Why Norwex?

Why Norwex?

Complacency can feel comfortable. The thought that one person truly can’t make a difference is often believed. That is, until we have a wake up call.  Cancer, motherhood, questioning life’s choices and my desire for freedom, have brought me to where I am today.

In 2000, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away six weeks later.  I had a 13 month old and was 7 months pregnant with our second child.  I had been born and raised on our family farm.  We had all been blessed with perfect health, so my Dad’s sudden passing was a shock.  We had grown our own vegetables, raised our own meat and eggs, drank fresh milk from the dairy cows and our homes water source was directly off a local glacier.  Our lifestyle perfectly described “Clean Eating.”   However, we would also stain our fences and wash up with farm gas, mix fertilizer with our bare hands, and inhale/absorb all sorts of chemicals inside and outside of our home…  I like how Sir Tom Blundell says, “Given our understanding of the way chemicals interact with the environment, we are running a gigantic experiment with humans and all other things living.” 

It is often a tragedy in our lives that cause us to want to live healthier; it tends to evoke change.  Whose life has not been affected by cancer, allergy or disease?  The stats are unprecedentedly higher than in the generations before us.  To quote the Consumer Protection Agency, 150 chemicals found in the home are connected to allergies, birth defect, cancer and psychological disorders.  Parents can relate to the heightened awareness to chemicals and our instinct to protect the innocent.  After four years of marriage, while I was pregnant, my husband offered to clean the shower for the first time.  He didn’t want me inhaling the strong fumes while in the enclosed space of our shower stall.  As I looked around, I had an awakening and saw harmful chemicals everywhere.  I cleaned regularly with the typical products: Windex, Fantastic, Swiffer for dusting and floors, Pledge, Lysol and Mr. Clean to name a few.  I had an arsenal of cleaning products… I am Dutch and I was raised to clean!  That said, I also have a free spirit…  I like to clean quickly so I can head off and have fun!

When I was first introduced to Norwex, I was both skeptical and excited.  I was intrigued that my cleaning time could be reduced by 75%, that all surfaces could be streak-free, shiny, and totally clean just by using water and a microfiber cloth.  Norwex offered the highest grade of Microfiber, sized at just 1/200th the diameter of a human hair.  Their products had been extensively tested and the EnviroCloth had been used in Norwegian hospitals since 1994.  They were tested by the IOS (International Organization for Standardization), which sets the global standard for textiles. Their cloths were also embedded with silver, inhibiting bacteria from growing within the cloth.  I determined that if these cloths were effective and approved for cleaning hospitals, they certainly were good enough for our home.

5To this day I have never heard a parent claim that they would love to expose their children to a greater number of chemicals.  Yet, we smile and take pictures when our little babies kiss the mirror, lick the window and blow bubbles in the tub water.  I often paused to ask, how did I clean that surface?  I would never allow my child to touch or ingest such harmful products, yet here I was washing, wiping, and spraying them all over surfaces that my children touched, licked, breathed, and smelled.  Health Canada says, “Household chemicals are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five years.

My greatest mental hurdle in transitioning to Norwex was that I had connected the smell of cleaning products with overall cleanliness.  I truly liked how they made my home smell clean.  It took time to realize that a clean home was not a perfumed home.  Prior to the Industrial Revolution, cancer affected 1:87,000; now we are facing 1:3.  We are human guinea pigs; how will the products we use today effect us in the years to come?

Once you have learned something great, it is impossible to keep it to yourself!  To this day, I love teaching anyone who will listen that they can clean without the use of harmful chemicals. I love a clean home, but I don’t like to spend a lot of time working to achieve it and I love sharing that with other home owners.

Whether you purchase your cleaning products from the local store with its aisles filled with chemical-laden product, or from a company like Norwex, we all choose for ourselves how to maintain our homes. Every person chooses how to moisturize and clean his or her skin.  Choose wisely as our skin is our largest organ.  We are all exposed to a myriad of chemicals daily; the only environment you can truly control is within your own home.   Choose Norwex to radically reduce your exposure, these products need not be considered a luxury!  We can’t prevent illnesses from occurring but we can certainly be conscientious about the choices we make for ourselves and for our loved ones.

My journey as a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant began in 2006.  I am now honored to be the leader of the highest producing Norwex team nationally.  With a team of over 4,000 Norwex consultants located across North America, I am humbled to think it all started with my desire to educate my friends and family.  I found a great product and felt it was my responsibility to share what I found with others.  I don’t sell a product; I educate consumers about a product and let them choose.

Another one of my driving forces is the protection of the environment.  We can make a difference, one home at a time.  On average, 54 Kilotons of cleaning chemicals are dumped down the drain each year.  How great of a cascade effect is that having on the environment?  I am on a mission to radically reduce the consumption of disposable products and harmful chemicals, both in my community and across North America.  I believe we can affect positive change in the health of our environment.  Join my team and share the message in your community.

