Melaleuca - be aware
Thought I might post about our recent Melaleuca experience as I want to caution others who are considering it to really know what you're getting into. I had heard about the company from a friend who was very positive about it, that the products were great, environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. And just for the next few days, enrolling in membership - which allows one to get products at a much cheaper price - was going to be half price.
It was the half price that dragged me in. I'm a sucker for a deal, although in this case it wasn't. Once I shook my head clear and started really examining it, I got out as fast as I could - which wasn't fast at all. Here's what I noticed:
1. Deceptive practices.
They tell people they are not multi-level marketing (like Amway). But they are. They seem to think that by not saying that they are, that makes them not. But the structure works the same way. You make money in the company off others who join and purchase products, and you make money off of several levels of people. Which means that they have to inflate the prices of their products to give out all these commissions. So no, Virginia, it is not reasonably priced.
My friend was not deceptive with me, but to answer my questions she referred me to another rep, who told me things that weren't true. Such as that there was lots and lots of 3rd party research to back up how superior Melaleuca products are. I asked her for it. She sent me one internet notice about the superior absorption of Melaleuca vitamins that upon further research turned out to be a hoax. She also told me that a back-up order (an automatic order that gets sent to members who forget to order one month) is not sent to new customers for several months. Guess what - a back-up order was sent to me, and it was sent to me after I cancelled my membership. She may not have been deliberately deceptive, merely misled. But misled by whom?
Another thing you might hear is that something like 90-95% of customers stay with Melaleuca. What they don't tell you is that represents month to month. Most customers do not stay with Melaleuca for more than a year.
2. There is no evidence that their products are any better for the environment than anything you get off the store shelf. They have no certification from a neutral 3rd party like Environmental Choice
3. Besides being overpriced, some of the products just aren't that good. We were especially looking for a more economical laundry detergent (when we were still under the impression that their products were environmentally friendly). But their detergent did not get our clothes clean. They really emphasize that their products are concentrated, but with the detergent I got the impression that it was a lot like that laundry disk scam - even plain water will get your clothes somewhat clean. Adding a shot of their detergent seemed to do nothing. They also said that you only need a small amount of toothpaste - well, heck, I only use a small amount of any toothpaste. And for kids stuff - my kids don't care if something is concentrated, they want to pump out large amounts of shampoo and hand soap. So the concentrated stuff is overrated.
4. They make it very easy to join and very hard to leave. To join, you just go on the website and fill in your name and some other info (like credit card # - I know, I was foolish), but to cancel your membership, they have to have a signed letter from you that has to go to their US address. And they don't readily offer information on cancelling on their website, or that you can fax the letter to ensure it is received on time. I was told if I didn't like the company, I could quit within a certain amount of time and get all my money back. I wasn't told that membership involved getting a "business kit" sent to me, and that I was supposed to send that kit back at my own expense. I refused the order that came to me after I cancelled, and while they credited my account for the products they still wanted me to pay the shipping. And they said they sent the order to me because they didn't receive my cancellation in time - apparently it arrived more than 2 weeks after I sent it. Yeah, right.
5. As part of membership, to receive the low prices, they assign points to their products and you're supposed to order a minimum # of points each month. I was assured this is quite easy to do - just separate out your grocery list of items that Melaleuca sells and buy them from them each month. It's actually easier that way! But we found that even on the first order we ended up getting something we didn't really want to get up to the right amount of points. I think a lot of people get their vitamins, which easily add up to the points each month, but their vitamins are extremely overpriced: for our family it would have been between $60 to 80 a month.
The products we didn't return were okay quality - nothing special, and quite pricey. And in the end, I did not pay shipping and handling charges for anything I didn't want because I have no problem hounding customer service until I get my way if I feel that I have been lied to or manipulated. All in all, it is a very restrictive program which for us, had we stayed with it, would have meant spending more than we ever had before. It sounds promising, but like all multi-level marketing there are a few who benefit immensely and everybody else ends up paying their salaries.
posted by Jude | 11:13 PM
12 Comments:
I wouldn't say that what we kept was any good either. Sent us gum that was due to expire in a couple of weeks, and the toothpaste is no good, I've noticed alot more build up on mt teeth since using the product- caveat emptor.
have you tried norwex laundry detergent? i haven't, but I've heard good things about it and i plan on trying it once my current stuff runs out.
I haven't tried Norwex. I'm not sure at this point if it's worth using more "natural" stuff because in my internet research I was forced to consider the question of what is the evidence that major brands are harmful to the environment? Often it's just assumed, and I have yet to see an explanation of what major brands have or do that "natural" brands don't.
Really?
