What Steps Have I Taken To Go Green? Replacing conventional items with safer/healthier products.

Before I started this green blog, I really had no idea that:

• The FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics or personal care products.
• The cosmetics I put on my face were toxic.
  
• The deodorant I used had aluminum in it.
• The food I ate was filled with chemicals and pesticides.
  
• The conventional household cleaners I used were filled with harmful chemicals.
  
• The dangers of plastics, non-stick cookware, aspartame, and the list goes on.
• Lots of items on the store shelves are NOT safe for me or the environment.

Okay, so the first half of my life I've been living in a toxic world!

TIP: I've relied on iherb.com, an online store selling over 10,000 items -many brand name natural products to help me go green. With super low shipping, discounted prices, and extremely fast delivery, this site provides me with my personal care items, green cleaning products, gum, mints, vitamins and more- that I can't get locally. Get $5 off your first time iherb.com order when you use my coupon code CEL445. I hope that by shopping at iherb.com, you will be inspired to make healthier choices too:)

I'm hopeful that my chemical footprint will be less visible for the 2nd half of my life.

It does take self-discipline to keep your wallet closed until you are sure that what you are buying is healthy for you, your family, and the environment. You vote with your dollars. Living simply makes sense.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Why buy 10 toxic products to clean your house when just 2 natural products will work even better? (These products effect you, your family and your pets!)

• Why slather your face & body with 10 chemical filled personal care items daily when-a few organic or natural products would treat you like the queen you should be?

• Why eat unhealthy when eating healthy is readily available?

Here are some specific steps I've taken (see below) to continue my lifelong green journey. Maybe this list will inspire you to make some changes in your own life. Be sure to post a comment and share your story.

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
DEODORANT: Did you know most deodorants on the store shelves feature aluminum as one of the main ingredients? YES! Read this article to find out the dangers of Aluminum in Deodorant I've since replaced conventional deodorant with a straight DIY baking soda paste OR I use Home Health Herbal Magic.

TOOTHPASTE: Replaced conventional toothpaste with straight baking soda paste or I'll use fluoride-free & SLS-free Xyliwhite Toothpaste.

• Why I will not use conventional toothpaste
• Dangers of Flouride

LOTIONS, OILS AND BUTTER:I use Hand-crafted All Natural Creations Shea Butter Lotion for the face. Pure Unrefined African Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Kiss My Face C's The Day Moisturizer for body moisturizers. For hand and face moisturizer at bedtime: Certified Organic Jojoba Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

PERFUME: Did you know most perfumes are filled with toxic chemicals? Did you know these toxic chemicals can be a health risk to those who wear it, the air around them, and those in their household? YES! Read this article to learn more.

I avoid perfume and limit the products I use that list fragrance as an ingredient. Instead, I use 100% Natural Vanilla on my pulse points when I want to wear a hint of vanilla. This blend is pre-diluted with jojoba oil so it's ready to use. I enjoy the delicious light aroma and health benefits from wearing natural vanilla oil.

What is so bad about Fragrance?
Are you willing to risk your health for a spritz of perfume?

BAR SOAP: Replaced traditional bar soap (i.e. harmful perfumes, artificial additives, dyes, chemicals) with Fragrance-Free Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Bar soap.

HAND SOAP:
Replaced anti-bacterial soap with Dr. Bronner's Hemp Almond Castile Soap.
Why? Read about the health risks of using Antibacterial Soap

FACE CLEANSER: Replaced traditional face cleanser with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil .
Yes, the same stuff you use in your kitchen!

MAKEUP REMOVER: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. EVOO is a major multi-tasker:)

EXFOLIATOR: Replaced store-bought exfoliator with homemade recipe of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil & finely ground cornmeal.

SHAMPOO: Replaced brand name shampoo with SLS-FREE Giovanni Magnetic Energizing Shampoo . Why? "The vast majority of these products (brand name shampoos) contain toxic chemical compounds like MIT that contribute to cancer, liver disorders and neurological diseases."-SOURCE: http://www.naturalnews.com/003210.html.

