Pure Soapbox

LUSH needs new definition of 'Charity'

2009-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed with consumers becoming more educated about harmful ingredients in their products -- whether it's lead in toys or BPA in plastics -- that companies continue to rely on the premise of charity and 'giving back' to sell their products. Avon is the worst offender. Its pink ribbon products for breast cancer contain parabens and toxic synthetics that are causing cancer!

A recent example of this is LUSH 'Charity Pot' products. (I've written past blog articles about LUSH). The ingredients for the hand and body cream list Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Perfume, Methylparaben and, Propylparaben -- all highly toxic synthetics. The product advertises "help charities do good deeds while softening skin" and lists a bunch of companies a portion of proceeds go towards including "animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian concerns".

Better yet, they actually promote and the use of preservatives. According to their website: "The two preservatives we do use (methylparaben and propylparaben) are the safest, mildest ones we can find, and have been used in cosmetics and skin care for 60 years. Using more, or stronger, synthetics would mean compromising the benefits to your skin. We'd be more profitable if we preserved a product to last three years and warehoused the goods, but we think you deserve better."

Ok...and lead was used in paint 30 years ago and asbestos in building materials and we know where that got us. This proves how uneducated they are about the real dangers of the ingredients in their products. Is a company that uses toxic chemicals genuinely concerned about environmental protection? If so, they'd realize that these chemicals are part of the environmental cycle. Charities like Oceana and Clean Ocean Action are some of the beneficiaries of the LUSH campaign and I'm sure do great work.

However, do they know that Chemical manufacturing and the byproducts of the cosmetics industry produce gases and waste that end up - in our waterways and environment, not to mention the direct physical health impact of topically applying these to our skin? I'm sure they do, but who can blame them for capitalizing on revenue sources that help their mission? This is like the Humane Society making its spokesman Michael Vick.

But, these opportunities often present moral dilemmas and if these charities were smart, they might bring more awareness to their efforts by saying they decline to receive proceeds from companies that are hiding beyond the charitable veil and diminishing their work.

However, as consumers, we cannot solely fault manufacturers and charities when we continue to drive demand for these products.
Return to www.Purealternatives.net

The Genetics of Healthy Living

2008-11-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from visiting my 93-year-old grandfather, Gino in New York. He is one of five children of first generation Italian immigrants. Four of his five siblings are still living and are 85-years-old or greater, including my Aunt Ida who is 93 and has the youth and vitality (she was raking leaves when we left) of a 60-year-old (and that is young!) Every time we visit, we learn more about their childhood; what it was like growing with parents who grew their own, organic food, not because it was the ‘in’ thing to do, but because that’s what people did in order to eat.

As a little girl my grandma would always have a plate of roasted peppers, olives, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for lunch. She made fresh pasta and tomato sauce. My mom recounts stories as a little girl sitting at my great-grandma’s kitchen table peeling tomatoes, peaches and plums for canning until her fingers were raw. Great stories! I know kids today that think tomatoes come in cans, not grown on vines.

What can we learn from Aunt Ida and Grandpa Gino and the secret to health and longevity? Is it genetics? Clean air? Clean water? I think that’s part of it, but I’m convinced it’s due to clean eating and putting nothing synthetic in their body. Gino and Ida didn’t grow up on McDonald’s and Applebee’s, or overpreserved and processed food like hot dogs and Lunchables, and they’re living active, disease free lives. They are living proof of the benefits of whole foods and the Mediterranean diet: red wine, LOTS of olive oil, vegetables, fresh meats without pesticides – simply REAL FOOD as living fuel for a vibrant and healthy life.

Now, when I’m tempted to buy something that I know isn’t the greatest, I think ‘would Gino or Ida eat this?’ If the answer is no, I put it back. Having that barometer as a basis for the healthiewst consumer choices is so important, but not all of us have an Ida or Gino. But there are some great resources to help us make the right choices. Our health and 'breeding' the health of our kids depends on it.

Nourish Your Kids www.nourishyourkids.com
Organic Consumers Association www.organicconsumers.org/
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce http://www.foodnews.org/
NSF Organic Buying Fact Sheet www.nsf.org/consumer/newsroom/pdf/fact_fs_organic.pdf

Is their such a thing as an organic vaccine?!

