Hand sanitisers suddenly seem to be everywhere. It's an understandable reaction to the swine flue epidemic that was grabbing all the headlines before the winter snows took over the front pages.

Both our local GP surgery and dental surgery have cleared out all the old magazines from their waiting rooms, replacing them with a box of paper tissues and a hand-pump of some chemical gunk which we're encouraged to spread over our hands.

As someone who is concerned with the number and range of chemically-suspect lotions and potions advertised these days, I'm always reluctant to accept the marketeers' claims at face-value. 'Catch it, bin it and kill it' shout the TV campaigns and posters, encouraging us not to spread our germs. Fair enough - I have no argument with that very sensible advice.

Natural alternatives to chemical gunk

But with many scientists highlighting the potential dangers of chemicals found in many anti-bacterial sanitisers and hand washes, my view is that we should be looking for more natural and effective alternatives.

I spent some time putting my thoughts on the main website. (Click here to read). To support the campaign, we're also offering our two organic hand washes at half price. Click here for details (offer ends January 31st 2010).

But am I alone? Does anyone else share my concerns? Please do leave your thoughts and comments below. I'd love to read them.