• Dangers of SLS

COSMETICS
Before I buy any cosmetics or personal care products, I first check the ingredients and the safety rating on the Skin Deep database here: www.cosmeticsdatabase.org.

Read my interview with Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry here: Author Interview: Stacy Malkan: Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of The Beauty Industry

I signed the petition to congress for safe cosmetics, will you?
Click here to petition to congress for safe cosmetics

MASCARA: Replaced mainstream mascara with mercury-free natural Real Purity Mascara. This is the "purest" mascara on the market today.

EYE PENCIL LINER: Replaced conventional eye liner with Honeybee Gardens Joba Colors eye liner.
My interview with President/CEO of Honeybee Gardens.

FOUNDATION & BLUSH: Replaced liquid foundation with Purely Cosmetics mineral makeup.
Benefits of Mineral Makeup

LIPSTICK: I'm a lip balm girl 99.9% of the time these days but when I do want a splash of color on occasion, I wear a hand-crafted Nature's Brilliance By Sue Shea Butter Lipstick. These are super moisturizing and come in variety of fun colors.

LIP BALM: Since I started making my own lip balm, I'll never go back to store-bought balms! Anyone can make their own balm using this kit. For my recipe, I use only 2 ingredients--EVCO (extra virgin coconut oil) and beeswax- which makes a slick (not waxy) moisturizing balm with just a touch of shine.

LIP GLOSS: I make my own DIY gloss which consists of EVCO (extra virgin coconut oil) and Jojoba Oil.

NAIL POLISH: Replaced toxic nail polish with Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Nail Enamel.
This is a water based non-toxic, odorless, and eco-friendly polish. Yes, odorless!

NAIL POLISH REMOVER: Replaced conventional remover with safer no-smell Odorless Nail Polish Remover.


FOOD, DRINK & GUM:
I eat & drink organic whenever I can. Why? Click here to learn the benefits of eating organic
"Chemical pesticides or herbicides to control weeds and pests find their way into our bloodstream through our water and food supply, in the air we breathe and by being absorbed through our skin."-Source http://www.sprig.com/7_Everyday_Environmental_Causes_of_Breast_Cancer/page/2

TABLE SALT: I no longer use conventional table salt. Instead I use either Miracle Krystal Salt or pink Himalayan Crystal Salt.

• Why I switched to Krystal salt
• The consequences of consuming table salt
• Learn about Himalayan Crystal Salt
  

OILS: I use EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) to cook with and have incorporated EVCO (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) into my diet. It's great on stove-top popcorn!

A NOTE ABOUT SODA-->Not only does soda contain aspartame, the so-called sweet poison but it contains other harmful components. Knowing this, I cannot sit down and enjoy a soda.
Instead, I will continue to enjoy my water flavoring it up with a slice of lime or lemon.
Health benefits of lime
Health benefits of lemon

GUM: I've been a major gum chewer all my life so I was determined to find a healthy replacement than what is found on the store shelves. I found aspartame-free Spry Gum which is naturally sweetened with Xylitol. Read this article to find out the health risks of aspartame.

LAUNDRY
Replaced traditional detergent with SOAP NUTS/Laundry Berries, which I sell here on my blog (see right hand side).

Why?
"When we clean our clothing with chlorinated laundry detergent and bleach, inhalation can irritate or damage the lungs and upper airway. Your healthy alternative is to launder your clothes in baking soda or natural detergent. Brighten those whites with borax or non-chlorine bleach. When you stick to the natural stuff, you will not only get truly clean clothes but also help save the environment from degradation."--SOURCE: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/7141/clean-clothes-and-the-toxins-they-hide/

More about laundry detergent:
source: http://www.sprig.com/7_Everyday_Environmental_Causes_of_Breast_Cancer/page/2
"A class of chemicals called alkylphenols make these products create suds and stabilize the other ingredients. The problem with these chemicals (such as nonoxynol, octoxynol, or nonylphenol ethoxylate) is not only is direct contact risky, but they aren't biodegradable so they can be found in your drinking water and in the air. The danger: A 1994 study published in the medical journal Endocrinology found that these chemicals actually mimic your body's natural estrogen in the body so they can stimulate cell or tumor growth."

