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Healthy Home

Ms. Green-Clean Interviews NYC Holistic Doula & RN, Andrea Crossman

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on August 30, 2010

Need cleaning? Feng shui? The clutter cure? Ms. Green-Clean does all of that...and green-ly!

One of my doula clients is having Ms. Green-Clean come over tomorrow to make her house green, clean, and sparkling before her September 14th due date. When my client mentioned this, I was reminded of an interview I gave Ms. Green Clean a couple of months back, and it occurred to me that I never shared that interview here, so without further delay, here is my Ms. Green-Clean interview:

MS. GREEN-CLEAN INTERVIEWS NYC HOLISTIC DOULA & RN, ANDREA CROSSMAN

by Cori Morenberg, aka Ms. Green-Clean

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to meet many exceptionally talented and interesting people with fascinating careers. I’m also grateful that I never have to convince clients of my eco-friendly methods or that the products I’m using to clean their homes are as effective as their more noxious relatives. By the time someone becomes a Ms. Green-Clean client they’re already cognizant of the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. In fact, I often learn green and healthy tips from them.

Andrea Crossman, a Ms. Green-Clean client, is one of those people I’ve learned a lot from. She is the founder of Holistic Doula NYC, is a holistic RN, doula, and childbirth educator. She works with women to support three important milestones: preparation for pregnancy, pregnancy, and birth. Andrea hosts a group called Holistic Mamas NYC and writes the HDNYC blog where she shares holistic pregnancy and birth tips. She is also the co-founder of Lovemore (www.chooselovemore.com), a love-infused green business with a line of message tees, hoodies, onesies, vegan belts, bags, and water bottles.

I had the opportunity recently to interview her:

Andrea at a postpartum visit admiring the baby.

For people who don’t know, what is a labor doula?

A labor doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a laboring mother. My labor doula support typically begins at the woman’s home where–for women who choose a hospital birth–she labors until deciding it’s time to transfer to the hospital. I stay with her all the way through labor and until she and her new little one have their first breastfeeding experience. What this means is that from the moment I arrive at the laboring woman’s side, I stay there; my time in attendance at a birth typically begins sooner than the midwife or obstetrician, and lasts longer.

During that time, my job is to remind my clients that their bodies instinctively know how to give birth, to reassure them that what they are experiencing is normal, and to suggest options as needed that may help them cope better, like new positions or other techniques to work through each contraction. I also offer active comfort by way of healing modalities like massage, breathing techniques, Reiki, aromatherapy, and others specially tailored to each mother’s preferences.

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Good Reasons To Ditch The Bottled Water Habit and BYO*H2O

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on July 28, 2010

in General Health & Wellbeing,Healthy Home,Holistic Health

My personal fav water bottles (I'm totally biased). Click the pic for more info.

I have blogged previously about ditching the bottled water habit in favor of packing your own filtered tap water, in large part because I know from personal experience that making the switch over takes some commitment (and frequent reminding). When I’m at a birth, for instance, I almost always end up buying a couple of plastic bottles of water, even if I packed my own to start. I haven’t quite figured out how to conveniently pack a quantity of water that will get me through an entire long day (and sometimes night). Too frequently, however, I don’t have this kind of reasonable excuse. Sometimes I’m simply not diligent about packing my own when headed out to the movies, or to teach a childbirth education class–times when a single liter bottle would definitely suffice.

I’m mentioning this today because I was just inspired to hop back on the BYO*H2O train when catching up with the Huffington Post. The Huff Po ran the graphic below to highlight some of the reasons to avoid bottled water when possible, and I’m thankful for the reminder, as it will get me to again put my Lovemore water bottles into heavy rotation. If you’re a regular reader of this blog you know that Lovemore is my other labor of love. Lovemore is a green wear and gear line I started with my sister (the whole backstory can be found here), and stainless steel water bottles have been part of our love-infused product line since day one. We initially got into the water bottle biz because of our desire to provide an alternative to drinking from bottles made with toxic BPA. This is still my number one reason to avoid plastic bottles. That said, I really appreciated the point in the infographic about how reliance on bottled water contributes to disinvestment in the public water systems, and further adds to the public health and human rights issue of clean quality drinking water as a privledge, not a right. Well, that’s a reality that’s just plain wrong. I hope you’ll join me today in recommitting to BYO*H2O!

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Green Cleaning Tips & Recipes from The Cleaning Coach {and $5 off The Joy of Green Cleaning Ebook!}

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on February 7, 2010

in General Health & Wellbeing,Healthy Home,Holistic Health

Leslie Reichert, aka The Cleaning Coach, reached out to Holistic Doula NYC after reading Project Glow 2010: Green Cleaning. Leslie wrote a book called The Joy of Green Cleaning and was kind enough to do an interview with me to share some of her best tips and cleaning recipes with our holistic mamas. She is also offering $5 off the Joy of Green Cleaning ebook for our holistic mamas, making the book just 5 buckaroos. To get in on the green goodness just use code CGOJT here and get cleaning!

