Is your kids’ classroom a safe haven?

Is your kids’ classroom a safe haven?

School is back into full swing… all the lunch boxes, new clothes and school supplies have been bought, labeled and delivered.  You’ve done your part, right? Yes! But… let me ask you, have you ever wondered if their school is a safe haven – safe from chemicals? Schools work really hard to keep our kids safe and their environment healthy. But there are a few simple Norwex solutions that could help your kids reduce the amount of chemicals they come in contact with at school.

Hand Washing

Schools often encourage kids to use hand sanitizers or perfumed, chemical-laden soap for hand washing before snack & lunch times.  Of course hand washing is very important and schools work hard to instill this important life habit… but research shows that some antibacterial agents, such as triclosan and parabens, though they fight germs, are toxic to our health. On friday, September 2, 2016, Environmental Working Group (EWG) was pleased to release,

WASHINGTON – The federal Food and Drug Administration announced today that triclosan, a toxic chemical ingredient associated with hormone disruption in people, will no longer be allowed in antibacterial hand soaps, which EWG noted as a significant success.

“This decision by the FDA is a huge victory on behalf of human health and the environment,” said Ken Cook, co-founder and president of EWG. “EWG has been conducting research and advocating for this exact federal government action for nearly a decade, and our work, as well as that of other public interest groups and many of our supporters, has finally paid off.”

“EWG research found industry adding this sketchy, endocrine-disrupting germ killer to all kinds of soaps and even to toothpaste. Nine years ago we found it at disturbing levels in San Francisco Bay,” Cook added. “Worse yet, EWG studies detected the stuff in breast milk and in bodies of teenage girls. Clearly this is an industry that needed a good, swift kick in the triclosan. It took far too long, but today the FDA delivered.”

It is obvious that the governments and producers are starting to realize the importance of protecting people from dangerous chemicals.  That is great to see! Let me tell you how using Norwex products can help reducing our chemical consumption by with great alternatives.  Read the ingredients in those those cute, travel-sized hand sanitizers before you send them to school with your kids.  Antibacterial formulas are not all they are cracked up to be and good old-fashioned hand washing with soap is the best way to rid harmful bacteria, while allowing the body to naturally maintain a healthy immune system.  But when water and soap are not readily available or there are 25 kids ahead of you in line for the sink, the Norwex Timeless Natural Hand Cleaner is a good alternative.  It is made from pure raw organic aloe, lemon fruit extract, rosemary & lavender which all have natural antiseptic qualities to combat bacteria, while providing nourishing moisture to the skin with eucalyptus globules leaf and spearmint extracts. It has been certified by EcoGruppo and NaTrue for its organic properties.  Another plus… it only takes a drop or two to clean your entire hands – It’s organic, free from chemicals, only requires a small amount, smells wonderful, leaves hands moisturized – what more could you ask for? (by the way, Norwex also has a wonderful Peppermint Foaming Hand Soap – that is pure soap, not antibacterial, in foam form so it lasts longer – for at home).

School Bag Lunches

The daily task of packing lunches is another part of the school routine and a wonderful opportunity to pick items that will add to the health and nourishment of your kids.  As we all know, it is important to choose fresh fruits and veggies… but did you know that some produce is ‘cleaner’ than others? The EWG is a non-profit organization that works to empower people to live healthier lives by researching and educating to raise awareness and help drive consumer choice and civic action. The EWG group has identified which produce is heavily doused in pesticides and which produce is not.  They have developed a handy list to help you make the BEST choice for your lunches.

ewg_2016pesticidesinproduceguide-copy

Source: www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/08/back-school-season-protect-lunchbox

They recommend that we should pick produce from the Clean 15 list and avoid the Dirty 12 as much as possible when you are unable to buy local organic produce.  The Norwex Fresh Produce Wash is perfect for times when organic is not an option, or your kid really loves having strawberries in his lunch (when they are not in season).  The Fresh Produce Wash is a plant-based, biodegradable, concentrated wash.  It not only removes unwanted residues from fertilizers, wax, dirt, oil & bacteria, it does not require scrubbing, it leaves no aftertaste on your fruit and it even extends the shelf life of the produce. Did you know that you should wash fruit that you peel too…like bananas and oranges? Now your kid’s lunch box is a safe haven!produce-wash

Clean Work Space

School desks or work spaces are full of germs, that tend to multiply and grow. Instead of using the standard disposable, chemical-laden wipes in the attempt to control these germs, consider tucking a damp Travel Pack Cloth (in a Reusable Wet Wipes Bag) in your kid’s lunchbox. Within seconds your child can wipe down his or her desk and have a perfectly clean surface to eat on, work on, rest on… you get the idea.  They could even wash their little hands with it before they dig into their lunch.work-space

School is a great place, with many individuals who work hard to teach, protect, guide and help our kids.  As parents, we can do our part too.  Norwex has a lot of great solutions for our daily needs that protect our kids when they are at school. Check them out.

