Author Interview: Elizabeth Henderson-Sharing The Harvest, A Citizen's Guide To Community Supported Agriculture

I had the opportunity to do an e-mail interview with Elizabeth Henderson, author of Sharing the Harvest, A Citizen's Guide To Community Service Agriculture. Elizabeth started one of the first CSAs in 1988 and has been an organic farmer for 25 years.

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Celeste: What are the health benefits of eating organic produce?

Elizabeth: There are clear health benefits to eating organically grown foods. Recent studies show that organic foods are much less likely to contain residues of chemical pesticides and are denser in essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidents. Interested readers can find the research studies on the Organic Center website – www.organiccenter.org.

The food from local, family-scale organic farms is fresher, richer in nutrients, and grown with greater care than the industrialized organic food shipped from California or elsewhere that appears in supermarkets. Knowing your farmer is the best way to assure the safety of your food.

Celeste: If a consumer can afford a limited number of organic items, what fruits and veggies should they start with?

Elizabeth: The fruits and veggies with the highest level of chemical residues are peaches, strawberries, potatoes, lettuce, and spinach.

Celeste: How is the consumer helping the environment when buying organic?

Elizabeth: One’s own health is very important, but many people also want to contribute to reducing the likelihood of severe climate change. Eating organic:

• Uses less energy.
• Is good for the health of the planet.
• Organic farms use 30 to 60% less energy than conventional farms.
• By using cover crops and composting, organic farmers stock carbon in the soil, which helps to reduce the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
• Buying from local farms cuts out the huge energy expenses for transporting food from distant places.
• And when you buy directly from farms at farmers' markets, farm stands or through community supported agriculture, you cut out the middlemen and spend less money on your food.

Celeste: Do organic farmers use botanical pestides? Chemical residues on soil and crops? How about sodium nitrate?

Elizabeth: Organic farmers sometimes use botanical pesticides, but these break down very quickly and have not been found to leave residues on the food. Organic food is not guaranteed to be free of all chemical residues since these are so pervasive in our environment that even mothers’ milk has residues. But organic farmers do not make things worse by using synthetic, toxic materials in growing food. Sodium nitrate is allowed in limited amounts in organic production. Personally, I have never used any in 27 years of organic farming.

Celeste: What are some important things a person needs to consider when choosing a CSA?

Elizabeth: Every CSA is different! You should select the CSA that offers what you are looking for. Some CSAs give you the opportunity to participate in growing the food or helping with distribution. Others simply deliver the food to a convenient place near where you live. Every CSA provides information about how your food is grown, shares recipes and gives you the chance to connect with a special piece of the earth and to share the risks and benefits with farmers whom you get to know.

A Great Green Wedding

Author: Paige Green

A great green wedding

Dressed in white can have a green twist. There are a number of ways to make your perfect day as environmentally friendly as possible. Here are some important ideas to consider for a great green wedding:

Invitations - everyone knows that the right paper stock is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to pre wedding day planning. But instead of going for a heavy card stock with environmentally damaging gloss or matte, consider if you need to have paper invitations at all!

Many wedding websites have sprung up to allow couples to plan their day and give guests all the information they need in paper saving electronic format. Couples can upload photos, tell their special story and direct guests to their registry on line. Many also have an RSVP feature so you can manage your list with a few clicks of the mouse. You and your mother can argue over background colours and menu patterns to your hearts 'content!

Dress - The right dress makes the memories. That doesn't mean you need to spend a small fortune (not to mention create a heavy environmental cost) with a tailor made piece that will just sit in your wardrobe for years to come. Consider vintage pieces or family pieces, there is nothing more sentimental to your mother, than walking down the aisle in same dress she wore back in the day. (You can tailor and amend it to suit your own taste and fashion of course!) Meanwhile, some companies create beautiful custom made pieces from sustainable fabrics , such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Some even "upcycle" older gowns.

Gifts - Do you really want to face the possibility of ending up with two chip dippers or a variety of toasters that you'll have some trouble returning? You can use your special day to promote some well deserving charities and eco causes. Ask your guests to make a donation to your favourite in lieu of presents, then you can be sure you're getting the exact model of kettle you want!

Flowers - Consider the season when picking your flower arrangements. Out of season arrangements are often shipped from overseas adding to miles and emissions. There are also a number of issues regarding the ethics of the cut flower industry, with many sources citing cheap labour and unfair work conditions. Australia is abundant with beautiful species of wattles, banksias and colourful kangaroo paws for a truly unique look. Better yet, go organic!

Food - Organic caterers are all the rage. They provide some of the best food that you know is pesticide free and delightfully delicious. Look for a baker that uses organic eggs and flour and other sustainable ingredients.