Why would a holistic mama want to make her own cleaning supplies?

We need to remember that the only way you really know what is in a cleaning product is if you make it yourself. The chemical industry does not have to list all the ingredients that are in their cleaners. Some are starting to list some, but they call their formulas proprietary information so there are no standards about what they can or can’t put into a cleaner. Chemicals in our homes are one of the biggest concerns for a new mother. It may take a little more time to research and make your own cleaners, but the time investment definitely out weighs the health problems down the road.

Is it hard to make your own green cleaning supplies? Do you need a lot of hard-to-find ingredients?

Not really. Most of the ingredients for the cleaners in my book are actually found in your pantry. It is amazing, but the old-fashioned recipes your great-grandmother used really do work!

What ingredients should a holistic mama have on hand to make her own cleaning supplies?

There are the “basic 4″ which are baking soda, salt, lemon juice and white vinegar. I also use Borax, hydrogen peroxide and club soda. These are the simple ingredients that can make most of the cleaners you need for your home!

For soon to be moms, do you have any tips or recipes to set up the nursery?

You can make a carpet freshener by mixing baking soda, borax and an essential oil like lemongrass. Or a spot wipe can be made from white vinegar, club soda and an essential oil. Just soak some paper towels in the mixture and store in an airtight container.

And what about after the baby comes, any special recommendations?

One area that we tend to overlook is the laundry soap we are using. You want to use an all-natural soap so that your baby’s skin does not get irritated. I have my great grandmother’s laundry soap recipe on my book site that all your readers can try. It is just four simple ingredients: soap flakes, borax, baking soda, and washing soda. All of these can be purchased on line or in a grocery store. {You can find these items on Leslie’s site here}

Leslie Reichert's book is $5 off for HDNYC's holistic mamas! Click the pic and use code CGOJT. Enjoy!

I just want new and soon-to-be moms to remember using natural cleaners is a great way to keep their new baby healthy and protected from toxins. We bombard our kids with so many chemicals that today the indoor air quality of our homes is more dangerous than the air outside. I’d just want your readers to remember one thing about the ingredients in cleaning chemicals: If you can’t say it- don’t spray it!

Let me leave you with a simple recipe to try at home. This is what I call my Green Cleaning Scrub. This will take the place of any type of powdered cleanser you use to clean the sinks, tubs or even the toilet bowl.

1/2 c baking soda
1/2 c borax
1/2 c table salt
5 drops of any essential oil for scent

Mix these ingredients and place in an airtight shaker container. Use it anywhere you would use any powdered cleanser You will be amazed how clean your kitchen sink will be!

Want more info?

In this little YouTube video you can watch Leslie (who couldn’t be cuter by the way) making 2 of her potions, including the recipe she shared above, AND cleaning a toilet. Don’t worry, it’s not gross, and apparently makes the entire bathroom smell fantastic!

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Project Glow 2010: Green Cleaning

by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on January 6, 2010

in Before The Bump,Healthy Home,NYC Local Resources,Project Glow 2010

Mrs. Meyers basil scented products are my absolute favorite

Creating a clean zen home is the first thing I want to tackle in the new year and in honor of Project Glow 2010. It is where the heart is after all. I moved into a great apartment in Brooklyn a little over a year ago, but have yet to realize its full potential as I have a hefty amount of decluttering and organizing to do. When I moved in, the apartment was not as clean as I expected, so my landlords gave me the go-ahead to hire someone for a serious deep cleaning. I took this opportunity to try out a green cleaning service, and on someone else’s dime no less (score!). After looking into all of the local green cleaning options, I decided to go with Ms. Green-Clean. Ms. Green-Clean is owned by Cori Morenberg, who is described on her website as, “a high energy, compulsive-obsessive, with a degree in Botany, a passion for nature and art, and a penchant for cleaning. She truly enjoys cleaning and transforming homes using pure essential oils and non-toxic, environmentally-safe cleaning agents not tested on animals.” Ms. Green-Clean had me at compulsive-obsessive.

After my first green cleaning with Ms Green clean in 2009 I showed of my zen pad with a holiday party

Yes, I was committed to the green approach and products used by all of NYC’s green cleaners, but what really excited me about Ms. Green-Clean was the fact that I believed she would get everything really really really clean. When I read that Cori and her associates actually wash floors by hand, because they believe that’s the only way they can really get them clean, I knew this was the green cleaner for me. Within a few days of contacting her, Cori sent out one of her personally trained cleaners and the service fully lived up to expectations. My green cleaner Sarah was here for about 8 hours, and my house smelled amazing when she left.

