Tag: natural products

Murchison-Hume

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

muchison-hume-natural-cleaning-products

In my continued quest to find the easiest, safest cleaning products that also look good in my home, I came across Murchison-Hume via their beautiful Instagram feed… and then noticed that the brand is carried at one of my favorite shops, which really does seem to carry only the best available options.

Murchison-Hume was created by a former fashion editor and mother, Max Kater, when her son developed allergic sensitivities to common household cleaning products. She made it her mission to create products that would be safe, easy to use, beautiful and effective.

I’ve been using these product for the past month and it is safe to say that Max has achieved her mission – I particularly love the Cook’s Hand Soap and the Boy’s Bathroom Cleaner. Read on for an interview with Max about her experiences, her advice, and what gets her through the day.

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND IN FASHION IMPACT MURCHISON-HUME?

I guess the biggest thing is the way we approach the presentation of our line. I never understood why house-cleaning products had to look so tacky. They are tools to care for your biggest investment, after all. Our take on it is that cleaning products don’t have to look or smell ugly to work well!

I LOVE THAT YOU WERE INSPIRED TO START THE BUSINESS IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR SON FROM HIS ALLERGIES – DID YOU KNOW THIS WOULD BE A BUSINESS FROM THE BEGINNING? HOW DID YOU EVEN EVEN BEGIN TO START TO TAKE ON THIS INDUSTRY?

Seriously, I had no idea. I never set out to start a business. I was just a Mother, desperate for something to clean the house that was safe for my baby. Of course I wanted them to look nice, so I found some brown bottles and nice triggers that resembled like my vintage apothecary collection. And of course, I wanted them to smell lovely and not like a traditional cleaning product. I used cosmetic grade fragrances because that’s all I could find. I slapped a label on them because a friend opened a shop and really wanted them. We sold out in a day and it just sort of snowballed from there.

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WERE YOU AWARE OF THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN THE CONSUMER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY BEFORE YOU STARTED?

Again, I no idea. The more I researched household chemicals, the more anxious I became about the chemicals I was bringing into our home. We’re not scaremongers, but we all need to re-think what’s under the sink, let’s put it that way. You just don’t need things like ammonia in your life (or in the house).

HOW DID YOU EDUCATE YOURSELF ON INGREDIENTS?

The Internet (and reliable chemistry and science journals). There is a lot of misleading information out there. It’s a tricky to know whom to trust on either side. Luckily, my husband comes from a medical family and I can always turn to my in-laws for the real truth about safety and science.

NATURAL PRODUCTS NECESSITATE A CHANGE IN HABITS FOR MANY CONSUMERS – HOW DO YOU INSPIRE THIS CHANGE? HOW DO YOU EDUCATE YOUR CUSTOMER?

I think it’s important for people to know that making these changes is not a big deal. We’re not asking anyone to give up driving and knit their own shoes! It’s just about being more mindful about the products they buy everyday. Luckily, now there is a healthy version of almost everything, so change is easy.

WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY?

Coffee in the morning, Pinot in the evening and Adidas Adissage slides in-between.

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WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU KNEW THEN WHAT YOU KNOW NOW?

I would have named my company Facebook or Apple! Something easier to pronounce, anyway. People do struggle a bit with the name Mur-chi-son-Hume. But once they learn it, they never forget. I named it for my Father-in-Law, Dr. Roderick Murchison-Hume Kater, because he is the embodiment of our company’s core values: Practicality, Sustainability, Durability and Style.

HOW HAS LAUNCHING YOUR COMPANY CHANGED YOUR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION HABITS?

I’m not perfect. I’ll still hit the drive-through with the boys occasionally or buy another Nerf gun, but we try to limit those things rather than making them the norm.

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ANY SECRET CLEANING TIPS OR COMBINATIONS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Oh yes. I have two: Diligence and Accessibility.
1. Clean as you go. A little spritz each day means your house will never get out of control.
2. Don’t hide it. Keep your cleaning products out where you can see them (or at least keep one under each sink in the house). If you have to go to another room to fetch them, you’ll never do it. Make it easy for yourself to stay clean and you will!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MAKERS/ENTREPRENEURS?

Be prepared to sacrifice everything except your family. There will be almost no time for a social life when you have a start-up.

