Give the Gift of Less 'Stuff'

I just received a wonderful gift and thought I'd share it with you. For those of you who haven’t seen it, I invite you to view The Story of Stuff. This time of year is a great time to take inventory of all the ‘stuff’ in our lives. I admit I like nice stuff, but all “stuff’ comes at a price and I'm aware now more than ever that every consumer purchase is linked to consumption of land, trees, oil, and other natural resources. Of course we all need to buy things, but instead of thinking ‘what’s on sale?’ maybe we need to begin thinking “what choices can I make to reduce the stuff that’s contributing to the degradation of my health, my community, the environment and ultimately our society? Studies show that in the U.S. we have more ‘stuff’ than other country, yet we're less healthy than many living in third-world countries. Maybe it's all that stuff we're consuming that's stressing us out!

The comparison of consumption and health isn't mutually exclusive. Many people don’t realize that going organic is more than a health choice, it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice. Products cultivated from organic farming lessen the burden on our bodies, the environment, waterways, not to mention the pesticides used in traditional agricultural farming carry toxins that deposit into our bodies. Not convinced? Check out BodyBurden.org. And, when you’re out this week buying last minute 'stuff' for the holidays, I hope you’ll pass on this gift to others.

Burt's Bees & Bleach?!

Reports of mega mergers and corporate buy- outs are common, but I could not believe what I read in a report today from the Organic Consumer's Association. The well known natural product company Burt Bee's has been purchased by...of all companies CLOROX! Yes, the company that makes bleach -one of the most toxic and environmentally dangerous cleaning agents - is now going to own a natural product line?! More interesting was a search of 'clorox' on the company's site and "Recent news" turned up no mention of the transaction. Could it be this doesn't exactly fit its 'environmental and sustainability values' agenda?

This speaks volumes about the direction of our consumer purchases, the impact of established branding and the global impact of consumer purchases. Burt's is also negotiating with Wal Mart, (my opinion on Wal Mart is another issue itself I won't go into here!) Burt's has established itself an affordable, respected brand used by millions of consumers. But what you may not know is that it's common for companies to change ingredients during buyouts. This happened when Estee Lauder purchased Aveda. Aveda products are nothing more than natural imposters, but its brand retains a strong market share and loyalty and consumers trust they're buying the original product.

You can be sure I will watch the Burt's/Clorox story unfold and keep a close eye on whether the ingredients change. In the meantime, if you're interested in safer, pure alternatives, you know where to find me http://www.purealternatives.net/.

Can you still drive an SUV and be “green”??

We all have guilty pleasures and mine, unfortunately is my SUV. Although, my job requires me to lug stuff around, I don’t have a family of 10 (most of us don’t), or shop at Costco and buy 50 rolls of toilet paper, so technically I don't need the ‘cargo space’. However, when faced with a new car purchase, I made my choice based on a lifestyle of safety and convenience.

Safety and convenience. How does this translate to your daily life? Think about it. Since my purchase it now translates into making more sustainable choices. Being more aware of the products we buy and taking steps to eliminate, reduce or balance them with other actions helps.

For example, I've stopped using plastic garbage bags, I recycle everything including toilet paper rolls (I’ve really gone off the top!), I stopped buying paper towels, napkins and bottled water. I don’t buy anything made with styrofoam and other petroleum-based ingredients.

Now I focus on the sustainable choices I can make everyday. Selecting organic beauty products has also been one of the best choices I’ve made knowing that the ingredients benefit me without burdening the environment. So until I put a "for sale" sign on my SUV, I can continue down the path of conscious change.

Can germs really be good for You?

It's that time of year; kids are back in school and already the media is quick to instill panic and fear in parents about the dangers of GERMS! Last week, after NBC featured a segment on the Today Show about germs and how parents can keep their children from getting sick by avoiding germs at school, in playgrounds, lunchrooms and sports.

But what many of us don't realize, is we actually need germs (aka known as 'healthy' bacteria). Bacteria are present everywhere and optimal bacterial balance is necessary for the health and wellbeing of all living organisms. The balance of probiotic (good) bacteria must outweigh pathogenic (bad) bacteria for optimum health.