CLOTH BAGS:
I created a one-of-a-kind Take A Walk On The Green Side Tote Bag that I take with me when I shop. Makes a great gift or treat yourself to one.

KITCHEN

COOKWARE-->>Replaced non-stick cookware with stainless steel. Why? Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, the chemical name for the coating on non-stick cookware can be toxic to humans.

POPCORN-Replaced microwave popcorn with stainless steel stove-top popper-> Why? A chemical coating used in microwave popcorn bags breaks down when heated into a substance called perfluorooctanoic (PFOA). The EPA has identified PFOA as a “likely carcinogen.”


PLASTICS-> Replaced plastic storage containers with Pyrex glass storage sets
Why? Source:http://www.sprig.com/7_Everyday_Environmental_Causes_of_Breast_Cancer
"Bisphenol-A, a chemical used to make plastic stable but also leaches out of the plastic and into the food or drinks you ingest. The danger: "Sustained exposure over time can effect your estrogen system to disrupt your normal hormone function of your breast cells to possibly feed and promote cancer," says Janet Gray, Ph.D., director of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center at Vassar College."

SPORTS BOTTLES-->Replaced plastic sports bottles with stainless steel bottles. Why? Plastic bottles contain a number of chemicals, some of which are unhealthy. Use Code 2468 to receive 8% off your order here.

CANNED FOODS-> Limiting my canned food intake. Why? Many canned foods are lined with a plastic coating made from BPA, which can leach into the food. BPA (bisphenol-A,) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical.

CLEANING SOLUTIONS
"Rid your home of toxic chemicals. They harm adults as well as children. There's more to the danger than ingesting poisons: your skin absorbs them, and your lungs inhale the fumes. Your liver and fat cells store them."--SOURCE:
http://www.non-toxic.info/

DISH SOAP:
Dish soap =Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid.
Automatic dishwasher detergent= Seventh Generation Dishwasher Gel.
My fave dish towels = Flour Sack Towels.

DUSTING FURNITURE:
Instead of using Pledge, simply dust with a slightly damp (or dry) reusable microfiber wonder cloth. However, if you feel you can't live without a dusting solution, use this HOMEMADE SOLUTION>> 1/4 cup lemon juice mixed with tbs. of olive oil. NOTE: If you have leftover solution, store it in the fridge.

WINDOW CLEANER:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION->>Mix 1 quart warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Store in a spray bottle.

TOILET BOWL:
HOMEMADE SOLUTION>>baking soda. Simply scrub with baking soda. OR for stain removal, use 1/4 cup borax and let sit for 30 minutes- then scrub and flush.

I want to hear from my readers! Be sure to post a comment to let me know what YOU are doing in your life. How are you going green? What products or homemade recipes have you found that you love?

Honeybee Gardens: All Natural Body Care & Cosmetics

"I'd like to encourage other women to not be afraid to pursue their dreams. If you really believe in it, you can achieve it. The only one that holds you back is yourself."

Melissa Hertzler

President/CEO
Honeybee Gardens, Inc.
All Natural Body Care & Cosmetics
www.honeybeegardens.com

CELESTE: How did you come up with the name Honeybee Gardens?

MELISSA: Actually, my husband did. Everything I did stemmed from the herbs I grew in my little garden. In Greek, the name Melissa means Honeybee. Since everything came from "Melissa's Gardens" he thought it was a good idea to call the business Honeybee Gardens. I liked the sound of it. The simple innocence exemplified how I want my products to be perceived.