WHAT IS NEXT?

We are launching bigger into Personal Care this year. Watch this space!

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Thank you Max! Follow Murchison-Hume: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Images c/o Murchison-Hume

Disclosure: I was given samples to test. I only recommend products that I believe in and continue to use.

Schmidt’s Deodorant

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

In my attempts to clean up my beauty routine, deodorant has been the biggest challenge. I’ve spent a lot of money trying a lot of products… and most don’t seem to work, at all. I’ve know that sweating is good for me so I’ve accepted (begrudgingly) the lack of antiperspirant in natural products, but I’m unwilling to put up with something that leaves me sticky and smelly after a few hours of normal activity (maybe even less than normal – I work at a computer all day!). The few products I’d found that were acceptable were available only online, which is great in theory, but who has the time to be proactive about things like reordering deodorant? I’d finish the jar and then find myself at my co-op, desperately looking for a similar option and ultimately wasting a lot of money.

I’d given up and accepted that my deodorant choices would be less than natural… But it always came up when discussing natural products and I knew there had to be a better option. I saw Schmidt’s Deodorant at a local spa a few months ago – the shop girl raved about it – but I chose not to try it because I assumed it wouldn’t meet my expectations. Soon after, the team from Schmidt’s contacted me and asked if I’d like to try the products… I remembered what the woman at the spa had said, so I decided to try them out. Matt and I tested the products for about a month before I got back to Schmidt’s – I have to love a product to personally recommend it, and I wanted to make sure this line made sense for me. I was skeptical and assumed I wouldn’t like the product, but Matt (who hadn’t given up on natural products when I did) immediately liked it… it took me a while to get used to it (I still wish it came in a stick option!) but I can officially and truthfully say I’m a convert – I love this stuff! It manages the smell, doesn’t irritate my skin, and doesn’t stain my clothes. Easily the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried. I’ve worn it consistently for a few months and am ready to reorder – but it’s also readily available in stores all over the country. The founder of Schmidt’s, Jaime, answered some questions about her background and natural deodorant (thank you to those of you who submitted questions via twitter!) – read on to hear from her and for an exclusive 20% off coupon code for the entire month of August!!

What is your background?

I grew up in Michigan and have an amazing family there. After finishing grad school in Chicago, I worked for a major charity there for several years, then made the move out to Portland. I worked in psychological treatment centers here while developing the product and meeting my husband; today we have a happy 4 year old son, Oliver.

What led you to start Schmidt’s? How did you learn how to make natural deodorant?

I started making personal care products for my family several years ago, and did a lot of R&D on various beauty products in the process. After sourcing and testing the highest-quality ingredients I could find, I developed the Schmidt’s recipe. It was really exciting because I had tried many natural deodorants on the market and they never worked for me, but the one I made did, and extremely well. I started sharing the product with others, and they had the same reaction–shocked and relieved that a natural deodorant could work for them. So I began selling it, and it was a hit locally here in Portland, OR. That was in 2012. Since then, the brand continues to grow and evolve, and we’re hearing every day from people who love the deodorant.

If you knew then what you knew now, would you do it again?

Even more so.

Why is it important to use natural deodorant? What are the concerns with conventional deodorants/antiperspirants?

The underarm is a sensitive area for humans, and we need to be careful about what we allow it to absorb. Conventional deodorants are not natural, and full of dangerous things you don’t want in there–parabens, phthalates, aluminum, etc. Furthermore, you often have to reapply them, and they may have a sticky or unpleasant feel on the skin. The deodorant industry has really been ripe for change for some time–the old ways of making it aren’t completely effective, and they can be harmful to your skin. People are ready for a change in the way they do deodorant.

Are there things we can do to manage body odor naturally? (diet, etc?)

A clean diet and staying well hydrated are crucial. Also, exercising will help the body sweat which is critical for eliminating toxins and bacteria that cause odor. For women, menstruation and stress often dramatically increases the degree of body odor. (note from Rita – I’ve also noticed that my arm pits seem stinkier if I use traditional (not natural) soaps – I’ve seen some people say that a secret to managing odor is not use soap at all in the armpit area, but I’m not ok with that… but when I use a natural, green body wash, I don’t have an issue.)

Is natural deodorant like shampoo, where you almost have to switch brands every year or so?

