Tell us about yourselves!

Tell us about yourselves!

Home » Blog » Sarah Heeringa » Tell us about yourselves!

By The Goodies

We’d love to hear a little more you and especially what motivates you to choose the products that you buy

We’d love to hear a little more you and especially what motivates you to choose the products that you buy.

Simply leave a comment answering the following two questions to go into win a fabulous prize pack of eco-friendly laundry or beauty products. Alternatively, go to our Facebook page to enter.

1. Which phrase best describes you?

A. I am not at all interested in the possible impact my consumer choices might make on the planet
B. I have just starting thinking about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on the health and wellbeing of myself and my family
C. I am moderately concerned, and have been for some time, about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on the health and wellbeing of myself and my family
D. I am deeply concerned about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on the planet and also on the health and wellbeing on myself and my family

2. Are you happy to occasionally be sent samples of eco-friendly beauty or laundry products to trial?

If so, please ensure you include your email address (in the 'hidden' box) when leaving a comment so we can get in touch!

Comments

Leah

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:42 PM

1 - C

2 - yes

Last Edit: July 14, 2011 @ 05:44PM by Rebekah White

raven cretney

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:44 PM

I would consider myself as category D. But would also like to add that I am often very concerned about the impact on my personal health because of allergies so these products are often helpful for these issues too :)

Rebekah White

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:45 PM

Hi Leah - I've just hidden your email address so you don't get spammed!

Loren Honey

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:46 PM

1- D

2- Yes please :)

lorenhoney@gmail.com

Kim

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:50 PM

1- between C and D. I am more than moderately but while being very concerned probably not enough to say deeply? Since having children I am much more concerned and having my own house has also heightened my awareness and concern. Through my own concern I have made changes at home and try at work as well but sometimes the logistics of convenience, lack of planning, finances can see me slip back but never for long!

Rebekah Taylor

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:53 PM

1- D- Like Raven, As a family we have to be wary of products due to allergies, we also eat vegan for the same reason (HINT: would Love to see more vegan meals in the Mag!)
2- Yes Please!

Katie Dawson
www.ecothings.co.nz

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 05:56 PM

1.D
2. Yes, as long as they are not packaged in unrecyclable packaging.

Joanne

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:01 PM

1. "C" .... however I feel that as time goes on and my awareness increases regarding the importance of using eco-friendly products and what eco-friendly products are out there, that I am moving towards the "D".

2. Yes

Donna Brown

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:01 PM

1. D
2. Yes!

We have skin issues in my family - psoriasis and eczema - so I am very aware of what I wash my clothes with, what we wash our bodies with and the cleaning products we use. For this reason, I use organic products as much as possible and have changed about 4 months ago, to making my own laundry liquid as well, which gives me some control over the ingredients and smell of it, but also is costing me a fraction of what I was paying prior!

We grow veges to supplement what we need to buy and eat a diet that is as low in meat as we can make it, without being vegetarian, as no-one in this house is ready to completely abandon all meats, especially bacon! My kids though eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits and unlike most of their peers, have no issues with eating pulses or anything like that either, as long as its tasty!

Alisa
www.findingalisa.blogspot.com

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:09 PM

D - I am deeply concerned about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact
on the planet and also on the health and wellbeing on myself and my
family

and Yes.

Nic

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:09 PM

1) C - heading towards D as more information and more alternatives become available
2) Absolutely!

Sarah

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:09 PM

c
yes
As a young family on one income its sometimes hard to buy the enviromentally friendly and organic products that I would like. So we do try when we can but do other things that help out to

Laura

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:13 PM

I find it hard to ignore that my choices as a consumer have an effect on my health and the environment. My favourite way to learn about the environment is by watching documentaries, and there are some fantastic ones! I love NZ!
1 - D
2 - Yes please.

Jelliflower
www.jelliflower.com

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:21 PM

1. (B)

2. (Yes)

Hi, I have recently ordered a book written by Stacey Malkan, 'Not just a pretty face' Stacey goes in depth about the unknown substance hidden in our skincare products, many of these ingredient could lead to flaws in our health, passing them down to our offsprings. For many years, I've shopped assuming products placed on our market would be safe to use on our skin. After reading a couple of the chapters in the book, I am astonished to find that products are being blindly placed onto our supermarket shelves without government monitoring labeling standards, of course, until something severely gets reported. I am starting to be more proactive about the brands that I choose; from dish detergent, washing powder, body wash, shampoo.... A couple of days ago, I found myself ditch my Pringles when I saw 'Procter & Gamble' on the packaging for their lack of honesty in their production process. Budget can become a problem, but I guess the less chemical we are putting into our system, the less we are required to go doctor visits & invest into our general health cost. We only get one body!

