By Ceone Leistner with ENJO Canada

Before I finished school, I hurt my lower back… for the first time. About every other year I kept getting hurt again (always my lower back). The final straw happened in September 2006. My back never recovered from the repeated injuries. I have been unable to perform a full-time “traditional” job since then. Some days I can barely walk while other days I can do much more.

It would be extremely easy to get discouraged, depressed, etc. However, I choose to find the positives in all areas of life, and this is no exception.

When my grandfather passed away and my mother needed help taking care of my grandmother (dementia), I was able to help. Everyone else was busy with a full-time job. This time I spent with her means more to me than I can ever explain. I learned so much about her and her life.

I would often take Grandma to doctor appointments, and we all know how long you are in the waiting room there. However, I would take that time to talk to her about family, her childhood, etc. We became even closer because I showed an interest in things she could talk about. One day we even twinsied (yes, we had the exact same pants and jacket on!) These times are precious memories now.

One of the best moments of my life was a day when I picked her up from her adult day program and during our conversation about her day, she said her favourite part was being with me. I was confused because I had just picked her up and she always had fun at the VON program. So, I asked her what she meant. Her response was “I feel safe with you” and I nearly burst into tears. Not because she didn’t always feel safe (she was a self-proclaimed scaredy cat since her childhood), but because just by doing the things I would do for any friend or family, I was able to give her time when she felt safe and comfortable. I still remember that moment fondly and will cherish it for as long as I can remember.

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I was also able to go to all of her medical appointments with her to take notes, help, etc. I spent many an hour in the chemo suite with her. As I looked around, I saw many people sitting there alone enduring the horrible chemo experience. I felt so bad for them and would often offer my assistance to them if it was something I was able to do. Mom and I worked together on a hand-sewn hexagon quilt during all those hours. My grandmother had started it, my nephew saw the 2’x2’ piece and wanted it, so I decided to make it into a quilt. Mom and I worked many hours on it while in the chemo suite. Other patients were quite interested in it. It gave her something to do, something to think about other than her medical situation, and we were working together on something that would end up going to the 4^th generation.

If not for my back injury, I would have been working a full-time job and been unable to take enough time off to do all of these things with and for my family. Yes, it really does suck being in pain all the time. But, this pain has also afforded me the ability to be there for some of the happiest moments of my life!

The post February 2024 appeared first on Led Me to This.

By Ceone Leistner with ENJO Canada

What is the big goal or dream I am chasing? Well, for my business it is to “Clean the World.” Ironically, this is literally in our logo. But, as I asked myself, this was my honest answer!

Why is this important to me? Well, although I do not have children myself, I have lots of friends and family with children. At the rate we are going in the world, what state will the Earth be in by the time the current children are my age? Every little bit I (and all of you) do now will only make things better for future generations. We are borrowing the world from our children. They are the ones who will suffer (unless we make some drastic changes now) because of the way we, and the generations before us, have lived. It doesn’t seem like a big deal: toss something into the garbage can instead of the recycle bin, spray that cleaning chemical and wipe the surface then wash the rag (unless you also toss that into the garbage can, too), leave the water running when you aren’t using it…. All of these little things aren’t huge if you look at each individual one.  Add them up over a lifetime and it’s a different story.

I have cut out toxic cleaning chemicals (I just use water and my amazing cleaning fibers). I recycle like crazy and have been known to torment my family if I see anyone tossing recyclables into the garbage can. We have installed solar panels on our house. I try to conserve water as much as possible. I prefer to purchase products with minimal packaging (why does something in a bag need to be in another bag inside a rigid plastic container???). I cook from scratch instead of buying pre-made (less packaging and omg the taste is so much better!). We use eco-grass cat little for our two fur babies, and I am excited that our city will start allowing their litter deposits to be put into organic recycling later this year! I walk to the grocery store rather than drive whenever possible (with the side benefit of more exercise). I use my blinds and curtains rather than the A/C whenever possible. I am sure there is more. What do you do?

I would love to see what the Earth would be like if we all cut out the toxic chemicals. Often, they end up going down the drain (either in the sink or via the washing machine, etc.) or in landfills leaching the toxins into the ground. None of this is good for the earth and none of it is necessary. Other eco-friendly options are often even better than the methods we grew up with, you just need to learn about them.

So often I hear “I’ve never heard of this” when I am out and about spreading the word about ENJO. Once people see the results for themselves, the cleaning switch is a no-brainer. Responses like, “I can’t believe how much cleaner my house is”, or “my skin has never been so soft/clean/clear”, are so common when I talk to customers. Yes, I am helping them save time when they clean. Yes, I am helping them save money on their cleaning products. Yes, I am helping them improve their health and that of their family by ridding their homes of toxic cleaning chemicals and residue. Yes, I am helping to make cleaning easier for them. The by-product of all of this is us all working toward the ultimate goal of cleaning the world.

The post January 2024 appeared first on Led Me to This.

By Ceone Leistner with ENJO Canada

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
~ an 18-century Sioux Chief

Think about that…. really think about it. Do you want to leave a mess for future generations to have to clean up and deal with? Or would you rather do your best to leave them a place where they don’t have to deal with some of the issues you had in your lifetime?

I, for one, would never wish those younger than me to endure any hardship that I could help them avoid. This is especially true for things where I can very easily adjust my actions to make a big positive impact. For instance, I will walk a few extra steps to make sure I put something in the recycling bin rather than just toss it into the garbage can. I *may* be known to point out to others that an item should be recycled, too.

