result in death. (www.homeahealthyhome.com has a very eye opening article about mixing two separate cleaners together. Please read this article, before you EVER consider doing so.)

These are just a few ingredients I have researched and have found in decoding the back of a few cleaning product bottles.

If you are still curious and want to find out more about neurotoxins, visit www.lesstoxicguide.ca. It contains a list of contaminents and where you can find them in specific household cleaners, as well as giving you the list of side effects and short and long term health effects each ingredient can have on your delicate system.

A last point of interest. When I looked up dimethyl ammonium chloride, the summary of toxic information contained "question marks" above the headings. For example; Acute toxicity (question mark below). Carcinogen (question mark below). Ground water contaminent (question mark below). Developmental or reproductive toxin (question mark below). And Endocrine disruptor (question mark below). I can't speak for you, but there are way to many questions marks for my liking. Here is a question I have for the EPA and our poloticians, "Why are these household cleaning products on our shelves, when you do not know anything about there "ingredients?" And, what you do know of there ingredients, (known carcinogens)do you still allow them of our shelves. Why Mr. Government, EPA&FDA, Why?"

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What is Phosphate?? Why is it a big deal, if it is not in our soap?

2011-02-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to know what was meant by "phosphate free", or "does not contain phosphates". What's the big deal?

Phosphate is the main ingredient in soaps, which is made from synthetic materials. Phosphates provide cleaning efficiency in soaps and detergents. The STPP (Sodium tripolyphosphate) is to remove calcium and magnesium ions from interferring with the cleaning process.

Of the several detergent "builders", phosphates are the most popular, because of just that, their cleaning ability. However, phosphates have a harmful effect on our fresh water supply areas, our rivers and streams. The level of fresh water contamination from phosphorus, can be much higher, due to municipal and domestic waste water that also contain phosphorus from our laundry and dishwashing detergents, that get washed down our drains and into those same streams and rivers.

Phosphorus is an important plant nutrient, but if it is to high, it can destroy our aquatic life. Phosphates help algae grow faster, rather than naturally, which is why lakes and rivers are cloudier then they were 64 years ago. Just a point of interest, Tide was the first manufacturer to use STPP in their detergent.

For that reason, it is a costly expenditure to filter. Excess algae growth can effect the health and age of our water bodies. It is then that eutrophication speeds up. Eutrophication is a nutrient enrichment process . To much, to fast can cause algae to grow uncontrollably, which disturbs the balance of nature, in our aquatic food chain.

Canada, being one of the countries along with The European Union and Japan, were given regulations and laws, to ban all detergents, because of the harmful effects phosphorus has.

The attention of banning phosphorus, has now been placed on dish washing detergents, which can contain 4-8% phosphorus. Washington will be the first state to put a ban on dish washing detergent, which will commence the beginning of next year.

Your community could follow suit on it's own, by being civically and morally responsible in deciding to use non phosphorus brands, such as Seventh Generation dish washing/laundry soap, Ecover Natural, or my favorite Ecos All Natural Detergent, which you can purchase at Costco. Remember, a little detergent goes a long way. Just because you add more, will not make your clothes cleaner.

If you want to go one step further for washing your clothes, try Castile soap, baking soda and a splash of vinegar. If you want a scent, add a couple drops of essential oils. For dish washing soap, try Castile soap and adding a tablespoon, or so, of vinegar for extra grease cutting action.

Chemicals in our cleaning products effects our health and our aquatic life, as well as our planet as a whole. The way I see it, all we have to do is continually remind ourselves, "there are alternatives". It is a win, win, win situation.

If you want more information, go to www.treehugger.com. I think the name is self explanatory :)

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MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet - What is it? Why should I read it?

2011-02-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?

It is a form with information about chemical properties, that are contained in a particular product. It is intended to provided workers and emergency personnel safety precautions be taken, when working with a particular hazardous substance. It provides information about the product such as, melting point, boiling point, flash point. As well as toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures.

The MSDS is a system for cataloging information on chemicals, their compounds and mixtures. It may include instructions for safe and proper use of hazardous materials. You can find a MSDS sheet, anywhere chemicals are being used, for example, the manufacturer of the product Lysol. So, in the manufacturers facility, there would be safety instructions for the workers producing the all purpose cleaner. It would have information such as;

Emergency overview - DANGER: corrosive. Causes eye damage and skin irritation. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Harmful if swallowed. Avoid contamination's of food. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

There is also a NOTE TO PHYSICIAN; Probable mucous damage may contraindicate the use of gastric lavage (stomach pumping). Measures against circulatory shock, respiratory depression and convulsion may be needed. It also instructs you to wash your hands with soap and water, to prevent possible skin irritation (??...didn't you just 'clean' for that particular reason??) .

There are some manufacturing plants, that will tell the employees to wear proper gear when working around the chemical products, example; rubber gloves, overalls or an apron to protect clothing, a face mask and eye goggles. Some plants will go as far as to inform employees of long term health problems that may occur, should safety precautions not be taken.

The MSDS and all the information it provides, is to inform the employers, workers and other health and safety representatives, with the necessary safety information to manager the risk form hazardous substance exposure. It is not primarily intended for use by the general public, focusing more on the hazards of working with the material in an occupational setting. Well, I don't work in a facility Lysol and or Clorox products are manufactured, but people buy and use the same product being manufactured, to clean their homes/school or office with?? Why is it not important for the consumer to know the hazards and risks involved with coming in contact with it?? I am confused by that??? Only the hazardous materials are required to be listed, the non hazardous ingredients can be left off or listed as other impurities.

So basically, all the cleaning products on the commercial grocery store shelves, are to be listed on the MSDS, because they have hazardous and poisonous contents contained in their product. Hmmm...That doesn't sit well with me....

Does that sound like a bit of a contradiction? The commercial cleaners on the grocery store shelves are for consumers to use to prevent illness(s) to occur in their home, but these commercial cleaners contain hazardous/corrosive and poisonous contaminants that have serious health effects, long and short term, if inhaled, ingested or if produce comes in direct contact with skin. That does not sound like it is going to be a benefit to my health.

FYI, One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products can not fall into this category. It does not cause skin irritation, you do not have to move to a ventilated place when inhaled. It is not necessary for gastric lavage, if swallowed, I drank a half an ounce of it and it tastes horrible!! I actually sprayed some on my apple to remove the wax. No one pumped my stomach, I just made a horrible looking face!

Go to any Material Safety Data Sheet website. You can type an "ingredient"listed on the back of most commercial cleaners. Note; some cleaning products DO NOT disclose ingredients at all, they just list the warnings and give you safety precautions to be taken, if swallowed.

I will repeat again... PLEASE READ ALL LABLES.

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"Where did you read that??"

2011-01-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few books I would like to recommend to you. These are books that had me thinking "No, I'm not the only one who thinks that!"

The very first book I read, was by Deirdre Imus, "Green This". Initially, I bought this book thinking it was about alternative recipes. It turned out, this book changed my life....literally.

When I first started cleaning homes, I did it to make extra income for my household and because I had chemical sensitivities. That lead me to think, there may be other people with the same sensitivities as I have, as well as those who want to protect their families from similar reactions. What I didn't know, was why I was having such reactions to these cleaning products (little bit about me...I am a "why" kinda gal!!Worse yet, I need to find out the answer myself!) Needless to say, I started hunting for answers, and it turns out, allot of other people were wanting to find out "why", as well. That's when I started looking for other methods of cleaning and establishing what was in these commercial cleaning containers, that could make a persons face leak, as much as it did mine. The more I read, the more diseases and illnesses were being researched and more information was turning up to realate back to the cause and effect of household chemical cleaners, being used in our home.

I went to my local sanctuary, Chapters, where I literally stumbled across the "Green This" novel. No seriously, I wasn't watching where I was going and bumped into a table full of different "greening" methods. I started reading it and within the first 3 chapters, I felt my jaw drop and felt sick to my stomach! The fact that there were people out there creating and manufacturing these toxic chemicals and allowing them to be shelved for consumers to buy and bring into their home, was mind blowing. Then I became upset....no, really ticked off! Because, then I came across another book, "Slow Death by Rubber Duck" by Smith/Lourie.

Slow Death by Rubber Duck was a bit more wide spread then "Green This". By that I mean, they covered more avenues then just the cleaning industry. They cover the chemicals in non stick frying pans, chemicals in clothing, baby toys, BPA in baby bottles and water bottles. The go back in time, to when the chemical industry started to get it's footing. Coincidentally, the timing of the chemical industry revolution and the increase of specific types of cancers, started to arise at the same time. Hmmm....how very interesting. When I read this particular book, I couldn't help but think, "And there are people out there, who do not see the correlation between being exposed to toxic chemicals and terminal diseases." Just a thumbs up to my local library, there were very helpful regarding finding doctrines about this specific topic. There were the ones that actually recommended "Slow Death by Rubber Duck", to me

Another good reading source, is The Globe and Mail. I like this paper particularly because it talks about the business aspect of these larger companies, such as Clorox, Johnson and Johnson,GlaxcoSmithKline. What they make when, let's say a specific "flu" starts to make headlines.

These are just some of the sources I refer to, but wanted to list them for your reading and if you are anything like me, these sources may get your blood boiling and have you wanting some answers.

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Riddle me this...

2011-01-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

As I sit and wait for an appointment, I decide to pour myself a cup o' green tea and peruse the newspaper. Once again, I come across an article that peaks my interest. The title is regarding vitamins enriched drinks, with a warning that they, meaning the drinks, should be "carefully monitored".

It states that the drinks are "way above the Health Canada recommended daily intake". That the maximum daily level of vitamin A, for example, may cause liver abnormalities and birth defects in pregnant women. Furthermore, other snacks and drinks fortified with high amounts of vitamins, are permitted and sold in Canada.

Nutrition experts suggest that Health Canada re evaluate and control the way these food and drink products are labelled and distributed.

When I was reading the article, the whole time I kept thinking, "Why aren't they showing as much concern about the "toxic goulash" that is contained in cleaning products, as they are with these beverages?" Is it because we aren't actually twisting the cap off a Lysol bottle and glugging it, that it won't have the same or even worse, side effects? Horse pucky, cow pattie and fudge fridays! Yes it will!

It has been proven over and over again, that chemicals enter the body by inhalation and absorption through the skin. In some cases, it can take only minutes for areosol or a spray, to enter our blood stream.

Something to think about and possibly pay closer attention to, when you experience a sudden headache, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rash, check everything that you may have used within that hour or half hour. I mean everything, skin creams, shampoo's, laundry soap, fabric softeners, dishwasher tablets, household all purpose cleaners, toilet bowel and shower cleaners, air fresheners and dish washing soap. Everything!

When you get these headaches, or you're constantly scratching a reoccuring rash and can't figure out why, recap the list of things you used and look at the ingredients. Go to your computer and punch in the MSDS, which is the Material Safety Data Sheet. You are able to see and bring up almost any and every known product on the market to date, from baby care products, personal products, household cleaning products, automotive products and more. It gives you the hazards of the product and the possible side effects. Note to the consumer: all products that are on the market today, are listed on the MSDS. If it does not have any hazards to your health, it will not appear on the list. This needs to be examined more carefully by the consumer, to really get a grasp of what your money is really buying. Quite frankly, you might be able to go out to your garage and develope something safer yourself. At least you would know what you put in it!! (insert sarcasm here).

Seriously though, this might be something you want to check out, if you or a family member is continually experiencing one of the above side effects and you just can't figure out what is causing it? For example; that rash around little Johnny's bottom, could be caused by a residue from an all purpose bathroom cleaner (rhythms with "blayjax"). Look up the product, one of the effects, when come into contact with, is "skin irritant".

The above article I read upset me simply because I can't understand why it takes a terminal illness or serious disease for people to start asking, "why the heck is it on the shelf for us to purchase, when it hasn't been tested efficiently for human safety? How many lives have to be debilitated or taken, before proper precautions are enforced?"

I'm just wondering.

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Kananaski's Country. What can I say..., breath in, breath out. And breath in, and breath out. Ow, but wait until you leave the city limits to do that!

2011-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am writing this on a Sunday. A beautiful, warm winter Sunday. I took some time off and ventured into the mountains.

The trip starts off loud and busy. Trying to get my picnic ready,check. Get the dog ready,check.Pack the blankets,check. Grab the driving tunes,check. And shut the cell phone off! There now. My next step, is to get out of the city without waving to someone with one finer, or saying the Lord's name in a way, you know, it was not intended for.

K, so now I am on the open highway. For me, there is that point, once I leave the city. Right at the crest of this hill. Where all you can see, smell and feel, are those beautiful, breath taking, white tipped, "God's creation" of, the mountains. And then, like magic, all of a sudden, I don't remember the events of the week that past. Poof. All those needles I had to get in order to figure out, "why I am so tired", or that appointment I missed, due to a slip of my thumb on my Blackberry, which could have been a very costly mistake. And the fact that I just had to remove a grumpy, well paying client off my cleaning list, because she was not a nice lady to deal with and least I forget, the unpleasant employee that felt her life was absolutely miserable and it was all because of working for me and my company... oh, did I mention that she was only with my company for a month? Anyway...