Visit www.purealternatives.net for Recent News about Triclosan and other Antibacterial ingredients to avoid and how the growing use of priobiotics are essential to optimal health.

Meyer's Baby Products contain Forbidden Five & other toxic chemicals

Meyer's has recently launched a new product line called Mrs. Meyer's Baby Clean and Dry. This is deceptive labeling and marketing at its finest. The product branding has all the trappings: attractive packaging, great key words like "organic essential oils" and 'dermatologist tested' (which we all know means practically nothing).

The Baby Blossom Lotion, states "Our Hand Lotion contains Aloe Vera Gel, Olive Oil and a unique blend of organic essential oils that hep make it naturally gentle and softening." Naturally gentle? I don't think so. This product not only contains one of the Forbidden Five, but several synthetic and toxic ingredients (see below). Compare for yourself in Pure Alternative's Ingredient's Glossary.

Deionized Water• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride• C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene• Glyceryl Stearate• Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil• Cetearyl Alcohol• Glycerin• Ceteareth-20• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice• Dimethicone• Soybean (Glycine Soja) Oil• Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil• Orange (Citrus Auratium Dulcis) Oil• Geranium (Geranium Maculatum) Oil• Fragrance*• Polyacrylamide• Myristyl Myristate• C13-14 Isoparaffin• Cetyl Alcohol• Laureth-7• Propylene Glycol• Diazolidinyl Urea• Methylparaben• Propylparaben

Letter to Editor, Detroit Free Press

This is a copy of the editorial I posted to Detroit Free Press this week:

I was disappointed to read your “Skin Care Star” article in this week’s Twist. As a women’s resource and lifestyle publication, featuring natural 'imposters' like Malin and Goetz perpetuates the myth that beauty comes at no cost and continues to propel a billon dollar industry that’s having devastating affects on our health.

Many consumers are unaware that the FDA does not regulate skin care companies nor do they require ingredients to be approved, therefore placing voluntary guidelines in the hands of companies. I decided to check the label on one of Malin and Goetz’s ‘star’ products. Of the 27 ingredients in the Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, 17 are considered synthetic irritants including six considered to be highly-toxic or containing known carcinogens. Far from the ‘trusted natural ingredients” and “botanical extracts” (I didn’t see one listed) they promote on their website.

These guys might be great marketers, and I’m sure they don’t seek to do purposeful harm, but I’d question if they have any idea what their products are doing to women’s endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems. Twist’s audience would be better served by seeking and promoting companies that know the difference and are in a woman’s best interest. I hope you will share this with your readers.

Are there safe sunscreens?

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about sunscreens. This is a very complicated issue with many varying opinions a lot of misleading information about what ingredients are safe. I hope the following information will help you make a choose which products are best for your family.

It's important to understand that there is difference between sunscreen and sunblock . Sunscreen helps filter sun and prevent sunburn (UVA), sunblock physically blocks out UVA and UVB. Both contain synthetic ingredients so there’s really no such things as a ‘natural’ sunblock or sunscreen. It’s generally believed that mineral sunscreens are safer. These products typically contain Zinc oxide (ZO) and Titanium dioxide (TO) and contain very small traces of minerals (often called nanoparticles) that can penetrate the skin and have been linked to cellular damage and free radical formation. The horrible irony is that though mineral products block damaging UVA and UVB rays, the combination of sunlight perpetuates the formation of the free radicals when combined with the ingredients. Excess free radicals ae known to cause cancer. So...you either don’t use and risk skin cancer from exposure, or use and risk the potential cancer and other health problems from use of synthetic chemicals right?

My recommendation if you decide to use Mineral based products, be sure it does not say “micronized’. Also be sure whatever you choose be sure you do not see any of the following ingredients listed:

Any “paraben” (butyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl)
Octyl-methoxycinnamate
Octyl-dimethyl-PABA
Mexoryl SX
Parsol 1789
Benzophenone-3
Homosalate

Visit http://www.purealternatives.net/ for safer sunscreen alternatives.