2008-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

As a newly expecting mom, I recently attended a seminar on vaccinations and couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels between toxins in personal care products and vaccinations. Could it be that the both industries have political and economic interests in the chemicals they're creating and promoting? Hmm.

With the flurry of news linking vaccines to autism and other behavioral problems, the numbers are staggering: the number of vaccines recommended by the Center For Disease Control (many of its studies supporting vaccination use are funded by big pharma and companies making billions of dollars off the creation of more vaccines – sorry I digress) has increased from 23 shots for children under 2 in 2002 to 36 shots in 2007. That’s an increase of 13 new vaccinations in just five years! And, reports are showing children aren't any healthier overall or protected from serious illness as a result, which may be due in part to the immune supressing nature of vaccines and the epidemic use of nonessential antiobiotics and antibiotics used in foods and toxins in personal care products. Expecting and nursing mothers then pass these toxins on to their babies preventing naturally occuring microrganisms from being effective right at birth.

Mercury and Thimerosal (labeled as a ‘poison’) are the most commonly recognized ingredients in vaccines, but what I found most interesting was the relationship between synthetic toxins used in vaccines to some of the same ingredients used in personal care products: Polysorbate 80 contains the carcinogenic contaminent 1-4 dixoane), other toxins include squalene, formaldehyde and phenol/phenoxyethanol are all used in vaccines. What’s wrong with this picture? We as parents and prospective parents must confront the rationalization that we’re ‘protecting’ our kids from disease by injecting them with known carcinogens under the guise that we're preventing disease, then turn around and smother our kids with highly toxic detergents and products causing potentially more harm than the diseases the vaccines are supposed to prevent.

Now, I’m not suggesting that your kids will get measles, mumps or chicken pox by using synthetic products. However, it’s proven that chemical ingredients and toxins are reducing our children’s immune systems and creating developmental, neurological, respiratory and other problems.

I’m not 100% sold on the decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate and will probably land somewhere in between; choosing to do some while avoiding others. However, my own research has come full circle and I feel even more empowered and strong in my belief that omitting or reducing the amount of toxins from synthetics sources and going organic is a wise choice. Bottom line: continue to learn, trust myself and make my own critical decisions. There’s more than just me depending on me now.

Hospitals need to get with the Organic program

2008-08-02T09:13:00.001-07:00

This week is the two year anniversary of my dad's diagnosis and recovery from prostate cancer surgery. I remember the day vividly when he told my husband and I and that sinking feeling in my stomach after hearing that dreadful word.

It's become such a common part of life: that we will all get cancer at some point. I read that somewhere and thought, "that's not acceptable". I've blogged before on Pure Soapbox about the business of cancer, but after my dad was in the hospital I had another "that is not acceptable" moment.

We were gathering his belongings before he was ready to be discharged. He asked me if I could take the little bottles of shampoo in the bathroom. (The travel agent in him could not resist. We grew up with nothing but travel size bottles from all his hotel stays!) I laughed and said "sure". I grabbed one of the bottles and being the perpetual label reader I am, I curiously looked at the ingredients label. Unbelievable. The shampoo was full of highly-toxic synthetic ingredients, fragrances and dyes.

We supposedly have the best health care system in the country. And, I'm not minimizing the treatment my dad received by any means. But, the irony is we're the sickest country and there is such blatent misunderstanding about true causes of disease and illness. Studies are now showing (by many doctor's not linked or receiving kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies like the ones who make the shampoo) that these ingredients are known carcinogens. It's like saying "Good news Jim, you're free of cancer, but don't forget your FREE bottle of toxic shampoo and another dose of cancer before you leave!

Shortly thereafter I approached a colleague I know at the hospital (I won't mention it, but it's ranked one of the top 100 hospitals in the country) about switching to more pure alternatives. She was intrigued by my discovery, especially the PR value the hospital would receive by saying they've switched to healthier, organic products for patients, but I don't think has the pull to really influence change. Afterall, it's a cost issue I'm sure. And why would a hospital choose to pay more for a better product when they can continue to use the cheap crappy one? That's why people like me are out there educating and beginning to spread the word, that this hypocisy in healthcare must end, otherwise we all pay in the end with our health. You choose, pay now or pay later.

