Should you only choose “all-natural” products? It might seem like the right thing to do. But, all-natural doesn’t necessarily mean benign or non-toxic. At the same time, synthetic or man-made does not automatically mean non-biodegradable or dangerous. The truth is, there are rarely any absolutes in life. Ammonia which is often considered a natural ingredient is found in some “all-natural,” “green,” or “earth-friendly” cleaning products. Yet, for even those who are not chemically sensitive, highly allergic, or asthmatic, ammonia-containing products can be unpleasant to breathe and even dangerous if improperly used. Nylon pot scrubbers are, of course, a synthetic product, but they’re affordable, durable, odorless, and skin reactions to them are rare. Which product is better?
You should also keep in mind, that many “synthetic” ingredients used by numerous manufacturers of alternative products are not derived from petroleum, but instead are made from vegetable sources—such as coconut or corn oils. It’s not uncommon for these companies to label their formulas as “all-natural.” Other products with “all-natural” on their labels utilize only minerals and botanicals that are chemically unaltered. They claim they’re the only real “all-natural” product lines. How natural must something be to really be natural? That’s a decision you must ultimately make.
The truth is, there are many factors to consider when deciding to use any all-natural, all-synthetic, or combination product. However, the first thing to think about should be that product’s direct health consequences to you and your family, and, of course, issues of sustainability run a close second.