We have not found that to be the case with Schmidt’s. Our formula remains effective for an unlimited amount of time. Our bodies will, without fail, always take in things that are healthy for it while keeping it in balance. The great thing about the Schmidt’s line is that if you are looking for a change you can easily switch between our variety of scents.

My biggest issue with natural deodorant is the application process – it’s just not as convenient. The consistency feels similar to deodorant that comes in a stick – is there a benefit to applying with your fingers? I’d pay more for a stick form – is this something you have considered?

I cannot speak for other brands, but we package our deodorant in jars for several reasons. We don’t use any chemical stabilizers, which means the consistency of the product will fluctuate with temperature changes. We chose glass specifically because we hate seeing all those plastic applicators going to waste. Our jars are a more sustainable option and can be reused for a multitude of things! Lastly, in the words of our customers and the point I find most rewarding, is that the process of applying quickly becomes an anticipated daily ritual (we hear this regularly from men and women alike!). I love that a normally monotonous and mindless task can be transformed into an enjoyable personal routine.

Thank you, Jaime and Schmidt’s Deodorant! For the month of August, use code ALISTSCHMIDTS for 20% off your order. (I’m personally a fan of the Fragrance-free and Bergamot + Lime versions!)

Follow Schmidt’s:

Common Good

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

common-good-cleaners

I’ve always tried to use natural products whenever possible, while simultaneously valuing efficiency, effectiveness, and design/ease of use. We switched to Method products for our home years ago and I hadn’t given them a second thought until Goop sent out this home detox guide… and I realized that (according to the EWG) most of my favorite Method items weren’t actually that clean. I started to research new cleaners and was instantly overwhelmed… but then in a happy, fortuitous coincidence, I received an email introduction to Common Good that very day!

Common Good is a line of 100 percent biodegradable household cleaners in glass and plastic bottles, candles and gift sets that are made in the US and completely eco-friendly. Prior to founding Common Good, Sacha Dunn and her husband, Edmund Levine, were prop stylists living in Brooklyn, NY with two little ones. They started the line after a trip to Sydney, Australia to visit Sacha’s parents. Their two kids were traveling with them, so they were doing tons of laundry. And in Australia, almost everyone refills their laundry detergent bottles with refill pouches or milk carton refills. They thought it would be a great thing to start in the US since they couldn’t find anyone locally doing it.

We have been using Common Good products in our home and at The COMN for the last few months and I am in love. The products are gorgeous but simple (it’s so nice not to have neon colored soap in every bathroom!) and they really work. I was a little nervous about switching because I’m fairly particular and have a sensitive sense of smell, but everything is amazing… my only suggestion would be that I wish the plastic laundry detergent had a pump, because we put the detergent into the top of our machine, and I’m short (and weak!)… but that’s an incredibly minor issue!

Common Good is available at West Elm, online, and shops across the country… I didn’t realize it before, but we actually have a refill station down the street from The COMN! (which is awesome, because we go through a lot of dish soap around here…)

Sacha took some time to answer a few questions about her experiences building Common Good. It’s such a great story and example… I can’t wait to see what comes next from Common Good!

I LOVE THAT YOU WERE INSPIRED TO START THE BUSINESS AFTER TRAVELING – AND DOING LAUNDRY – IN AUSTRALIA. WE’VE ALL HAD IDEAS FOR BUSINESSES INSPIRED BY OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES – WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO ACTUALLY ACT ON THIS ONE? (I’m so happy that you did!)

I guess it’s in our nature! We seem to be risk takers, although I never would have thought that of myself before. We’ve both had long freelance careers, so we’re not afraid of working for ourselves. We’ve done crazy things before, like moving to a new country and starting from scratch. So this was a pretty easy move. Also, we had that lightbulb moment where we just knew we were onto something. The more research we did, the more excited we were to give it a go. (I’m so happy that we did too!)

HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND IN STYLING IMPACT COMMON GOOD?

Part of the reason we started Common Good was because we felt there was room for a modern brand of safe, green household cleaners. I wanted the design to be simple and attractive enough to leave out on the counter. It was a very similar process to styling except that in the end, we had a permanent product rather than a photo.

