I got an interesting email from someone who subscribed to my email updates. When you subscribe you get a free copy of my green cleaning recipes and apparently this rubbed someone the wrong way. What was sent to me was basically a plea for me to stop providing online information about natural cleaners, remedies, alternatives, etc. It was hinted that these were sisterhood secrets shared between women for millenia and that by sharing them online I was actually doing more harm to the green/natural movement than good. But I am not sure I agree with the logic.
Yes, I understand that by sharing with other women that they can effectively clean their home with naught but baking soda, vinegar, oil, and some lemons…potentially the prices will go up for these items. That is the way consumerism works. If women everywhere start buying up lemons, baking soda, and vinegar, then these items become hot commodities and the price goes up. The email requested that I please consider poorer women who would then be forced to use the cheaper, chemical cleaners. Only women of means would able to afford greener cleaners.
BUT this is in essence saying that the “secrets” cannot be shared with women of means, condemning THEM to use chemical cleaners. So it is not so much a green issue but a money issue. The people of means buying up naturally green products will motivate the market to price them higher, putting them out of reach of poorer families. But is limiting information so that fewer people buy natural/green the answer???? It MAY, as the email stated, help the poor but it surely won’t help those that aren’t.
I totally understand the logic but keeping these secrets to protect the poor is doing a disservice to those of means. I think that EVERYONE should have knowledge that there are more natural ways to clean your home and take care of your family. These should not be kept secret from most of the population to keep prices from going up. While I love the idea of helping poorer moms, I am not loving the idea of keeping natural/green secrets from other moms.
Another part of the email stated that I could redeem myself by encouraging others to learn to make their own vinegar and distilled water on a mass scale so that we can then share with the less fortunate. Also to invest in the production and manufacturing of Bicarbonate.
What do you think? Should the secrets shared between women for all these years remain relatively secret to protect the poorer classes or should ALL women be let in on the secret of keeping things natural, healthy, and affordable. And if prices skyrocket and they are no longer “affordable” have we done a disservice to the poor?
And just in case I need a little redpemption you might check into this book: Lost Arts: A Celebration of Culinary Traditions. It includes instructions on making vinegar, among other things.
I’m a poor mom. And I’m glad that the knowledge is out there and available for free about how to make and use natural green cleaners with cheap products like vinegar and baking soda. Because without that knowledge, I’d have to spend money that I don’t have to buy cleaning products. And not very good ones either!
Wow. I didn’t know these were top secret either. Shame on us.
Wow! You really have to deal with emails like that??! Didn’t know these were top secret either…and REALLY…how high can a box of baking soda really jump to?? Keep up the great recipes. The wealthy and the poor will thank you:)
Really? Because you can’t google “green cleaners” and come up with the same thing? I’m sorry you have to deal with stuff like this. At least you are giving the “secrets” out free. Some people publish them in a book and charge you $24.95 for them.
I agree with the previous posts. If the problem is that you’re giving out the info for free then it’s really not a problem at all. Women who have $ and are interested in green cleaning can just go buy up all the books they need to clean green…or even more drastic…hire someone to do it for them! So I see this in another light. Maybe you are doing a service to those who don’t have much money because not all poor people know how to clean with vinegar and baking soda and I’m sure they would appreciate being able to have your recipes without spending the money for the books. Sure, the prices might go up, but really? And maybe this is a good thing in another light… the companies making these cleaners will see the drop in sales and be forced to market new green cleaners… that the rich women will surely go out and buy because they are so convenient and easy to use and whatever else the commercials promise, once again leaving the vinegar and baking soda as cost effective as before. Bottom line…teaching people to be green is ALWAYS good! What’s next, worry that the cloth diaper secret will get out and the poor will be forced to use disposables?
Excellent points ladies. ITA! Have to laugh about the great cloth diaper secret!
The person that wrote you that email is not thinking about the good of OUR earth and health of ALL people. They are thinking about themselves. There is nothing green about that persons argument. I thought that being green was our way of saving our earth for everyone around us?!?! I guess I was wrong.
Really? I am scratching my head. I guess when you open up your world on line you can easily get side swiped. I was enjoying reading through greenandcrunchy moms blog and now I see it is shut down to people she doesn’t know. I found her blog through your site, and now I wonder if she has encountered some of the same bizarre type comments. We are all entitled to our own opinions, but this one is silly to me. Please keep sharing the secrets, most of us can use all the help we can get!