Venue and transport - Pick a venue that's easy to get to and encourage your guests to carpool, or better yet, provide some shuttle bus transport yourself. Having the reception in the same place as the ceremony also cuts down on travel and emissions.

Rings - Eco is a girl's best friend. Lots of great companies "up cycle" jewellery from older pieces. Take in an old family heirloom and have it recrafted to create your own one of a kind piece.

Find more green wedding ideas from the Green Pages, Australia's number one green directory.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/a-great-green-wedding-773848.html

About the Author:
Australia's number one green directory and environmental news source at www.thegreenpages.com.au

Where Does Your Food Come From?

Where does our food come from?
This question is being asked now more than ever by people around the globe. Do we really know how the food on our plate got there? From beginning to end?

Michael Pollan, tackles this question in his book, The Omnivore's Dilemma. After reading this book, I was inspired to take a closer look at the foods I was eating & how they were being produced.

My journey started at Natural Living Health Food Store, located in Antigo, Wisconsin, a store known for specializing in organic and locally grown produce.

Pam & Pete Augustyn grow some of the produce themselves in their 31,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse which holds 7656 plants!

I asked for a tour of the greenhouse...what did I see?

*Augustyns' hydroponic greenhouse*
I saw beautiful tomatoes...

Hot red (and green) jalapeno peppers...

Hydroponic greenhouses are soil-less controlled environments.
Instead of soil, the Augustyns' use perlite, a white volcanic rock which holds oxygen & moisture while providing space for the plant to grow- making it an ideal component for soil-less growing.

long skinny cukes

The Augustyns' feed the plants with major nutrients for optimal health & growth including: calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, monopotassium phosphate (good source of calcium-also found in Gatorade), manganese, boron, copper, zinc, & molybdenum.

This is the 13th year the Augustyns' have been operating their hydroponic greenhouse.
Congratulations on their success!

magnificent red, yellow, orange & green bell peppers
[I also saw lettuce, basil and mini cukes!]

• Hydroponic = No harmful pesticides or herbicides.
  
• Hydroponic = Controlled nutrients provides bigger, brighter, & healthier fruits and vegetables.
• Hydroponic= Cuts down on soil-borne diseases.
• Hydroponic=Uses less water than conventional agriculture.
• Hydroponic= Healthy for you & the environment.
  

From the greenhouse to my plate. Beautiful tomatoes & mini cukes.

When you buy from a local grower, you know where your food comes from.

Healthy Cooking- Starting With Organic Ingredients

Author: Craig Stanford

These days there are stories almost every day on the TV news and in the newspapers about food that has been recalled because of E. coli or some other contamination. This has spurred many of us to shop and cook more carefully for our families. If you want to take a step beyond buying just safe ingredients for your family's cooking, then you'll investigate truly healthy cooking with organics.

When I talk about organics, some people think that I'm just talking just about produce. That's not true; there are now organic versions of many animal products available also.

I advocate switching to organic ingredients for your cooking because most produce is sprayed with pesticides and grown with chemical fertilizers, Animal foods can contain growth hormones and antibiotics.

The hormones can cause premature maturing of children. Also, it's a fact that bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. Scientists say that one of the reasons that bacteriia have become so resistant to antibiotics is because of all the antibiotics in our food.

Before buying organic ingredients, it's normal for people to ask one or more of the following questions;

1) How can I replace my whole menu with organic ingredients overnight?

2) Won't I pay a premium for organic ingredients?

3) How can I determine that an ingredient that I'm looking at is a genuine organic?

The short answer to question #1 is, "you don't have to". I recently read a book by Kevin Trudeau called," Natural Cures (they don't want you to know about)". In it, Kevin recommends changing one ingredient in your meals at a time to organic until eventually all of your cooking is with organic ingredients. I experimented with this technique and discovered that the my family made the transition to organics a lot more easily then I expected. So far, everything that I eat for breakfast is organic and my other meals are made up of more than half organic ingredients.

The answer to question #2 is that unfortunately, organic ingredients usually will cost more. The number of people that buy organic products has increased, but the numbers haven't increased enough to cause economies of scale in the production and sale of of organic ingredients.

Even though organic ingredients cost more, there are ways to bring these costs down.

A good way to save money is to do as much shopping as possible at a farmer's market. Almost every town has a seasonal farmer's market. Some big cities even have a year round farmer's market. Prices are lower because you are buying directly from the farmer. Usually, you can only buy fruits, vegetables, spices and eggs at these markets, but you should be able to beat the non- organic prices in the supermarkets.