All I can see in front of me right now, are mounds and mounds of snow covered mountains. Blue ski's are above me and that mass of burning yellow energy, is following me up the winding road, because it knows I am going to want to stop, throw my blanket on a patch of snow, place my picnic basket on top, pull out my book and just soak those warm rays of love, for as long as it will allow. That is "it's" reward to me, for putting up with life's little "hiccup's".

Yes, I am aware that, "you can't run away from your problems". But technically, I wasn't running. I was actually driving. And besides that, I made sure I only brought enough food and green tea, for a couple of hours and left my cash and credit cards at home. With the exception of an emergency kit in my back seat. Everybody has one. Bottle of wine. Cheese. Bandaides incase you cut your finger, cutting the cheese, to go with the wine. And of course, a loonie, just incase you need some crackers, to go with the wine and the cheese. Seriously though....

What is always amazing to me, is that there isn't a single waft of "smog stew" when you are travelling through the valleys of stone and Mother Nature inspired, green moss carpeting. That man made mixture of rubber, exhaust, oil and gas that floats above your vehicle. You just can't find that in this scenic "K" country. Continuing...

Next task. I had to stay at a Hostel. Now I have never been in a Hostel, so this, to me, was an adventure. It was....plain,simple, quiet, cozy, just my speed. Iiii likeit! There was a wood burning fireplace in the sitting room. A real one! No magic switch to turn it off or on anywhere! Two couches and a love seat, in a "u" shape, infront of the fire place. Games. Books. Small, warm and friendly, but not stuffy. It was in fact, very quaint and inviting.

There was a massive fire pit outside, so all that were staying in the Hostel could mingle around a roaring flame, sip some hot chocolate (maybe a little "happy cocoa", if desired :-o) and just talk. Not about work of course, 'cause "we are hear to get away from the hustle and bustle", so we talk about the stars and how incredible the snowshoeing trail was. How the moon had looked like someone had added a couple more watts, just to make sure it would shine extra bright, for our tour. Alas, there were no wildlife to be seen. There were sleeping peacefully, fare away from our footsteps and chatter.

The trail was a two hour tour...a twooo hour tour...(Gilligan's Island, for all you youngin's who remember it!).You come back in and slip off the snow crusted snow pants and slip into the ever-so-sexy, flannels and boys, you know the one's I'm talkin' about, the red and blue pinstripped ones, with the backdoor flap AND attached booties (did I mention, this trip is mostly for singles, or those not looking to get attached. With atire I had just described, now you know why.) Grab some grub to warm the belly. Read. And slip into the bunk with the most blankets and furthest away from the guy who sat right beside you and ate the chili with jalapenos and hot sauce!

I woke in the morning with a freshness. A cloudy mist over the eyes, that indicate you had a fantastic and restful slumber and that "I do not want to get out of this bed of heaven, for at least 10 more minuets!" dilemma. You pack up your stuff. Have some healthy eats and hit the "road more travelled",back home.

As I am daydreaming and driving, I started to think of a way to do these "me-aways", more often. Here is what I have decided... 1. love my family, 2. love myself (which is really quite easy to do ;) ) 3. make my mark in this world (developing awareness of toxic chemicals and there short and long term effects on the body and planet) and just give. give. and give with all of my heart and soul. So every weekend, or every other weekend, I will be able to come back to "rinse and repeat". :)

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Iiiii'mmmmm bAack!!!!...."Uummm, okay...where'd you go?"

2011-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well hello my blogging followers....the MILLION plus that I have (insert future projection here :-0). I have been busy, preoccupawdo, thinking, planning.... okay, maybe not quite THAT crazy, but I have been thinking!! And this is what I was thinking...why don't people read labels? On everything. "Well, why do I have to read labels on everything? I have an idea what's in it. It can't be that bad. It has to be safe, it's on the shelf?" Ow my fellow balls of energy.....but that is the thing, it might be just that bad.

Here's the thing...I was watching Dr.Oz last night and he was all about reading labels on over the counter drugs. He made a very good point. Just because the, what use to be behind the counter drugs, have now been approved by the FDA,whom are my FAVORITE gov't officials(insert sarcasm here)are now available over the counter, without a prescription, does not mean they are 100% safe. The pharmacist Dr.O had on the program explained that the FDA decided to legalize some of the more popular prescribed behind the counter drugs and place them over the counter, under the assumption, that the public would be responsible enough to read the instructions, warning labels, contents, make sure that the drug they were about to purchase does not conflict with prescription or other non prescription drugs they maybe taking in addition to. Now that is quite allot of responsibility to put on a consumer. Some of the interactions of specific over the counter drugs, can interfere and cause serious harm when mixed with certain foods or other medications you may be on.

Dr. Oz passed on a bit of advice, that I have also been trying to express to people as well. He said to "read the labels AND ask the pharmacist, if you have questions". Fantastic advice. But here is the thing....so now you WILL start asking your pharmacist about mixing over and behind the counter medications, great!! Good for you! Being all proactive :) So, why don't you start reading the labels on the cleaning products you are buying?? Woew......made ya think, didn't I??

If you were to go into your local grocery store today, right now and ask the isle boy whipping past you, if he could tell you "what are the side effects of this particular cleaner" and "will there be have harmful and possible lethal ramifications, should I mix them with another cleaning product, or maybe even a room deodorizer?" What kind of look do you think you will get? Something similar to the look you would get from your teenager, when you ask "how does your room get so dirty, when your never in it?" I am afraid they will NOT be able to provide that information you need to know. And, if they do provide that information, why is it on the shelf?

I want to give you another scenario. Please, play along :)

So your in a restaurant and the waiter comes by and offers you the menu. You are feeling like a burger, but you want one that doesn't have cheese (you are watching your dairy intake. It gives you heartburn). So the waiter comes back and takes your order. To your delight, they bring it out and by holy crocks, they got it right!! Now you are able to enjoy, knowing you won't get heartburn. Can you do that with your cleaner, "Umm, excuse me store manager...I am wanting to clean my furniture. Could I have a cleaner without the chemicals that cause Eczema or Asthma, and hold the "known carcinogens" please, I have my daughters wedding to attend in 22years and I want to be there to give her away". Sadly, you can't do that. But, you could READ the label and do some investigating of your own, or, better yet, start demanding to know what EXACTLY is in those commercial cleaners, so you can decide if it is worth the risk (knowledge is power, remember?)

Yes, I am back. And I am going to ask you to check out a few websites for easy reference, should you decided to start researching the backs of those commercial cleaning labels yourself;

http://www.ehso.com/msds.php
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medilineplus/ency/article/002759.htm

You can also just look under Wikipedia. Punch in the chemical your looking to define and it will break down the chemical structure, applications and some of the health effects.

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"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Merry Christmas to all and to all a healthy and Happy New Year!!

2010-12-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a warm and entertaining Christmas holiday this year!! Visiting family, sharing laughs and childhood memories. Roasted Turkey, Caramelized Ham, cookies, chocolates, eggnog and wine flow endlessly from house to house.The fireplace is roaring with as much warmth as the company that is tending it.

Suddenly you hear the siren. The siren from the fire truck that is driving Santa Clause around to every street. You see the children all lined up outside in their footed pajama's to catch a glimpse and give a wave to the Old St. Nick himself, because they know he will be coming to their house later that night.

That is what I witnessed during my Christmas holidays and it was beautiful, and I was thankful that my children were two of many that were able to be present for such an event.

On Christmas Day, my children went with their fathers, to spend time with their little baby sister. So now that I was alone, on a day that is meant to be shared with children, what do I do? I decided to deliver Christmas oranges to The Children's Hospital. Granted, there are very strict guidelines with presenting such a gift, for safety reasons, understandably so and to which, I very much appreciate their concern and security measures. Christmas morning, the lady at the front desk said "she would do her best", to see if the hospital could allow these gifts to be delivered for the children. I am not sure if the children received them or not, but my intentions were to have them experience just a bit of what my children and many other children, were able to experiencing, on the most celebrated of the year.

"So what is the bottom line, Charlotte? What was the purpose of this blog?". I wanted to share this story with you, because those children being cared for in that hospital, did not get to experience the same Christmas Eve we did. They were not at home, with their families, eating Christmas turkey, cookies, chocolates, or visiting with uncles, aunts and cousins, or wearing grandma's red and green, knitted booties, or nestled in front of the roaring fire, drinking hot chocolate. Some of those children were in there, because of diseases that maybe, could have or can be prevented. That maybe one day, WE can prevent, if we start speaking up and being proactive to what we/they are being exposed to. Is that wishful thinking? Maybe I'm just being optimistic, but I like to think that I am just being heard.

And that is my bottom line. And that is my purpose for this blog.

Be Proactive. Get loud.

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Tis the season to be jolly, fallalalaaa, lalalaaaaaa.Open your windows,for better ventalation, fallalalaaaalalalaaa

2010-12-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

I love the festive season, the Christmas lights, the fireplace roaring and the mounds and mounds of baked goods that seem to be everywhere you turn...(not to self...do not buy slacks, jeans, underwear or any clothing that is to be worn below the waist, during the month of December!!). Unfortunately, we can not open our windows and patio doors to enjoy the crispness of the frosty air, or the scent of a real pine tree outside our front door in the same way. In doing so, could result in flu's, colds and respiratory infections we experience over the Christmas season. So this next batch of information may come as no shock to you.

Scientist are now believing that "indoor smog-like conditions, are a direct result of household cleaners. I may sound like a broken record, but I will repeat what I have mentioned before. Some of the other symptoms of acute toxic exposure, can be headaches, fatigue, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and more severely, neurological problems. You can see why some of these symptoms can be mistaken for flu or cold symptoms...

Let's use furniture polish/wax as an example. The toxic chemical benzene, can be listed as an indoor air pollutant. The amount of benzene can increase as well, if you smoke, or if someone in your house smokes, use certain glues for all those lovely crafts we do during the holidays, and even doing our laundry with certain detergents.

Why is benzene such a horrible chemical? It causes cells to function incorrectly. Example, it can cause bone marrow to under produce red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Benzene can damage the immune system by manipulating blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. Let's remember, as with any other toxic chemical, the higher the exposure and the length of exposure to other sources containing benzene, will result in more serious conditions.

This is the tricky part. Here are some symptoms of exposure to benzene. These symptoms can occur in minutes to several hours after the fact;

drowsiness
dizziness
irregular heartbeat
headaches
tremors
confusion
unconsciousness, and lastly
death (at very high levels).

Now please, I am not wanting to put the fear of God into you. I only want to make you aware. Aware of what may be spraying in your home, unknowingly.

What do you do? What can you do right now?? Let's ask ourselves that question and make a difference right now.

As I suggested earlier, ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. If you insist on using a conventional furniture polish (and or any other conventional cleaner, aka - rhythms with "Snorox") open windows, remove small children and pets from the area being cleaned. Wear proper safety gear such as a face mask and rubber gloves. If that sounds like more trouble then it's worth, then simply use cleaning products that FULLY DISCLOSE the ingredients. You may want to go one step further and make sure that you can pronounce the ingredients listed on the bottle. Still not to sure what they are?? Then ask the clerk or store manager and there is a 99.9% (does that look familiar??) to a 100% chance they will have the same look you would, if someone spoke to you in Turkish (unless your are Turkish). This is no offense to any clerks out there It is not their job to know what chemical is contained in a specific cleaner. But, as a consumer, you can start making it your duty to know what is in those containers. Look it up on the net. Take your health into your own hands. You will hear that allot from me, but I believe you are and should be, your own health advocate. If you want to know what it is you are buying, then demand answers, which means, you start asking! Then, once you decide you do not like what is one the shelves you are shopping from, demand healthier choices!

Suggestion - If you are shopping for an alternative to furniture wax or polish, look for extra virgin olive oil, sweet and simple. If you want something with a bit more Zing, almond or hazelnut hand lotion. Place a small amount onto an old cotton cloth and message it into the wood. If you want an alternative all purpose cleaner, look no further then your local health store. My favorite all purpose cleaner of choice, One Three Tree (yes, it is a shameless plug, but what can I say. I developed it!).

Have a safe, clean and joyous holiday season. Share all your love with those who mean the most to you. If you come across someone who may not be experiencing as much joy as you are, give a helping hand and a smile :)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From all of us @ Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*alternative solutions

Cleaning products for your health and your home.

I don't have to tell you this because you already know....But then that would defeat the purpose of my blog now, wouldn't it??

2010-11-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

,Now that this fluffy white stuff has begun to fall, it is time to get back to my writing, or in this case, my typing.