Bummer!! Green and Crunchy was/is one of my fave blogs!
Any other suggestions of blogs as great as this one? Along the same lines of interest?…
Coming from a “sister” and sister in a family where an entire generation suddenly suffers from autoimmune diseases I have to say forget the selfish person who emailed you such nonsense. Shall we condemn another generation to illness, pollution and chemical nonsense so this person can feel superior for being in a secret selfish sisterhood? Forget dollars and sense. Instead think about the health and wellbeing you and other authors who write (free or not I’d understand if you needed to make some $ with the time you spend sharing) on such topics will bring to untold numbers of people and future generations. How can you put a price on such things? Perhaps the “sister” also works for a pharmaceutical giant putting huge pricetags on lifesaving medicines. I’m neither poor nor rich. I don’t clean this way to save money but in the hopes my child won’t have to suffer as I have (not that it is any guarantee). I’d happily pay twice the current price for healthy cleaning ingredients, more even, to ensure he won’t have to spend a life’s earnings and life’s potential on fighting illness.
Anyone with any inkling can find this information from thousands of sources. You bringing it more mainstream merely increases awareness and makes it readily available for those without access to holistic medical practitioners or pricey books.
Thank you for what you do, even if it isn’t news to me I still enjoy seeing it brought to the fore for more people and always read your blog and wish you much success.
That is absolutley absurd! The fact that someone would even THINK that wayis ridiculous. First off- isn’t the point of these online communities to “share the wealth” in regards to living a greener more whole life for the betterment of our family??? We all some on these forums/blogs in hopes of finding new ideas from like-minded individuals,and find support forour “issues.” To even think that keeping things a “secret” so prices won’t go up is very selfish. Really- how much will vinegar and lemon juice need to inflate before it causes problems??? I highly doubt that those living in poverty are worried about it… There are just people whoare “Debbie Downers” who no matter what fail to see the good in things (in this case this blog).
Second- never once did I think that living a greener life should only be for the elite. People from all walks of life CAN benefit from living greener and THERE ARE affordable options to commercial products that are better for us and the environment as a whole.
~I’m sorry but I get soooo angry when people think they are privleged and “the hell with everyone else” GREED is UGLY in all forms people!!!
I’m surprised someone actually thinks that way! Isn’t truly being green wanting other people to live green so that even less crud is produced and put out into our world?
That’s how I feel anyway. I want everyone to learn what I’ve learned about being green.
And I agree with Nadine above, I get really annoyed with people who think they’re priviledged to information and some other “group” or section of the populatoin isn’t. Ridiculous.
Sometimes I really loathe people.
How funny. I think you should keep everything a secret then the rest of the country can keep using nasty chemicals and expose themselves to toxic materials. LOL. Isn’t making the world better the entire point? I guess somebody did not get that email.
Yeah.. she probably works for the disposable diaper companies, she works for the pharmaceutical companies, she works for Clorox, too. She was just being selfish. It would kind of creep me out to have someone like her reading my blog, to be quiet honest… the true meaning of being green/crunchy has truely escaped her grasp on reality.
I love your site and the information provided. Keep up the good work!
I totally agree with these posts, it’s absurd to think that the price would become raised so much that people, of any means, would not be able to buy vinegar and baking soda (at the minimum). Costco carries all the ingredients for very cheap and I’m sure there’s plenty of other places as well. The logic is ridiculous. The rich are more likely to buy the products already made then the basic ingredients and make their own.
Really???? Of course there is an argument for EVERYTHING, that doesn’t mean its a good one!
Something many people dont think about is that rich people help poor people. I am/was fortunate. In other words “wealthy”. With the economy the way it is, I have cut my maid back in half. No more lawn care. So guess what, the maid, a single mom of two, has less work, not just from me, but many of her clients. The lawn guy who employees many men, who have families to support, just lost income. Also, charities suffer and other ministries. I normally donate thousands of dollars to charity. This year, I had a yard sale to raise money for my fav charity. I dont have the extra funds to donate. Hurting the rich, doesnt just hurt the rich.
