'Earth Choice' Multi-Purpose Natural Clean

[RhiChiChi]

Since being on BB and under the teachings of my yoga instructor - I am trying to become more aware of my product purchases etc....

Anyway, I like to use a spray cleanser on our kitchen table and benches. Don't ask me why, I just prefer it to just using a sponge & water. So I go to the supermarket and start looking at choices on the shelf - not much in the way of better alternatives I might say, but I spot the 'Earth Choice' Multi-Purpose Natural Clean - have a quick read on the front of the bottle which says: Plant Based, No Petrochemical Cleansers, 100% Recyclable Bottle, Australian Made & Owned. I feel good about this since I usually use Spray N' Wipe or something like that. I get home & decide to compare the Spray N' Wipe with the 'Earth Choice'. Well, I am shocked and annoyed that I have just purchased a product which has palm kernel oil & palm oil in it! So much for trying to make a better choice I can't bring myself to use it or throw it outnow & I don't can't find the docket to take it back.

So, just a warning that this is not a good choice if you use this type of cleaning product. They have a website that I am going to have a look at & see if they use these ingredients in their other so called 'Earth Choice' products..... website is: naturesorganics.com.au if anyone else is interested.

[ubba82]

That is very surprising considering their recent TV ad. It has people cleaning their house but they are using a sqid as a mop, a stingray to clean the shower, a hermit crab as a measure for fabric softner etc. Very surprising as they are advertising as being friendly to nature.....go figure

[DaintreeDream]

From my understanding Palm Oil in itself is not a bad product, it is more about the way that it is farmed that is not ethical. Therefore if you cannot return the product for a refund (I understand you not wanting to add to thier sales and support them), I do not see the harm in using it so it does not go to waste as the product in itself is not made up of evil ingredients.

Please anyone correct me if I am wrong... are there any other ingredients of concern in this product?

ETA: I agree Ubba, it appears they care about the marine life enough to make it friendly for them but not other species in the way of producing their range .

[Ginger]

wow! i use this product all the time, so that is very disappointing to hear. i know that Animal Liberation Australia have endorsed using this product.

[CinderToriella]

I use this as well ,all the products

[maz]

i know that Animal Liberation Australia have endorsed using this product.

I wonder if a quick email to them to let them know about them using palm oil ect is needed then.

Im peeved cause I to buy the whole range and use it thinking Im doing something good for the planted and earth and in the end IM not. Im so dame disapointed right now and so is J man

[suse]

Earth Choice do use sulphates & parabens in some of their products, and they do use synthetic fragrances. I've found Ecostore (a NZ company) to be a better choice, although I do still use the EC wool/delicates wash.

[mummato1]

I also found this when I brought their Organic Care shampoo and conditioner.. I was disappointed to find out its not as organic as they make out, and they also use Palm Oil. I had a bit of a look online and also on their website.

Their website states:

"Responsible sourcing of Palm oil

Natures Organics share your concerns with the supply shortages of Palm oil and the impact this is having on old growth forests in Indonesia.

We are always keen to look into alternative materials but our choices are limited to what is commercially viable and readily available in the global market. At present, the only substitute ingredient to palm oil is a form of animal fat.

Natures Organics have approached the use of this ingredient extremely ethically as we are very stringent in communicating to our suppliers that we will not accept materials that compromise our cruelty free policy. This is a fundamental requirement that any supplier must satisfy before we consider doing business with them. We source all of our Palm oil from Malaysia, the practices for cultivating is damaging in Indonesia because they are destroying and burning old growth forests to make way for Palm plantations. We have written assurances from all of our surfactant suppliers that they do not purchase any Palm oil from the affected areas and that if they do they will lose all business they have with Natures Organics and face legal action for misrepresenting themselves.

We are in the process of reformulating all of our products with new Sugar and Corn derived surfactants but this takes time and these new ingredients have only become recently available. Unfortunately at this present time we cannot get away from the fact that all surfactants and detergents come from either Petroleum derived or Coconut and Palm derived ingredients

All the ingredients are stated on our labels as we choose to do so. This is not a mandatory requirement for these types of household products, hence, many manufacturers do not provide such information on the labels of other products.

Natures Organics can assure you that we aim to protect the environment and its creatures."

Also they sponsor two orangutans.. The website also goes into why they aren't certified organic and a few other environmental issues. A bit hard to find on their website, but its all under About Us, and Our Committment.

[RhiChiChi]

Im peeved cause I to buy the whole range and use it thinking Im doing something good for the planted and earth and in the end IM not. Im so dame disapointed right now and so is J man

I feel the same way

Thanks Mamma for the info from their website. It seems they are aware and trying to do the right thing, so I won't boycott them for now....but we'll see if I can find a better alternative.

[AnyDream]

I just want to add to this discussion that I have virtually given away the spray-type cleaners since I started using microfibre cloths. I really can't believe how well they work and that it's taken me this long to start using them. I often use them just with hot water or with a little of the sink washing water (with dishwashing liquid), I put them through the laundry every few days - they are fantastic!!!

[Lolli]

I also just wanted to add that a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar, 5 parts water and a few drops of lavendar oil works brilliantly too. And very cheap

[littlelara]

Hi all.
Sounds like EC is at least trying to be transparent, so that's something in their favour in my opinion. Guess I'll have to keep an eye out for more info.
I found a product called method at safeway.
Their ingredients include "corn/coconut derived surfactants" and they claim to be non toxic and biodegradable. Smells ok (like lavender) but not as nice as EC. Still, it does the job

[maz]

I just want to add to this discussion that I have virtually given away the spray-type cleaners since I started using microfibre cloths. I really can't believe how well they work and that it's taken me this long to start using them. I often use them just with hot water or with a little of the sink washing water (with dishwashing liquid), I put them through the laundry every few days - they are fantastic!!!

I cant handle the feel of microfibre...its goes right through me like finger nails down a chalk board. and they seem to find every bit of skin thats a tag on my hands

I also just wanted to add that a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar, 5 parts water and a few drops of lavendar oil works brilliantly too. And very cheap

I think im going to have to invest in vinegar now, thanks hon. Does it cleant he shower ect the same cause thats why I love this product aswell...I can clean the bathrrom, toilet kitchen EVERYWERE

[Lolli]

Hey Maz, I use bi carb and a half half vinegar water spray for the sower. srinkle/ wipe on the bi-carb, spray on the vinegar, let it foam, and scrub. I use the 5 water/ 1 vinegar/ lavendar for everything else though- sinks, toilets, etc

[Catastrophic]

bi carp/vinegar is great for cleaning!!! gets the sink looking so shinny :-)

[luna moth]

ETA: I agree Ubba, it appears they care about the marine life enough to make it friendly for them but not other species in the way of producing their range

If you boycott palm oil to save the orangutans but still eat cows, pigs, chickens, prawns, or any other species, you're pretty much guilty of doing the same....
(this is not aimed at you DD, but it's a point I'd really love for people to think about)

Sorry, it's off-topic.

VINEGAR! Total winner, you can use it for anything. If the spray bottle is your thing, you can use vinegar, or warm soapy water will do the trick. It's what the NHMRC recommends for cleaning in hospitals, so I say that's good enough for my house.

[Curly]

I use Orange Power Multi Purpose Cleaner - no mention of palm oil on the bottle as far as I can see...

[Kazbah]

I use any citrus that's in danger of going off - I make a spray of lemon / orange / grapefruit / lime juice and water, keep it in the fridge and use that to clean. Smells delish, and for stubborn stains a little bi-carb works wonders when sprinkled on then sprayed with the citrus mixture.