The Organic Revolution

2008-07-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

There’s evidence that my generation, those of us in 30-45 will outlive our children. We will outlive our children. Children are being born predisposed to disease at higher rates than just 10 years ago. Childhood obesity and cancer rates are soaring. I’m convinced it’s because of the toxic ingredients in food and the consumption of non-foods. If that isn’t scary I don’t know what is.

I became interested in organics when my sister-in-law, a young vibrant 26-year-old was dying from a genetic disease. She knew she didn’t have much longer to live. One night when visiting her in the hospital, I picked up a magazine. There was an article about the growing number of chemicals in food and topical products and how many of these chemicals are now linked to cancer, infertility, ADD and other ‘common’ diseases. I remember being very moved. Here was a young woman, knowing whatever she did to her body at that time wasn’t going to make much difference, but was still concerned about what she put in it and her continual drive to learn. She fueled my interest and passion for knowledge about the world of organics.

Michael Pollan’s recent book, In Defense of Food explores how and where our food system has gone very wrong. The demand for more food ‘like’ products is driving the wedge between real food and government policies in the interest of profit over purity.

Science has provided many advances. But the science of food engineering is dangerous. Genetically modified food is the beginning of a culture in which our food won’t come from the ground or a tree, but a test tube. Scary. Because of government subsidies, the push to develop the latest and greatest low-fat snack crackers is of course driven by profit. Something Pollan calls ‘nutritional inflation’.

I was excited to see last weeks’ Crain’s front page article on a growing organic business and editorial on the urban garden movement in Detroit. Attendance at local farmer’s markets is increasing, membership in CSA’s (community supported agriculture) is increasing. Organic and raw food classes at the Detroit Evolution Laboratory are popular.

Michigan is in the throws of trying to diversify the economy in the technology sector, alternative energies and bio fuels, creating jobs and opportunities and a shift in our way of thinking and living. Organic agriculture needs to be part of the equation and Michigan has wonderful resources to position itself as more people demand locally and organically grown food. Eco’pure’neurs are emerging with this shift and will lead the way creating environmental and community-based, sustainable, healthy & ethical businesses.

It’s interesting how we’re so worried about gas prices, but not so worried about the world’s food shortage. The two are interchangeably linked. It’s not getting better with the world’s food demands increasing. China and India consume 1,000 acres of farmable land every day to build new automotive plants. Many economics believe that in the next 10 years, China will see a famine.

I’m often asked about the price and value of organics. Organic is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle and a realignment of priorities. Ask anyone whether they’d rather eat an apple that’s grown with or without pesticides. It’s an obvious choice, but for many it comes down to cost and perceived value. It’s the ‘pay it forward’ principle.

Now, I don’t mean to sound elitist or snooty. I do eat non-organic food or I’d starve in Michigan and I realize that there are many people, many here in our own town that cannot afford a simple meal yet alone buy organic. And, that is part of the problem. That’s where education comes in helping to drive demand and drive down price.

For more information visit the Organic Consumers Association (www.organicconsumers.org) or Pure Alternatives.net (www.purealternatives.net)

Organic Integrity: Quality vs. Quantity

2008-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

3 days and counting.

That's 3 days until I get my first box or 'share' of organic produce from our local CSA (community supported agriculture), Maple Creek Farm. I can tell you within days of eating the fruits and vegetables that were literally picked that day, how different my body reacts. I literally feel more alive. No surprise, because the food is alive.

There's a lot in the news recently about food shortages and our food supply being taxed to the max with industrial farming of soybean, corn and other nutrient deficient crops that are robbing our soil of the biodiversity it needs to crank out real food. Technology and science is a remarkable thing, but when it come to our food, leave it alone. Food is food. End of story, no need to reivent it, no need to reduce the fat content so we consume low-fat replacements loaded with toxic chemicals. If you're not convinced, you must read Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Pollan not only addresses the epidemic of obesity and disease in the U.S. as a result of eating nutrionless food - a term he calls 'nutritional inflation', he underscores the relevance and importance of organics. I call it organic integrity. Organic food is integral to a healthy life. People ask me why organic food wasn't around 50 years ago. It was. It's called the food our mothers and grandmothers used to make - it is why there were only 2 aisles in a grocery store or local market rather than 20 in a 'superstore'. (18 of which you shouldn't walk down!)

So remember, next time you're enticed to buy that new cereral, or the low-Snackwell crackers, you're not doing your body or the future of our food supply and health any favors.

Is the world really going green?

