Every green business has a story and few are as interesting as Maggie Mohs, who was driven to create her own line of cleaning products because of her own health issues. She was kind enough to agree to share her story with our Inside Sustainable Packaging readers.

DS: Maggie, let’s start out with a little background on you, your partner Sara and your company.

MM: In 2003, I left the banking industry to spend more time with my family. To supplement my household income, I began cleaning homes part time.

After several months of cleaning, I developed severe skin sensitivity. At the height of my illness, my skin would itch and my eyes would burn whenever I used any type of skin product. Around the same time, my daughter was diagnosed with asthma and allergies. I began researching asthma “triggers” and discovered the number one air pollutant was household cleaners. It was my “ah-ha” moment. I realized I had been exposing my skin (our largest organ) and lungs to toxic cleaners on a daily basis. I decided to start making my own natural cleaners. Together, with my sister-in-law, Sara, we founded Simply Neutral in August of 2007 and developed our line of non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products.

DS: Please tell us about your health issues and allergies to “standard” cleaning products.

MM: I developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) due to over exposure to toxic chemicals. I cannot use conventional cleaning products of any kind. By the time I figured out what was wrong, my immune system was shot. I caught any bug going around, would bruise very easily, and had no energy. It took years and many detoxes before I was healthy again.

To this day, if I expose myself to synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, even some natural ingredients; my eyes burn, my skin itches, and I end up with a head ache. Using cleansers and cosmetics of any kind is still a challenge for me. I can only use a facial cleansing line for about 1 year before developing some sort of sensitivity to it; usually in the form of a rash.

DS: Maggie, how do your products differ from what has become a very crowded field?

MM: The main difference is what our products do not contain – fragrance, dyes, or preservatives. Fragrance is the fifth most common allergen in the world. It is also the number one reason for contact dermatitis. Reason: one fragrance mixture can contain up to 200 different chemicals. The chemicals do not have to be disclosed because fragrance is considered a proprietary or a trade secret.

DS: How did you determine that sugar and palm kernel oil make such a good combination of ingredients for your application?

MM: My skin and Sara’s oven determined this was the best blend! We worked with several chemists to find this blend. We tested many “green” cleaning agents until we found this one. The criteria was simple. It could not contain any ingredients from our “do not use” list, I could not react to it, and it had to work.

DS: What type of health and allergy symptoms can potentially be relieved by the use of your products? Is there a customer story you are able to share with us?

MM: Here is a customer testimonial. Comments like this keep us going.

“I purchased your products about a month ago, and I want to tell you that I love them. My shower hasn’t been this clean in years. That’s because I was using products with chemicals that would make my asthma and/or allergies kick in every time I scrubbed – so I scrubbed less and put up with soap scum and dirty grout. Your products are so gentle to my lungs that I could keep scrubbing until everything was clean. Now I spray the shower doors so they sparkle.”

Charlotte

DS: I know you believe in eco consistency on your packaging as well as your product. Please tell us what you have done to make that as green as your cleaners.

MM: We immediately decided to package our cleaners in 100% PCR bottles. We still joke we practically had to give up our first born to get them. We did find our precious bottles. We pay more for them, but it’s worth every penny. We still reuse boxes and packing material. Our business cards are cut out of cereal boxes and stamped. And, our vendors are no longer surprised to receive payment from us along with a note on the back side of children’s school work.

DS: Maggie, thank you so much for taking time to speak with us. I encourage our readers to visit your web site and try your terrific products

Also, thank you for your very generous offer of a 20% discount on your web store, if our readers use promo code: SALAZAR

Good luck Maggie and best wishes to you and your business in 2010.

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