UNB Oils

During a week of events that showcased how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, UNB sustainably hosted an event that taught how to clean with essential oils instead of the harmful chemicals often found in household cleaning products.

“What we’re doing today is we’re teaching how to utilize essential oils in order to clean their house. So every participant will learn how essential oils work, but they’ll also leave with one type of cleaner,” said Danielle, the sustainability coordinator at UNB

Every participant left with a type of cleaner that they made with a recipe. Cleaners ranged from a toilet cleaner to an all-purpose cleaner

Essential oils are derived naturally from roots, leaves, fruits, and berries. Making them much more environmentally friendly.

One oil that is great for disinfecting is tree tea oil. It thrives in the swamps of Australia.

“So essential oils, the reason they’re so good at cleaning is because of their natural properties of helping the plant in their natural ecosystem, it can also help us in different ways. So, for instance, melaleuca which is tea tree actually grows in Australia in wet areas. So it actually grows in a humid wet environment. Because of that, the plant needs a way to combat mold, fungus, and things like that,” said Maggie Gilmore a sustainability officer at UNB.

They showed a powerpoint that highlighted the different properties that come with each oil, and how different oils are better for different people.

Not only are these oils great for cleaning but they can also be used as aromatherapy or even cooking.

They can have a relaxing, energetic, or even a calming effect.

Floral and leafy scents such as sage, lavender, and jasmine are suggested to reduce anxiety. While orange and grapefruit are great to use in the morning.

Oils such as peppermint can be used to help physical ailments such as headaches. Orange can help with indigestion.

They advised to use caution when using oils because although natural they can still cause allergic reactions. Even though these oils are natural they can still be toxic.