Local entrepreneur sees seawater idea
In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of water and the sea. Unlike his Greek counterpart Poseidon, Neptune was also the deity responsible for the quality of fresh water. It is somewhat fitting that a newly developed product sourced from the sea takes its name from the mythical protector of waters.
Neptune’s Balance products have been in the development stages for over three years. The company now produces four product lines, of which only two are available in retail outlets. Neptune’s Balance Cleaners, Neptune’s Balance Aqua-healing Creams, Neptune’s Balance Sea-lutions and Neptune’s Balance Aqua-Care Environmental.
Junior (Farrell) Munroe’s family has fished in Nova Scotia for many generations. The company website indicates that the concept for these products came from the traditional knowledge base of his ancestors, Celtic wisdom and the stories of the Mi’kMaq First Nations people.
Over the years Junior and his family observed “the fisheries that sustains the region also produced a byproduct that was being thrown away.”
That byproduct has become the main ingredient in Neptune’s Balance. Neptune’s Balance cleaners have been successfully used by individuals who have environmental sensitivities, as there is no fragrance or harmful chemicals. This product is now being distributed in Canadian Tire and Home Hardware.
The creams—and there are several—are available in health food stores and hopefully soon pharmacies. Distributor Darrel Challoner of Yarmouth claims the creams can relieve the symptoms of acne, hives, psoriasis, shingles or other skin complaints. Perhaps you met him at his booth during the Wharf Rat Rally. His enthusiastic commitment to what he believes to be a quality product is evident in his demonstrations.
Still in development or involved in research trials are many of the products in the Neptune’s Balance Sea-lutions and Neptune’s Balance Aqua-Care Environmental. One is being used in the aquaculture industry to balance the acidity of the water. A Nova Scotian municipality to see how the product and system can remove arsenic, aluminum and e-coli in water systems is testing another product.
All this is happening because Junior could not see something useful go to waste. This entrepreneurial spirit that looked for solutions is to be applauded. Junior has worked hard and sacrificed a great deal to push this dream into reality. Let us hope that this success continues.