We are all aware that plastic is not a natural product, it is manufactured. But, I wanted to know more then just "that". So, lucky for me, whilst I was sitting in a lobby waiting to meet with a possible distributor of my, "One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Prod.", I glanced upon a well published magazine, "Vista". When I do my blogging, I, for the most part, usually get right to what ailments long and short term exposure of harsh cleaning chemicals can have on our bodies and our environment. This article made things a whole lot clearer and broadened my views on chemicals and how severe the symptoms can be on humans and Mother Earth . So with that, I will pass my readings onto you.

There are some people who have such sensitivities to plastic exposures, that the sniff of a bagel out of a plastic bag you get from a bakery, can cause unfortunate and painful reactions.

Plastic has so many uses in our life, that to abolish all plastics from our world right now, would destroy it. How oxymoron is that?? With the amount of plastic we have in our world and the toxins that are secreted from it in our landfills and into our air, it would take hundreds of years to rid it completely. Which is how long it takes some plastics to degrade.

Petroleum is what most plastics are made from, a toxic, non renewable resource. The 8% of global oil production, is annually accounted from 260 million tonnes of plastic. Yikes!! That is allot of water bottles!

To demonstrate the amount of damage plastic as a waste management disaster has become, picture the Central North Pacific Ocean, where plastic outnumbers zoo plankton by a ratio of 6:1. Plankton are at the base of the food chain and enable the oceans to be the largest carbon sink on Earth.

Health related problems with bisphenol A (BPA, used to make #7 plastics found in baby bottles) in which the US FDA (Food and Drug Association) finally took the position of banning products that contained BPA, by announcing that it had some concerns about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behaviour, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and young children.

PVC's (Polyvinyl chloride, #3), PS (Polystyrene #6) are ones that should be avoided as well. Toys, cling wrap, squeeze bottles, oil and peanut butter containers, as well as shower curtains are other places you can find PVC's. PVC's has been described as "one of the most hazardous consumer products ever made". Nice, (insert sarcasm and outrage here). Polystyrene (#6) forms Styrofoam used in disposable tableware, take-out containers and egg containers. (FYI: were you aware that the reason (most) recycle plants will not accept Styrofoam, is because it is light weight. Recycle plants are paid for their plastics based on weight. So being that Styrofoam is weightless, it is then a non profit. The recycling facility will through the found Styrofoam back into the garbage....Ummm, I found that interesting and questionable all at the same time??Just a silly question, why can't we just replace Styrofoam?). PVC and PS containing products, leach endocrine disrupting chemicals that mimic the female hormone estrogen. These two chemicals have been linked to asthma, allergies, reproductive and developmental problems and certain cancers. Add one more chemical to that list, PETE (polyethylene terephalate)in resent studies, has also been linked to be an endocrine disrupting chemical as well.

So which plastic is reasonably safe, well for now?? Numbers #2 (which is the container of "One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products), #4 and #5, these are plastics used for our milk, yogurt containers, plastic bags and water jugs.

In an final note in this "Vista" article I read, it states that a thirty year old lady was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had no family history, and her diet and exercise program was up to par. She believes the cancer was developed from drinking the water bottles she stored in the warm trunk of her car, for convenience.

Little tid bit..... have you ever noticed the taste difference of a water bottle that has been sitting in a warm vehicle, compared to a glass of water? You can taste the difference. Listen to your taste buds and step away from the plastic!!.

Brought to you by Charlotte Lomenda
Founder of Chem Free Cleaning Ltd.,
Developer of
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
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Well now, that's interesting....

2010-10-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am always looking to make sense of "what is a virus?", "what is a germ", "why are we sooo freaked out about catching a cold?". These are among many other questions I try and make sense of, but since this topic is relative to something I am passionate about, it intrigues me to learn more as these articles present themselves. This particular article about viruses and their purpose and makeup, was in this months issue of Vista Magazine. This is my interpretation.

Viruses lack components to replicate, they cannot grow or do harm alone and on their own. We, as the "host", provide that ability to proliferate (increase rapidly).

Whether the virus survives in the body, is dependant on the health and strength of the host and its immune system, making the development and maintenance of a strong immune system crucial. It provides our body with the proper defense it needs to ward off viruses, bacteria and diseases.

I have always said, "you are the keeper of your own domain" which is to imply, our body is our domain.
Everything you put into it, your body will put out. Bottom line, respect it. You are going to need it for a long time...

So being that our skin is our largest organ, compared to that of a sponge, everything we expose ourselves to from the outside, as well as the inside environment, will be quickly absorbed into our body and our blood stream. Topical applications take approximately 10 minutes to enter through our skin and into our blood....That, my friend, is scary!

Having said that, consider this. Cleaning your environment wherever that maybe, you (the host) are in direct contact with that "invader" (harmful chemicals). That foreign toxic chemical is now being inhaled and absorbed through your skin and in some cases, small amounts are swallowed.

You will notice if you pay attention and listen to the signals your body is sending you, symptoms of "acute" toxic exposure can effect you quite quickly. Signs can include a runny nose, watery eyes, a rash, dizziness and even headaches. Unfortunately we sometimes ignore them, or just convince ourselves "we must be coming down with a cold." When in reality your body is letting you know that "it" is not approving of these "foreign invaders".

After using cleaning products over weeks, months and years, more chronic symptoms will begin to evolve. They can include sever respiratory diseases such as the number one child illness, Asthma. An increase of 600% since 1980, with the main culprits being household cleaners and cosmetics. Some other chronic effects include hormone problems, developmental and learning disabilities and remember, pregnant ladies are literally at double exposure. Everything the mother is in contact with, touch, smell, will enter through her skin and into her and babies bloodstream, through the embiblical cord.. A black "tar like" film build up of fluid in your lungs (and you thought you were all good....you don't even smoke!) and unfortunately, even cancer.

It would make sense then, that if you are constantly exposing yourself (and your family or co-workers)to harmful toxins, that it will weaken your bodies ability to "fight and protect"against invaders (I know, enough with the synonym!). Household cleaners were one of the top five reasons for causing disease. The bodies immune system is unable to defend itself over time with continuous exposure. That "black film" I spoke of earlier, is like a shield. It is the accumulation of environmental toxins inside our "domain". Not cool!

What can we do?

I have mentioned this earlier in my blog, that caring for our health is a package deal. We need to take care and nourish the inside as well as what goes around it on the outside. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition, is key. Relax, chill (I myself, am still working on this one....Meditation seems to be helping :-o). Exercise at least 20 min. a day (great for the releasing the "happy hormone").

Lastly, take control of what elements are entering your "personal space". Sounds silly? Well you wouldn't think to say something to someone smoking a cigarette right next to your new born baby, would you?Especially if that baby were yours!

This is just my life experiences. My life's observations. My opinion.

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Pestisides,Herbisides,Germicides oh my.....

2010-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

So here I am. Sitting in my comfy velvety green, soft cushioned seat at my favorite watering hole (Starbucks - where I conduct all my business matters :)). And yet again, I come across another article regarding pesticide exposure to pregnant mothers-to-be. I must point out, I so enjoy my mornings of my green tea latte' and continually antisipate the day when an article jumps out at me saying "All governements have listened to the researchers and it's civilians, removed their blindfolds and earplugs, read the numerous doctrines that support toxic chemicals are hazardous to humans/pets and aquatic life form claims, and have signed a bill stating that this will no long be. Toxic chemicals in all household cleaners, baby products, personal hygene products, will be banned forever." Ah, but alas. No such article today...

This article from the Globe and Mail reads onto say that researchers collected urine samples from expectant mothers and discovered traces of organophosphate pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture. The children of these same mothers, were tested and asked questions about their developmental behavior.
"At age 5, we saw an association between in utero exposure, to pesticides, and child performances on these tests as well as other measures of attention problems," Brenda Eskenazi director of the Center for Children's Environmental Health Research at the University of California, Berkly.
A current study, as well as other recent studies, point out the link between pesticides and other cases of attention problems including ADHD.
A separate study, Dr. Eskanazi found that some people carried a gene that could increase the vulnerability to specific pesticides. Which could mean the genetic trait would make it harder to excrete the chemical from the body. "The toxic effects are greater for these children, than others," Dr. Eskenazi speculates.
Our food is specifically noted for pesticide exposure. Dr. Eskenazi highly recommends thoroughly washing our fruits and vegetables, especially expectant mothers. I remember watching an episode of Ophra, in which Sandra Bullock was demonstrating how she cleaners her produce with vinegar. I took that tid-bit of fabulous information, because after all, vinegar is a much safer form of a "mild bleach". I fill my sink with luke warm water, add a cup of vinegar and let the produce sit for a few minutes, then rinse off.
Just a suggestion. If you ever have the opportunity to check out your local natural food store, or farmer's market, you would be pleasantly surprised at how reasonably priced their produce can be, not to mention how delicious it is!! I believe it is a fabulous thing when you can actually smell a banana, or an apple just picked of the tree and shipped straight from the farm to the store (without a chemical residue coating).
Some suggestions for markets in my area are; Natural Foods Market in Okotoks and Highwood Natural Foods in High River. They have knowledgeable and helpful staff as well :)

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Iiiit'sss BAaaack....Yes, Triclosan has returned yet again into the headlines...

2010-08-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here is that pesky chemical I spoke about in an earlier blog, Triclosan, in a more recent article from a more recent publishing in the Alive magazine, which you visit @ Alive.com or pick up at your local health store.

Triclosan is found in allot of the "antibacterial" soaps, hand sanitizers, dish soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants and a list of other body cleaners. Triclosan has been found effective in the elimination of specific germs, but has also been proven to have the opposite effect of combating bacteria and viruses, in more recent studies.

Triclosan has the effect of stopping the combination of two elements that form fatty acids in cells of infecting bacteria (any form of living thing, that have the formation of a single cell). The health concerns that I have read up on are, dare I say it, alarming.

In 2009, the Canadian Government was advised by the Canadian Medical Asso. to ban Triclosan use in household products, when concerns arose from it being bacterial resistant and producing a chloroform gas when mixed with tap water containing chlorine. Think brushing your teeth with toothpaste and rinsing your mouth with Lystrine (which is another favorite product of mine). Might I add, chloroform gas has been classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as a probable carcinogen. Triclosan has also been targeted by the UK, on a cancer alert.

Triclosan reacts with free chlorine in tap water and produces lesser amounts of other compounds, such as 2,4-DCP (dichlorophenol), which is a herbicide and in liquid form, absorption in large amounts through the skin, can be fatal (how much is "a large" amount??). Most of these intermediates convert into dioxins (banned years ago because it was a known carcinogen) when exposed to the sun or other UV radiation producers.

There is a great concern over the effects of even the smaller doses of dioxin exposure because some dioxins are extremely toxic and are known endocrine disruptor's. They bio accumulate at dangerous levels, which means the levels of dioxin in the body that adds up, even if in small exposure amounts at a time. The mixture of these chemical compounds, are very stable and eliminate from the body very slowly, as well as persist in our environment for a very long time.

This statement hit home for me, as I have a Thyroid condition. It makes me wonder......But, you read and see its relativity for you.

In 2006 a study on bullfrogs (i know you are not a bullfrog, or you wouldn't be reading my blog.....just stay with me on this one....) concluded that low doses of Triclosan acted as endocrine disruptor's. It's hypothesis indicated that the Triclosan blocked the metabolism of the thyroid hormone, because it chemically "copied" the thyroid hormone, which binds to the hormone receptor sites, blocking them, so normal hormones cannot be used. Triclosan was banned in Switzerland because traces were found in the mothers breast milk (see, I knew those Switzerland..ers were smart people!!Good on ya' Switzerland...ers??). Triclosan can also be found in childrens toys, pets toys, cutting boards, counter tops, mops, floor tile and paint. OOOWW!!! Even your garden hose (that, was myyy favorite), 'cause we all need an "antibacterial" garden hose!!!

I would like to give you some numbers now, on what is spent worldwide for products containing Triclosan "the antibacterial wonder chemical". Drum role please... 1 BILL ion dollars and is rising at a 3 to 7 % increase annually!! Who is profiting from it?? As far as I can tell and what I have read and researched, not us. That is quite allot of $$ spent on a suspected endocrine/hormone disruptor, possible cancer causing toxic chemical, let alone what it does when it enters our water system and how it effects our aquatic reptile and fin-like friends.

Let's break it down to simpler, less expensive yet safer means of sanitizing and disinfecting. Soap and water for hand washing. Sudding up properly can stop the spread of germs. One Three Tree cleaning products, which are safe for human/pet exposure, water systems and is saving the planet by offering a 10-15% recycling discount. That sounds pretty straight forward to me.