I had heard (though you know I don't tend to do my own research on this stuff) that many major brands are full of known carcinogens. For instance, I got rid of my Mr.Clean eraser because it was full of formaldehyde.
I'm sure it must be out there... but I guess I'm assuming ;-)
and you know what happens when you assume....
not just bad for the environment, but full of 'fillers' which make your clothes staticky (requiring fabric softener) pilly, whites look grey, blacks fade, etc. i saw the difference when put in water - what stays in your clothes.
Found you because I'm a Norwex consultant and couldn't help but want to offer the info I have. It's an article I love because it's specific about dangerous ingredients, and lists sources. Norwex really is great, and stands behind all products with an unconditional 60 satisfaction guarantee. Check it out at http://www.norwexonline.com Input coupon code GOAL for 25% off your orders before July 30, 2008 - no strings.
The ingredients contained in conventional petrochemical-based cleaning products are not usually listed on labels. Many, but not all, less-toxic products will have ingredients listed on their labels. Following is a list of some of the most common toxic chemicals found in household cleaning products; however there are many others.
Common Hazardous Ingredients in Cleaning Products
Acetone - A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney damage, and damage to the developing fetus. It is a skin and eye irritant. Found in spot treatment cleaners, mark and scuff removers, and other products.
Aerosol products- Aerosol propellants may contain propane, formaldehyde, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant, methylene chloride, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and reproductive toxin, and nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute particles, which can be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may increase their toxic effect.
Ammonia - Undiluted, ammonia is a severe eye and respiratory irritant that can cause severe burning pain, and corrosive damage including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage. It can also cause kidney and liver damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours can result in bronchitis and pneumonia. Found in a wide range of cleaning products. Ammonia will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth.
Diethanolamine (DEA) - Listed as a suspected carcinogen by the State of California, this chemical is a skin and respiratory toxicant and a severe eye irritant. Used in a wide range of household cleaning products.
D-limonene - This chemical is produced by cold-pressing orange peels. The extracted oil is 90% d-limonene. It is a sensitizer, a neurotoxin, a moderate eye and skin irritant, and can trigger respiratory distress when vapours are inhaled by some sensitive individuals. There is some evidence of carcinogenicity. D-limonene is the active ingredient in some insecticides. It is used as a solvent in many all-purpose cleaning products, especially 'citrus' and 'orange' cleaners. Also listed on labels as citrus oil and orange oil.
Ethoxylated nonyl phenol - Nonyl phenols are hormone disruptors and some contain traces of ethylene oxide, a known human carcinogen. They are eye and skin irritants. Used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products.
Formaldehyde - In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Formaldehyde is also a sensitizer, with the potential to cause asthma. Several laboratory studies have shown it to be a central nervous system depressant. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. While formaldehyde naturally occurs in the human body in minute amounts, it is estimated that 20 per cent of people exposed to it will experience an allergic reaction. Used in a wide range of products, including some furniture polishes. Formaldehyde may be released by other chemicals, eg.quaternary 15.
Fragrance - Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens. In 1989, the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health evaluated 2,983 fragrance chemicals for health effects. They identified 884 of them as toxic substances. Synthetic fragrances are known to trigger asthma attacks. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, which can cause liver, kidney and brain damage as well as damage to a developing fetus. Symptoms reported to the FDA from fragrance exposure have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observations by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes. Fragrance is a common skin irritant.
Methylene chloride - Methylene chloride is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and a reproductive toxin. On inhalation, it can cause liver and brain damage, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack. It is a severe skin and moderate eye irritant. Used in stain removers.
Monoethanolamine - This chemical may cause liver, kidney and reproductive damage, as well as depression of the central nervous system. Inhalation of high concentrations - when cleaning an oven for example - can cause dizziness or even coma. The chemical can also be absorbed through the skin. It is a moderate skin irritant, and a severe eye irritant. Found in many cleaning products, including oven cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, laundry pre-soaks, floor strippers and carpet cleaners.
Morpholine - This corrosive ingredient can severely irritate and burn skin and eyes, and can even cause blindness if splashed in eyes. It can cause liver and kidney damage, and long-term exposure can result in bronchitis. It reacts with nitrites (added as a preservative in some products, or present as a contaminant) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines. Morpholine is a moderate to severe eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Used as a solvent in a number of cleaning products, including some furniture polishes and abrasive cleansers.
Naphthalene - This registered pesticide is listed as a suspected carcinogen in California and is most commonly found in mothballs, and some other pest repellants, as well as in deodorizers. As a reproductive toxin, it is transported across the placenta and can cause blood damage. It can cause liver and kidney damage, and corneal damage and cataracts. Skin exposure is especially dangerous to newborns.