Another way to get your costs down is to shop at discount chains because many of them now have organic departments. Even the big guys like Wal-Mart have jumped on the organic bandwagon.

Another sure way to cut costs of your healthy cooking is to scratch cook more often. A good example is soup. Canned soup in the store usually has a lot of salt and other non- organic ingredients. Don't buy the package of chicken thighs. Buy an organic bird and cut it up yourself. Don't buy the salad in the bag. Whenever possible, don't cook your vegebles, instead steam them if you have a recipe that says that they should be cooked. Steaming them will leave in more of the vitamins and minerals than high heat cooking.

Remember, every time someone touches your food, it will cost more.

The answer to question #3 is simple. To know if an ingredient you're looking at is organic look for the label that says, " USDA Organic ". This means that the food has been certified by the USDA as being organic in origin.

This article has been meant to show you the logical starting point in your quest to provide healthy cooking for yourself and your family. In follow up articles I shall talk about such things as more reasons why you should buy organic ingredients and how to get refined sugar out of your cooking.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/healthy-cooking-starting-with-organic-ingredients-230788.html

About the Author:
Craig Stanford suffered a stroke in 1994. This event has caused him to research how he can achieve better health. He has put some of his research into the Healthy Cooking Guide. To read the Guide and read about other kinds of cooking, check out his website at:http://cooking-party.com/healthy

Healthy Children By Amy Todisco

Healthy Children

By Amy Todisco

www.greenlivingnow.com

Aren't there laws to protect our children from foods contaminated with toxic chemicals? Yes, but they aren't enforced. The Delaney Clause, found in Section 409 in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, states, "No substance found to cause cancer in man or animals may be added to food." Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency still allows many toxic chemicals into our food system. Why? Because they claim that the benefits outweigh the risks.

In 1993, two studies ("Pesticides in the Diet of Infants and Children", by the National Academy of Sciences, and the Environmental Working Group's study, "Pesticides in Children's Foods") gave us evidence that pesticides used in food production are dangerous to human health, most especially children. According to the book, The Safe Shopper's Bible, "both (studies) concluded that infants and children are at high risk for future cancers because of their exposure to carcinogenic pesticides, quite apart from neurotoxic, teratogenic, and other toxic effects."

There are several factors that make children more vulnerable than adults. First of all, the majority of pesticide studies are conducted using adult male bodies. Secondly, the pesticides are tested one at a time. Consider the fact that pesticides rarely occur by themselves, for instance multiple pesticides may be used on a fruit or vegetable. Pound for pound, children eat more fruits and vegetables than adults do. They have less detoxifying enzymes than adults, making it more difficult for them to break down the toxic chemicals in their bodies. They breathe faster and have immature organs. Their playing habits put them into contact with toxic chemicals more frequently (down on the carpet and pesticide laden lawn, or hugging pets doused with anti-flea and tick products, or wearing chemical collars).

At this time in history, following the events of September 11th, 2001, it is imperative that we do everything that we can to keep our children and ourselves healthy. The added anxiety, grief, and stress that we are all experiencing takes it's toll on our bodies. One way that we can counteract those factors is by eating whole (ideally local) certified organic foods.

Here are ten more reasons to choose certified organic foods:

1. Protect Future Generations
Children receive 4 times the exposure of adults for at least 8 widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. The food choices you make now will impact your child's health in the future.

2. Prevent Soil Erosion
The Soil Conservation Service estimates that more than 3 billion tons of topsoil is eroded from U.S. croplands each year. That means that soil is eroding 7 times faster than it is built up naturally. Soil is the foundation of the food chain in organic farming. In conventional farming, the soil is used more as a medium for holding plants in a vertical position while they are doused with synthetic chemical poisons and fertilizers.

3. Protect Water Quality
Water makes up two thirds of our body mass and covers three fourths of the planet. Despite its importance, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that pesticides (some cancer causing) contaminate ground water in 38 states, polluting the primary source of drinking water for more than half of the country's population.

4. Save Energy
Modern farming uses more petroleum than any other single industry, consuming 12 percent of the country's total energy supply. More energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till, cultivate, and harvest, all of the crops in the U.S. Organic farming is still based on labor-intensive practices, such as: weeding by hand, rotating crops, and green cover crops, rather than synthetic chemicals.

5. Keep Chemicals Off Your Plate
Many of the pesticides approved for use by the EPA were registered before extensive research linking these chemicals to cancer and other diseases had been established. Now the EPA considers that 60 percent of all herbicides, 90 percent of all fungicides, and 30 percent of all insecticides are carcinogenic. The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms, including humans.