2008-04-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

This weekend I spoke at the annual Earth Day Expo at Oakland University. This event has grown from less than 1,000 people two years ago to an expected 7,000 attendees this year. Next year they're hoping to get 50,000. That's a big jump, but I bet they get there. With more and more in the media about 'going' green, it's the newest and greatest thing. But for many of the people attending and businesses exhibiting at the expo it is a way of life.

I love attending events like this and meet so many incredible people doing really cool things, small and large, and the best part is many are here in Michigan. That's what organic education is to me. A way of life. A philosophy. It's more than the next best thing. I'm convinced as the quality and quantity of our food systems deplete and chemical companies continue to pump out toxic cocktails for cleaning and beauty products, we will become a sicker, more nutrient-depleted, unhappy and sickly society. In my presentation I discussed how an organic lifestyle can benefit your health and community. Learn more about organics, the myths, how to read labels, and how to transition affordably and simply at my next presentation at the Green Street Fair. It's a great time to go organic! Hope to see you!

Sign up too for Pure Buzz eNews, to learn more about organics and organic products. Email me at heather@purealternatives.net to sign up.

Sierra Club battles Clorox

2008-03-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

I knew trouble was brewing when I read a few months ago that Clorox bought Burt's Bees. Now, the company's line of 'green' cleaning products, called Green Works is making news. I'll be honest, I haven't tried the products and I probably should since I've been getting a lot of questions. But, I have to tell you I'm skeptical. A 2004 study by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund named Clorox Company 'one of the nation's most dangerous companies'.

That's why I was so disappointed to read this weekend that the National Board of the Sierra Club - one of the nation's most respected environmental advocacy groups - voted recently to remove the leaders of the club's 35,000-member Florida chapter for opposing the national board's decision in December 2007 to allow The Clorox Company to use the Sierra Club's name and logo to endorse its Green Works brand.

To me and I'm sure for them, the Florida members viewed this alliance as a threat that would harm the reputation of the Sierra Clubs brand. (I failed to mention Sierra Club is expected to gain substantial financial benefits from a portion of sales kicked back to them from Clorox). As a nonprofit, I'm sure this was a hard decision to make, but it's great to see the decision made in the interest integrity rather than money. Hopefully the national office will recognize the leadership and integrity of its volunteers and rescind the decision.

For safer alternatives, you may want to download the following Green House Cleaning Guide (PDF) A friend forwarded this to me and it's great. I will also include in Pure Buzz , my e-newsletter too. Remember to visit www.purealternatives for update on other pure products.

Oprah's marketing machine misleading to consumers

2008-02-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

How many of you have purchased a product or service or admired something because it's been endorsed by someone you respect? I've done it countless time I'm sure. Just last week, I purchased Oprah's recent book club. (I actually learned of it before I knew Oprah endorsed it!) There's a lot of buzz now about 'natural' and organic products, including Shaklee which although they don't claim to be organic, they've made a huge comeback thanks to Oprah's endorsement a few months ago. The New York Times published an article today and other recent reports of an emerging trend in home parties, called the EcoMom Party which promotes 'natural products' primarily Shaklee.

Now, I'm not out to knock anyone's business, but this is where I get revved up. I cannot help but wonder if the people making and selling Shaklee and other natural imposters really think or know if their products are truly natural? I recently contacted Shaklee to ask for a copy of its product ingredients. Nothing is listed on the company's website which as a 'natural' company you'd expect they'd want to promote and market. They provided me with a glossary of definitions listing general terms like 'emulsifiers' and 'humectants' with no specific ingredients breakdown. When I asked for a specific list of what ingredients were included, I was told they do not provide that info. Huh?? You're a 'natural' company right? Don't you want to market that? Isn't that something your customers would want to know? Obviously not. So, instead they choose to market an image of ambiguity and the perception of purity to consumers. We need to do better.

Consumer purchases are based on choices. Until companies begin to ethically promote transparency in product ingredients and government better enforces labeling standards, we need to continue education in order to help people understand that safer and pure alternatives are available.

Toxic ingredients in common Cold medicines too

2008-01-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

I just learned today, that many of the chemicals I've been advocating against and educating you to stop using are not only in personal care products but in medicines too.

