Interview With EcoMist’s Ted Fagan
I got the great opportunity to do an interview with the creator of Canada’s EcoMist household cleaning products Ted Fagan. Ted Fagan is a passionate environmentalist that used the power of natural products to create a line of extremely safe and effective household cleaners. It was an honor to do an interview with Ted and I hope you enjoy.
EcoMist Questions
Where did the name Eco Mist Solutions come from?
The name Eco Mist Solutions was decided on after researching thousands of other names. All the ingredients are ecologically safe, ere go “Eco” and the word “Mist” was used because our primary focus was for industry to use them from a spray bottle. We felt the “Solutions” also worked on several different levels – both as a cleaning “solution” and an environmental/health “solution”. It actually was my wife that came up with the name Eco Mist Solutions and our tagline “Clean With Nature”. She reminds me everyday!
What is your educational background in and was it difficult to come up with the various cleaner formulations?
My educational background is not based in chemistry. I studied Colloidal chemistry long after leaving the school system. Colloidal chemistry helped me to create products that worked without harm. It took years of research, determination and passion to develop cleaning solutions that could be used in all industries. I had no experience in the cleaning industry so I spent two years listening and working with professional cleaners. Based on my experiences, I mixed and matched combinations of agricultural ingredients in Colloidal solutions to formulate Eco Mist Solutions products. Challenging is an understatement.
What are some of the main reasons for choosing Colloidal Science for Eco Mist Solutions products and where did you first find out about this technique for making cleaners?
I decided on the science of colloidal chemistry as opposed to enzyme-based science because enzymes have a tendency to mutate. Meaning they begin efficient and end up becoming non-efficient. Colloidal-based products always work the same because they don’t depend on living organisms to do the work.
Eco Mist has such a wide variety of cleaners, but out of all of them, do you happen to have a favourite cleaner and why?
While I’m very proud of all of our products, I think our Degreaser is my favorite product because it is widely used in all industries, and ours has such amazing degreasing properties. I receive lots of compliments from people who have tried it.
Do you plan on expanding to retails store beyond Canada?
We’re involved in retail negotiations in many countries.
I read an article about how you drank your own product to show just how natural the ingredients were in it. That’s pretty amazing that you were able to drink a household cleaner. How did it taste?
I’ve drank, shaved, washed and brushed my teeth with Eco Mist products. Trust me the degreaser doesn’t taste that great.
Was there a reason behind choosing Home Depot as the prime retailer for your products?
I chose Home Depot first because they “got it”. They understood what I was trying to achieve. They tested thousands of other so-called green products. Their Canadian President is a true environmentalist who cares about the environment and her customers. She doesn’t just speak “green,” she acts on it. For me, Home Depot was and is the perfect partner.
Do you feel that Eco Mist Solutions has had a major impact? Are there any inspiring stories that consumers have sent to you about your products making a positive impact on their lives?
Our company is still too new to have had any major impact but we’re up and coming. After launching in Home Depot, I’ve had hundreds of great emails from consumers thanking me who have tried our products and were very pleased – and sometimes amazed – with them. I’ve attached a recent testimonial.
Personal Questions
Where did you draw your environmental views from that helped you create Eco Mist Solutions products?
I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference in this world. It’s upsetting to me to hear environmentalists and governments speak about recycling, energy, emissions and everything else we can do to reduce our environmental impact when there is millions and millions of toxic wastes entering our waterways each day from cleaning products being used in our homes and work place. In addition, the toxins and chemical residues pose serious problems to our short and long-term health. For me, addressing these types of issues this was a good starting place to make a difference.
What are some things that you do in your daily life (on top of using Eco Mist Solutions) to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
In my home I use low energy light bulbs. I turn them off when they’re not needed. We compost, recycle and reuse. I now drive a Hybrid vehicle and try and just reduce the amount of consumerism in general. Most of my days are spent researching and developing new cleaning solutions or travelling to meet owners or buyers interested in what we have to offer.
Do you have any children and were they are source of creating safe and natural products like you have?
I have three children and they are very proud of what I’m doing. My agenda is to create a healthier environment for all humans, animals and the planet.
Do you have any additional comments to share with my readers?
In summary I’m passionate about what I do and I’m proud of what I’ve created for the world.
I wasn’t aware of the distinction between Enzyme and Colloidal cleaners, that is very interesting.
BTW, I think drinking your own degreaser is a fairly strong testament to its safety and your commitment
I agree with you tiger. If you can drink a cleaning product, it really shows just how safe they were. I can’t imagine what would happen if the makers of lysol and clorox were to drink their stuff.