6. Protect Farm Workers Health
A National Cancer Institute study found that farmers exposed to herbicides had a 6 times greater risk than non-farmers of contracting cancer. In California, reported pesticide poisonings among farm workers have risen an average of 14 percent a year since 1973, and doubled between 1975 and 1985. Pesticides poison an estimated 1 million people annually.

7. Help Small Farmers
Most organic farmers are small in scale and 48 percent gross less than $15,000 per year. Join an organic community supported agriculture (CSA) group, and/or purchase from organic farmers at farmer's markets and farm stands.

8. Support A True Economy
The price of organic food represents the true cost of raising healthy food. Conventionally grown food does not reflect the hidden costs borne by taxpayers, like hazardous waste disposal and cleanups, environmental damage, pesticide regulation, health insurance hikes, etc. In 1988, nearly $14 billion in federal subsidies were given to conventional growers. Why?

9. Promote Biodiversity
Between 1950 and 1970, the practice of planting large plots of land with the same crop, year after year (monocropping), initially tripled farm production. The bad news is that this lack of diversity of plant life has left the soil lacking in natural minerals and nutrients. In an attempt to replace the nutrients and ward off the increasing number of pests, chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticide use has increased. In fact, between 1947 and 1974, crop losses due to insects have doubled.

10. Better Taste and More Nutrition
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen recently reported that organically grown produce has higher levels of nutrients, like vitamins and secondary metabolites (which are thought to lower the risk of cancer) as compared to conventionally grown produce.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amy Todisco is the owner and President of Green Living Now, LLC. She was the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit, the Consumer's Healthy Home Center (CHHC). CHHC was created to hire independent toxicologists to test a variety of household products for their potential inhalation health effects, and recommend the safest choices to consumers. Amy closed down the nonprofit to create the Green Living Now web store as she felt she could positively impact and inspire more people with the store.

Amy is also a professional life coach (Catalyst 4 Change Life Coaching) and is creating a group teleclass on several topics of green living, beginning with organic food on a budget. She's also created three green living ebooks that are going on sale by 8/1.

Contact Amy here: amy@greenlivingnow.com
www.greenlivingnow.com

Changing Your Fridge to a Healthy Fridge

Author: Jude Simons

You don't have to give up all the foods you're used to eating to become more healthy and to start eating raw, organic and live foods. You know the best place to start changing your life and your diet? It's at the grocery store, of course. Even if you're at a good weight and pretty healthy, take a tip from dieters. Go shopping with a list and don't go to the grocery store hungry. Make sure this shopping trip you can resist those Oreos and potato chips.

Clean out your refrigerator and your cabinets. Throw out the half-empty bags of snack foods. Put any microwaveable foods in a dark bag and stash them somewhere in the back of the freezer. Out of sight, out of mind.

Do stock up on dried fruits and nuts for snacking. Transform your kitchen from a processed food haven to a healthy kitchen. Invest in a good juicer. Clean out those crisper drawers to get them ready for an influx of new organic and raw foods.

Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you can't give up meat and fish, consider getting super fresh tuna that you can just sear and serve with sesame seeds and a small amount of soy sauce. (I'm getting hungry just thinking about this!)

Make eating this way fun. Invest in those big, white square dishes that are good for serving sushi. It's easier to arrange small portions of different foods that way. And getting new white dishes will be symbolic of this new, purer way of eating. Get some good chopsticks so you can take your time eating. This is really fun!

Go to a bookstore and get a cookbook or a food book so you can learn about eating raw foods. Buy a big vase and a bunch of sunflowers to symbolize letting the sun into your diet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/changing-your-fridge-to-a-healthy-fridge-642841.html

About the Author:
Read about alphonso mango and mango tea at the Mango Fruit website.

Replace Microwave Popcorn With A Stainless Steel Stove Top Popper And Organic Popcorn Kernels

I love my stainless steel stove-top popcorn maker!
Making fresh popcorn has become a daily treat.
For oil, I use EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and you can
pick up some organic kernels at your local health food store.
YUMMY!

Why should you replace your microwave popcorn with a stainless steel (stay away from aluminum) stove-top popcorn maker?

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.”

Click here to find out the dangers of Aluminum

What Types of Women's Personal Care Products are Safe for You and the Planet?

Author: Anne Harvester

We pay attention to the safety of our cars. You strive to ensure your family eats healthy foods. Many of these facets of concern have been pounded into our heads since we were little girls. Unfortunately, this same scrutiny is not applied to items with which we come into the closest contact. Are you sure your women's personal care products are safe?

Safe personal care products are a necessity for both your family and yourself. This ranges from your child's soap to your collection of cosmetic products. Many women wrongly assume that cosmetics are just for fashion. This is not the case. A mineral cosmetic provides for both flawless appearing skin as well as UV ray protection. Safe cosmetics are both natural and often possess additional protective qualities.

