What Do You Think?
July 8th, 2011 | 
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Image by A30_Tsitika via Flickr
OK – quick dilemma to share with you…(help me please!) 
I have an entire box full of almost new cleaning and personal care products that I’ve opted to get rid of becuase of all the toxins they contain.
I kind of hate the idea of just throwing them away – it seems awfully wasteful – and I know a lot of people don’t have concerns about such things like we do…
So I’m pretty much planning to put them all out at our garage sale tomorrow for free – but including a sign that says this:
Everything on this table is free, mostly new and little used. We have decided to discontinue the use of these items as we are making attempts to limit toxins in our home – we don’t wish them to go to waste so if it is something you are unconcerned about, please help yourself.
If you are interested in knowing more about why we are doing this, just ask! 
I would also include little cards if people are interested enough to take them that say:
We have recently made the decision as a family to limit toxins in our home – many of which can be found in mainstream cleaning and personal care products.
We have done this in attempts to make the healthiest possible situation for our daughter (and our pets!).
Instead of mainstream products, we have converted to using vinegar, baking soda and Castile soap for most cleaning projects in the home, which cost less and contain no toxins. We even use baking soda and apple cider vinegar to wash our hair!
If you want to learn more about why and how we are doing this, please visit our family blog at http://www.BecomingCrunchy.com.
As much as it may sound like it, it’s not really a plug for the blog – it’s just that it’s all organized so nicely here.
So – my dilemma is…
Should I even be trying to give the things away (cleaning and care products we won’t use anymore) knowing that they do contain toxins?
On one hand, I feel that if people don’t care it could be a nice gesture, and maybe get them thinking if they read our little signs lol (I couldn’t in good conscience just put them out there without saying anything).
On the other hand, I don’t know if it’s totally hypocritical to be ‘encouraging’ their use by giving them away.
So – I put it to the you. What do you think??
Thanks for your help!
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You know what? People are going to use mainstream products no matter what. And some people don't have that much money to buy shampoo and other toiletries. So they will be grateful. And if they happen upon your blog and learn how to save money by making their own environmentally-friendly products, even better. Maybe it will change their world, whereas they never would have looked at an environmentally-friendly product otherwise.
I am having the same conundrum. We are poo free, and have been given body wash (with formaldihyde), shampoo and the like. I don't know if I want to give it away, but at the same time…I really do't feel good about washing it down the sink :S
I don't know about about the cards and stuff….I think I would feel weird about going to a garage sale and receiving information such as that seems like going trick-or-treating and getting those little pamphlets about knowing Jesus. But, I fully support the idea that you want people to be aware of what they're buying. Or taking in.
It is someone else's choice entirely whether or not he wants to use those kinds of products, even if you disclose why you choose not to. No matter what, they will find their way back to the Earth somehow – either through use or through you throwing them away, so give 'em away!
But you don't have to listen to me
HAHA It did seem kind of like that Amanda
You make very good points – so I'm OK with listening to you. ;D Thanks!
If I were you, I'd just take it to a local women's shelter and gve it to them. They desperately need these things and it would definitely get use by someone who needs them. When you're under as much stress and concern as the women at these shelters, chemicals in your shampoo are the least of your worries. Just getting a good conditioner is like getting a spa treatment for a woman who is running from an abusive situation.
There are a ton of people out there who cannot afford to buy ANY cleaning supplies or personal care products. If they're used/opened, just put them on a free table with the sign. If they're new/unopened, I'd look for a homeless shelter, Salvation Army, etc. to donate them to. As for the cards – I think that some education is great. BUT, I'm willing to bet that you'll spend money on what will mostly end up being litter. A sign on your table should suffice. Just be available to answer questions or make a comment when you hear an ignorant remark – you may teach someone something new!