A Fungus Among Us + Natural Cleaning Solutions

What do mushrooms and insulation have in common? More than you might think!

Now that I've got you thinking green, I want to put in a quick plug for natural cleaning products. We've been using natural, cruelty-free products like shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste for a while now, and we have made sustainable/local food and energy-conserving choices whenever possible. I've been happy with our efforts (and the products we've found) so far, but I'm always thinking that we could do more.

So, last year we made the switch to natural cleaning solutions. I'd heard good things about Seventh Generation- a Burlington, Vermont-based company- and it turns out that (around here, at least) their prices are not a penny above our old products.

Fueled by great reviews, good prices and some sobering statistics, I took the plunge and bought their dishwasher powder, liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, and bathroom tissue. Initially, I was a little doubtful about the idea of natural cleaning products, since the brands we used to buy clean so darn well. How could anything without chemicals do the same job?

Now that I've used a bit of everything in the past few months, I am wondering why we didn't switch sooner. Our dishes, pots, pans, sheets, towels, clothing and more are sparkling clean... without the added pollution!

This month, I am making the switch to Method kitchen and bathroom cleaners. After a month or two, I'll let you know how they compare to our regular (soon to be old) products!

(Wondering about the title? Goofy, I know. But how could I resist?!)

UPDATE: I'm definitely a fan of the Method cleaning solutions! They clean up grease and dirt easily, and I'm not stuck scrubbing until my arm wants to fall off. I think I'd prefer a fainter scent, but I'm happy that they don't smell like chemicals.