Many of us have been pondering the idea of using more natural cleaners in our homes, for the health of our families and the environment.  The trouble I have found was that the natural products I have tried either don't work or I can no longer afford to keep buying them.

Recently I was given a chance to interview Miiko Gibson and ask her what makes her Berrysong  natural cleaning products so unique.

Tia:  How and why did you begin Berrysong?

Miiko:  My interest in and passion for spreading toxin-free products took shape when I became a new mother nearly a decade ago. I began reading and studying various subjects that were pertinent to my baby's health and well-being. That my beautiful baby had eczema and allergies drove me to further examine health issues I had not previously paid attention to. One of the first things I realized I had to do then was to replace my huge range of mainly toxic cleaning products. So I threw away my glass cleaner, oven cleaner, spot removers, heavy-duty degreasers, toilet bowl cleaners and even general-purpose sprays. Okay, so what should I use? After trying different products, some too costly in the long run, I was delighted and excited when I  discovered that 1st Envirosafety products were not only safe, they were also very effective. And affordable.  After being a consumer for several years, I decided to go into business so I could share these products with other mothers and also at the same time to help my husband with our family expenses. We want to eventually “bring dad home” so I'm working on   this business with hopes that our dream will come true.

Tia:  Do I understand correctly that Berrysong is your company that sells another companies cleaners?  What then is the actual name of the cleaners?

Miiko:  Yes, as described above, our company Berrysong sells 1stEnvirosafetyInc  products. We are an authorized dealer with 1stEnvirosafetyInc. We could get a        private label (like what some other companies do) and increase the prices but        we've decided to just sell it at wholesale prices and become an authorized agent of the HQ.  There is no reason why you cannot buy directly from them but I hope you will buy from me as I give the same price and since I hope to make homeschool families my niche, I'll also be giving away some very and attractive homeschool freebies to my homeschoool customers. :)

Tia:  What makes these cleaners safe for humans, animals and plants?

Miiko:  The cleaners are blended completely from processed extracts of natural plants grown exclusively in the USA. They do not contain toxic chemicals like butyl, chlorine, d-limonene, formaldehyde, hydroxides, phenols, phosphates, oil wastes, or other dangerous chemicals. Many products on the market contain harmful chemicals. I don't want to be a scare-monger, but this list from  the Center for            Disease Control is a real “eye-opener”. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0000.html

Tia:  On the website’s FAQ section one question was about how anti-aging specialists are excited to use cleaners without VOC’s. What are VOC’s and how are they harmful?

Miiko:  VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds which are released into the air from certain solids and gases.  These organic chemicals are  common  ingredients found in many household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, degreasing and cosmetic products. Some VOCs are more harmful than others. Factors like level of exposure and length of time will also affect the extent and nature of the health problems. Some immediate symptoms include eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness and visual disorders. Some VOCs are suspected of causing or are known to cause cancer in animals and humans. This website provides an excellent overview of this topic. 

Thank you so much Miiko for taking the time for this interview!  I can hardly wait to try out your Berrysong products.  Your current special is an excellent way to introduce homeschoolers to these natural cleaners.

The “Stay Clean” Glass Cleaner costs $20.00 (plus $12 for S&H) per gallon.
Each gallon can be diluted into 64 quarts. Each quart works out to be $.50.

The Laundry Cleaner is $37.00 per gallon (plus $12 for S&H).
Each gallon does at least 125 loads. The average cost per load is $.37.

To compare our prices against leading brands, refer to this link.

http://berrysong.com/costcomparisons.htm 

Tia:  I noticed on your website that the U.S. Naval Center for Environmental Health chose these cleaners as the “Cleaner of Choice.” Does that mean the Navy is now using these products? I sure hope so, I remember the cleaners we used and every time I smell something similar it takes me back to boot camp!

Miiko:  Our product is listed in their book of approved cleaning products. There are other products also listed which are not manufactured by us. We are not at liberty to state where we ship our products, but we are not the only cleaner that the Navy uses. The most recent order from the U.S. Navy (from my HQ; not from Berrysong) was shipped in December, 2006.  

Tia:  How are Berry Song products different from other organic or green cleaners?

Miiko:  That would be an impossible question to answer unless we knew the specs on every possible competitor out there.The main things to compare in a competitor's product are: do they work, are the ingredients American-grown, are they toxic, are they certified carcinogen-free, do they have a credible and growing customer base, are they open or secretive about their manufacturing location and process, are they reasonably priced, have they been in business for a while and do they show stability?  