Parabens - Parabens are hormone disruptors. Widely used in cleaning products as preservatives, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl. Parabens may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals
Paradichlorobenzene - This highly volatile registered pesticide is in the same chemical class as DDT. It is a suspected carcinogen, and may cause lung, liver and kidney damage. It is used in mothballs and some washroom deodorizers and urinal blocks.
Phosphoric acid - Extremely corrosive, it can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Breathing vapours can make the lungs ache, and it may be toxic to the central nervous system. Found in some liquid dishwasher detergents, metal polishes, some disinfectants, and bathroom cleaners, especially those that remove lime and mildew.
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate - This corrosive chemical is a severe eye, skin and respiratory irritant. It may cause liver and gastrointestinal damage, and may be toxic to the central nervous system. It will react with bleach to form poisonous chlorine gas that can cause burning and watering of eyes, as well as burning of the nose and mouth. It is found in some toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers, as well as industrial detergents and some institutional dishwashing detergents.
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) - A corrosive chemical, sodium hypochlorite is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, as well as a sensitizer. It is especially hazardous to people with heart conditions or asthma, and can be fatal if swallowed. It may be a neurotoxin and toxic to the liver. Found in a wide range of household cleaners.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a lathering agent. This chemical is a known skin irritant. It also enhances the allergic response to other toxins and allergens. The U.S. government has warned manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in some products containing this ingredient. SLS can react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines
Toluene - Exposure to toluene may cause liver, kidney and brain damage. It is also a reproductive toxin which can damage a developing fetus.
Turpentine - This chemical can cause allergic sensitization, and kidney, bladder and central nervous system damage. It is an eye irritant. Found in specialty solvent cleaners, furniture polish and shoe products.
Xylene - Xylene has significant neurotoxic effects, including loss of memory. High exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. It may damage liver, kidneys and the developing fetus. It is a severe eye and moderate skin irritant. Used in some spot removers, floor polishes, ironing aids and other products.
Sources:
The Safe Shoppers Bible, David Steinman & Samuel Epstein
Cleaners and Toxins, Labour Environmental Alliance Society, Vancouver BC
Home Safe Home, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1997 includes hundreds of "make your own" recipes.
Non-toxic, Natural and Earth Wise, Debra Lynn Dadd, Tarcher Inc, 1990, includes many "make your own" recipes.
Less Toxic Alternatives, Carolyn Gorman with Marie Hyde, Optimum Publishing, 2002 , emphasis on the needs of the chemically sensitive
Check out the "Skin Deep" website sponsered by the "Environmental Working Group" in the US. They will tell you all about all the products you use and what is harmful or toxic - soaps, cosmetics etc. You can even subscribe to a free newsletter. It's a great group doing work for all of us.
Had to add my two cents. I will never buy Norwex laundry soap again. I found it to be over priced (sure you only use a small amount, but if that small amount costs me the same as my 1/2 cup of Tide where are the savings?). Also it doesn't get out smells like pit smells and campfire smells. To get those out you need to buy another sent product, which jacks up the price per load more. Almost everyone I know who owns Norwex stuff ends up buying some kind of grocery store cleaner as well as Norwex because sometimes they just want things to smell clean as well as be clean.
My best enviro-friendly, cost effective cleaning products? Those ratty old socks, Borax, baking soda, white vinegar, and elbow grease. All the other crap has been a huge waste of $$$.
We have been using Norwex laundry soap for 6 months now. We are still using our first bag ($25) and we do at least a load a day if not more. For us it has removed ALL smells and dirt and whatever else might be in there. I would highly recommend it to anyone for great price savings over the store brands and great cleaning. (note: we have an HE washer, with regular washers you must use 4x more soap per load)
I own a carpet cleaning business and I use melaleuca cleaners. They don't work as well as normal cleaners, (I have to use a little more elbow grease to take out the stains) but they are toxic free and that is a good trade off. If you knew what was in the cleaners most carpet cleaners used you would never get your carpets cleaned. I also have two small children so most of the things in my house are melaleuca or eco friendly. I know some of the products don't work as well, like the tooth paste that taste awful, or the melaleuca scent that doesn't smell half as good as fabreeze, but it is worth it if it is healthier for my kids.
I actually have been a member of melaleuca for 3 years. I have a daughter that had a stubborn case of eczema that didn't even get better with prescription medicines but is 90% better using Renew. The laundry detergent works great for us and smells clean. I love the vitamins and the herbal disinfectant..but hate the toothpaste...it is more expensive and I don't think some of the cleaners work as well as chemical cleaners but would rather work a little harder than have those back in my home.
I am sorry you didn't like it and had a bad experience.
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