As we strive to educate our communities across North America, my amazing group of consultants share and empower each other daily.  We offer an array of healthy products for cleaning items such as: your kitchen, bathroom, gym clothes, vehicles, boats, and of course your skin. 

The Norwex product collection is sourced from more than 12 countries; everything from the raw material to the distribution of finished goods is all certified as Fair-Trade.  They are one of only 300 companies operating a factory within China who adhere to the UN Global Compact for employee standards.  Norwex has set the bar and they have set it high.  A Norwex customer who lives in my area visited the Norwex China factory in 2011; she was absolutely blown away by the incredible working conditions!  This is a company I can align myself with wholeheartedly.

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Norwex has given me a career with a purpose, flexibility so life can have balance, and self-employment with an excellent income. I am thankful for how my team of consultants impact our society and the homes we can reach. A life will be changed whether we share the product or the business opportunity. We choose to first start in our own home, but as we step into our community we are creating a movement to promote a healthier lifestyle. The growth I have both experienced personally as well as witnessed in my fellow consultants has been an amazing gift. Norwex’s exemplary morals allow me to represent this company with pride.

Chemicals have replaced bacteria as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900’s) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin. ~ Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas

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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.

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Cancer Wake-Up

Cancer Wake-Up

It is often tragedy in our lives that causes us to want to lead healthier lives; tragedy tends to bring about change. Few around the world have been fortunate enough to have been unaffected by cancer, allergies, or disease. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, cancer affected 1 in 87,000. Today, cancer is present in 1 in 3 people, and 150 chemicals found in the home are connected to allergies, birth defect, cancer and psychological disorders*

In 2000, I had my wake up call. My dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away six weeks later. Born and raised on our family farm, we had all been blessed with perfect health. My dad’s sudden passing was a shock!  We had grown our own vegetables, raised our own beef, grew chickens for meat and eggs, and drank milk straight from the dairy cows. Mom had us ‘canning and jamming’ every fall.  The water in our taps ran off the local glacier.  Our diet would be perfectly described as what is now often referred to as “Clean Eating”.   However aside from preparing our own food, we were unaware that how we tended to some areas of the farm could be harmful to us in the long run. We stained the fences and then washed our hands and arms with farm gas, mixed fertilizer with our bare hands, and inhaled and absorbed all sorts of chemicals inside and outside of our home.

Sir Tom Blundell, Chair of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, said, “Given our understanding of the way chemicals interact with the environment, we are running a gigantic experiment with humans and all other things living”.  And indeed, we are. We are the human guinea pigs of many major chemical companies, and in turn, need to ask ourselves how these products will affect us in the years to come.

Research done by Dr. Dick Irwin, a Toxicologist of Texas A&M University, has proven that “Chemicals have replaced bacteria as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900’s) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin.”  Thankfully, Norwex allows to us to move forward into a brighter, healthier, and chemical-free future.

Whether you purchase your cleaning products from store aisles stocked with chemical-containing products or from a company like Norwex, it is your choice how to maintain your home and body.  We all are exposed to a myriad of chemicals daily, but the only environment we can truly control is that within our own homes.  Use of Norwex product is an easy way to radically reduce your exposure to chemicals within your home and ultimately improve the health of you and your family.  While we cannot prevent illnesses from occurring, we can certainly be conscientious about the choices we make for ourselves and our loved ones.

It has become my mission to educate home owners that they have other options in the cleaning of their homes.  I believe when consumers are taught that cleaning can be effective and efficient with the use of natural products, they will definitely choose Norwex!

One home at a time, I will spread the word.  As a team of consultants we are on a global assignment to be good caretakers of this earth and to help others do the same.

Resource: The Consumer Protection Agency.

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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.

 

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Creating A Safe Haven

Creating A Safe Haven

During my first pregnancy, after three years of marriage, my husband offered to clean the shower for the first time.  He didn’t want me inhaling the strong fumes in the enclosed space of our shower stall.  I realized then, if it wasn’t safe for me to use these products while I was pregnant, how could they be safe for me to use when I wasn’t?  I had been cleaning regularly with the typical, department store products.  I had an arsenal of cleaning products I become accustomed to cleaning with.  I was using the same products my mom used to clean my childhood home.

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Picture from: www.theallergymom.com

It is often when children enter our homes that chemical awareness really kicks in.  However, without knowing the alternatives we have, we continue to wash, wipe, and spray chemically laden products onto the surfaces that our children touch, lick, smell, and inhale everyday.

To this day, I have yet to hear a parent claim they would like to expose their children to a greater number of chemicals.  However, we smile and take pictures of our babies kissing the bathroom mirror, licking our windows, and blowing bubbles in the bathwater. Have you ever watched your child eat food off of the counter and stopped to think; how did I clean that surface?

Health Canada reports that, “Household chemical products are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five years”.

“Not long ago scientists thought that the placenta shielded the umbilical cord blood…  researchers at two major laboratories found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood.”  Read more… at Environmental Working Group.

It was to my great relief that Norwex offered products that would diminish our exposure to these cleaning products for our family’s future. I no longer have to worry about what I last sprayed on a surface, or what kind of chemicals my family will inhale when cleaning.