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Yes sadly, pets are effected by toxic chemicals too

2010-08-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Epilepsy is not just in humans, but in pets as well. Pets have such extreme sensitivities, that epilepsy is becoming a growing concern for pet owners. Epilepsy can be called a seizure disorder, in which some of the symptoms can include an involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness and or sensations, urinating, salivating, violent shaking,muscle twitching or a shaking of limbs, and staring or altered vision, which can be accompanied by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
There are several major causes of seizures. I give a few of them to you, with one in particular that may come as a surprise. I have a pet as well, a miniature pincher, so when I came across this article some of the information did come as a surprise, but at the same time made a whole lot of sense. Please read on.

Genetic factors; forms of epilepsy that are inherited.
Brain Tumors; both cancerous and non-cancerous can cause brain tumors.
Liver disease; a degenerative inflammatory disease resulting in hardening and scarring tissue that prevents normal passage of blood through the liver.
Severe worm infestation; parasites release toxins, which have adverse affect on the central nervous system.
Low blood sugar; scientists estimate between 50-90% of epileptics suffer from low blood sugar.
Lead, Chemicals, Additives and Poisoning; Toxins such as lead, copper, mercury and aluminum have been linked to seizures. Some animals are very sensitive to metals. Exposure from copper/aluminum cookware, copper water pipes, auto/factory exhaust, outdoor industrial pollution and household cleaners. Flea sprays, collars and yard sprays are also toxic to pets.

We can help do our part to prevent this disorder. Here are some helpful tips;

Exercises!! Every pup,dog,cat,kitty,hampster,bird and all other four (and two) legged pet, need adequate exercise for their specific species. Find out what would suit yours best.
Supplementation - Work together with your veterinarian to find out if this is an option. Can you substitute your pets current medication with an alternative? You might and you might not be able. Always inquire first.
Super C 2000 - Depletion of Vitamin C can come from similar causes in humans. Things such as any sort of stress IE; new home relocation, separation from the mother, skin problems, sickness, teething, seizures and other ailments not similar in humans IE; ear crops, de-worming and heartworm pills lessen the already little amount of Vit C animals produce.
Eliminate toxins in your home, yard and on your pet - MANY HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE (EMBALMING SOLUTION!!) I can not begin to tell you how much that enrages me! Manufacturers of these "household cleaning products" know formaldehyde is an ingredient, but disguise it with worlds like "fragrance" or "perfume"to try and slip it past the consumer. Ouii!! Sorry....got a little side tracked. Anyway, they can cause eye, throat and skin irritation to your pets. Floor polishes, in which "Fido" and "Puss'n boots" are so easily subjected to and in full on contact with, contain known carcinogenics. What puppy or kitty do you know, that does not lick the after dinner left overs off the kitchen floor? They all do! They are pets and that is what pets do!! And that is just one of the many reasons we love them and want to take care of them (a fluffy, four legged dust pan and broom, all in one!! Can't buy that in the hardware stores).

When you are cleaning your home, most of us do not think to ventilate for ourselves, let alone for our pets. But they need adequate ventilation as well. Floor polishes and cleaners, along with all other toxic cleaners can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and central nervous systems of beloved furry friends.

Toxins hurt everything and everyone pets are of no exception. My family would be devastated if something ever happened to our min pin. So to do our part, we use only One Three Tree cleaning products. I know they are safe because I developed them and I researched all of the ingredients. This was for the safety of my children at first, but then after we brought home our first family pet, it was very clear to me that this is just as much her world, as it is ours.

brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &

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*for more information on this subject, go to "purelypets.com/articles/epilepsyarticle.htm

Some books of interest for me and may be of interest to you.....

2010-08-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you some reading material that has moved and inspired me to open my eyes and stop saying "i wish i could do something" and just DO something!

The first book is "Green This" by Deirdre Imus. I initially bought this book to obtain some alternative cleaning tips. But the more I read, the more my heart sank. When I read the statistics for children's Cancers and the direct association to toxic chemicals they have, it made me well up inside. Maybe it is because I have three children, healthy and beautiful, that this struck such an extra sensitive cord with me.
What was such an inspiration to me, was that she (Deirdre Imus, author) went even one step further. She opened up her own ranch, The Imus Ranch. It is as environmentally friendly and toxic free as toxic free can be! Where children with low immune systems, that are fighting horrible cancers and other illnesses, can just help out and be kids.
She also defined the "Tier System". Did you know there was one? Neither did I! When I read this, it made a whole lot of sense considering I have a chemical free cleaning company and I had started to question if the products my staff were using, were indeed "green". Let me give you the definitions, so you can have a better idea of "green" as well. These are a just a few direct descriptions from each category of "Green This" Volume I-Greening your Cleaning by author, Deirdre Imus.

Tier I: The greenest of green or like I like to say "the grey poupon" of green!! They should meet these standards:

must be free of any known or suspected human carcinogens,mutagens and endocrine disruptor's.
must not contain nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) or alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE)
must not contain compounds or substances that cause or contribute to the creation of atmospheric greenhouse gases, ground-level smog, or ozone depletion.
must not be corrosive to skin or inanimate surfaces.
must not be a severe skin or eye irritant.
should be readily biodegradable at greater then 90 percent in thirty days without needing to be run through a municipal effluent treatment process.
should be derived from renewable resources.

Tier II: These are a little less green. They are to be to the greatest extent possible natural or naturally derived. They will contain some synthetic ingredients. To fall under this category, they should contain as follows;

the fullest extent possible natural or naturally derived ingredients.
synthetic ingredients only if naturally derived alternatives are not available and only to achieve and maintain the desired efficacy.
low or no VOC's whenever possible.
derived from renewable (plant) resources whenever possible.
must not contain heavy metals that are toxic to humans, animal life, or the environment.

Lastly, the Tier III. These are to the greatest extent possible natural or naturally derived, they may also contain some synthetic ingredients for which natural substitutes have yet to be developed. This is only until researchers conclusively establish that natural products can kill germs as effectively as synthetic micro-biocides. They should meet these standards;

must contain surfactants that are naturally derived from renewable resources.
must not contain heavy metals that are toxic to humans, animal life, or the environment.
not be delivered in single-use aerosol cans or cans using ozone-depleting propellants.
should use synthetic ingredients only if naturally derived alternatives are not available.

Just something to follow if you are shopping for the ultimate alternative, or if you are wanting to make a difference, but are a bit uncertain how "green" you want to go!! Let me just say, that every little step helps. If you want to go full on alternative, or you are just wanting to start off with baby steps:). "E" for effort, right?!!

The next book I would like to share with you is oddly titled "Slow Death by Rubber Duck". Now when I first read the title, I did not understand the correlation with toxic chemicals. But when I started reading, it just knocked my socks off! I can see why this book might stir up some.....defensiveness with some of the "big boy" commercial industries. The thing with this book, is that the authors used themselves as guinea pigs!Gutsy move, but the results of some of their tests were amazing! For example they did a "triclosan" test. Triclosan is the most common "ingredient" used as an antibacterial agent in allot of soaps and even toothpaste and questionably, your garden hose!! In Slow Death by Rubber Duck you will read that triclosan has been studied to have an interference with thyroid activity. In studies conducted on mice, it was found that triclosan had a depressant effect on the nervous system. The Scandinavia government have discouraged the use of this chemical as a result of being a possible endocrine disruption (gotta love those Scandinavian's!!).

Back to the experiment...Rick Smith (one of the authors) loaded up his grocery cart with antibacterial contents. Now you have to understand, his triclosan level was very low at the beginning of this experiment because he had already decided a long while ago that he did not want to be exposed to this particular chemical. So now he has decided to go "full on triclosan" (thanks for takin' one for the team, Mr. Smith!!). This is where my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets! His levels read bottom of the barrel at the beginning of the experiment and after just 2 days of continual use and exposure of several triclosan containing products, it sky rocketed to over 7000 ng (nanograms) per millilitre. DON'T PANIC!! It leaves the body within several days, unlike Bisphenol A which flushes out of our bodies within 1 day. It is the residue these chemicals leave behind in our bodies that has some scientists concerned. For the most part not allot of the general public use all the antibacterial products Rick had used for his experiment.The scary thing is that when he addressed these concerns to a scientist, the scientist's response was that our bodies "adapt" to the metabolism of triclosan. What??!!Needless to say, I was a bit taken back by that. Just the fact that our bodies have "adapted" to foreign and damaging chemicals, is unsettling and upsetting for me.

These are just a few of the books that I have read and enjoyed. As well as newspaper articles from the Globe and Mail, television reports going back as far as 1970, when the spraying of pesticides controversy began its slow crawl to the forefront. I read many health magazines, such as "Alive" and "Synchronicity" which are free in your local health stores, and contain fabulous articles on different alternatives we can choose to use for changing our way of eating, changing our way of dealing with day to day stresses without resorting to synthetic medications, and just a great, peaceful read without so much......life static.

I encourage you to pick up the above and make your own decision on what kind of a lifestyle you are looking for, to help with the "inconveniences" you may be experiencing in your current one.

Just a suggestion. Not a judgement.

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

*alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Back to School Special!!

2010-08-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

We are all aware of the poor circulation in our schools. That the air pollution in our children's public facilities, on a daily basis, is worse then the pollution we breath outdoors. Are you concerned about the number of sick days your child may have in one year? School custodians do not wipe students desks. And with the toxic chemicals they do use, it is just as well. That doesn't mean it should continue to be overlooked.
One Three Tree cleaning products have a 2 oz travel size that is ideal for elementary students, to high school and college students. It is child safety tested by my children, 9 & 10. Each have their own 2 oz bottle at school, which is stored in each of their desks. Their teachers use One Three Tree in their classrooms as well. There are two scents, Pleasing Peppermint (my 9 year old daughters' favorite) and Citrus Smiles (my 10 yr old sons' favorite). They can sanitize and clean their own desk and eating area at any time.
If you would like to purchase on line, please go to onethreetreeinc@gmail.com. If you are in the High River area you can purchase your 2 oz bottle at Highwood Natural Foods or The Health Hut. If you live in the Okotoks area you can purchase your 2 oz at The Natural Foods Market.
For more cost efficiency, purchase the 2 litre Residential Size at all health stores in both Okotoks and High River, refill your 2 oz as you need. When your 2 litre is empty, return it to any participating health store and "get with the program, the recycling program!", receive 10% off your next purchase of One Three Tree cleaning products.
Kids can now safely protect themselves from unwanted germs and illness, without the concern of being exposed to harmful toxic cleaners.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc. &
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

My kids are absolute genius!

2010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well I already knew they were smart, but WOW!! For the longest time I was supplying their teachers with my cleaning products to use in their classrooms (the kids loved the peppermint!!) But then my daughter asked if she could use one of my 2 oz bottles and keep it in her desk for when she has to clean her desk after lunch...Music to my ears! The teachers don`t mind and I sure don`t mind, ``hmmm, my kids want to take non toxic, cleaning products to clean their space while they are at school......BRILLIANT!!`` (my daughter gets her smarts from her mom ;).
So I am offering this to you. When your children go back to school, go to a health store near you (in Okotoks or High River) or contact me online at onethreetreeinc at gmail.com. Send the 2 oz bottle (which retails for $6.30 incl. gst) which is ABSOLUTELY safe for children, in their lunch box and have them keep it safe and sound in their desk. This way they can clean their space whenever they need to (great way to control the sick days!!)To make it more economical for you, purchase the larger RS(residential size - 2 litre) and refill your 2 oz at your lease. When you purchase a RS, you are now apart of the recycling program. You simply bring your empty back to any participating health store and you will receive 10% off of your refill purchase.

We`ll get this country (including our schools and children) safe from toxic cleaning chemicals yet!

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. & One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

I drank it!!! And it tastes discusting, but it cleans nicely!!

2010-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

So for those of you just joining my blog, let me give you a description of what exactly "One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Prod." are.

One Three Tree cleaning products are a non toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly all purpose cleaner. The first two scents of my all purpose line are Citrus Smiles and Pleasing Peppermint.

