What's in this stuff?

[markmac]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whats-This-Stuff-Essential-Supermarket/dp/1405095490

I purchased this book a few months ago, and it is a very helpful guide for learning about the different chemicals used in food/drink/household cleaning products/toiletries etc etc.

It has a complete A-Z of chemicals at the back and even tells you how to make your own products.

Worth a read.

M.

[misscpb]

Thank you for that book recommendation, I have added it to my wish list on amazon. I am also interested in what to use for natural air freshners instead of aerosol sprays.

[markmac]

Well here is some of what they suggest...

Buy houseplants:
Such as English Ivy, spider plants, peace lilies and philodendroms (the book gives a full list of plants which are 'air-freshening plants').

Make your own spray:
A simple air freshener can be made by combining equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint, lemon, pine and geranium are all good choices) and shake before using. As both vinegar and essential oils can be eye irritants, don't put your face in the area you have just sprayed, and never spray directly into your face.

Make your own room freshener:
with 200-g (7-oz) box of baking soda and 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oils. Mix these well and place in a cardboard box (you can paint or decorate this) or a small dish (the book gives further examples on how to make your own...)

And the whole book is filled with useful info!

Hope you enjoy it when you get it.

I use it practically everyday as a reference.

M.

[purple is a fruit]

Well here is some of what they suggest...

Buy houseplants:
Such as English Ivy, spider plants, peace lilies and philodendroms (the book gives a full list of plants which are 'air-freshening plants').

Make your own spray:
A simple air freshener can be made by combining equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint, lemon, pine and geranium are all good choices) and shake before using. As both vinegar and essential oils can be eye irritants, don't put your face in the area you have just sprayed, and never spray directly into your face.

Make your own room freshener:
with 200-g (7-oz) box of baking soda and 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oils. Mix these well and place in a cardboard box (you can paint or decorate this) or a small dish (the book gives further examples on how to make your own...)

And the whole book is filled with useful info!

Hope you enjoy it when you get it.

I use it practically everyday as a reference.

M.

thats awesome thank you
i'm off to track down the vinegar in my messy cupboard.

I avoid using nasty chemicals at all costs also, especially important to me that my chldren are not exposed to it as much as I can avoid. We have enough to contend with in our envirionment as it is :)

I am in the habit now of reading the labels on everything, it does not take long to become familiar with what it is that should be avoided.
I think convenience and lack of thought is what assists these nasty chemicals to be part of our lives. I don't thing many would even consider the harmful effects, let alone recognise and link it if the effects show up.
Some of the most simple products like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and countless others can be used in a multitude of ways, most of them inexpensive too.
lavender oil and tea tree are a must have in every home I feel.

Thanks for that useful post :D

[misscpb]

Well here is some of what they suggest...

Buy houseplants:
Such as English Ivy, spider plants, peace lilies and philodendroms (the book gives a full list of plants which are 'air-freshening plants').

Make your own spray:
A simple air freshener can be made by combining equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint, lemon, pine and geranium are all good choices) and shake before using. As both vinegar and essential oils can be eye irritants, don't put your face in the area you have just sprayed, and never spray directly into your face.

Make your own room freshener:
with 200-g (7-oz) box of baking soda and 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oils. Mix these well and place in a cardboard box (you can paint or decorate this) or a small dish (the book gives further examples on how to make your own...)

And the whole book is filled with useful info!

Hope you enjoy it when you get it.

I use it practically everyday as a reference.

M.


Thank you very much for that, I will try what you have said above.

[harpalchemist]

I have been looking into this for years,ever since timotei almost scalped me.Anyway,i subscribe to a magazine called the ecologist and each month is a section entitled behind the label,covering air fresheners,deodorant,suncream,moisturisers etc.just go to www.theecologist.org and go to archive in behind the label section.quite an eye opener sometimes,oh and i'm sure everybody has heard of the 2 books by guylaine lanctot,medical mafia and what the hell am i doing here anyway.Bridge of love publications are the uk distributors.happy organic shopping.