Where have all the PURE spas gone?

Mother’s Day presented me with an interesting and ethical challenge this year. Since I’ve embarked on my Pure Alternatives journey, my mom and mother-in-law along with the rest of my family have had to endure my continual review of their beauty care routines. From the “why are you still using this toxic soap?” questions when I wash my hands to “I hope you’ll be getting rid of that Windex soon” comments.

This year, I thought I’d try and seek out a healthy, natural spa gift. There are several independent small spas in and around our community but my husband suggested I try the spa at Nordstrom department store. Our moms could meet at the mall, spend the day, have lunch and enjoy their spa treatment together. Great idea.

First, I have to say I’m not a mall person so the idea of traipsing off to the mall on a beautiful Saturday afternoon was not my idea of fun. Magda greeted me upon arrival at the Spa Nordstrom. Immediately I noticed each wall filled with products. I couldn’t wait to get my hand on them to see the labels! My challenge: purchase a massage for my mother-in-law and facial for my mom that did not include highly toxic chemical ingredients. It was harder than I thought. First, I looked through the services brochure. The “Cold Marine Facial ($90)” sounded great. Marine. Had to include plant-based products. How about the “Antioxidant Cocktail Facial ($150)” or the “O2 Marine Environmental Facial” (as in oxygen?? $90) That sounds healthy right? These are just three of the 12 facials offered ranging in price from $85 to $150. When I asked Magda if she could show me which products were used in each of the facials and which one used the least topical products, she replied “the best is the Antioxidant Cocktail Facial.” Not surprising, the most expensive.

The product used is from the skin care line mdSkinCare. Supposedly, a luxury spa product where a 6.7oz jar is sold for $120. Is the ‘md’ supposed to make us believe it’s healthy because it’s ‘prescribed’ by a doctor? A quick review revealed a handful of synthetic and highly toxic ingredients including petroleum, polyethylene glycol (frequently listed as PEGs on labels), urea and 63 other ingredients. 63 other ingredients. Anything with that many ingredients is not only unhealthy but worth at best $1.20 rather than $120. My favorite is the “Herbs and Petals Detoxifying Body Ritual” a.k.a “Extreme Chemical Synthetic Toxic Imbalanced Body Booster”, are made to sound cleansing and healthy.

I left without the facial and massage and returned to the spa I’ve previously purchased services. This spa (will go nameless) I’ve also chosen not to frequent as often. They use Aveda products, which are better than others, but still, nothing short of marketing myths that they’re actually pure and natural. This got me thinking. Are there any spas in metro-Detroit that actually use natural, real and pure spa products? The definition of spa(n): A resort providing therapeutic baths. But the consumer is the fool. We keep buying into the idea that spas provide healthy, relaxing environments for us to nourish and rejuvenate our stressed bodies whereas we’re doing just the opposite by exposing ourselves to a melee of toxins and causing great stress on our immune and endocrine systems not to mention the use of synthetic ingredients actually traps toxins in the body rather than release them which many treatments claim to do. How therapeutic is toxic, animal and chemical based products being rubbed into your skin? I have to believe if people knew better, they wouldn’t make that choice.

So, I purchased for the last time two more gift certificates for spa treatments that I cannot say I felt 100% comfortable about. It probably meant more to me than my mom or mother-in-law that I left the Nordstrom Spa and was faced with my own moral challenge within the mall. Afterall, they’re still using Windex so does it matter? Yes. I know what I think is best. I know that ethically I chose not to buy what I thought would harm them (at least to the smaller degree). Now, if everyone could begin to make the small change and shift then we could make significant change and it would make many other mother’s and daughter’s much healthier and happier for it.