Yeah – if this person is so poor she is worried she wont be able to afford baking soda and vinegar when the price jumps $2 or 3 dollars, then she needs to get her butt off the internet, cancel the service, and re-evaluate her priorities: ie. is internet that important to me, when $2-3 dollars is too much to spend on natural cleaning ingredients? Because if $2-3 extra dollars a month is too much, you shouldn’t be wasting all your money on internet service.
And her suggestion is, what? Perhaps she can start and lead a Green Recipe Order in which we all apply for the privilege to read free recipes. Application approval based on class and income, of course.
Your email friend doesn’t have a strong grasp on economics. The number of people who would have to rush the stores desperate for lemons, vinegar, and baking soda would be astronomical to drive the cost through the roof.
Even if prices were to increase our job here in life is to teach. We teach our children, ourselves, our friends and families. We teach in every action and choice. To not teach seems wasteful. If people other than my mother hadn’t shared the things they had I would not be the person I am today. So I do not thing you are wrong to share these things. I think this person is being selfish. And her logic is totally flawed. We live to teach. Not to keep secrets.
How do we open eyes and make a difference environmentally as well as within our families if we do not share what we know. I think this is ridiculous and that we have to share as much as we can. I would love it if NO ONE had to buy the crap cleaners that are being flushed into our water supply and air.
I agree with the previous posts, that we need not have any secrets when it comes to ways we can spread knowledge. However, it is unfortunate that one email can stir up such negative feelings amongst a group of people, none of whom know one another. Perhaps this person does have flawed logic, but she is one of us (humans) and the point is to teach all of us (humans) how to live more compassionately amongst ourselves and on our planet. I do not think it is helpful to criticize another person who thinks differently. As part of the green movement, we need to learn to educate others instead of criticizing them. Just my thoughts.
Knowledge is most definately power. Much of the wisdom of our ancestors has been wasted by generations who think they have better solutions. I subscribe to the belief that if you have a lamp, you don’t hide it under a basket. You share the light. Keeo sharing your knowledge, those who listen will share it with thier daughters and the cycle of wisdom will continue.
Blessings,
Vonnie
Although I understand the rationale behind the email I have to say that reiterating the obvious isn’t sharing a secret. There are countless books, articles, websites, etc… devoted to educating people on the use of natural cleaning products such as baking soda, vinegar, essential oils.
There are many ways to help our earth, live simply, take care of our bodies… naturally. The only disservice is not educating those around us about such ways. Withholding information is not the way to creating a better world.
Is cost an issue? Yes, it will always be an issue. If everyone were to eat organic foods production would go up and therefore issues would follow. Right now we are safe because a limited number of the population eats organic. The same for the cost of natural products like baking soda. Would the cost go up if the demand rises? Yes. Are these valid reasons for keeping information to ourselves, I don’t believe so. The answer is to live more simply, not just in how we clean but how we eat, raise our children, etc… reducing the amount of $$ we spend in all areas of our lives. The more simply we live the more natural we use, dollars become less of a factor.
OMG!! That is a bunch of crap. The person who sent that is not right. LOL wouldn’t you want more people being earth friendly look at the big picture. Dah talk about some selfish people. 1. you can grow your own lemons 2. Costco has BS, Vinegar ubber cheap. Cool if you can make your own Vinegar. You are not wrong with sharing the info. And Thank You for sharing it ;-) LOL This pissed me off and now after writing this I am laughing….I would hate to be that person and live thinking you can’t share old, simple, Green cleaning recipes. LOL You have yourself an AWESOME night!! ;-)
First, your blog is great. I was completely confused why someone wouldn’t want you to share these great cleaning “secrets” until I made it through the entire post, and while I understand the concern of the email author, I’m quite sure that vinegar, lemons, and baking soda will remain relatively cheap and almost certainly cheaper than chemical cleaners!
Oh for Pete’s sake. From an environmentalist standpoint, spreading the word is a good thing. There are so many other reasons why her argument is wrong.
That is simply ridiculous. Delete!
Sorry, that makes little sense to me.
And this is no big “secret” there are books being written about these recipes. I’ve even seen some tv shows too.