Sources:

http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/08/back-school-season-protect-lunchbox

http://www.ewg.org/release/fda-finally-bans-toxic-triclosan-antibacterial-hand-soaps

*********************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

Share
Plastic Grocery Bags & Disposable Wipes Hurt the Environment

Plastic Grocery Bags & Disposable Wipes Hurt the Environment

Let me tell you about a few alternative products that will reduce your exposure to chemicals and will help you save the environment.

The first product is a Reusable Grocery Bag with BacLock™ (only $6.99).  Sounds like that has been done before, right?  Not quite, Norwex’s Reusable Grocery Bag does not harbour bacteria.  It makes sense, right?  When you reuse an item, it tends to get dirty and with that dirty comes bacteria that can harm us.  The Norwex Grocery Bag is handy like most other reusable bags, it is a generous size, it is light weight, it is hefty and strong and it is constructed with recycled materials. But how it isn’t like every other reusable bag is that it is constructed out of food-grade materials and has a BacLock™ lining designed to inhibit odors from bacteria, mold and mildew growth on the inside of the bag.  When your Norwex Reusable Grocery Bag does get dirty, simply wipe it down with a well-wrung, flat-folded EnviroCloth and you will be good to go.

Hooray!  That sounds like a perfect bag to bring groceries home in!

plastic bags 3

This video was filmed more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continent.  Midway Island North Pacific Ocean.

Two of my favorite quotes are:

  • “Be the change you want to see in the world.”  Mahatma Gandhi
  • “What we do to nature, we are doing to ourselves.”  David Suzuki

The second product is the Reusable Wet Wipes Bag.  Such a great NEW idea that works together with the Norwex Travel Pack EnviroCloths.  The Reusable Wet Wipes Bag is waterproof and has two pockets, the front for unused wet/dry clothes and a back pocket for used clothes.  It is small enough to tuck in your purse, diaper bag or backpack. It is made from 100% cotton and is machine-washable.  It is perfect to hold travel size clothes that we need for dirty hands and faces, dirty bums, sticky spots in your car, spot washing your shirt and anything else on the go.

How handy!

wipes facts1

It may seem like a daunting task to give up baby wipes for good… but let me share a tried and true recipe for homemade wipes.  These can be used for those messy jobs that require a disposable wipe. Back in 1999, when our oldest was born I was given this recipe and I used it exclusively for all three of our girls.  I was introduced to Norwex once I was almost out of the diaper stage of life.  That said, I do recommend using the Norwex Baby Body Pack for cleaning baby delicate skin in the bath, to wiping sensitive bottoms, to cleaning babies teething gums.  They work remarkable!!

baby wipes recipe dv

Resource: https://youtu.be/dAL9Xvrg3hI?t=1m

********************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

 

Share
Soft Baby Bottoms need Norwex

Soft Baby Bottoms need Norwex

Soft, like a baby’s bottom”…  This saying only tells part of the story about babies’ skin.  Of course baby skin is soft — it is the best!!! — but it is also delicate, fragile and needs to be protected from chemicals in our environment.

Skin is a very important multifunctional organ that provides our bodies with a barrier function, mechanical protection, thermoregulation, immune surveillance and it prevents the loss of body fluids. Healthy skin plays a role in keeping babies alive. It was previously thought that the skin barrier function reached its maturity at about 34 weeks gestation (still in the womb). However, recent data shows that newborn skin goes through a gradual process of maturity in its environment and continues to develop until 12 months after birth —that is all the way until their first birthday!!! Skin care is important during a baby’s first years of life as studies show that baby’s (6-13 months old) and toddler’s (17-24 months old) skin has higher skin reactivity and absorption than adults.

