So why should we be looking at our cleaning products? We chat with the super guys at Bio-D to find out more….
Why should we be looking into more natural ways of cleaning?
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are damaging to both humans and the environment.
Bio-D’s founder Michael Barwell’s previous job was to clean commercial ships using industrial cleaning products for which heavy-duty safety equipment, including a respirator, had to be worn. He was shocked to find out that many of the ingredients he used at work could also be found in everyday household cleaners.
This discovery prompted him to look for naturally-derived alternatives that would do the same job – and Bio-D was born.
What are the problems with the more chemical based products?
There are a variety of harsh chemicals that are used in cleaning products, many of which cause problems in the environment.
The majority of cleaning products, such as toilet cleaner, laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets, are eventually rinsed down the drain. They then make their way to waste treatment facilities, where you would think the contaminants would be removed. However, these are often not fully removed, and over time build up to contaminate our rivers and water systems – ultimately harming animals and plant life.
Chemical based products can also affect humans, causing a number of skin conditions and irritating allergies.
What chemicals should we really avoid and why?
There are a number of chemicals that we should try to avoid but a couple of examples include:
EDTA – used as a substitute for, but also in addition to, phosphates, it is an agent that attracts heavy metals like lead and mercury – which have carcinogenic properties. These heavy metals can find their way back into water supplies and are extremely difficult to remove completely.
MI and MCI – these are preservatives that are used in a range of shampoos and shower gels, as well as baby wipes. Dermatologists warn that people are being exposed to much higher doses than before, leading to a steep rise in allergies where the skin becomes red and itchy, and can even sting a blister.
Other chemicals to avoid include chlorine bleaches, triclosan, optical brighteners, synthetic dyes and perfumes, and petroleum-derived additives.
Are there animal ingredients in cleaning products?
Bio-D is strictly animal ingredient free and is endorsed by Cruelty Free International and The Vegan Society. However – surprisingly, other available cleaning products available contain a range of ingredients that are produced from animals. Common household cleaning items can include as many as five to ten animal-derived ingredients. This includes glycerin (or glycerine). Often used in washing-up liquid and hand soap to soften the skin, glycerin can be obtained from rendered carcasses of dead animals.
Other ingredients to look out for that include animal products are sodium tallowate, urea, lanolin and tallow.
What makes Bio D stand out?!
Bio-D is the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally responsible, ethically sound, hypoallergenic, vegan cleaning products.
Produced in the UK, all products are made from plant-based and naturally derived ingredients, and of course are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Bio-D don’t believe you should have to choose between the planet and your pocket, producing cleaning products that don’t cost the earth – both environmentally and financially.
As well as being produced from natural ingredients, Bio-D also strive to be single-use plastic free.
With all bottles being 100% recyclable, the team are also working towards all bottles being produced from 100% recycled materials by the end of 2019. Already at 84%, they are already well ahead of schedule. This packaging is made from used plastic bottles that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Bio-D also offer refill stations at independent stores across the country to keep waste at a minimum.
Bio-D is available from selected independents and Oxfam stores, as well as online at www.biodegradable.biz.