The bottom line? If the people in my life are any indication there is going to be no run on baking soda and vinegar. They prefer the dollar store chemicals and probably always will unfortunately. Only those who are actively seeking a greener lifestyle are going to be reading your blog, right?
Seriously? Not only is that SUPERLAME- but it’s kind of a stupid oversimplification. First of all, you are not the only person supplying this information. It is readily available all over the web, in books, etc. Secondly, there is so much more to consumerism than simply demand. I get the logic, it just isn’t right, and that is kind of reverse elitist, don’t you think? I mean seriously!
Hmm… yeah that’s pretty weird! Anyone that had a grandmother knows that ppl have used vinegar and soda for years to clean! On the contrary I have found quite the opposite as far as cost rising. I was green before it was cool and since the green movement I have noticed that there are sooo many more products available at cheaper prices. No more shopping in out of the way health food stores (though I still do) but you can find these items in mainstream super markets now-because they are in DEMAND. I think the person that emailed you is missing the mark. It’s not about US it’s about Mother Earth. We need to ALL work together and do what is best even if it may cost a few pennies more in the future!
Well, I’ve used green cleaners for a long time but still signed up FOR the benefit of your tips and ideas!!!! LOL! LOVE IT! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Well, I’ve used green cleaners for a long time but still signed up FOR the benefit of your tips and ideas!!!! LOL! LOVE IT! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Maybe we should keep breastfeeding a secret too. But unfortunately, the poor tend to use formula. Go figure. Trade in the formula for breast milk and the poor can afford higher priced lemons. :-) Then we hit 2 healthy movements at once!
Add my name to the list who think sharing is the way to go. AND to the list of those who love your blog!!! Keep up the great work.
I say share because from what I’ve noticed “Green” products are already cost WAY more than the bad stuff. Why not help others out with these secret green formulas that will still be cheaper than most green methods.
Right on share the knowledge! I think it’s more important to do what we can for our children right now- rich or poor.
And on that note, I don’t recall ever getting the e-mail of cleaning tips, but it’s been a while since I subscribed. I would however love to have the info.!!!
How or where can I get a copy?
Thanks!!!
I want you to know that I absolutely LOVE your site and truly do appreciate all of the information that you provide us with. I look forward to reading your updates! Keep up the FABULOUS work Tiffany!
And when, in this day and age, are those secrets told? Rare is the day when friends come over for tea, even rarer are the cleaning supply parties. This is how those “secrets” spread in the year 2007.
Lemon juice, vinigar, and baking soda are already high traffic items… I don’t predict a huge price increase becasue of a slight increase in product sales.
Yes, slight. While it is currently popular to be green, it’s still popular to be a massive consumer. You’ll find far more people are buying “Green” products, rather than making there own.
As a person who’s currently living from paycheck to paycheck – we need this information just as much as anyone else. I can’t afford to by the “Green Products” right now, so if I have to buy a product it’s going to be what ever I can get the most out of for the cheepest (and full of chemicals I’m sure). But oh, I already have baking soada, lemon juice and vinigar. Therefore, your advice in saving me money! In my current finacial situation there are times when I have to sacrifice my standers of living so I can contiue to live – you’re providing me with means to not have to choose.
and lastly, they are your recipies, and therefore you can do with them as you wish. – I for one am glad that you are sharing them with us.
-just signed up for the weekley updates, for the purpose of getting the cleaning recipies (since you’re already on my blogger reader).
I read this post yesterday and it bothered me enough to wake me up in the middle of the night! You have my full support for offering this information! As one comment noted, this information is out there and is easily accessible to anyone, you are just assisting people in finding an alternative that is going to be better for them, their children and their children’s children. Oh, and not to mention the Earth we all share! How can anyone find that a problem? If the reason is truly economically based, I feel that now is the best time of any to share this information so that we all may be empowered. We live in the Detroit area and are hanging by a string to make a living here in the dying automotive market. My husband was just given an extended furlough yesterday, which now means a period of no income for our family. I’m sure many of the readers of your blog are in similar situations. What you are doing is offering your readers a way to save a few bucks, which in turn can be used to pay for dinner for our children. That is huge given the current state of things. And not harming our families or our Earth. HUGE! Thanks :)
Well, when I was poor I didn’t know about vinegar and baking soda for cleaning – so someone obviously kept me out of the loop!