Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on Sinfin and Stenson Fields Sept 2015 | Page 14

Spotlight Magazine Clean And Green When it comes to cleaning products, it’s tempting to reach for whatever is on special offer, but most of the big brands are pretty toxic affairs. They’re also usually tested on animals and wreak havoc on aquatic systems, not to mention our skin. with, then purchase refills delivered in the post whenever you need them. But these aren’t your standard full-size refills, they’re super concentrated. You just pop a small sachet in the bottle, fill with water and shake. Thankfully, eco-cleaning is on the rise, and you no longer have to choose between ethics and performance. As well as cutting down on plastic, they reduce carbon emissions, as there’s no need to transport heavy bottles. They also save you money; Splosh’s almond cleaner, for example, works out at just £1.49 for 1000ml. One of the best known eco-cleaning ranges is Ecover, which can be found in most major supermarkets and health food stores. I use the toilet cleaner, as it works (rather importantly), helps to remove limescale and has a pleasant pine smell. While Method isn’t quite as natural as some other eco-brands, it’s another good choice if you want to be able to pick your cleaning products up with your weekly shop. I love the washing up liquid as it does the job, smells nice and doesn’t dry my skin. (The bottle also looks fab sat by the sink.) If you like family-run businesses, you’ll want to check out Bio-D. They’re really passionate about what they do, and very strict about what they will and won’t use in their products. Their fabric conditioner is fragranced with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes, so doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. It’s one of the few fabric conditioners I can use, as my daughter has eczema. YOU also offer refills, and they’re available from Waitrose, so you don’t even need to wait for the post. YOU products are 100% plant-based and have been independently tested to ensure that they’re as effective as their chemical counterparts. If you fancy trying the range, I’d recommend starting with the kitchen cleaner. It does a good job of cutting through grease, and it’s nice to know that it’s not leaving any traces of chemicals on your chopping board. I won’t promise that any of the products above will make cleaning any less of a chore, but they will leave your conscience a bit lighter. By Kate Duggan Greenscents is another family business dedicated to ecocleaning. Again, products are scented with essential oils, and Greenscents mainly use organic ingredients, along with spring water from Exmoor. Their citrus polish is a great alternative to beeswax or aerosols. Reusing always trumps recycling, so I love Splosh. You can order bottles to start 14 www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01332 416 121 • [email protected]