"Amazon" John provides insight on natural products

Last weekend I had the chance and fortunate opportunity to meet John Easterling. Dubbed “Amazon John”, he is the compassionate, dynamic and health visionary behind Amazon Herb Company. I've been researching Amazon Herb Company for several months and it's the real thing: a quality product manufactured and distributed by an ethical company in a truly unique and compassionate way. The Amazon people have taken an active role in harvesting and producing the products thereby creating a sustainable economy for themselves, while creating pure and energizing products for others. Amazon produces nutritional and herbal supplements and an amazing skin care line called Lluvia ('rain' in Spanish).

Side Note: I also asked John about the use of Grapefruit Seed extract in some of Lluvia's products. There's conflicting opinions in the industry over the use of this as a preservative and stabilizer. John's opinion is it is safe and effective otherwise he would not use it.

John told a poignant story of how his travels to the Amazon in his early years as a treasure hunter and archiologist and a near death experience changed his life. After coming down with Yellow Fever and other ailments, he was treated with herbs and juices from various barks, berry and rainforest plants that grow throughout the region. He’s convinced the energizing plant remedies saved his life. He then decided to capture the lifeforce of these meganutrients for skin too.

This got me thinking. The Amazon. A remote place without many of the modern day luxuries we think are so great. However, this is a place where cancer, diabetes, arthritis, anxiety, depression, ADD, chronic fatigue, and many other ailments virtually DO NOT EXIST. I echo John's belief that we’ve become so accepting of substandard health; cancer and disease is part of our daily lives and we accept it! The irony is that we place such high value on pampering ourselves, but the products and cheap materials we are using do us more harm them good and are actually contributing to the problems in the first place.

Simple is better. Pure is better. It's that easy.

Natural imposters cast shadow on genuine organic products

I just returned from an enlightening weekend in Chicago after attending one of three national Green Festivals touring the country (Chicago, DC and San Francisco). My mission for the weekend? Seek and meet innovative, value-based natural product companies and learn from them. I was amazed at what I learned, and more importantly - what I learned about myself that makes me so passionate about educating consumers about natural products dangers and providing info on better alternatives.

This show epitomizes the shift in our culture and economy towards natural products. Evidenced by the thousands of people in attendance and hundreds of diverse exhibitors ('green' stocks, sustainable agriculture, alternative energies, eco-tourism, organic clothing, natural home, health and nutrition, natural body, organic food and wine, raw foods) this multi-Billion dollar industry shows no signs of slowing down.

One might assume that exhibitors at this type of event are the best-of-the-best. On average, they were. But, even here my homework paid off and there were imposters amidst the crowd! First stop: Organic Spa Magazine. A gorgeous, glossy industry publication targeted to high-end spas, wholesalers and retailers of - supposedly - Organic spa products.
After briefly flipping through, I noticed one of the first full-page ads for Aveeno lotion. Aveeno is owned by super conglomerate Johnson and Johnson Companies. Far from organic I told my girlfriend Julie under my breath. "Tell her," said Julie. She insisted I approach the editor. "That's what you're here for," she said. "Challenge and educate her". She was right. I asked the svelte editor from NYC what her advertising policy is. After a moment of literal speechlessness, she deferred to the sales manager accompanying her in the booth. They both stumbled with the answer. "Well, they said. "We're a new publication (short for we won't turn down any advertiser despite selling out) "The products we endorse must have at least one or 10% of its ingredients organic," she said. Ten percent?? Weak. I can see maybe 60 or 70 percent. I would've settled for 50 even. I told her that wasn't enough and said it's disappointing that a publication that promotes an organic, healthy image is persuaded by and receives support from companies that don't endorse that ethic by using synthetic and toxic ingredients in their products. It's not only disappointing, it's deceptive. Money talks. It was evident, no one had ever questioned that and she was clearly caught off guard by the question. I did wish her luck with the magazine...and most importantly made her stop and think.

There were, however dozens of great companies there too. I spoke with many of them and you soon will be able to purchase products via the Pure Alternatives webstore. All in all, the weekend was a lot of fun and after our volunteer stint as members of the "Green Team" (a.k.a directing attendees to properly dispose of their trash), I retreated to the hotel room armed with the knowledge and energy to continue the pursuit!