The newborn’s skin is very naturally sensitive, thin and fragile. The skin of the premature newborn is even thinner, therefore highly permeable. This increases the risk of toxicity from the absorption of chemicals. This skin is also more easily attacked mechanically. For example, a baby’s bottom is in constant contact with diapers and being wiped with baby wipes which can cause repeated removal of top layer of skin cells. This increases the permeability of the skin and chance of skin rashes and infections.  The health of a newborn’s skin is so important to the overall health of the child.

Norwex’s Global Mission is to: “Improve quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes.”  This mission does not only apply to how we care for our homes but how we care for our bodies.  The shelves at the supermarkets and drug stores are lined with chemical-filled baby products.  Even with the knowledge of cancer-causing agents, these can still be found in some of the most “trusted” companies baby products.  Isn’t it wonderful that Norwex provides alternative skin care products. Here are a few chemical-free products that will keep your babies clean and safe.

Baby Hooded Towel Set:  It is the perfect size for babies and toddlers; it is super absorbent, super soft and super cozy, just what their sensitive skin needs.  It is constructed with microfiber and has Norwex’s exclusive Baclock™ agent to inhibit odors from bacteria.  It also comes with a matching face cloth.

hooded bathtowel collage

Baby Body Pack:  It comes with three baby-sized face or body cloths.  They are super soft and gentle on your baby’s skin.  They are constructed with microfiber and has Norwex’s exclusive Baclock™ agent to inhibit odors from bacteria growth.

Bubble Bath:  All kids love bubbles at bath time!!! Norwex’s bubble bath is made from 3 natural ingredients — water, caprylyl/capryl glucoside (a natural foamer) & natural wild cherry fruit extract.  It is non-allergenic, biodegradable and a gentle cleansing agent.  Plus, it is FUN!!!

Bubble Bath Collage

catimg403155Body Lotion:  This chemical-free lotion is good for the whole family and is certified by BDIH and NaTrue for its organic and natural properties.  It smells wonderful and is loaded with a variety of natural botanicals like coconut oil, grape seed oil, aloe vera, sweet almond oil shea butter and vitamin E.

Take the time with your sweet baby to massage this wonderful lotion into their skin… they will feel loved & comforted, their circulatory system will be stimulated and you will be at ease knowing that there are no chemicals being absorbed into their perfect skin.

********************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

 

Share
New Cleaning Solutions:  Keeping it fun!

New Cleaning Solutions: Keeping it fun!

Norwex has 3 fabulous NEW bathroom products!

firstThe first new product is the Pet to Dry — a silly name for the most fun hand towel ever invented.  It was created for all the little kids in your life who avoid taking the time to wash their little hands, never mind, dry their little hands.  “How do they do it?” you ask. They made the Pet to Dry irresistible!!!  They are adorable & fluffy and all you have to do is pet it and your hands are dry.  It comes in two styles – a pink pig & a yellow tiger. Like Norwex’s regular hand towels, these the Pet to Dry is made with BacLock™ technology works to self-purify the cloth and is constructed out of a soft chenille microfiber.  It not only dries little hands quickly, but it is quick to dry as well. The best part of these soft, cute hand driers is, that it is an effective tool to help kids create healthy-hand-washing habits for the rest of their lives.  Hang it on your washroom door knob or on the kitchen cabinets for quick and easy access!

IMG_6341

secondDo you feel like a contortionist when trying to clean and exfoliate the skin on your back?  The second new bathroom product is the Back Scrubber! There is nothing better than a good back scratch… except for an exclusive Norwex BacLock™ technology, microfiber, dual handle & easy-to-grip, quick-drying Back Scrubber.  Not only is a good back scrub a guiltless pleasure, but Norwex’s new product also aids in the health of your hard-to-reach skin with deep-cleaning exfoliation to remove toxins and impurities and reveal radiant, clean skin.    Great for your neck, shoulders, legs and feet.  Your back will thank you (and maybe your spouse too)!

IMG_6332thirdThe third new bathroom product is the Bathroom Mat.  Now it’s not completely new, but what is new is that it now comes in a graphite (grey) colour.  It is still super absorbent, holding 10 times its weight in water, it still doesn’t slip on your bathroom floor because it is so thick, it still dries quickly and is super soft on your feet.  It comes in three beautiful colours: teal, latte & graphite.  Check out my previous post to get all the details on this fabulous bath mat & all its uses.

