Ok, so I received my 'eco-conversion' kit from Melaleuca(which by the way means tea-tree oil which most of their products contain). I was impressed with the little packaging used. Instead of Styrofoam(the devil's bedfellow), they used inflated plastic bags which are easily recycled here. That said, there were a number of repeats on the promotional material and they could have been more aware on that end. I will have to recycle them...So, I think I went overboard. I received so many cleaners I am not sure when I will get through them all. That said...it will be a while before I test any other brands. I've had several people suggest the natural line from Shopper's Drug Mart called 'Method'. Apparently, there are lots of yummy scents in that line. A neighbour also suggested Seventh Generation's fabric softener in a yummy scent(lavender I think). I've also had the suggestion of Claudia's choice for everything laundry related. I've added the link for that one as many people have suggested the dryer balls and I plan on giving those a try as well.

So, as far as Melaleuca...I did laundry yesterday(and continue on today). The laundry detergent comes in a 2.8L jug with an insertable pump. The pump measures out enough for one load. It is apparently quite concentrated as this jug is supposed to do 96 loads. It cost $21.99(when not in the conversion kit) which makes it a 22.9 cents/load. It has a nice, mild, fresh scent for those like me, but it also comes unscented. And, it cleaned well. I'm happy with it. I never had any extremely soiled items, but on regular everyday clothes it did the trick. I added the Mela Brite which is the equivalent of Javex II to my whites and the fabric softener(Mela Soft) to everything. No static clean and bright whites. To be sure, I was never a fan of bleach(I was just joking about the bleach before) as usually I ended up ruining something rather than cleaning it so I am not sure if I would purchase the Mela Brite again. I'm not sure if I would actually use it. And, like I said, I plan on trying the dryer balls so the fabric softener might be moot. I'm opening up about all my nasties when I say that I am a fan of stain removers...find me a mom who isn't. They are a must at my house. I am thrilled with the 'PreSpot' as I find it works as well as any of the others(I admit to trying them all). Some of the more long standing stains proved difficult, but newer stains became nonexistant.

Here comes the part where everyone says to themselves...it figures. So, we don't have reception on our television...we just use it for videos, but no I'm not one of those crazy non materialistic type treehuggers(okay, well I am a bit, but I believe in balance...more on that later). Anyways, I had no idea that 'wrinkle relaxers' existed. That said, I am not a big fan of products created in the hopes of creating a need...but, I have to admit to liking this one for all of our t-shirts that don't always come out of the dryer wrinkle free. Will I buy it again...hmmm...the jury is still out on that one.

I'm hoping to get through my usual cleaning today and try out all the other products. Just to reiterate Melaleuca is only available through a consultant, but there seems to be lots around who have purchased the membership just to get the cheaper price on the products. I've not looked into membership, but have been told that it is not expensive. So, the switch has been made. Now, apparently, I have to properly dispose of the hazardous waste that sits in my cupboard that I used to clean with. Anyone?

Lastly, just wanted to note that Al Gore was nominated for a Nobel Prize today. Yay!! He is speaking in Calgary the day after Earth Day. For Bob and I to go would be over $300(with babysitting), so I think we'll have to hear all about it from our neighbour, Lyle. I have been talking with Bob alot about the awareness that has been generated by the movie(and perhaps other major events). It feels like it is the tipping point in swaying public opinion and now more than ever people are actually interested in how they can help. For a couple who have been interested for years, it is nice to see this sway in public opinion. Go Al Go!! You've got my vote all the way! I've got to run and take out my compost and organize my recycling...

So, I am working on my second challenge. This one will be slightly different than the first because it is a challenge for myself, as well as, anyone else who is interested...so it may take me a while to finish it. You know--I have to do all the proper research or Bob will not be happy. It's finally time for us to 'green' our cleaning supplies. To some this might seem like an easy step. Just switch to the baking soda and vinegar recipes you can find on the web. Well, anyone who knows me knows that there is no way I am taking the time to make my own cleaning supplies. Most of the time I think it is a miracle that I can even find the time to clean at all so I don't want to add to the problem. And, I have always thought that if one is going to encourage others to embrace a new way of doing things then that way better be as palatable as possible. Me measuring out baking soda into my toilet is not my idea of a good time. Talking over my options with my neighbours who have already made the switch--an apple martini in one hand and some nice cheese on a pretty cracker in the other is more my style. You think I'm joking, but I'm not.

For me, this change has been somewhat elusive on my green journey. I honestly think it has something to do with being a child of 70's advertising. You know that whole "Mr. Clean will clean your house" song plays over and over again in my head while I clean my bathroom. I think that it is the advertising that they do through scent that has most influenced me. I mean you walk into a house cleaned with Pine-Sol and you know it. The scent is undeniable. And, I like that scent(or the scent of any cleanser, really). It says to me--this house is clean. After you spend a couple of hours cleaning, it's nice to have some sort of evidence that you did it. Well, I'm giving that up. Most natural cleansers I have found in the past have no hint of a scent(except maybe vinegar). I know they are bad. Don't get me wrong. Just google up some lists of nasties that can be found in cleaning agents and your heart will sink. Bleach! Bleach! I need bleach to clean my kids whites. Have you ever seen what chocolate milk can do to a white dress shirt? I'm putting this all aside people. Giving it up. If you need to see a list of nasties...I've posted one on my website.

So, first things first, I'm tackling the bathroom. When I think of 'natural cleaning supplies', I think of ineffective and expensive. So, I asked my neighbours(whose house always seems freakishly clean) and they suggested that I try 'Nature Clean' available here in Calgary at Planet Organic and Community Foods. One thing that I found interesting in my reading was the idea that labels should give a timeline for how quickly they biodegrade. So, on their website they note that the majority of their products are 99% biodegradable within 28 days using the European standard of testing(which I automatically assume to be better than the American, but I really have no idea). I found them to be quite affordable at under $4.50 for a large spray bottle(23 fl.oz) and under $7 for the tub and tile scrub. The company states on their website that their packaging is made from recycled milk and water jugs; and their display materials made out of recycled cardboard. So, they seem green, but do they clean?

Well, they do. And, I am actually totally impressed as they clean really well. The glass cleaner did not leave streaks(I've heard that this is a problem with alot of natural cleaners and anyone who has tried vinegar and water mixtures knows that it's true of that as well), but it did smell like vinegar. And, that is one thing they are totally missing--scent. Ah...I am leaving it behind and trying to change my own crazy perception of what clean is. So, after cleaning my first bathroom, I quickly lit a lovely scented candle, put it up high where little fingers couldn't reach it, and moved on to the next. I'm a convert. I'm also interested to hear what products other people use as I'm willing to try others.

Next, I will look at clean laundry supplies by Melaleuca. I've already been impressed by their stain remover(absolutely necessary with small children), but I don't like that I have to order and wait for it as, truthfully, I'm not that organized and usually have to buy stuff on the fly. I'll wait...