My Honeybee Gardens order arrived quickly and I couldn't wait to sample everything!

My Experience:

JobaColors Eye Liner pencils->>Brown Sugar..Belgian Chocolate. The names are sweet and so are the products. These rich jojoba-based eye liners glide on super smooth. 5 shades/$6.99/each.

Luscious Lip Gloss->>Smells so good I want to eat it! Do you see a pattern here? I chose the Glam I am which features a mango flavor. Finally a paraben-free lip gloss with cocoa butter, olive oil and shea butter. Or maybe you want to try Viper w/raspberry flavor, Hollywood w/orange flavor, Innocence w/watermelon flavor or Eternity w/mint flavor. $8.99/each.

Vegan PowderColors Stackable Mineral Colors->>These are so versatile! I chose the Flirtatious (very light matte pink) to use as cheek blush and a pop of eye shadow. The darker brown and lighter shade I'll use as eyeshadow. Did you know these can also be used as eyeliner, lip gloss or nail polish? See directions on this page: http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/products/pcsmc.html.
15 shades/$4.99 each.

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Under no circumstances do we do animal testing, our packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials, and our raw material suppliers practice responsible harvesting.

WaterColors Nail Enamel:
A water-based nail color with NO formaldehyde,
toluene, xylene, dibutyl phthlate or FD & C colors.
Non-toxic and safe for the environment.
20 colors/$6.99 each.

ODORLESS NAIL POLISH REMOVER:
Acetone-free fragrance-free formula is enriched with horsetail extract to strengthen nails, and fortified with vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect cuticles.
This totally odorless blend of alcohols works to remove the
WaterColors Nail Enamel as well as conventional polish.
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CELESTE: Share some Honeybee background.

MELISSA: Okay, here's the abbreviated version. After graduating from college and being disenfranchised by my chosen profession, I knew I needed to do something I loved. And I love herb gardening. Also, I was newly married to a husband who hated shaving. His skin would become so red and irritated, and I wanted to create something that would relieve his suffering. I was also learning about the harmful chemicals found in so many body care and cosmetic products, so I knew the local department store wasn't the answer. My knowledge of herbs lead me to develop an aftershave formula (after much trial and error!) that allowed him to shave with zero redness, no pain, no irritation. Our very first product and hence my own business was born.

CELESTE: Is Honeybee Gardens organic or natural?

MELISSA: Both. But we don't put organic on our labels. Mostly because it is too volatile of a word right now in our industry, and still loosely defined. But also because I can't always get the organic ingredients I need. So if 90% of the time I can get the organic peppermint we use in our aftershave, but 10% of the time I can't, then I'd be lying on our label if I listed it as organic. I won't do that.

Natural is Better

Honeybee Gardens products are created entirely of natural materials. You can actually pronounce our ingredients! We reuse and recycle as much as possible and, perhaps most importantly, we DO NOT test ANY of our products on animals (those are strict orders from our dachshund 'Ginger', ten pussycats, 'Pekoe' the lovebird, 'Tortuga' the turtle and 'Dim Sum' the Chinese hamster)!

We take great pride in providing our customers with the finest herbal products and customer service. We sincerely welcome comments and opinions, and are available to help with any questions you may have. So try our all-natural herbal body care products and experience nature's supremacy.

CELESTE: What sets Honeybee Gardens apart from other natural companies?

MELISSA: We're not just here to sell a product. We really believe in what we're doing. I want to create the healthiest, safest products, while still making sure they're effective and fun. Too often I would hear about health store brands being boring or 'that natural stuff doesn't work'. I knew I could do better. I knew I could create a lip balm that would honestly relieve chapped lips and cosmetics that were as fashionable as they were fun. Natural doesn't have to mean dull or second-rate. I want natural to be number one!