Jane

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:36 PM

1. D

2. yes

The blind way we consume (and the behind the scenes poisoning of the people we pay a pittance to make all the chemical including products in our daily life was the second reason I decided as a 15-year old that I couldn't bring children into this world. Over 25 years on, I still wouldn't

Kathleen Thompson

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:36 PM

Question 1 B

I am becoming more concerned and aware of what things are doing to not only my body but our environment.

Question 2 I love getting freebies in my letter box so Yes p[lease I would love to be sent things.

Rachel

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:50 PM

1-c

2-yes ofcourse :)

Xavia Healey-Diaz

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 06:51 PM

1: I'd like to say D but I have to admit sometimes laziness does get me. We are also a young family on one income so can't always make the eco - friendly choice, especially when it come to clothes, but we do try.

2: Yes I would really like that.

Kerrie

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:01 PM

B and yes please

Liz

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:11 PM

1) D

As someone who has a sensitive system and has issues with reactive skin and psoriasis, I have for years tried to use the mildest products available.

The chemical and solvents that occur in 'household' products can also have a negative impact on people with anxiety and other mental health disorders. We have to be conscious of the effects that these toxic cocktails have on our health and our environment.

2) Yes please :)

Sarah

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:12 PM

1 - D Very concerned and always buy eco friendly products. Better for the family and our planet too :)

2 Yes please

Lesley

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:15 PM

I am a C

Yes Yes please

Naomi Smith

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:16 PM

1-C

2- yes

Ruth Ellen Pirini

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:17 PM

1. C

We have been trying to get pregnant for the past 5 years, and in the last 2 or so years we have been trying to rid ourselves of all chemicals that our bodies don't want or need.

2. Yes most definitely :-)

Tash Earley

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:25 PM

1- C
2- Yes please

Angela

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:51 PM

1. D - I try to be a conscientious consumer but it is not easy; and - alas - a conscientious consumer is still a consumer! Being totally reliant on shops for pretty much all the essentials I try to buy as "eco-friendly" as possible but constraints like money, and I hate to admit it, convenience do mean making a lot of concessions. Have a goal of becoming more self-sufficient so I can take back some control. I think it is a real shame that most of the eco-friendly products are quite a bit dearer putting them out of reach of many people. To finish, natural skincare saved my skin. Suffered from really bad acne and got prescribed all these chemicals by the dermatologist. It was when I switched to organic products that my skin finally balanced itself.

2. I'm a sample junkie. Would love the occasional treat coming my way. Thanks! :o)

Lorraine

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 07:57 PM

1. Definitely D with occasional C lapses.
2. Yes please!

Darell Halverson

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 09:21 PM

Im a D tooo. and yes please please please

Megan

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 09:30 PM

1. D
I am very concerned and have been using environmentally friendly products around the home (washing clothes, dishes, cleaning etc) for many years - at a guess I'd have to say 10-15 years. We grow as many of our own veges as we can and don't eat a lot of meat. I don't buy organic mostly due to budget unfortunately. One day maybe!

2. Yes please!

thanks,
Megan

Amanda Murdoch

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 09:41 PM

C - I Love B.E.E products a little goes a long way so justifies the extra expense.

Michelle

Thu July 14, 2011 @ 10:39 PM

1. D. I am deeply concerned about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on the planet and also on the health and wellbeing on myself and my family . So I often make my own non-toxic natural products.

2. Oh yes please!!!!!!!

rosemary

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 02:57 AM

always a D and am looking forward to be part of this research,many thanks

Katherine

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 03:43 AM

I am a B/D because I would say I'm deeply concerned but have only really learned more about chemicals in our daily lives recently. After seeing a news story that there was lead found in many cosmetics tested recently, I did some reading online and I found a great database to gauge how safe the products are that we're putting on our bodies. So from here on, I plan to research a brand/product before I purchase it because I now know that even if something says "pure" or "organic" there isn't really a rule that specifies how those words can be used on cosmetics and products other than food. (Maybe there is in NZ but not here in Canada.)

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

I also started reading the book that Jelliflower mentioned above ('Not just a pretty face') and it's shocking how many companies aren't willing to reformulate products even when the chemicals are known to contribute to cancer and other health issues.