WERE YOU AWARE OF THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN THE NATURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY BEFORE YOU STARTED? HOW DID YOU DETERMINE WHAT YOU COULD (AND SHOULD!) USE?

No! I had no idea how unregulated products in the US were until starting Common Good! From the start, we chose to transparent about what’s in our products. We worked with great, green chemists to develop formulations that we were happy with. We put all the ingredient names on our labels even though it’s not required by law. Even now, plenty of brands use euphemisms which is just adding to the confusion about what’s safe. We have a page on our website that goes through each ingredient to explain what it is, and why we use it, in plain English. I look forward to a time when chemical ingredients have to be proven safe before they’re allowed on the market, instead of the EPA having to prove they’re not.

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YOUR PRODUCTS NECESSITATE A CHANGE IN HABITS FOR MANY AMERICAN CONSUMERS – HOW DO YOU INSPIRE THIS CHANGE? HOW DO YOU EDUCATE YOUR CUSTOMER?

We started with the idea that there were enough people like us who would be naturally drawn to refilling. Then we designed the bottles we wanted to see in our home. We had a feeling that if we make a bottle that people want, they’ll change their behavior to get it. Design drove the demand, and we made a hippie idea cool.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU KNOW THEN WHAT YOU KNOW NOW?

Oh my goodness! Done an MBA?! Most of Common Good came about instinctively, but we’ve had to work out a lot of stuff along the way. I wouldn’t change anything about the brand or our products, but I would have loved to know more about manufacturing and business before we started.

HOW HAS LAUNCHING COMMON GOOD CHANGED YOUR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION HABITS?

Happily, we can refill our bottles! And that was the whole point from the start. I think there has been a lot of change in the country’s consumption habits since we launched Common Good. CSAs are more common, people use reusable shopping bags more than ever, and shoppers are learning more about what’s truly good or bad. I’m definitely more discerning than I used to be, and I think the upside is that whether food or chemicals, consumers are demanding change. The more we all know, the better.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER MAKERS/ENTREPRENEURS?

Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you believe in your idea and think you have what it takes to get it done, go for it! But be prepared because once you launch, your business is your baby – it’s wonderful, but it will take everything you have.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR COMMON GOOD? WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

I’m very excited about our new linen water spray which will be out in the fall. It’s a great way to freshen clothes without dry cleaning or you can a little scent to bedding without using chemical dryer sheets. We’re also about to do a baby range because our friends all have babies and are forcing us!

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Photos by Johnny Miller c/o Common Good

Disclosure: Common Good sent me products and we conducted this interview after I’d tried the products in my home and studio. I only feature brands that I will use, recommend, and love.

Follow Common Good:

The Introduction: Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin C Body Oil

Posted on by TheAmericanEdit

We’ve talked about my friend Elizabeth before… she was my beauty guru before we became friends and she absolutely has the most incredible skin of anyone I know. She’s taken her beauty prowess and turned it into my favorite collaboration – Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics. Elizabeth and Suzanne have created an incredible collection of natural, moisturizing skin care products – they work, they smell great, and they look great on your counter (something that is important to me – I’m more likely to use a product if I like how it looks!)

Today I’m excited to share their newest incredible product, the Vitamin C Body Oil. I got a chance to test the body oil over the last week, and it is officially added to my daily routine.

I only use natural soaps, which unfortunately leave my skin drier than I’d like. Honestly, when I stay at other people’s houses and use their normal, as-far-from-natural-as-possible body wash, it almost feels like a treat – my skin is always so soft afterwards! But, I know it’s also covered in chemicals, which is not really my thing. So I offset the dryness with copious amounts of coconut oil and lotion, but still miss the ease of “regular” body washes.

This week, I kept the body oil in the shower and applied right after turning off the water – my skin stayed soft and hydrated all day AND I smelled amazing. win, win. The oil is exfoliating and moisturizing, so it’s more efficient than my coconut oil, and it smells like a trip to the beach. Which we can all use, no matter the time of year.

New to One Love Organics? I recommend you try the sample pack… single use doses of each and every item! The body oil is joining the Vitamin D mist and eye balm (which Matt also loves!) as constants in my bathroom… I think you’ll love them too!

[Disclosure : I was sent a bottle of the Vitamin C Body Oil to test – but I buy ED for OLO with my own money all of the time and only tell you about products that I love!]