We're not your typical cosmetics company. We don't make products that follow the hottest new trends. We don't make false advertising claims or try to convince you that our products can perform miracles. All we do is make really good products made from really good ingredients that really work. That's it. We try to satisfy the real needs of real people. Oh yeah, we have really great customer service too.

Order a Honeybee Gardens Gift Certificate here:
http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/store/gift-certificates.html

CELESTE: Tell us about your private label products.

MELISSA: We do get lots of request for private label. In fact, I started a new company in 2001 just to handle our private label business. Unfortunately, it's harder for us to do private label for very small companies. Our batch sizes tend to be too big for their needs. I've been approached about creating a private label brand - something standard that small companies could just buy a few units of whenever they needed it, and I am considering that.

http://www.honeybeegardens.com

Soap Nuts!

Author: Cathy Herard

If you haven't already heard of or tried soap nuts, you are going to want to find out where you can get them and wonder why you haven't been using them your entire laundry washing life! They are amazing and grow on trees. Basically, soap nuts are the dried shells of the soapberry. The shells actually contain a substance called saponin, which provides a soaping affect, but no foaming like chemical filled commercial "detergents." The trees grow in India and Nepal and are a sustainable resource that gives a source of income to the local population. I have personally switched to using soap nuts for my laundry needs and am way more pleased than ever! There are no harsh chemicals being used to launder my family's clothing and better yet, I don't use any type of fabric softener because the soap nuts do that naturally! Just like with traditional detergents, soap nuts sometimes need a little "support" in getting out tougher odors and stains. I usually add borax if this is the case with my laundry.

Soap nuts are truly the most organic and pure way of cleaning your laundry and other things around your home. There is minimal waste(no big plastic jug like with commerical detergents) for a much smaller impact on the environment! My favorite soap nuts are from a company called NaturOli. A visit to their website gives you a feeling of relaxation, purity, and wellness! Besides soap nuts they offer many other pure and natural products as well. I love and have tried several of their skincare line as well as their soap nuts! Check them out, you will be glad you did. www.letsbegreentogether.com www.naturoli.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/soap-nuts-635107.html

About the Author:
Cathy is an advocate for all things eco-friendly which includes everything organic and and as close to natural as possible. She is devoted to creating a healthier environment for her family and their future.

Natural Crystal Rock Roll On Deodorant: Greenify Your Pits!

Why do I love this deodorant?

It's safe! It's natural!

NEWSFLASH! You can get this deodorant for discounted price of only $2.79 on iherb and SAVE $5 on your first time iherb order when you use my Coupon Code: CEL445. YES!
Click on link to order:
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=5647&at=0

SOURCE:
http://www.thecrystal.com/rated_safest.cfm

Crystal Body Deodorants have been rated #1 by the Environmental Working Group in a safety assessment test of ingredients used in all deodorants!

In a searchable product guide called "Skin Deep" (A Safety Assessment of Ingredients in Personal Care Products), Crystal Body Deodorant occupies up to the first 10 slots in the category of deodorants with the lowest concern. You may also find this information on The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website (www.safecosmetics.org).

See the report:

Compared to other leading "natural" deodorants

Compared to leading mainstream deodorants

Know the facts! More about Crystal Roll on Deodorant:

• The Original all natural deodorant
• NO Aluminum Chlorohydrate
• Hypoallergenic, non-sticky, and environmently safe
• Fragrance and paraben free
• Roll on deodorant 2.25 oz

Read The Crystal Story below
SOURCE: (http://www.thecrystal.com/crystal_story.cfm)

The Crystal Story

Consumers would be surprised to learn that over the years eight different common ingredients found in deodorant products have been banned for posing a health hazard to users. Many deodorants also contain aluminum chlorohydrate, a harmful chemical still found in 85% of deodorants on the market.

Crystal Body Deodorant, the all natural alternative to mainstream deodorants, is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, non-sticky, non-staining, and is made of 100% natural mineral salts with no artificial coloring or ingredients. It is free of chemicals or dyes and contains NO Aluminum Chlorohydrate, helping us stay odor-free safe and naturally.