The last few days I've been strugging through a cold. The worst I've felt all winter with a fever, sweats and congestion. I don't like taking medications, so instead of trying a natural herbal remedy, I wanted more immediate results, afterall who has time to be sick right? So, I broke down and took a couple Tylenol. It's been a long time since I've taken over the counter meds and Tylenol is a reputable company, so when I looked at the ingredients on the box I was amazed. In addition to the active ingredient Acetamiophen, there are 25 'inactive ingredients', 7 of which are considered toxic including: propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, pothethyelene glycol, butyl and propylparaben and polysorbate 80. All of these are found to cause respiratory, nervous system and neurological problems so what benefit are these ingredients providing me at the expense of some other harm to my health? They provide zero benefit that's why they're 'inactive'. Many of these chemicals only treat the symptoms of the problem rather than helping build imnunities to better combat the problem to begin with.

If you really want to know what's in the products you're buying that are supposedly helping make you better, be sure to check out my Toxic Ingredient Directory which Material Safety Data Sheets . These are great resources where you can search for thousands of ingredients and their harmful affects.

So, it's a toss up: Continue taking the meds or take the natural approach knowing I'm not creating a bunch of future health problems. So...I'm off to concoct an herbal remedy. I'll let you know how it goes.

Give the Gift of Less 'Stuff'

2007-12-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

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?!

2007-11-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

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”??

2007-10-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

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?

2007-09-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-06-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-05-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

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!

Lush products not as delicious as they sound

2007-02-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I heard a couple weeks ago that LUSH was opening a store at the Somerset Collection. I couldn't wait to check it out. I remembered LUSH after visiting its original store in London several years ago. I will never forget it. The store was not very posh or pretty. In fact it was very raw, plain and unassuming. Though, immediately after entering I knew it was really different. The sales associates didn't immediate spray me with some airy mist I didn't ask for, nor did I feel lightheaded after just 5 minutes in the store. It was one of the coolest stores I can remember.

The products all freshly made and some literally that day, were displayed like a high-end salad bar. Face lotions called "Dream Cream" and "Cosmetic Lad" in containers where the sales associates literally scooped out how much you wanted into small plastic containers then weighed them to determine the cost based on quantity and slapped a sticker on the top with an expiration date. Imagine buying cosmetics and beauty products like you were at a deli counter. I remember purchasing a face mask that required refrigeration and asking the flight attendent on my way home if she could keep it in the airplane fridge. I loved it.

After returning I subscribed to LUSH's catalog and continued to order some of the products, though it became inconvenient when I began paying more for shipping than the products themselves. So, how could LUSH reproduce its magic here? Well, it didn't. Not only did all of the products I looked at contain some of the "Forbidden Five", but other secondary preservatives and undesirable ingredients like parabens. Part of me had expected it. How could an iconic brand like LUSH mass market itself and still remain fresh? It's impossible. Actually, it's LUSHless.

So goes my story. Most mass-marketed beauty products are toxic imposters. Remember that next time you're tempted to buy something because of its marketing, advertising or appealing grand opening specials. Your health (and wallet) will thank you.

The Business of Cancer: Unnatural beauty products are fueling the industry

2006-12-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

The ‘business’ of cancer is growing by leaps and bounds. That’s right, cancer as a business. Crain’s Detroit Business published this week that the American Cancer Society is building a new 32,000 square foot building in Southfield, MI to house its Great Lakes Division. This is in addition to the society’s Metro Detroit Service Center a couple miles away. Now in Michigan, the state with the worst economic growth and unemployment rate in the nation, this might come as good news. But I think it’s a horrific sign of what’s to come. Economists rely on various indicators as measures of economic growth and use those indicators to forecast trends and new markets. Cancer is big business and it’s not slowing down.

Now wouldn’t it be nice if other industries were fueling this economic growth? Just think about it. How many people are employed by cancer? Millions of people, not to mention on the new center in Michigan, probably hundreds of various staff people, supervisors, managers, architects, site planners, consultants are making a lot of money off this new development. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t invest and spend money to eradicate cancer, but wouldn’t it be great if all that energy was used to prevent and pay attention to what we're putting in and on our bodies that's resulting in a cancer center on every other corner?

Research is proving the link between parabens, preservatives commonly used in topical beauty products, and breast cancer. On labels they are often listed as "butylparaben, 'methylparaben', and propylparaben'. Learn more about safer and healthier alternatives at one of my classes or sign up to host a Detox party.