Chemerical: A Review

Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation is a film that takes a look at the multitude of toxic products that we buy, store and use in our homes. From cleaners to personal care products, the average citizen surrounds themselves with chemicals that have not been adequately tested for safety, even though we are made to believe that these products are perfectly safe.

This film follows a Canadian family as, over the course of 2 months, they eliminate all chemicals from their home. The family first gets rid of all of their toxic housecleaning supplies and replaces them with safer, natural versions. Next task is eliminating chemicals form their personal care products. This includes shampoos, deodorant, toothpaste, lotions, make-up and more. Initially the 2 older children were opposed to veering from their normal routine.... but, after a few weeks, they were happy (or at least happy enough) with the safer alternatives that they were using. By the end of the film, the family is making all of their own laundry detergent, cleaners, shampoos, toothpaste, and even hair gel and lipstick. They found that not only were the products safer, but making their own only cost a fraction of the price.

Aside from safer and cheaper, they also found that the air inside the house was cleaner. Levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) inside the family's home were at unsafe levels before the switch, but were well within safe levels after the chemicals were removed from their home. The family also felt healthier... less headaches and less sickness with the new regiment. 

The film also addresses safety issues with these chemicals... why they are problematic and what is being done to address safety concerns (not much). But most importantly, the film shows that an average, everyday family IS capable of eliminating toxins from their home without eliminating modern day conveniences. I enjoyed this movie because the results are tangible; they show how a family (begrudgingly at first) changed their entire cleaning and personal care routine. They were eventually happy with the results, they were providing a safer living environment for themselves, they were being kinder on the environment, and they were spending much less money. This film is worth a watch-- It's like reality tv with an environmental twist....