Since 1984, when it was first discovered in France, Crystal Body Deodorant has been a leader in healthy, natural deodorant protection. When first released it was sold only in a limited number of stores in the U.S. under the name, "Le Crystal Naturel", but today these products can be found in over 10,000 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

Crystal Body Deodorant products are the #1 best-selling leaders in healthy, natural, deodorant protection. They have a committed following of loyal customers and are on the shelves of retailers worldwide.

Is YOUR deodorant safe?

check to see now www.cosmeticsdatabase.org.

Best Option Cosmetics Companies-Signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics

SOURCE: Co-Op America Economic Action For A Just Planet
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/cosmetics.cfm

"Best Option" Cosmetics Companies

The following companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics and either use organic ingredients or are members of Co-op America’s Green Business Network™. For a complete list of compact signers, visit www.safecosmetics.org

H=Hair Care, S=Skin Care, M=Make-up, B=Baby Products

Companies With Organic Products

• S, Akamuti — +0845-458-9242, www.akamuti.co.uk
• H S, Aubrey Organics — 800/237-4270, www.aubreyorganics.com/coop
• H S, Avalon Natural Products — www.avalonnaturalproducts.com
• H S M, Canary Cosmetics — www.canarycosmetics.com
• S, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps — 760/743-2211, www.drbronner.com
• S, Dropwise Essentials — 866/418-1682, www.dropwise.com
• S B, Earth Mama Angel Baby — 503/638-0487, www.earthmamaangelbaby.com
• H S M, EccoBella Botanicals — 877/696-2200, www.eccobella.com
• S, Eco-Beauty Organics — 208/267-9819, www.eco-beauty.com
• H, EcoColors — 877/852-4515, www.ecocolors.net
• S M, Evan's Garden/Organic Beauty Inc. — 727/449-0900, www.evansgarden.com
• S, Farmaesthetics — 800/711-9194, www.farmaesthetics.com
• S, Ferlow Botannicals — 604/322-4080, www.ferlowbotanicals.com
• S M, Honeybee Gardens, Inc. — 610/396-9225, www.honeybeegardens.com
• H S, Inky Loves Nature — www.inkylovesnature.com
• S, Juice Beauty — 888/90-JUICE, www.juicebeauty.com
• S, Marie-Veronique Skin THerapy — www.m-vskintherapy.com
• H S, Max Green Alchemy Ltd. — 415/863-4155, www.maxgreenalchemy.com
• S, Moonshine Soap Co. — www.moonshinesoap.com
• S, Naturopathica Holistic Health — 800/592-7995 www.naturopathica.com
• S B, Plant Life, Inc. — 888/708-PURE, www.plantlife.net
• H S M B, Saffron Rouge, Inc. — 866/FACE-CARE, www.saffronrouge.com
• S, Sensua Organics — 800/983-1993, www.sensuaorganics.com
• S M, Sevi Cosmetics — 410/766-5151, www.sevikay.com
• H S, SMB Essentials/Lotus Moon Skin Care — 888/762-2667, www.lotusmoon.biz
• S, Spirit of Beauty — 425/453-0244, www.nutritionskincare.com
• H S, Spiritus Terrae — 877/PURITY2, www.naturepurity.com
• S, Sue's Slaves — www.suesalves.com
• S, Suki's Naturals — 888/858-SUKI, www.sukisnaturals.com
• M, Suncoat Products — 519/820-5468, www.suncoatproducts.com
• H S B, TerrEssentials — 301/371-7333, www.terressentials.com
• S, Spirit of Beauty — 425/453-0244, www.nutritionskincare.com

Natural Products Companies That Are Also CABN Members

• S, A Wild Texas Soap Bar — 512/272-4058, www.awildtexassoapbar.com
• S, Indigo-Daisy-Shack — 702/807-6402, www.indigo-daisy-shack.com
• S, Osea Skin Care — 888/367-6732, www.oseaskin.com

Teens Turning Green Launches at Whole Foods Market

Teens Turning Green Launches
at Whole Foods Market®

For the first time in history, an eco body care line for teens by teens. The next generation has the power to bring about change. Where better to start than one’s own body?