I own a cleaning company as well, Chem Free Cleaning. When I started Chem Free Cleaning it was on the basis that there were to many cleaning companies (at that time) that used harsh household chemicals to clean and sanitize with. I have three children, so this did not sit well with me. After going by word of mouth that my services did not use harsh chemicals to clean, my business exploded over a period of one year. After one year, I had to hire help. This was clear to me that I was not alone with the "hex" of toxicity in my home, as well as having chemical sensitivities myself, other people were in the same boat and needed help!
After stabilizing my cleaning company, I started to notice that some of the "green" products I was purchasing were not as "green" as they had claimed to be. I knew this by the reactions I was having physically. The chemicals in these "green" products were having the same impact on my body as the toxic, more popular commercial brands on the market had. This was a problem. I did not like promoting my company knowing that some of the products were not legit.
So I met with a client of mine at the time and she introduced me to essential oils and their medicinal and therapeutic properties. I had already been interested and slightly educated about these qualities, but she also gave me a crash course on their "anti" cleaning abilities. For example Lavender was an antibacterial, anti fungal essential cleaning oil and the smell was amazing. With that I started dabbling in other oils, coming up with a few that I really enjoyed. As I was browsing the Internet one night, I came across some other ingredients that were comparable to those of toxins used to sanitize hospital equipment. In fact, the natural ingredient EXCEEDED some of those toxic chemicals! With this information, I tracked down the ingredients I needed and started making my own cleaning products for my cleaning company, Chem Free Cleaning Ltd.
When my staff would clean, allot of clients wanted to know what that "fabulous" smell was and when I told them that I was making it myself, they wanted to purchase some. I was ecstatic! My thought of helping people with chemical sensitivities and protecting their health of their families and their pets, just made me plain happy.
But I wanted to more. I wanted bigger. I want The Children's Hospital and The Tom Baker Cancer Centre and all other facilities using toxic chemicals. Can you imagine walking into the Children's Hospital and smelling peppermint Christmas candy canes, or orange and lemon fruit punch? How wonderful would that be for those children and those trying to get better from the Cancer that was just removed from their body? I wanted everyone with low immunities and those who are struggling with their health to be involved with using and being exposed to my products. So I have started my crusade! As of now I have One Three Tree cleaning products in local health stores locally and in Edmonton, in which a cleaning lady is using it for her clientele.
With One Three Tree products again, I wanted "unique", "different". So I stepped it up. With all the 2 litre residential sizes currently being sold in all health stores, I have a recycling program. That is, when you purchase a 2 litre Residential Size (RS), you will receive 10% off of your next purchase (providing you bring back your empty). This offer is extended to my Industrial Size containers, which are 11.3 litres/3 gallons. These sizes were meant for other cleaning companies to use, as well as larger commercial industries such as school custodians (as well as my school custodial staff), hospital custodians, car detailing shops, and whatever other large industry would be interested. With the recycling fee with this size, it is 15% off your refill price ($60+gst,after recycle discount, $53.55 ). Provided all containers are in good condition and can be reused.
So now I have those sizes on the market. But what else can I do to help people on the go who have sensitivities in public places, or just need something compact they can just whip out in a hurry??? Well, I have that too! I have the 2 oz travel size. Cute as a button and portable. What can you use it on?? Well, it is fantastic for when you are at a red light and your steering wheel is feeling a bit...gungy! Grab it from your console and give the wheel and stick shift a quick spray. Problem solved. Green light, go! Great for when you are at the grocery store and you just don't know whose hands have been touching the grocery cart. Pull out you a/p, 2 oz Pleasing Peppermint or Citrus Smiles sprayer and give it a quick wipe down. Can't handle the restaurant's nasty toxic cleaner they use to clean off the table your about to eat off of. Carry it in your purse and politely tell your waiter, "No thank you. I have my own toxic free cleaner to clean, sanitize and disinfect my table with, but thank you anyways!!" These are just a few examples of what the travel size can be used for, (don't forget to pack some and put it in your RV this summer).
I think I have mentioned it in a previous blog...or Twitt...or Facebook...My purpose with my cleaning company and my cleaning product line, is to do as the "Britain" has done. Mr. Jamie Oliver, the master chef. He is doing for school cafeteria food, what I want to do for household chemicals. To start a CHEMICAL FREE REVOLUTION!!! Is it that far fetched you might ask? I don't think so. Join me and we can do this together. Rome was not build in a day, but look at it now!!
I you are interested in purchasing in bulk, the industrial size (2 litre) or the 2 oz travel size, call or email.
403-828-3201

It all starts here. Please help me with the Chemical Revolution. Mother Nature didn't ask for this. She deserves better and so do our children, pets, families and friends.

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. & One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

..............just for something different...............

2010-07-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

The River

by Charlotte Lomenda

Cascading with pure beauty

She slinks alongside

A tattered bank, that lye.

Pristine ripples give sophisticated

Dimensions to one's watchful eye.

Gentle hems that softly murr

Remind me of a sanctioned lullaby.

To sit alongside and ponder of times past way

Give a sigh of conclusion to a long and bustled day.

I just wanted to talk about something "simple" for a change.

Published in 2008, "Collected Whispers" by ELY

Charlotte Lomenda/founder of

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Ltd.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

"Washing my hands can effect my thyroid?"

2010-07-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have an under active thyroid, so that is why this article jumped out at me. I know I am not the only one with Hypothyroidism, so please read and take note of just one more reason that we need to READ our labels and reconsider an alternative choice.
Triclosan which is found in the majority of anti-bacterial hand soaps, dish washing soaps, hand creams and even your toothpaste. It has been listed as a hormone disruptor, and being that the thyroid gland is the central hormone "port" sort of speak, it makes sense that triclosan would have a major effect on our bodies.
Triclosan inflames thyroid cells and burdens the liver. The liver converts inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into the active (T3).
Perchlorate is the second toxic chemical that can effect the thyroid. It is a rocket fuel residue that seeps into the ground water. It has been found in almost all water rich produce, some examples are leafy greens and watermelon. As a result, the thyroid gland has a strong affinity for perchlorate, to the point of absorbing it instead of iodine, which is a crucial mineral for thyroid health. It is more amplified for women. Studies reveal that perchlorate exposure is a predictor of lower thyroid hormone levels for women and lesser then men.

Brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd./
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Introducing the new travel size all purpose cleaner!!

2010-07-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

The 2 oz travel size fits perfectly in your purse. Can be used for cleaning your vehicle, RV's, boat interior. Can be used anywhere you need to clean asap, even Jr. hands after enjoying a chocolate dipped ice cream cone on a hot summers day :) 2 oz bottles are sold at Okotoks Natural Food Market and Suds Car Wash in Okotoks.

Hmmmm. A lovely lady asked for my opinion. Well, can I tell you how fabulous that was!

2010-07-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

I went to my local hardware store and was perusing the isles, when a lovely elder lady asked me "Which wood cleaner would I suggest she use?". I, looking at both containers which had the ever so popular skull and crossbones, and the explosive symbol suggested a tidbit of my own, if she was interested in a safer and alternative solution. She obliged, so I gave her my suggestion.
Take an old cloth, preferably a cotton cloth (they work best). Moisten with olive oil, extra or original depends on which you have in your pantry. Polish on a desecrete spot before continuing on the whole wood surface (wood finishing all vary, so it is best to test in a small area first). After you have polished your furniture, set aside in a zip lock bag that is seals tightly. You will see that the more you use the moisten cloth, the more "seasoned" it will become and the nicer of a polish it will leave! Olive oil is nice because it does not contain alcohol or toxic chemicals that can dry out your skin, as well as dry out your wood furniture. The oiled cloth will also moisten your hands nicely as an added bonus :)

Brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd/
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

"98% of normal dust in your home is contaminated by chemicals that disrupt our endorcrine system."

2010-06-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

You have to know that chemicals are going to effect an unborn child, inside the mothers uterus. But what about even before that, conception?

Studies show that chemicals used for flame retardants on fabrics, furniture and carpets have a profoundly negative impact on a woman's ability to become pregnant. Endocrine disruptor's, which is what these flame retardants are commonly referred to, have been shown to mimic the hormones that a women's body produces, as well as hormones essential in promoting a healthy pregnancy.

Researchers evaluated Mexican women at risk for exposure to high levels of Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE'S) and their ability to conceive.The level of PBDE'S in the women's bloodstream was analyzed for the length of time it took them to become pregnant.

In 1991 studies showed there are many chemicals being introduced to the environment by human activity that are capable of disrupting the endocrine system in humans and animals.

In some studies it has been shown that these chemicals are even stronger than a body's own hormones and may take there place, preventing normal reproductive functioning.

These chemicals mimic and displace thyroid hormones, which are imperative for promoting fertility, in both males and females.

What to do?? Dust and vacuum regularly. I have a chemical free cleaning company and what I tell my staff, (what you might suggest to your cleaning co. or cleaning lady) is vacuum the backs of all electronics. Most vacuums have a soft bristle brush that you can safely attach and vacuum delicate objects. Getting a HEPA vacuum filter system would be very effective, but some may not be able to afford such a unit. Simply vacuum and dust wisely. If you dust first, then damp wipe (using One Three Tree cleaning products on a microfiber cloth works wonderfully!). This will help keep eliminate dirt particles as well.

Brought to you by Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

Places to Purchase & Recycle

2010-06-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

There are now 5 participating facilities for you to purchase and recycle all One Three Tree cleaning products; Highwood Natural Foods in High River, Health Hut (HR), Nutter's in Okotoks, Harvest Moon (OK) and Natural Foods Market (OK).

Also available, travel size. A 2 oz bottle that you can carry in your purse or vehicle for spot cleaning your car interior, cell phone, childs hands, childs face, supermarket grocery carts. Anywhere you need to clean in a jiff!

Remember to get with the program, the recycle program!

There is nothing that compares to the smell of nature. All the fabric softners and bounce sheets in the world, cannot compare. Read on

2010-05-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Fabric softeners are to prevent static in synthetic cloth, but does nothing for natural fabrics. They contain quats (quarternary ammonium compounds) plus imidazolidinyl, which both release formaldehyde, especially when fragrance is listed as an "ingredient".

In 5% of the public, quats are extreme sensitizers. Asthma-like symptoms, including respirator arrest have been known to occur. Formaldehyde exposure causes joint pain, depression, headaches, fatigue and other mistaken flu-like symptoms. When formaldehyde was tested in labs, it was discovered that it has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Contact dermatitis (appears as a rash from irritated skin, by a foreign substance) was caused by both quaternium and imidazolidinyl.

Fabric softeners leave a residue on the fabric (which is what makes them control static), but it does not fully wash off the material. Allergic reactions through skin and inhalation can occur, with the addition in some fabric softens of carcinogenic coal-tar dyes, ammonia and fragrances it can be very damaging short term and long term.

Don't forget that when these toxic contaminants are heated through water, heat from your dryer or even ironing, the vapours may be emitted and inhaled which increase their damaging impact.

Remember the good ol' days when gramma washed your clothes in a bin and scrub board with a bar of lye soap? Okay maybe a bit to extreme, but how about trying some Castile soap, some Borax or baking soda, a smidgen of vinegar for washing and instead of throwing a Bounce fabric sheet in the dryer, try hanging them on a clothes line? The smell of freshly folded clothes, just taken off the clothes line is ....well, breath taking. THAT is what natural is supposed to smell like? Wonderful. Not to mention the money you'll save giving your dryer a break. At least throughout the spring, summer and fall months!

Go to Walmart and pick up a clothes drying rack for cheap cheap. Try it for a month. Smell and feel the difference :) Your lungs will thank you!

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*Alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Snippets...Tidbits...Blurbs, of information that you need to be aware of.

2010-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

When you are cleaning your home on a Sunday afternoon, the chemical reading in your home and around your family and pets, can be 100-1000 times more polluted then the out door air in most cities. Really! (The Nature of Things, CBC-TV 2002).

Indoor air pollution levels can be high enough to alert an inspection by health and safety authorities in a factory workplace. One difference, most factory workplaces have their workers wear protective masks to avoid toxic poisoning. Do you, your family and Skippy the pet pooch wear a protective mask when you clean on a Sunday afternoon?

Long term at low levels of chemical exposure scientist believe, maybe just as dangerous as short-term high exposures.

Your home can become a mixing pot of chemicals that are found in household air and dust particles.

Before WWII, house cleaning was limited to safe cleaning solutions. Because of the proliferation of petroleum-based chemicals after the war, companies manufactured quicker, custom-designed cleaning products that were suited for all surfaces, materials and rooms in a persons home, without ever testing for human/pet exposure.

Lastly, the ingredients contained in petrochemical-based cleaning products are not listed on labels.

RULE OF THUMB; IF THE CLEANING PRODUCT YOU ARE ABOUT TO BUY DOES NOT LIST OR FULLY DISCLOSE ITS INGREDIENTS.....STEP AWAY FROM THE CONTAINER and run out and by One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products. Contents; water, essential oils, extracts and vinegar.

Available at Nutter's and Harvest Moon in Okotoks and Highwood Natural Foods and Health Hut in High River. Remember, once you purchase One Three Tree products, you will be helping the environment by being apart of our recycling program. For a 2ltr residential size container w/4oz bottle - 10%off your refill. For a 11.3 ltr Industrial size container - for schools, restaurants, gyms etc., you will receive 15%off your refill.

What are you waiting for? Get with the program....the recycle program!

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

*Alternative solutions.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Alternative tip:

2010-05-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Unstick, sticky cupboards using citric acid in lemon juice. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice (you could use lime juice as well) and 1 ltr of hot water. Moisten a sponge and rub down the cupboard. Wipe with a clean wet cloth and buff with a micro fibre or cotton towel.