These new bathroom products will help develop healthy habits and aid in healthier lifestyles without adding any toxins to your bathroom routine. Doesn’t that sound wonderful???

********************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

 

Share
Toxins and Brain Development?

Toxins and Brain Development?

While we may not see the impact of our decisions now, our children and grandchildren certainly will.  We need to develop a mindset of change for the better, and it is for this reason that I love my job!  Like John Muir, I find that, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” Our choices today, are writing our future.

Here is an eye opening study done by Simon Fraser University, their finding are remarkable. Watch:  Little Things Matter: The Impact of Toxins on the Developing Brain.

It is my heart’s desire is to make a difference, one home at a time.  In 2006, no one in my community had a clue what Norwex was.  But back then, our hospitals, nursing homes and health care workers were struggling with a Norwalk virus outbreak.  So, when I would say “Norwex”, they would ask “Norwalk?”  Literally no one knew what Norwex was, it was unheard of.

However, Norwex is now becoming a common household brand name!  I am delighted to do presentations for all types of families. I have grandparents putting away their traditional window-cleaning sprays, mothers and fathers abandoning their use of paper towels and young couples wanting to set up their new homes with ONLY Norwex products.

Young brides were teenage girls less than a decade ago, attending their mother’s first Norwex presentations when I first began as a consultant.  Now, they are ready to start families of their own, and Norwex is the only way they want to clean their homes.  It is my goal to educate this upcoming generation, and show them they are able to clean effectively without the use of harmful chemicals!

I am just one person, but my one shift to switch to the Norwex product line,  is now linked to thousands of home across North America who have now made the same shift.  That is humbling.  One person can make a difference.  I never would have guessed that my desire to teach others would have this ripple effect.  You can have the same impact as Norwex is underrepresented across North America.  You have your own contacts, friends and family whom you can educated.  Join my team today!  I would be happy to train you.  How many homes will you give the gift of Norwex to?  How will you impact their quality of life?

The testimonials which Norwex consultants receive weekly from their customers are evidence that these products are positively impacting the environments of those using them.  One of my greatest satisfactions is knowing that our girls have no recollection of toxic cleaning chemicals in our home.   When they help me at Tradeshows, they explain that the mop pad we are currently using in our home, is the original one we purchased over 10 years ago… and it still works!

Resource: https://youtu.be/E6KoMAbz1Bw

****************************************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

 

Share
Super Soft & Extra Gentle Baby Care

Super Soft & Extra Gentle Baby Care

Babies and kids have extra-soft skin and they deserve all of our extra loving care.  Norwex Microfiber cloths and towels are both super gentle and remarkably absorbent.

Many new moms have commented to me that they’ll swaddle their precious baby up in Norwex Hooded Towel after a bath, and by the time they are laying on the change table… they are totally dry!

Norwex Microfiber towels and cloths are quick-drying and embedded with the exclusive BacLock™ agent in the cloth that goes to work to self-purify and inhibit odors from bacteria, mold and mildew growth!

I have three Microfiber recommendations for your child’s skin:

  • Newborns:  The Baby Hooded Towel Set comes with a face cloth in the package.
  • Young Children: The Kids Towel which is vibrant apple green in colour with a sunshine yellow trim.
  • All Ages:  The Baby Body Pack includes a set of three face / body cloths which are extra gentle on skin.  These cloths are excellent for wiping up after meals, bath time, craft time or snack time.
    • These cloths are an excellent replacement for using wipes which contain toxic chemicals.
    • These cloths are also excellent for cleaning babies gums.

Somehow during the past 20 years, wiping a baby’s bottom has turned into a ‘disposable wipe event’.  Years ago, all moms used only cloths and then they laundered them and reused them.  Today we see more diaper rashes, skin conditions and allergies than ever before. Our skin is our largest organ, it is constantly absorbing that which it contacts.  Let’s protect our little ones’ fresh, absorbent, and innocent skin by wiping it with only a cloth and water.  Think twice before you rub it down with something you wouldn’t drink.

Speaking of baby skin, let’s talk about the body washes and lotions available.  Norwex has shopped the world over for you.  Their products come from over 12 different countries.  Our Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Hand Cream are sourced from Germany.  These products are fantastic and will work amazing on your babies and yourself.

****************************************

Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.

Share
Share