I already make a few products for myself with natural ingredients (body scrub/face masks/hair treatments) using this book: http://www.janicecox.com/pilot.asp?pg=book_home

I can't wait to try this recipe I found to make my own moisturizer! http://www.readymade.com/blog/fashion/2010/12/20/handmade_gift_idea_natural_body_moisturizer

I plan to continue making changes to products in my day-to-day life based on their toxicity or perceived toxicity - I'd rather be safe than sorry as a precaution.

I also am more aware of packaging and try to make choices that help reduce the amount of waste produced from a product I buy.

2. Sure, samples are a great way to find ways to be encouraged to make changes to our routine purchases. Thanks!

Anna

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 08:15 AM

1. Definitely D, though find its not always possible

2. yes please

Sara

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 09:03 AM

1. C

2. YES

Thanks!!

Dianna Dohrman

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 02:34 PM

D. I am deeply concerned about potentially toxic chemicals and their impact on the planet and also on the health and wellbeing on myself and my family

I am very happy to recieve samples of eco friendly products.

Kathryn

Fri July 15, 2011 @ 04:43 PM

I'm a D. Even though I live at a school I still grow my own veges & try to use natural cleaners etc. Have just bought Wendyl Nissen's Green Goddess book to help with this. Have received a sample of Eco Store's eucalyptus wool wash & love it.

Felicity

Sat July 16, 2011 @ 03:41 PM

I'm a C & a Yes Please

I try hard, but sometimes slip up!

Anne Marie

Sat July 16, 2011 @ 04:11 PM

C - I do my very best, but noone is a saint! I'd love to be a D but I'm honest about my 'failures' to be 100% green and eco friendly. Yes, I still dye my hair with supermarket stuff. Yes, I still wear makeup from brands that arent 100% natural....I'm on a low and irregular income and there are certain things I just cant bring myself to sacrifice, but cant afford to buy all-natural just yet. I do my best, as far as my budget will allow, and I hope one day I am in the position to be able to afford to be entirely 'green'.

And yes please!! :-) Love trying things before I buy them, 9 times out of 10 I end up buying them once the sample runs out

mariag

Sat July 16, 2011 @ 07:16 PM

Definately C-D and yes to Q2

Rebecca

Sun July 17, 2011 @ 08:56 AM

1. I have been a C but now I am pregnant I am leaning more towards D as I am concerned about my baby's health and how to best care for it and the environment.

2. Yes please

MICHELLE

Mon July 18, 2011 @ 07:58 AM

DEFINATELY D

AND YES LOVE SAMPLES!

Rach

Mon July 18, 2011 @ 06:36 PM

1. C... and still learning

2. Yes pls : )

Nadine

Tue July 19, 2011 @ 01:02 PM

1. C, and I'm with Ann Marie & Angela on this one, in that I have all the intentions of being a D, but financially limited. I do try as much as possible, going for NZ made organic/natural skin care, haircare and cleaning products, especially since I have allergies and sensitive skin, and we live in a rural area with septic tanks and waterways. I just can't understand the perception that for something to be clean & sanitary, it has to reek of citrus/pine/floral cleaning product!

2. Yes please!

Paula

Wed July 20, 2011 @ 07:01 AM

C and Yes

gabrielle

Thu July 21, 2011 @ 02:35 PM

D and yes!

Amanda

Thu July 21, 2011 @ 03:59 PM

1. C
2. Yes
I have been concerned for a long time about the impact products I buy have on animals, but have only just started to look beyond that to the toxins and chemicals that are in shampoo, face wash etc, I don't want that on my skin!

Teena Lawrence
www.actionproperty.org

Thu July 21, 2011 @ 08:13 PM

Between C & D - I have changed most of my cleaning products, but still using jif & janola on occassion. Have changed to organic showergel, shampoo & conditioner. Have started to change diet to more vegetarian, grow what we can in the garden, and no more pork, or processed meat products....

Yes

Ruth

Sun July 24, 2011 @ 04:58 PM

1. C

I'd like to try some natural cleaners/softeners like washing soda, borax and vinegar in the washing machine and dishwasher, but hubby says thy might damage modern appliances. Does anyone know about this? Might they leave more of a residue/scum over time that could cause problems?

2. Yes :)

Elizabeth Berge
zippitydoodah.felt.co.nz

Sun July 24, 2011 @ 09:02 PM

D, and yes. I always try to choose eco friendly products, especially as I like to use the greywater from the washing machine on the flower garden. I'd love it if someone could do an article on greywater use in the city, thanks.

katrina

Mon July 25, 2011 @ 07:25 PM

Question 1 - D, no
I have been growing in concern about chemicals and their long term effect on the earth and ourselves. I am not a hippy but believe in leaving a good place for the next generation (and cleaning up from my parents). I have not been brought up this way but through talking to other there is a definite movement towards this - we have group get togethers where we make homemade soaps sewing and other chemical free (and cheap) products. not after products but always love new recipes!