Berrysong Homeschool Sale! 

Whether or not you are homeschooling, we  have a WONDERFUL surprise for you!  

We cannot give you a great big discount for purchasing our products

 (remember, you're paying FACTORY-DIRECT prices),  

but between 

January 31^st and February 11^th  

we will give you

special BONUS GIFTS

just for trying our   

non-toxic, effective and concentrated cleaners!  

My wonderful on-line friends are making this possible for you to save! 

I'm so thankful to them for making this  

SALE  

so wonderful!  

Are you ready for this?  

First, let me list ALL the goodies. You will LOVE them!  

1.  7 Carrot Soup Recipes Our Family Love  by Miiko Gibson

Enjoy delicious and nutritious soups all year round. There are recipes for cooler and warmer months. If you have never tried carrot soup before, this is the time! Your family will thank you for helping them eat healthier.  

2. A Mini-Math Package  by Miiko Gibson

 This unit on Capacity, written with the young elementary student in mind, includes a thoughtful article, “Teaching Math with a Biblical Perspective”. 

3. Overcoming Homeschool Obstacles  by Tami Fox.

Tami  is a homeschooling mom to six children. In her book Overcoming Obstacles While Homeschooling, she writes about creative ways to homeschool when life seems to get in the way of your school schedule. Tami is also the owner of Discount Home School Supplies. Visit her for great homeschool curriculum at discount prices. 

4. Momma's Guide to Thriving on One Income by Kimberly Eddy of             www.JoyfulMomma.org will encourage anyone whose budget doesn't always work out       on paper. Full of practical tips, encouraging Scriptures, and inspiring testimonies,  Thriving on One Income will bless and empower you.

               5. Country Study Lapbook by Knowledge Box Central. You can use this lapbook to study any         country. All instructions included! Knowledge Box Central takes the planning part out of the equation and leaves in the ADVENTURE! Knowledge box Central  specializes in Lapbooks, CopyWork Notebooks, Notebooking Pages, Activity Books, and more. They also design lapbooks for Tapestry of Grace and for Jeannie Fulbright and Apologia's elementary science books! 

6. Activity Bags Sampler (with Paula Reetz as co-author) contains detailed instructions for assembling 7 preschool activities, 3 science experiments, and a 30 Day Challenge devotional/journal page.The preschool activities are taken from Preschool Activities in a Bag             Book 1 and Book 2 (which has not yet been published). The science experiments are taken from Science Experiments in a Bag (which also has not yet been published).The 30 Day Challenge will encourage you to spend quality time every day in prayer and devotions. 

7.  WisdomKids: Matthew 7:13-14; Proverbs 4:25-27 Watch Your Step  By Firstfruit Publishers. This is a wonderful copy work program designed to teach children to apply scripture to their lives NOW. Includes word studies,  coloring pages, puzzles, and teaching ideas. Appropriate for ages 4-12. 

            8.  Julius, the Green Dolphin is a best selling chapter book by Ann Tidwell. This enjoyable and      thought-provoking paperback and will be included in your order of over $100. 

Discount Coupon from www.throughmylensphotography.com!

  15% off entire order from Jan 31^st to Feb 18^th when you buy stunning  prints or other products from Seth Fisher's  website: www.throughmylensphotography.com.
Seth was homeschooled his whole life and graduated in 2003. His hobby  became a business in 2004. Visit his site and be blessed by his captivating photographs!  

I have 4 package deals for you!

 Package A 

When you try our SAMPLE KIT or buy our products up to $34.00*,

you will get the first four goodies valued around  $30.00 and a discount coupon from www.throughmylensphotography.com 

 Package B 

When you buy $35-$74* worth of products,

you get the first five goodies  valued around $45.00
and a discount coupon from www.throughmylensphotography.com 

Package C

When you buy $75.00 and above* worth of products

you get the first six goodies valued around $50.00
and a discount coupon from www.throughmylensphotography.com 

Package D 

When you buy above $100*  worth of products

you get ALL the free goodies valued around $65.00

 and a discount coupon from www.throughmylensphotography.com 

*this does not include shipping.  

To receive your gifts, email me at miiko@berrysong.com after you have made your order. Let me know which package you had purchased. I will then send you the links to the free downloads! If you order Package D,   the paperback will be included in your order. 

REMEMBER, the products last a LONG TIME

as they are highly concentrated.