Is it really that difficult to do? No!

Let’s be completely honest here.: Is there a valid reason you cannot put the item in the recycling bin? Not very often! One can here, one bottle there, perhaps a piece of paper or two a little later. It certainly doesn’t seem like much right? Well, why don’t you add up all of those “one here” and “one there” actions over the course of a day, a week, a month, or a year. By the time you get to adding them up over the course of your lifetime, that’s a pretty big pile!! Wouldn’t a nice place to safely play outdoors be more positive for your grandchildren than a pile of stinky garbage?

Still not convinced to make a change for the planet?

How about we find a way to make it beneficial for you?

For me, I hate the smell of the garbage can, so I am motivated (in addition to the above) to rinse the container and toss it in the recycle bin (and get a little extra exercise since I will also put it out in the recycle bin in the garage rather than leave it in the kitchen).

What works for you?

One of the biggest changes I made was switching from traditional cleaning products, which contain toxic chemicals, to using ENJO which just uses cold water. So much healthier for me.; I can actually breathe when I am cleaning!  Plus, the positive effect it has on the Earth is mind-boggling! I still clean, I just choose to clean in a healthier manner for both the planet and me!

I challenge you to consider just this one simple switch.

And, if you want to see the effect the cleaning products you use have on the Earth, water one of your houseplants with that chemical for a few weeks, and water another plant with water. Afterward, which plant looks healthier?

Through these seemingly small changes: recycling and using ENJO, I know I am doing what I can to leave the Earth a better place for the future.

What are you doing?

The post January 2023 appeared first on Led Me to This.

By Ceone Leistner with ENJO Canada

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I represent ENJO. Our founder, CEO, and amazing leader is Johannes Engl. (Can you figure out where the company name comes from now??)

Johannes was a chef; he had no plans to start a business let alone a business that would be in over 26 countries around the world. So, how did that happen?

Back in 1985, Johannes’ father Friedrich Engl observed an oil spill on Lake Constance near his home in Austria. Watching the proceedings made him start to think that there must be a better, healthier, and more effective method of cleaning up the leaked oil. So, he began his endeavour to find a fabric that would be better to filter the oil out of the water. During this research, he found that one of the fibers he created and tested was able to clean deep into the pores of different surfaces. This was the beginning of what would become ENJO.

Johannes took his father’s idea (and that fabric) and founded ENJO in 1990. The fabric was sewn into a glove, and he went around Austria sharing how cleaning with this fuzzy mitt was so effective. Soon he developed a line of ENJO gloves and ENJOfils (drying cloths) and the idea was catching on because people realized that cleaning could be easier and more effective without being harmful to their health or the environment.

The Head Office for ENJO International remains in Austria (Vorarlberg to be exact). He 100% believes in treating his employees the best he can, and the Austrian government has recognized ENJO as a family-friendly company for many years. These happy employees produce hand-sewn fiber products that must meet his high standards but also in an environmentally friendly method. Recently, he managed to improve his climate-neutral company into a climate-positive company (because our products not only protect the environment while cleaning but also during production through to the end of their lifespan when they are collected back by the company and recycled into filler used for cushions, insulation, etc.).

Johannes’ high standards have led to OEKO-TEX certification (meaning the products are both environmentally friendly and health-preserving), and 5-Star Dermatest certification.

Johannes is an extremely down-to-earth person who admits that he loves visiting us in Canada (he says Canada holds a special place in his heart). You are bound to find him deep in conversation with anyone that wants to talk, enjoy a walk in nature, or have a blast on the dance floor. I have been fortunate enough to meet him several times. The last time he joined us at our conference in Canada he brought his daughter (Paula) with him. My husband Clint and I joined the two for breakfast one day. How often do you get to literally break bread with the founder and CEO of your company? No matter where you encounter Johannes Engl, I am confident you will be greeted with a quick “Wilkommen.”

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The post November 2022 appeared first on Led Me to This.

By Ceone Leistner with ENJO Canada

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GUYS. It’s a simple word, right? How often do you use the word “Guys?”

This little word drives me crazy!! It’s like fingers on a chalkboard for me. I am not a guy, I don’t have those body parts. Being called a guy literally causes me to turn off from what you are saying, regardless of how important it may be.

People say it is generic, but let me ask you this….. how would you react as a male if I grouped you all as “Ladies?” See, when you think about it from the other side, it changes things, right? Most of the time you don’t need to even use the term. It has become a habit. Habits can be broken!!

As a business person, you need to consider the effect that the words you use have on others, including your customers. You may literally be turning business away (like mine)!  Just because something isn’t offensive to you doesn’t mean that it isn’t for others. You also cannot assume based on what you see (consider those that are transitioning).

Do you feel like you must use a term? What about “People” or “Peeps” or something like that? Something truly gender-neutral and nonbinary… Be inclusive, not discriminatory.  My friends quickly learned that this wasn’t something I was going to just get over and soon started saying “Guys and Ceone” which I was fine with. Why? The rest of them were males so the term fit for them.  Once I explained why it bothered me so much they understood and started making the adjustments.

I challenge you to actually pay attention to what you are saying. Maybe record yourself on video? Ask someone for input. Changing a few terms may truly help your business and who doesn’t want that?

And don’t get me started on “Chicks.”

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The post September 2022 appeared first on Led Me to This.