Melissa

Mon July 25, 2011 @ 10:18 PM

D- I make all my own skincare to avoid nasty chemicals. I've got ingredients on their way to try my hand at making a foundation, quite excited! I've also started selling diy-kit sets for things like moisturiser to friends and I'm about to sell some online to those who want to try making their own products. People like to know what goes into their skincare and by making it you can see what each ingredient is and I include info about what each ingredient does for your skin.

Also today when I told my dentist that I use a mix of baking soda and stevia to brush my teeth he asked why I don't use toothpaste. I said I didn't understand what half the ingredients in it were there for, he explained that one ingredient is a little bit of rat poison. 'not exactly selling the toothpaste to me!'

Yes, definitely keen for some free samples

Tracey S

Mon July 25, 2011 @ 11:02 PM

C

Yes

I have only just discovered your wonderful magazine and I am hooked. 1st time in a long time that I have read a mag from front to back and I can't wait for the next issue.

Vicki Olsen

Wed July 27, 2011 @ 02:34 PM

1. D

2. Yes, would love to receive some free samples!

Esther

Wed July 27, 2011 @ 10:52 PM

1. D

2. Yes, I'd like to receive free samples.

Robin

Thu July 28, 2011 @ 07:32 PM

1. C However, I am more concerned about the impact of the methods of production on the environment and local communities than my own health
2. Yes please

Melissa

Thu July 28, 2011 @ 07:41 PM

1- C

2- yes please!

judy

Thu July 28, 2011 @ 07:54 PM

1. between C and D.

2. I would love to receive some free samples!

Anne

Thu July 28, 2011 @ 10:22 PM

1 =D
2= yes
Although I am committed to improving my own environmental impact, it's a work in progress. I find when I've mastered something, like making my own cleaning products, then I add more, like challenging myself not to buy "new", then slow food etc etc. There is soo much room for improvement everywhere.

Christine

Fri July 29, 2011 @ 11:57 AM

1 - B

2 - yes

I have just come across your great magazine... I wish I knew about it ages ago. I am now very concerned about the chemical and toxic content in products I have used.

Jo Cameron

Fri July 29, 2011 @ 01:59 PM

1. D
2. Yes please

Vish

Fri July 29, 2011 @ 04:07 PM

D

Yes please, would really love to review new products.. as I am always looking to try new things and buy them too.. ;) thanks

Priyank

Fri July 29, 2011 @ 04:09 PM

1: D
2: Would love it please :)

Brig

Fri July 29, 2011 @ 07:56 PM

1 - C heading for D

2- yes please!

Sarah

Sat July 30, 2011 @ 09:12 AM

1. D
2. Yes

I found your website when I was looking for info about buying seasonally. Thanks for giving us kiwi specific info!!

Jane

Sat July 30, 2011 @ 09:06 PM

1. C though would prefer it to be D.. sometimes availability and price win - preferred options are not always available within my home town, and with a young family, not always within my budget!

2. Yes PLEASE

Lisa

Sat July 30, 2011 @ 10:11 PM

1) B, as im just beginning to realise how foolish i have actually been - a marketers best friend!

2) its not often you get free stuff nowdays, so anything is greatly appreciated! :)

Jeni

Mon August 01, 2011 @ 10:06 PM

1 - D
2 - Yes, would love to be able to support eco-friendly products, and knowing what is available is the first step in this process

Annette

Fri August 05, 2011 @ 01:17 PM

1-D

2-Yes please!

Rachelle
raciebaby.blogspot.com

Thu August 11, 2011 @ 01:31 PM

1-C leaning towards D
2-Yes

Ariana
abillionleaves.blogspot.com

Sun August 14, 2011 @ 05:03 PM

and heck yes please!

Vanessa Lukes

Thu August 18, 2011 @ 10:18 AM

1: D

2: yes please :)

Sarah Newton

Thu August 18, 2011 @ 09:55 PM

1 D

2 Yes :-)

Sophie-Claire

Mon August 22, 2011 @ 01:29 PM

1 - B - I have just turned 25 and before now never used any beauty products other than those that were applied on me by other people while I sat unwillingly! But, I am becoming more conscious about that now that I'm a woman and I want to do it in a responsible way, respectful to both myself and my environment.

2 - YES !!!

Suzi

Tue August 23, 2011 @ 11:53 AM

1 = D

2 = Yes

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