Fast forward to 2010 and my home is once again in need of some love. When I began strategizing my way to feng shui, I decided that I would commit to decluttering and picking up on my own, and then to invite Ms. Green-Clean back to make my apartment shine. When I talked to Cori last week about my cleaning needs, it dawned on me that her services are actually perfect for my holistic mamas as they prepare for their new arrivals.

I am passionate about sharing information with holistic mamas and creating a truly useful resource list of healthy green products and services, so I asked Cori if she would be willing to answer a few questions and she graciously agreed. Not only did Cori tell me more about Ms. Green-Clean, but she also offered some great green cleaning tips so that DIYers, people on a budget, and non-New Yorkers can benefit from her wisdom. I hope you enjoy the interview and that this information adds to your glowey new year!

How did you get into the green cleaning business?

Cori Morenberg is Ms. Green Clean

Strangely, I was on an assignment as a freelance writer for a weekly paper when the seed of the idea was planted. I interviewed a person who had just started a green cleaning business and I thought to myself what a great idea it was. I’m a person who likes a lot of independence and to be my own boss, and also I have a background in science and environmental-related work, so it melded a few parts of me. It wasn’t until a year or more later, though, that I pursued the idea and conceived of Ms. Green-Clean.

What makes your cleaning green?

Cleaning green is pretty easy days with all the information and commercial products out there, anyone can do it. We fill our cleaning bags with some or all of these essentials depending on job details: baking soda and/or Bon Ami non-abrasive cleanser, Citra-Solv, a milder all purpose like Ecover’s or Mrs. Meyers, a basic, very mild wood soap, a selection of essential oils, and lots of reusable microfiber and cotton cloths. All of the products are derived from natural, plant, or mineral ingredients, are earth-friendly and non-polluting, and are cruelty free and not tested on animals.

I love all of the greenness, but tell me more about the cleanness.

We specialize in deep-cleaning, really kind of old fashioned, European-mama cleaning. It’s very athletic work. We don’t visit on a weekly or bi-weekly visit. I feel most people don’t need our services that often. We’re not there to fluff towels and swish feather dusters. We’re often red faced, sweating and a bit out of breath. We get down on our hands and knees to clean floors. We crawl under furniture to get at corners and hidden spaces, move pieces that we’re able to safely, pick up cushions to clean underneath. We make sure your refrigerator and oven are wiped out, and we do the insides of windows. The list goes on and on and is really particular to the clients’ home when it comes down to it. You really have to experience it to completely get it. Many of our clients do have someone else clean their home more regularly and then they have us in twice per year or quarterly. They’re always surprised and we are always very pleased to find lots of dirt and grime on these visits!

It seems to me that your service would be perfect for someone preparing for baby. Do you do much of that?

Yes! Ms. Green-Clean has many expectant parents as clients, and more specifically expectant parents who are moving into new homes that have had construction work done that creates a lot of fine dust throughout, and that they are very concerned about getting rid of before they bring the new baby home.

Not everyone can afford to have someone else provide the gift of clean. Would you be willing to share a few green cleaning tips for the DIYers out there?

Sure. My favorite way to clean the older enameled sinks that many New Yorkers have is to first rinse it out, then sprinkle baking soda, and to the baking soda add a capful of Citra-Solv orange oil all purpose cleaner. With your sponge, scrub away for a few minutes to get rid of all the stains in the abraded surface. It’s like going for a teeth-whitening! Very satisfying. Another easy one is to add one or two drops of peppermint essential oil to a microfiber cloth for dusting. Not only do you get your dusting done, but you give your home a little aromatherapy treatment at the same time and it creates a spa-like feel. Peppermint has antiseptic properties that make it a great oil to keep in your cleaning arsenal. It’s also said to combat fatigue and depression, as well as aid concentration. Not too many cleaners from the grocery store can claim that!

Do you go all over the city?

Yes, we serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, anywhere that the MTA subway will get us to easily. We don’t work in Staten Island.

With castile soap and bucket in hand? How does that work?

That’s one more way we’re green. We travel by subway, bike or foot. It’s pretty easy to carry the products and tools we use in one bag.

Have some green cleaning tips of your own? Please share them in the comments. And if you are in need of a good cleaning too and are in the market for some great green products check out the HDNYC Store section “products: green cleaning,” or your local health food stores and Whole Foods. Want recipes to DIY your own vegan, green, eco-friendly cleaning products for half the price of the store bought ones? Check out this fantastic article full of green cleaning recipes from the always green and fabulous Girlie Girl Army.

By the by, Ms. Green-Clean was named “Best Cleaning Service” by New York Magazine in 2008. I love that New York Magazine recognized a green cleaner! For more info about Cori and Ms. Green-Clean visit her online www.msgreenclean.com.

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