It delights me to be raising a generation that knows how to clean, without depending on harmful chemicals to get the job done.  When our daughters join me for a weekend at a local Trade Show, they’ll tell the skeptical, potential customers that they do not recall anything being used in our home other than Norwex.  They will often grab the mop and say, “our family has been using the same one since 2004!”.

Information is powerful.  As long as there are stores full of cleaning chemicals, I have a job to do!  I will educate others, one home at a time!

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My Family

Resource: Health Canada

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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.

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Passionate About The Environment

Passionate About The Environment

 I have always loved the outdoors. I was raised on a farm a couple of hours from Alaska, in Smithers, B.C., Canada.  Being raised on a farm was an amazing way to grow up.   I was a member of the local 4H Club, participating in beef and sheep raising, as well as showmanship, but mostly I loved the public speaking opportunities and demonstrations the club presented me with.

My first job was at the local fish hatchery as a tour guide. The job encouraged me to stay active and healthy. These  are two traits I have instilled in my  family. As a family we enjoy camping, biking, geo caching, hiking and playing games outdoors.  In order for our families to continue enjoying our earth, I strongly believe that ALL of us are called to take care of it. Everyday we have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of creation and everyday we have the responsibility to protect it.

It wasn’t that long ago when hikers didn’t hesitate to drink out of the lakes, rivers or streams.  Now we all think twice.  What has happened?  Our society has made everything disposable.  The lakes, streams and oceans are polluted.  We need to clean up our act to protect our earth.  David Suzuki was right when he said that “What we do to nature, we do to ourselves.”

We cannot solely blame commercial industry without pointing the finger at residential homes that are carelessly dumping anything and everything down the drain and into our landfills.  Studies have shown that the largest contributors to pollution are actually residential homes not industries.

A particular verse in the Bible that rings true to me is:  I completely believe that we must “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:26). We are such a small part of this universe with the ability to make a huge impact. Many of us believe that one person cannot change the world, but the truth is, WE CAN. One person at a time, one step at a time. That one persons is you and your first step in in your home.

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Gandhi’s call to action is a phrase to live by, “we must strive to be the change that [we] wish to see in the world”.

Resources: http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/columnists/david-suzuki-what-we-do-to-the-earth-we-do-to-ourselves-1.2043193

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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.

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About Me…

About Me…

Every day I wake up to my dream job; I am so thankful for the incredible opportunities Norwex has provided me with. Being a part of the company has made saying “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”, 100% true.  I LOVE the teaching and everyday learning Norwex has implemented into my life, as it is my privilege to help others, and make a difference in their lives.  I am honored to be the Leader of The Solution Team of fabulous consultants across North America.  Our team has been awarded as the Top Norwex Team, Nationally and Internationally multiple times since 2007.

My approach to success is simple.

  • Educating and inspiring consumers is a passion. You wouldn’t believe the number of people unaware that they have a choice to live a life without harmful household chemicals.  It is my desire to teach them.
  • There is no better way to improve yourself than to help improve others. I happily mentor, coach and equip my fellow Norwex consultants with the tools they need to achieve their dreams and goals.
  • “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”(M. Meade.) Our team of health conscious consultants wanting to make a difference is ever growing. Join our Team!
  • Norwex has given me a career with a purpose, flexibility so life can have balance, and self-employment with an excellent income.
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Norwex National Conference 2010

My Family:

I married my high school sweetheart two years after graduating high school.  Doug and I were blessed with three amazing daughters.  When our oldest daughter was born, she was diagnosed with a rare syndrome, preventing me from returning to my full time career.  I embraced the stay-at-home mom lifestyle and enjoyed the gift of raising our girls.  Finances were tight, as all one income families can attest. Shortly after, I started in the Direct Sales industry in 2001. It has provided our family with flexible hours and income ever since, so there has never been need for hired-care.

In 2013, I saw the influence my career had on my family.  When my team was promoted to the first Norwex Black Jacket nationally, Norwex Head Office asked my husband and daughters to speak at the Corporate Celebration.  It brought tears to my eyes as they shared what Norwex has meant to them over the years.  Our youngest said she loved that her mom was able to attend all her field trips, and how family always came first.  Our middle daughter expressed her gratitude for the part-time job and income she earned, as Norwex is our family business.  She was also thankful that Norwex was positively affecting our environment for her and her family’s lives to come.  As a teenager, she also expressed her appreciation and awe of the Norwex product line, as her skin is free from breakouts and acne.  Our oldest told the room full of celebrators that Norwex taught her how to set goals.  She had seen first hand how goal setting helped her mom to achieve her dreams.  I am proud to share that she was the Valedictorian for her graduating class.  My husband thanked me for giving our family time, and balance, all while running a successful business.  He was grateful I had taught our girls a strong work ethic, determination, dedication, and the heart to help and serve others.  Each of them have blessed me with their words; I will never forget that special evening!

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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.

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