Sausalito, CA - Introducing Teens Turning Green, an unprecedented collection of eco body care products just for teens , sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market. A collaboration between inspiring green companies and Bay Area based non-profit Teens for Safe Cosmetics, Teens Turning Green will launch on the shelves of Whole Foods Market nationwide in late September.

Hand-selected by teens for safety, sustainability, and practicality, all products attain Whole Foods Market Premium Body Care Standard, the most comprehensive in retail. The nine products that will launch Teens Turning Green were vetted and chosen by campaign members over a year’s time and incorporate how age, skin type, and environment affect teenage skin and bodies. “We asked each company to create distinctive products that would stand out,” said Carly Wertheim of Teens for Safe Cosmetics. “Our products are formulated with the safest (Premium) ingredients and incorporate sustainable packaging with mindful business practices. These products are memorable with great scents and textures, but above all they really work.”

Teens Turning Green features products from seven companies including four based in the Bay Area - Benedetta, Depth, EO Products, and Pomega5 - as well as Alaffia in Olympia, Washington, Astara in Phoenix, Arizona, and Terra Naturals in Toronto, Canada.

“Our goal is to affect change in a positive and collaborative way through partnerships with companies that are already doing right by our bodies and planet,” says Erin Schrode, lead campaign spokeswoman. “When information is available and alternatives are accessible, people begin to think critically and that prompts change. If what you put on your body 24/7 could be potentially harmful, why do it?”

“This unprecedented line of products for teens ( that adults will love as well ) shows that you don’t have to choose beauty over health,” said Judi Shils, Director of Teens for Safe Cosmetics. This line will grow to encompass all aspects of an eco-conscious lifestyle, all that teens encounter 24/7; we hope that the Teens Turning Green collection will inspire teens to not only protect their health, but also sustain their world.”

We do not have to choose beauty over health. Teens Turning Green promotes a thoughtful mindset that values the earth and believes in future generations. It is about individual choices supported by collective efforts: one simple step towards a greener lifestyle. The paradigm can be shifted, but the choice must first be made to band together and think full circle.

Brought to you by Teens for Safe Cosmetics • teensforsafecosmetics.org

Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: Take Action Today!

Do you know what the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is?
I learned about it when I interviewed Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry. Author Interview: Stacy Malkan: Book Title: Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of The Beauty Industry
Stacy is co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of health and environmental groups working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from personal care products.

I signed the petition to congress for safe cosmetics, will you?
http://action.safecosmetics.org/petition/Index.asp?id=35

I've since been on a journey to discover if the personal care products I'm using myself are healthy or harmful to my skin and the environment. It was pretty clear after searching my products on the www.cosmeticdatabase.org website that I needed to do a little (BIG) makeover on my makeup/skincare items!

My challenging climb to a healthier skincare route came about with lots of help from Stacy Malkan, author of Just Not A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (www.NotJustaPrettyFace.org), Robyn Bloom, owner of Purely Cosmetics (www.purelycosmetics.com) and Coral Rose, Founder of Eco-Innovations (www.eco-textiles.com).

Check out my Q&A's with each of them and feel free to comment!

Stacy Malkan:
Author Interview: Stacy Malkan: Book Title: Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of The Beauty Industry

Robyn Bloom
http://gogreenwithceleste.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-green-is-your-makeup-introducing.html

Coral Rose:
http://gogreenwithceleste.blogspot.com/2008/07/q-coral-rose-founder-of-eco-innovations_16.html

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Learn more about the CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE COSMETICS here:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/about/