Alternative Chemicals

I know the worldwide cost of chemicals has increased massively in the past few years, but can anyone suggest cheap alternatives such as spraying currants and Gooseberry bushes please. For example I remember if I was growing Rhubarb, then boiling the inedible leaves like Quassi chips produces a good spray for killing some pests. Surely the likes of weak washing liquid or washing powder could likewise if used.
Since the wax in Marestail prevents almost any chemical killing it, this year I am going to try a weak solution of bleach. I do not care if it poisons the soil a little as there are only Bluebells growing underneath for the most part. But how much to use in say a Litre of water? The health and Safety Brigade have already banned to sale of the universal plant killer Sodium Chlorate I believe.
One little tip I do find effective is if you use Ant killer around the base of Rose bushes then strangely I believe it prevent ants cultivating the aphids who then die.
Some might like to see the back garden at http://www.sigord.co.uk/TEMP/Garden.pdf
Gordon