Note: not a toxic chemical to be found! That is what I am talking about :)

Charlotte Lomenda/President & founder of
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*Alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

"Clorox slips as profit rises, outlook disappoints" The Globe and Mail

2010-05-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry, "Clorox profits slip, outlook disappoints?", not for me it doesn't!

As it turns out Clorox is spending more to promote products at time of economic recovery, with the added burden of competition. Clorox over estimated its quarterly profit and is now considering the selling of its Armor All and STP auto care companies (part of Clorox's portfolio).

The article goes on to say that Clorox is not the only large company trying to lure consumers who have started to spend again. Just an FYI; Clorox or CLX (NYSE) fell .65 cents to $64.05.

I am not hip with the stock exchange, but from what I am understanding it appears Clorox is going to be looking for a way to increase its cost in shares. To me, that is implies some sort of let's say "H1N2" scare to get the market expectations back up for the next quarterly profit post.

The Clorox earnings for the current fiscal year should read near the top of its prior view (think H1N1, last year). In 2011 it forecast earnings of $4.63 per share. Other large companies such as the makers of Glad trash bags are using more in store promotions to attract shoppers, until the next fiscal year (to increase sales, my understanding). Which, I believe Clorox will do as well to attract or "scare" the public into thinking they better start pushing the use of the Clorox products in their home and office, to prevent some new "disease" from harming their family.

This article was from the Globe and Mail. It was something I read and thought was quite interesting, considering Clorox has not been in the fore front as it was a year ago. My concern is that there will be yet another scare of some "imaginary??" disease, so that Clorox can meet it's "analyst's expectations".

My views and predictions.

Charlotte Lomenda/President & founder of
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*Alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But it is broke, and it does need to be fixed so it doesnt keep breaking.....

2010-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I was driving in my vehicle the other day and was listening to the radio stations. They were all wanting to raise money for research for curing Cancer. I thought that was a very caring and compassionate thing for them to do.

I think what gets me upset is why we are not focusing a bit more on what is the cause of Cancer occurring? We are spending alot of money on trying to find a cure, but what if we focus alot more on the absolute root of the these sicknesses. For example; infant cancers or childhood cancers. My heart sinks every time I hear an infant or child has passed due to cancer or any other "childhood" disease for that matter. What steps are we take to prevent this? Have we tried altering their environment, have we eliminated all toxic chemicals that they may be exposed to? We have all of this data indicating that chemicals have a direct effect on unborn children, by way of what the expectant mother is unknowingly exposing herself to. But let's think about before she was pregnant and what the father was exposed to as well.

Let's say for example, the father worked in a factory where he was continually exposed to toxic chemicals, let's use a car detailing shop and the mother worked in an office. She wears her perfume, her make up, she has a shower using fragrance shampoo's and conditioners, as well as hair gel/foam and some hairspray and deodorant. She may have even quickly decided to clean her home after she finishes getting ready.

This is a realistic scenario. Now the two meet and consummate the relationship and as result, the bodily fluids are exchanged and a baby is conceived. Would it not make sense that all the chemicals each were exposed to, enter into the unborn fetus through the umbilical cord? Yes it would. Science has proven it. Traces of triclosan, BPA, parabens, phlathates etc, have all been found in the blood of the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. I am not even including the chemicals both were exposed to with the foods they were eating, the packaging it was carried in, the pesticides that were sprayed on it, to what kind of non stick, teflon skillet she has been using every morning and every evening to make their meals. The list goes on.

So I go back to the beginning when I say, "instead of trying to continually fix the problem (that being Cancer and other childhood diseases), why not try eliminating it all together?Something as simple as removing chemicals we control, such as household cleaners, air freshners, topical body products, cleaning all our produce before eating, eating organic, planting our own gardens so we know what has been done to it before it hits our plate.

Doctors and health practitioners suggest that when someone is having stomach problems. "Try eliminating yogurt, cheese and all dairy from your diet if you are having digestive problems". "Try eliminating fatty foods if your cholesterol is to high". So why can't we "try eliminating toxic cleaners from your pantry and replace with alternative cleaners for a month and see if your constant headaches, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, dizzy spells, lethargy, rash goes away"?

So here is my challenge to you. Replace something you use on a constant basis, for an alternative. For example, replace your commercial shampoo/conditioner for an alternative health store brand, just make sure you can read the label and remember that if you cannot pronounce it or it does not fully disclose the ingredients, put it back. Another example; if you have Lysol or Clorox cleaners (even Green works by Clorox), replace it with an alternative(insert One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Prod. Inc. here) Again, make sure you can read the ingredients and can pronounce all ingredients on the back label. One more example; get rid of your Glade Plug ins completely. They are the absolute worst for causing short term and long term illnesses, such as headaches and lethargy. It is a mixture of formaldehyde and other toxins that are doing nothing but reeking havoc on you, your pets and your entire families health. You can go to your local health store and purchase essential oil deodorizers for very inexpensive. Potpourri is also a great choice as well, or even try fresh flowers or fruit. Try this for one month and you will see and feel the difference. It is worth a try right?? What do you have to lose? Just the fact that you know everything you are putting on your body or exposing your body to, is 100% safe should be satisfaction.

Try it...I dare you!!
Get back to me and let me know what you switched in your daily regime.

Charlotte Lomenda/founder of
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

FYI....

2010-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

We always hear, that knowledge is power. I agree. But I also believe that knowledge is choice. If you know right from wrong, you can make an educated choice. And to me, that is power.

Charlotte Lomenda/President & Founder of
Chem Free Cleaning Ltd &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Food is not excempt from chemicals.....They are EVERYWHERE!!!!

2010-04-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is very upsetting. I have always known about chemicals and the over abundance of them. But when I am reading a COOK book and find out even more about toxic chemicals, I am enraged.

Awhile ago I had lost my drivers license (no where is that important, that speeding is required....except sick family. Lesson learned!!) anyway, I was without a vehicle for a month. Instead of getting all upset over something I did, I decided to make the best of a tough situation. I went into the city with my friend to my favorite oasis, Chapters. I was perusing the books as I always do, and came across Tosco Reno's Clean Eating. It has changed my life, for the "even better"!!

It is a cook book like no other that I had heard of, eating without chemicals (a woman after my own heart). They are very simple, clean, healthy recipes you and even I, can follow. The one cook book of the three that resonates the most for me, is the Eat Clean Diet for family and kids. Not only is there fabulous recipes for me and my chicklets, but it gives insight to the foods we eat, not just how to "add a dash of salt here, a slab of butter here", it tells you what preservatives we are consuming, as well as side effects from those preservatives.

Just a brief history. The NLEA (Nutrition Labeling and Education Act) became law fairly recently, 1990. They were not enforced until 1994, in 1974 ingredients for packaged goods were only put on voluntarily. There are plenty of exceptions still to this day (as goes for the ingredients in chemical cleaners) . Foods served to hospital cafeterias, airplanes, foods served in bulk, medical foods, foods for patients with certain diseases are not required to follow the NLEA laws in providing a nutritional label (??). Produce are completely exempt from disclosing nutritional value, as well as what pesticides and fertilizers have been sprayed on them. That onus is on the consumer to find out. That does not sit right with me and it shouldn't sit right with you. That means someone else is deciding whether my health and the health of my family, is of concern to them. They are doing what they have been instructed to do, by someone of a ......higher authority. To be noted: there has been an introduction to a mandatory calorie labelling law on all foods in New York City's health department. Other cities seem to be following suite.

Cancer is the disease of today, for every age. Even infants are born with cancer. Again, I ask "how is that possible?". The more reading I do, the more that question is being answered for me. There are so many plastics and hormones in the food chain that hunters are seeing the horrible effects. What does that mean? It means they (the hunters) feel that the animals are more and more hermaphroditic, which means they are caring both male and female sex organs. It is does not just end there. It is also being discovered more frequently in humans as well.

That is very, very frightening. Especially when I think of the all the doctrines I have found regarding toxic chemicals in cleaning products. What happens when you mix both cleaning chemicals and chemicals that are already in your body from the processed foods you or your family have eaten?? Do you know? Because I don't and neither do the FDA or the EPA.

Tosco Reno also states in her book, that "we have no idea what some of these molecules, (when preservatives are added) will do to us long term". I have said this time and time again, so it was very refreshing to hear someone else in the public eye agree, "I want to know what it is that I am putting in my body, as well as what I am putting on and around my body. I want to know how to pronounce its ingredients".

She gives examples of some of the toxic chemicals she has noted in processed foods. For example; BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). This is a dry food preservative. It is used in foods with a high fat/oil content. It is used to prevent rancidity. This is what happens to fatty foods when they are in contact with oxygen. It is now being observed that increased hyperactivity, skin rashes and asthma in children is partially responsible for increased use of BHA in processed foods.

Sulfites (sodium and potassium bisulfies/metabisulfite and sulfur dioxide) inhibit bacterial growth. They are used to treat light colored fruits and vegetables and preserve them. They can cause breathing problems, stomachaches, hives and in more severe cases, anaphylactic shock. The list of Benzoates are many, sodium, potassium benzoate, calcium benzoate, benzoic acid, propylparaben and methylparabens. They kill bacteria, yeast and fungi. It is toxic alone and is highly regulated in some countries, but even more shocking is that if sodium benzoate is combined with vitamin C, the result is benzene a known carcinogen (which has been banned by the FDA and the EPA).

I dabbled on this earlier, but pesticides, fertilizers, additives, preservatives and even coloring agents are being sprayed directly on crops. They are already contaminated when they accidentally come in contact with untreated animal/human waist, as well as environmental pollution.

I am not a scientist, nor am I a doctor, but there is to much evidence and just plain common sense which we all have, to ignore the "chemical goulash" we are constantly exposing ourselves and our families to. It comes down to convenience. The processed foods we can grab and go, the cleaning products that don't require us to "scrub". Is our health really that unimportant? Do we really have that much disrespect for our bodies? For me, that is what it translates to. We don't believe we deserve to take time out and truly take care of ourselves. I define that by setting one day aside......one day of making fresh meals, snacks, treats for our kids to take for school lunches. Making a couple dishes that you can freeze and pull out in the morning and prepare quickly at supper time. Ingredients that you know what they are at first sight and that you can pronounce. At the other end of the spectrum, cleaning shouldn't be a game of Russian roulette either. Settting aside a day, for a few hours for the whole family to help out.

It is so rewarding to know that what you have provided for your family (food and environment) are all safe. No one will be harmed when you decide to take safety steps to simplify your families hustle and bustle life. Time, care and team work is what really provides for a happy family. Would you agree?

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Getting a rash is not normal when cleaning your home....nor is red and cracking fingertips and hands.....

2010-04-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I remember walking into my grandma's home when I was about 7 years old. I remember the smell of stew simmering on the stove and fresh baked bread.

Walking into the washroom though, was a whole different world! I went from "running through the wheat fields", to " walking into a vapor locked, toxic chamber"!!! It was bleach!!I was only 7, but my lungs felt like someone had a vise grip on both! My eyes were watering as fast as my nose was running!!! I have never went to the washroom so fast in my life! I washed my hands with warm, soapy water and made a break for it!

After we had an amazing homegrown meal (did I mention fresh baby potatoes from the garden and fresh picked dill weed and sour cream.....I know because grandma asked me to pick them for supper), it was time for clean up. My grandma insisted bleach was the "be all and end all" and so did I. But I will say that in hind sight, putting on rubber gloves to do the dishes did seem a bit odd to me? It's soapy water that is supposed to clean our hands, so why are we wearing protective gear? Then I saw that big, white bottle come out from under the sink!! Now it all makes sense.

Breathing in toxic fumes whenever you clean, be it in the bathroom scrubbing your shower or your toilet bowel, using your dishwasher to clean your dishes, or mopping your floor, you should always wear a mask and gloves ( Fact: when these products are being manufactured, there are signs in the facilities to advise they wear protective gear. In some factories they also explain the health effects that can occur if adequate equipement is not worn. But that information is not on the bottle for the consumer to be aware of.....I find that interesting, don't you?). Were you aware that when you use bleach (or products with a derivative of bleach in it's contents, that you may not even know is in the package) you should wear a face mask to protect you from the chlorine vapors you are being exposed to, as well as rubber gloves to protect pealing, cracking and burning. When you are using a dishwashing detergent, to keep children away from the fumes as they are exactly at the right height to breath in the chlorine fumes, as well as open a window to have adequate ventelation.

I just want to put something into perspective for you (i did this for myself as well). When you spill bleach on your clothes, carpet, or even on your kitchen or bathroom counter top, you see that "ring" or "blotchy" white spot it leaves? Even worse on clothes, if you happen to spill a drop on a pair of jeans or a t-shirt and over time the "spot" has now become "a gaping hole"?? Think about what that does to the inside of your lungs? It isn't pretty. At the absolute very least, "pro" to a cigarette, (no, there no "pro's", but stay with me....)a cigarette has a filter, your lungs do not. And just like smoking, over time your lungs from breathing in bleach by straight form or a derivative of, will become just as damages as if you were a smoker of 10 years!

