By Jane Dunbar
Published in The Edmonton Journal
Sunday, April 13, 2008

I've tested a lot of cleaning products over the years for this column, and a few remain favourites. Here, just in time for spring cleaning, are some that deserve mentioning again.

One is Sponge Ups, which come in packs of three and still cost only $2.99 at Superstore. These biodegradable sponges are terrific for spills and can be laundered over and over. I often wonder when the first one will wear out so I can use the rest in the pack.

Another is Bounty Paper Towels, which are so durable they can be substituted for dish cloths. I use them when I'm concerned about food contamination. One sheet will wash up a stack of dirty pots and pans and wipe down the counter. Try that with any other paper towel.

Then there are the Norwex cloths that have no equals as far as I'm concerned.

By Chris Baskind from Mother Nature Network

Greener living is all about making changes each day. Sometimes, it's about setting aside unhealthy or resource-hogging products. Here are 12 to avoid.

So you've decided to take the plunge — to embrace lighter living, green your life and do something to help the environment. But where to begin?

The best place to start is by moderating your consumption. You can dramatically reduce the size of your footstep on the planet by making smarter choices in the things you buy and the amount your household uses. It's not something you have to do all at once: just commit to steady, incremental change. Small steps become big journeys over time.

MNN's article, 10 first steps toward lighter living, is a good place to get grounded. If you're ready to take on taming your shopping cart, we've put together a list we call the Dirty Dozen. These are 12 unhealthy or resource-intensive products you should consider reducing or eliminating from your life entirely. Once you've tackled these, you'll probably think of others — and you'll be well on your way to a lighter, more sustainable lifestyle.

Now is the time to join my Norwex team! During the month of March,when you sign up as a new recruit and place a minimum order of $325, you will receive a $100 shopping spree in addition to the standard incentives offered to new recruits.

New Canadian recruits can qualify for a $200 Norwex shopping spree if you sell $2500 within the first 3 months of signing up. So, all together that is $300 of free product (at 35% off!) for you to use in your home and as your demo kit!

Still not convinced? Click here for the top 10 reasons to become a Norwex Rep.

Convinced? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will get you started.

By Candi Bezte, Norwex Science and technical Advisor

Chlorine levels in a common swimming pool range from about 0.5 to 1 ppm. These levels were shown to affect lung capacity in athletes with no history of lung ailment, who were exercising within or near the pool. The incidence of respiratory trouble ws just under 20% at .05ppm but was over 60% at 1 ppm.

Chlorine concentrations recommended for cleaning/disinfecting daycares are between 500-1000 ppm(approximately 1000 times higher than swimming pool water).

Bleach is so highly reactive, that it pretty much instantly reacts with substances that it comes in contact with. That is why it is so effective at killing absolutely everything! When it is combined with organic matter it forms organ chlorine substances, many of which can be carcinogenic.