Have you ever seen a product labeled "chemical-free" and thought to yourself, "wait a minute, isn't everything made of chemicals?"
Well, you're right! The truth is, it's impossible for a product to be completely free of chemicals.
First of all, what is a "chemical" ?
A chemical is simply a substance made up of atoms, molecules, or ions. Everything around us is made up of chemicals, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. So, technically speaking, there is no such thing as a chemical-free product.
Even products marketed as "natural" or "organic" contain chemicals. For example, essential oils, which are often used in natural or organic products, are made up of chemicals such as terpenes and phenols. Even water, which is often touted as the purest substance on earth, is made up of chemicals - two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, to be exact.
So, why do companies use the term "chemical-free" in their marketing? It's simple - they know it's a buzzword that will catch consumers' attention. It's a clever marketing tactic, but honestly, it's also very misleading.
The truth is, not all chemicals are bad for us. In fact, many chemicals are essential for our survival. For example, the calcium and phosphorus in our bones are chemicals, and without them, our bones would be weak and brittle. Vitamin C, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, is a chemical that helps our immune system fight off infections.
Of course, that's not to say that there are also chemicals that are harmful to our health and the environment. Some persist in the environment much like plastic - and don't degrade. So it's important to be aware of these chemicals and avoid products that contain them.
So, the next time you see a product labeled "chemical-free," know their marketing team may have stretched the truth and focus instead on understanding the specific chemicals that are present in a product and whether they are safe for you and the environment. xo