Go to your local health store, better yet, go to you local commercial grocery store and start demanding better household cleaning care products. Sorry to be so obtuse, but the government and the FDA and the EPA are not always looking out for your best interest. That is why you have to become allot more aware and loud, so you can become more diplomatic and demand change. It's not just your future, it is the future of your kids and their kids and their kids. Be a part of a chemical free revolution! Enough is enough.

Founder of/Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
"One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc."
*Alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Phthal what??

2010-03-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

?Phthalates (don't worry, I can't pronounce it proper either).

This word you might be seeing a bit more on some of the store shelves. What is it? And why are they saying "does not contain phthalates", or "phthalate free"?

There are a few different types of "phthalates" present in numerous products. But these are a few of them and there definitions.

Let's start with what a "phthalate" is: it looks like a clear vegetable oil, greasy and that is what makes it so useful. Some phthatates are used as plasticizers. It keeps materials like vinyl soft and rubbery, without phthalates they would be hard and brittle. It is estimated that 60% of phthalates production is used to plasticize vinyl.

It is in thousands of personal care products, to act as a lubricant for other substances in the formula. Some examples would be lotions, it is able to penetrate into the skin to soften it, as well as help fragrances (if listed) last longer. More specific places to find phthalates are in air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners shampoos and body/skin lotions.

Because of its ubiquitous usage, phthalates pollute our environment,t as well as our bodies. Studies have been conducted on this pollutant, as well as many others and have indicated that virtually everyone tested had phthalate or "metabolite" products in their bodies. These findings were of people in the United States and Europe. Don't kid yourself thinking "that doesn't mean Canada", we have it in all of the same products.

Positively speaking (yes please!) is that phthalates break down quickly in the environment and our bodies. What does that mean? It means that if we were to stop using products that contain phthalates, the environment would disappear from most places relatively quickly. Another example, if you were to replace all the personal care products (and baby care products) that contain phthalates, your phthalate levels would decrease as well.

So what is sooooo harmful about phthalates anyway? Well, let me answer that for you because I wanted to know also.

It is a study that is in progression. It's effects have acquired the term "phthalate syndrome" and what it includes are; a decrease in the distance between the anus and the base of the penis, incomplete testicular descent and a birth defect called "hypospadias", which means a deformity in the urethra (it does not open at the tip of the penis, but somewhere along its length). There is an increase of testicular cancer in adulthood as well as impaired sperm quality. Other hormonal disruptions have been attributed to phthalates exposure also.

Unfortunately, an unborn fetus can be effected while inside the mothers womb. Which just makes sense and goes back to what was mentioned in an earlier blog that I had posted. We are sponges and that means expectant mothers are not only "eating for two" but "absorbing for two" as well, through the ambiblical cord.

Another study taken on 163 infants of which showed 80% detectable phthalate levels (that is alot!) Remembering earlier that I had indicated it was in lotions, creams, powders and shampoos? That's baby products too. Let's also consider this, using just ONE product that contained phthalates can increase your phthalate levels, now think about using SEVERAL products on you AND your baby?

There are more then a dozen different types of phthalates, used in numerous household product also. Here are some acronyms you might wanna keep your eyes one; DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), DIDP (di sodecyl phthalate) , DINP (di isononyl phthalate)(and many, many others. It is a global production estimated to be over 8.1 billion kilograms a year.

It is bad enough that they are in our personal products, but they are accessible through products that are in our daycare and schools as well. So that would stand to reason that the products that kids (and adults) touch, are transported from one location to another via our hands. Phthalates are transferred through foods and topical products as well as through dust.

Kids are so much more susceptible then adults, simply because they are closer to the ground (have to love them) but they put everything and anything in their mouth. Yikes!

I'll stop their believe me, I have sooo much more you need to be aware of! But for now, if you come across two of the same products and one lists "phthalate free". Buy that one!

Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. &
One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*Alternative solutions

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Naturally pure and simple.

2010-03-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

I had the weekend off from my children. I have always wanted to get back to the "simplicity" of life and just escape from the "life static". So this is just a blurb about what I did to feed that craving.

I went for a nice peaceful dinner with my friend. Then we went to Chapters (that is my oasis) and I wondered aimlessly for an hour just looking at all the choices I had on what I wanted to learn about that moment. We left, I came home, read a magazine I had bought and sat down with a nice hot cup of tea and then went to bed.

I woke up the next day and went for my run to the local latte' shop. Stopped at the peak of a beautiful scenic hillside with the suns rays beaming down on my face and warming my entire body and meditated for 20minutes. Then came home to prepare baking goods and suppers for the coming week, for my guys.

I would like to point out that I had no television the whole weekend. My point is this. It was the simplest, cleanest, peacefullest and most enlightening weekend I could have ever given myself. The week prior was hectic and was taking its tole on my witts!! My mind, my body and my soul were all revised and rejuvenated just as they needed to be. I am not trying to get all "holier then thou". What I am saying, is that taking care of our bodies on the inside, is just as important as taking care of our bodies on the outside. It is a package deal. You can't sit on your butt, eat junk food every meal, be surrounded by noise, but clean your home with chemical free products.....(insert shameful One Three Tree Cleaning Products plug here.....).

Cleaning without being exposed to chemicals is one step (and a very good one at that!), but let's be honest, if you are eating unhealthily, not taking some "time out time" for yourself from the hectic life that we all lead. Then what is the purpose? That's is only part of the equation. You, as an individual and as a human, are not just "part of the equation" you are the equation. Making sense? Stay with me....Your mind is part one, your body is part two (inside and out) and your soul, is part three. Sound corny? Of course, but is that so bad? Setting aside time for you? Be corny with me! Set aside one day, just one day and take care of all of you.

Set aside a Sunday morning and go for a walk, run, bike, roller blade, whatever floats your boat (things that make you say, "ahhh". Grab a nice latte',tea, juice or a snack. Do it alone.....seriously! Alone, no kids, no pets (they will know you love them already, so one morning doing something without them and just for you, will not do anyone any harm.) Go find a nice bench, hillside, nice patch of grass to sit on, eat or sip and then just close your eyes and breathe. Do that for 20 minutes. Take a deep breath, smile, get up. Continue to saunter at a very slowl pace. Do you cook? Do you like to bake? Do you like to read, or have you ever read a book? Go look at your garden, go do a word puzzle, go watch your kids playing, when they don't think you are. And just breathe and smile. Do you know you just did yourself a huge favor, as well as your family?! Just by taking time to do something without noise, pollution, "life static". You did it, naturally. You did it, simply. You did it for you.

I asked a friend one time if he had ever just sat and thought of nothing, absolutely nothing? Silence. He told me a store about being in the middle of a field with no lights, no sound at all. He told me then, that he had a beautiful view of the stars in pitch blackness. He was telling me the story and smiling the whole time. Does that sound scary? It's not. We all need simplicity. It truly is time for a change. Still sound corny? Then I guess you're not ready to fulfill that side of "you" yet. But that time is coming. And it is wonderful!

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
*Alternative solutions
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Awwww....a nice and refreshing change...ome.... ome...

2010-03-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

Now let's switch it up a bit. No more negative, let's introduce some positive in our world. I want to focus on some alternative solutions. Yes I have a cleaning product line that I have developed (insert plug here), but I want you to know what I have researched and what I would like to see more of in our future.

I am afraid the word "green" has become a bit over used and unfortunately, tarnished to a degree by some of the bigger manufactures who saw an opportunity to make big $$. Which means the consumer must take time to fully examine the product he/she is going to be bringing into their home, even though it states that it is a "green" product.

In all fairness, I think reading all contents of whatever you purchase, should become a regular regime. After all, YOU are the only one who can take control of what you want on your grocery store shelves. If something is not "selling" in the supermarket, they will have to discontinue it.

Essential oils have a long history of therapeutic and healing uses. Some were used as antiseptics hundreds of years before modern antiseptics were discovered. The oils were considered to be some of the most prized treasures of the ancient world. They were even traded for gold and silver once upon a time.

A better understanding would be to refer to ancient Egypt. Records indicated that when Tutankhamen's tomb was opened in 1922, 350 liters of oil were discovered in sealed jars. The plant waxes had solidified around the openings of the jars as to preserve the presious oils.

It has been reported that 1,000 years before Christ, dynasties of the ancient world would fight over the lucrative incense market. Camels transported frankincense along a 2,400 mile long road. A stretch from southern Arabia to the coast of Israel.

The first to recognize the therapeutic potential of essential oils were the Egyptians. An Ebers Papyrus (a thick paper like material) was discovered in 1817, which dated back to 1500 B.C. It listed 800 herbal prescriptions and remedies, which had many mixtures that were composed of myrrh oil and honey. Myrrh was for embalming, because of its effectiveness in prevention of bacterial growth. Hippocrates attended the school of Cas, along with many other physicians of Greece to learn more about essential oils.

The Arabian people developed and refined the distillation process, as they began to study the chemical properties of the essential oils.

During the Plague of the Middle Ages, Europeans began producing essential oils. When a band of thieves robbed the dead without becoming infected, questions arose when the bandits were finally captured. How did they managed to avoid contracting the dreaded Plaque while being in close contact with the deceased that had been infected? It was later disclosed that the thieves were perfumer and spice traders who had rubbed themselves with a concoction of aromatic herbs (cinnamon, clove, and oregano) which was how they immunised themselves.

It had only been through the cosmetic and perfume industry, that some of the valuable science of aromatherapy had begun to resurface.

A lab explosion in July of 1910, involving a French cosmetic chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, Ph.D, came upon a discovery. His hands had developed gas gangrene (as a result of the explosion) and with one rinse with lavender essential oil, his injury started to heal the very next day. He continued to reapply the lavender oil and in no time his wounds healed without a scar. He investigated the chemical components of the lavender oils and realized they had tremendous healing properties.

In World War II, French physician, Dr. Jean Valnet used the therapeutic grade essential oils on his patients suffering battlefield injuries, which might have otherwise died even with antibiotics.

Two more students of Dr. Valnet's, a Dr. Paul Belaiche and Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz had expanded his work and clinically investigated the antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic properties in essential oils.

Essential oils have been clinically researched to show that they have the highest frequency of any natural substances know to man. Which creates an environment where diseases, bacteria, viruses, fungus, etc., cannot survive.

The penetrating characteristics of essential oils are greatly enhanced by their ability to be so effective. As an example; an essential oil flaced on a foot, will be distributed to every cell in the body in 21 minutes. They can be used to penetrate through a finger or toe nail with a fungal infection underneath.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

One more note of discust and then we move onto resolving these issues. Proatively! Are you with me?Of course you are, you have morals!

2010-03-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

I read an article and after doing so I sat back and starred into space, heavy hearted and thought, " is this really what it's about?"
The bold black headline is what I saw when I seated myself comfortably down on a plush green seat and opened up the Globe and Mail. It asked "How would parents ease their dying child's pain?" It continued on by stating that a new and revealing U.S. study stated that parents would contemplate measures to hasten (quicken) the death of their child as a result of a terminal disease such as cancer. It was based on an interview of 141 parents who have had to deal with such a loss. The findings of this "study", went on to say 13% had considered the possibility of ending their child's life, 9% reported following through with such a discussion and 4% had requested that their child's death be hastened, 3 parents had chosen morphine to put their child to rest.
It carried on to discuss why parents might feel despair in not knowing what to do at the very delicate and devastating time. Dr. Wolfe went on to say that she acknowledges she could never confidently promise parents that their child would be pain-free. (I commend the parents who took part in this. I don't know if I could.)
My response to that, is how about we put much more time, energy and money in finding out "what" is causing the cancer(s) in these children. Let's put our money towards conducting studies to publish for the public, on which "toxins" are in products (cleaning and otherwise)that contain suspected or worse, known carcinogens. Maybe include an article of what proactive steps we can take to ensure our children, and we as a consumer, can do to have these harmful body burdening chemicals banned from our consumer shelves. That is a study that I will support.
Lastly, just a quote a man passed onto me. I think it applies here;

There are three types of people;
- those who make things happen,
- those who watch things happen and
- those who wonder what happened,

Which one are you?

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

And yet another herbicide in our water....(is that a he frog or a her frog? Wait, it can`t be a he frog! Altrazine changed all the he`s into she`s!!

2010-03-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

I was perched in my seat, yet again at my favorite watering hole (Starbucks). Opened up the crinkle free paper, to find yet another new chemical...(`cause we just don`t have enough of those in our environment now do we!) This one is altrazine. It had claims of sex reversed genetic chromosome males, resulting in reproductively functional females...... Well now, isn`t that interesting. Oh it gets better.....read on.....

