The new green party

Move over Tupperwear and Pampered Chef, there is a new party in town.  If you receive a request to BYOJ  no need to wonder what that means, I shall explain.  Bring your own JAR.  If someone wants you to BYOJ, likely this includes an invite to a green cleaning party. 

BYOJ

When I first read about green cleaning parties, I cringed.  Seriously, there are nervy people out there that want me to come over and clean their home…in the guise of a party?  Geesh. 

I was wrong.  Actually, it is an interesting idea.  There is no need to feel pressure to buy unneeded products and spend money. Instead, just bring a few recycled glass jars and fill with do it yourself cleaning products like toilet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner or furniture polish.  The ingredients are simple, like white distilled vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.

Most of the conventional cleaners we use frequently and casually are full of harsh and hazardous chemicals that contaminate our bodies and the environment.  Unfortunately, the government has not made it mandatory for companies to list their ingredients so until then concerned consumers need to be careful when it comes to purchasing products.

The Canadian Government is taking steps by banning some chemicals like phosphates from dish detergent this year.  DEGMA an endocrine disrupter now banned from cosmetics, though still allowed in floor cleaner.  Until they phase out all concerning ingredients, making your own cleaning products is one option to keep your home clean and healthy.   

Credit for this party goes to Women’s Voices for the Earth.  They are a national organization focused on eliminating toxic chemicals that may be contributors to asthma, some cancers, other illnesses etc. Their goal is to substantially reduce and even eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products homes and communities.

Party ideas, recipes, labels and information about the health risks of conventional household cleaners are available to download on the website.  I have read about hosts adding gag cocktails like blue window cleaner martinis or green floor cleaner mocktails.  Now that is a party!

I am curious to make the recipes, test them out, and see if they get the job done. It sounds like a lighthearted way to share information about chemicals and the impact on our health. The idea for a party does not have to be for just green minded friends.  My frugal pals would be excited to save some serious money making their own cleaning products. According to Industry Canada, the average household spends $300 on cleaning supplies a year.  I could entice some other friends just by serving gag cocktails.  (You know who you are ladies!)  It has potential to be a fun get together.

What do you think of this green party idea?  Creative or just kooky?