A lead researcher, a professor of developmental endocrinology, said the a herbicide can skew reproduction in frogs represents a potential new threat to the amphibians, which are dwindling in many parts of the world. Stay with me, it`s not just about frogs!!

Researchers are concerned about the population going extinct because it can not breed properly.
The atrazine sold in Canada, is made by Syngenta AG. A Swiss based seed and pesticide producer, is disputing that the herbicide is hazardous. A spokeswoman from Syngenta states `they stand behind the safety of their product`. Not yet seeing the latest research that has been done on atrazine.

There has already been controversy since the late 1980`s over atrazine, when it was found to cause mammary tumours in lab rats.

The US Environmental Protection Agency is reevaluating the safety of atrazine and its groundwater pollution and possible human health hazards. In 2007 it rejected the chemical concern of altering the sexual development of amphibians, because research hadn`t consistently detected the effects.

Health Canada did a review of atrazine in 2007, and concluded the chemical doesn`t ``entail an unacceptable risk to the environment.`` ( define acceptable).

With the new research, ``Health Canada is monitoring new findings on atrazine and will take additional regulatory action if necessary to protect human health and the environment.``

In a new study, researchers exposed 40 male frogs to 2.5 ppb (parts per billion)of atrazine from hatching onward and another male group to none of the chemical. Of the 40, 4 were turned into females, four were completely normal males, and the rest were emasculated, with decreased testosterone levels, feminized larynx's and decreased sperm production. None of the so called control animals experienced gender changing impacts.

A part ppb is extremely small, the experimental does used was below Canada`s drinking water guideline of 5 ppb, but above what`s safe for wildlife exposure of 1.8 ppb.

Health Canada requested Syngenta AG (maker of atrazine) monitor 10 communities in Quebec and Ontario from 2005 TO 2006 for the presence of weed killer in the drinking water. Certain cities were selected because they were in close proximity to corn crops, which atrazine can only be applied in Canada.

The company will not release the results of the testing because the company owns the data as a propriety business asset. (hmmmm, that just screams WARNING. WARNING. DANGER AHEAD!!)

If the public wants the testing results, Health Canada has graciously set up a reading room where the public can look at the findings, but because Syngenta paid for the information, people are not allowed to copy the results. (so again....WARNING. WARNING. DANGER AHEAD. RED LIGHT!!)

A statement was sent to The Globe and Mail, Syngenta stated the maximum concentration found from the testing was 0.66 ppb, which was `well below` Health Canada`s drinking water guideline of 5 ppb. (well now, that good to know or...is it!)But the company (Syngenta) would not disclose the location where the maximum reading was detected. Syngenta stated that the ``residue, has no known biological effect``.( i am just guessing here, but not enough research has been done on atrazine).

Atrazine has been banned (exceeding it`s limits) in the EU. But the quantity of the pesticide is acceptable in Canada, in which it is more than six times the residue people are allowed to drink the European Union. It (EU) doesn`t want any pesticide exceeding 0.1 ppb in water supplies. (well hats off to the EU!!! Can we borrow your government to pass a few of those laws over here...oops, sorry. I was thinking out loud again)

A major U.S. environmental group, as well as the David Suzuki Foundation have called Health Canada to match the EU standard and phase out the weed killer, based in part on the water contamination worries.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

I liked this quote by Chantal Kreviazuk (a wonderful, famous Canadian singer and songwriter

2010-03-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

``Having my third child taught me that I have to do what is right for me first, because I`m then able to operate at an optimum level. I can be the healthiest for all the people around me, including my children, my husband, my family and friends. And now, I`m finally listening to my body. If you think, ``i`m going to drink a bunch of alcohol, smoke a cigarette or eat something I can`t tolerate,`` and your body tells you, ``You know you`re going to hurt tomorrow,``, listen to it. It works every time.

Take heed to her comment. Listening to your body is very important. You are the only one that knows when `something` doesn`t feel right. Let`s take for example, when you are about to clean the shower tiles in your bathroom. You have a commercial cleaner that you usually use to get rid of the scum or calcium build up. When you are spraying it all around you, in a (for the most part) enclosed area. Do your eyes start to water, nose starts to drip, you start coughing, your lungs feel full, you might feel dizzy or even nauseous. That is your bodies way of `reacting` to something that is not supposed to be in your system. That probably sounds a bit `
``out there`` for some of you. But i believe that just makes sense. That is just one example. For future reference, take note of when you experience a headache, or a burning or itching, watery eyes, runny nose. I will bet you that you will clue into what triggered it. Pay close attention to your kids reactions as well. They might be irritated or hyper when you clean, their eyes might water or their nose might run, they might experience all of the above and you might not have associated the two (cleaning and their side effects) beforehand, but now you do because you paid attention to their and your surroundings.

These are just some things that I observed when I realized it was the products that were in my families environment, that were causing some of these symptoms.

***What you might try for ridding scum and calcium; go to Shopper`s Drug Mart, buy a pair of exfoliating gloves and `Clean Planet Calcium and Lime Remover`. You could even use the exfoliating gloves and straight vinegar. If you can, make sure the calcium or lime is completely saturated for about 20-30min. Use your gloves and start scrubbing. You might have to do this once or twice, but you will get a fair amount off, maybe not all, but a large portion.

For clogged shower heads, get a plastic zip lock, an elastic band, and enough vinegar to fill the bag. Place the bag of vinegar or(Clean Planet) around the shower head, put an elastic band to secure the bag onto the shower head. Now go read a magazine with a cup of tea or coffee for about a half hour to an hour. Go back and run the shower with warm water. The acid from the vinegar will remove most of the calcium build up. You should be able to have a ``rainfall`` like shower in the morning :)

If you have any other alternatives for cleaning anything, please post it!! We are all working on the same goal.....To eliminate as much of the toxic products in our environment and around our families as possible!

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

The defining moment....no really, here are some definitions for you.

2010-03-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to know what these words really meant for myself. The "media" has a different dictionary then I do I think, so we'll use good old Webster. Webster doesn't seem to put the fear of God into me if I forget to wipe my kitchen counter after making a mess!! Here is what I found;

to clean: free of dirt and impurities.

to sanitize: to free of anything undesirable or damaging.

dis' means: separation, negation. ie;

dis' able: not able

dis' armed: not armed

dis' honest: not honest

So that being the definition of "dis", disinfect would mean to "not" infect. Why then do products like Lysol and Clorox claim to "not infect" with their household cleaning products?

One of the "ingredients" listed, is Trihalamethanes which is a known carcinogen. Or, how about Cresol which is a methylphenol (also known as phenols or phenolics).

When Cresol is breathed, ingested or in contact with the skin, can cause irritation and burning. That would include eye, mouth and throat exposure, as well as abdominal pain, vomiting, heart damage, anemia, liver and kidney damage, facial paralysis, coma and even death. With short term exposure, it can cause nose and throat irritation.

Other then the noted effects above, not alot more is known about breathing Cresol at low levels over a long period of time. But the high level (define "high" level??)exposure can burn skin, damage kidneys, liver, blood, brain and lungs.

That sounds like it does more then "dis' infect ,"not" infecting it does anything but!!

Ya know, I think I'll take my chances. I'll use an alternative cleaner (I drank my product, One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products. No kidding! I didn't feel ANY of what was dictated above!! Although it tasted horrible!! Would you do that with the above listed products??) Hey, how 'bout good all fashioned soap and warm water?!!!

It just goes to show that even though they are not FULLY aware of the long term side effects, the EPA and the FDA, still allow it on our consumer shelves for all to be exposed to! That's just swell (insert discust and sarcasm here).

I'll take a clean and sanitized home, thank you. You will never kill all bacteria. You need the good bacteria to stay healthy. When you try to eliminate the "bad" bacteria with the Lysols and the Clorox bleach wipes, you are also killing all the good bacteria your body has aquired.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Alternative cleaning methods/fact or fiction??You decide

2010-03-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

I started the cleaning company out of concern for my family, my kids. I didn't want them to start their life with pollutants, all the ones that I had control over anyways. So I decided to empty out my cleaning closet and see what other options I had. After coming up with some relativley same products, I imagined I wasn't the other one with health concerns about my "internal" pollution.

Then came the birth of Chem Free Cleaning Ltd. Time went on successfully, I might add. But, I still was not happy with what was out their. There was nothing that caught my interest, it seemed all the "green" products were now becoming so over marketed, just like the toxic commercial cleaners. You still had/have to watch what you were bringing into your home, even if it says"green". It was all fine and well for the environment (to a degree), but not so for human/animal exposure.

Well, that did seem right? The Green's of the day, were and are still becoming a capital market gain, as the commercial toxins on the shelves. Companies are now reaping the rewards of promoting their "green" cleaning products and green is almost at the point of becoming a tarnished label. Clorox??? Green??? Oh please! Is the name of the manufacturer alone a "gimmee"??? See, now that upsets me. Those big shot manufacturers seem to think we as consumers are unintelligent. They think if they change the packaging a bit, throw the word "green" in their marketing stratagy, all is fine and we will buy. We have to stop buying into buying their false"isms"...

This has to be a movement. A lifestyle change, as you would alter your way of eating, should you decide you want to monitor your weight. For the most part we are all health advocates when it comes to watching what we consumer or our families consume. What we expose our bodies to externally, should be paid attention to, just as much.

Our skin is the largest organ we have, comprable to a sponge. So it makes sense that anything that is sprayed around it, or placed on it topically, ie; lotions, shampoos, soaps, are going to enter our blood stream, which will then enter into all of our other organs. Unlike a sponge, we cannot just "ring" out those impurities. With some chemicals, they remain in our systems indefinately. Millions of reports, by doctors and chemists, have indicated links between human ailments, long term/short term, are a direct result from chemical exposure(s).

It really is time for a change, naturally. Back to basics. I encourage you to make one change in your cleaning regime. Just one. Visit your local health store, ask for help in finding a cleaning product that suits you. See how good it can feel to know you have just made a change that will effect the health of you and your family. Good on ya!!

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc. have been tested and are safe for human/animal exposure. You can find these products at The Health Hut and Highwood Natural Foods in High River.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Hand Sanitizers? Really? Are you sure about that.....

2010-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

I haven't touched on this chemical yet, but I will give you a sample of what is to come regarding Triclosan.

Triclosan is the main chemical used in most antibacterial soaps and is also listed as an ingredient in household products, as well as some toothpastes. There is strong evidence that this chemical is causing some bacteria to become stronger and more resistant to antibiotics. It is now suggested to avoid all products that contain the chemical. Avoid sanitizers or any topical lotions that contain benzalkonium chloride as well. Benzalkonium chloride side effects are; skin irritant, eye irritant. Hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Severe over exposure can produce lung damage, unconsciousness or death.

Some other reasons using hand sanitizers are harmful instead of helpful are;

colds and flu's are viral infections - antibacterial agents will not suppress them.

antibacterial soaps might leave a residue, which stays on your hands. It might kill the bacteria, but it also kills all your good bacteria. They also leaves hands very dry.

antibacterial soap is entering our waste water streams, and because there is Triclosan in antibacterial products, traces of the chemical are being discovered in our fish, even human breast milk.

lastly, manufacturers claiming "antibacterial" are giving people the false impression that they are completely protected against cold and flu viruses. Which may have them lower their ritual hand washing routine.

It would make sense to me, that if you take care of yourself on the inside IE; eat proper, avoid over processed foods, consistent exercise, limit your intake of alcohol, you will most likely be healthy enough to shrug off a sniffle or sneeze. It has also been suggested when wanting to avoid sickness, simply remember to wash hands with good, old fashion soap and warm water. Sweet and simple!

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.

"Cleaning products for your health and your home."

Your home "smells" like a rain forest, but we live in Okotoks??

2010-02-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Fragrances are probably one of the most widely used selling features to any household cleaning product, or personal and baby product for that matter. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. I am personally very sensitive to fragrances, as are many other people I know, and for good reason. Approximately 884 of the evaluated chemicals in fragrances were identified as toxic substances. If you are an asthma sufferer, it could be from the synthetic "perfumes/fragrances" you are spraying either directly on your body or around it. There are up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many of these synthetic compounds are toxic and are suspected or proven carcinogens (causes of cancer).

The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of fragrances/perfumes contain Toluene. This toxin can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as harm an unborn fetus. You probably already know the symptoms. Let's see if any ring a bell for you; headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, coughing and even vomiting. It has been clinically documented that fragrances can affect the central nervous system, resulting in depression, hyperactivity, irritability as well as other behavioral differences.

If you find any of these symptoms are sounding very familiar to you, or someone you know, maybe try eliminating them and see if you notice a change. "Process by elimination", makes sense to me. If little Johnny is constantly having a headache or is fussing allot, pull out the Glade plug in's and see if that makes any difference? I am just offering a suggestion, that is all, take it or leave it.

One Three Tree Essential Cleaning Products Inc.
"Cleaning products for your health and your home."