Many undesirable ingredients work their way into commonly found women's personal care products. Many cosmetic products are derived from petroleum products. These best remain in the tank of your car as opposed to residing on your skin. Mineral makeup, however, is fully natural and excludes micronized titanium dioxide which is another wonder of science best left in the lab as opposed to on your face. Safe cosmetics facilitate both healthy skin as well as beauty.

Safe cosmetics are characterized by organic ingredients. This differentiates them from many popular products which contain a litany of potential irritants and allergy triggers. Shampoos and conditioners often contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which is best avoided. Similarly, deodorants with aluminum chlorhydrate are best left on the shelf as opposed to on the most sensitive of skin under your arms.

Women's personal care products do not have to be manufactured with such ingredients. Many providers go the extra step to thoroughly scrutinize everything that goes into their products. They'll produce a mineral cosmetic using kaolin clay instead of employing harsh artificial chemicals. As indicated, mineral makeup provides for a shield from the sun granting you additional years of wrinkle free skin.

It is not only women's personal care products that require careful selection. Your entire family deserves the same benefits yielded to you from your organic cosmetic line. It is important to know what goes in everything from your kid's toothpaste to your husband's hair conditioner. Unfortunately, you know it is difficult enough to get them to pick up their clothes let alone be conscious of the compositions of the many products they reflexively use on a daily basis.

The chemicals used in many women's personal care products don't remain forever on your body. Upon bathing they end up swirling down the drain and right out into your local ecosystem. Many today are assuming personal responsibility for the substances they emit into the environment, and natural products allow for a feeling of satisfaction in this arena. Quality organic personal care products improve both your health as well as that of the wildlife around you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/what-types-of-womens-personal-care-products-are-safe-for-you-and-the-planet-434809.html

About the Author:
A new eBook by Flora Stay, D.D.S. offers invaluable insight into the hidden information on the labels of all the Personal Care Products in your house. Get your FREE copy today »

Shea Butter, The African Wonder

Author: Donatien Ahoua

Shea butter is an extract from the shea nut seed of the tree called shea or karite tree. This tree matures in twenty years, but its full production doesn't come until it is forty-five years old. The shea tree can produce harvestable nuts for 100% shea butter even if it is already two hundred years old. The natural ingredients in shea butter are the reason for its effectiveness.

Shea butter is currently available in an organic, unrefined form and refined form. Despite both being pure shea butter, the difference lies in the way they are produced. The refined shea butter has no natural fragrance and natural color. On the other hand, the organic, unrefined form of shea butter is in its natural state. Research has concluded that the refined form of shea butter is not as effective as the organic, unrefined one.

Major Uses
The primary use of pure shea butter is as a moisturizer and as an emollient. Many products carry shea butter but not pure shea butter due to its expensive cost. Many cosmetics mix other ingredients to the shea butter to cut expenses. Pure shea butter has been found to be very effective in fading scars and stretch marks. This in itself is one reason why so many women buy 100% shea butter. Other benefits of shea butter are keeping the skin elastic and supple.

Raw shea butter in shampoos and conditioners also help brittle hair regain its softness and elasticity. It can revitalize and prevent further breakage of the hair. Pure shea butter is also used for tribal ceremonies in Africa where the trees are common to. Other uses for raw and pure shea butter are as cooking oil and conditioner for leather and wood. 100% shea butter is claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and has a reputation of helping lessen irritation from psoriasis, rashes and other skin disorders.

The Cost
The unrefined version of shea butter is more expensive than the refined version. This is because organic products take more time to process and produce compared to those products that are refined and process without any regard for safety. The price for 100% shea butter usually depends on the demand and the supply of the product. The uniqueness of the product means that it will always have a high demand and lesser supply since it takes seasons to grow the nuts and prepare the cream.

Wholesale
If you need large quantities of shea butter for your cosmetics business, you need to find a wholesale shea butter source. Today's consumers are very demanding about how the products they buy not only affect their bodies, but the world. When buying your wholesale shea butter, make sure the suppliers offer only fair trade unrefined shea butter. By insisting on fair trade wholesale sheabutter, you not only make your company look good to concerned customers, but you are investing in making the crops of shea nuts you depend on more reliable, since the workers have more of an incentive to keep working.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/shea-butter-the-african-wonder-244249.html

About the Author:
Donatien Ahoua. http://www.shea-butter-and-olein.com
Organic Shea Butter should be the first choice for you when it comes to taking care of your delicate skin.

Cleanse Your Face Naturally With Honey: Keep It Sweet & Simple

I'm crazy about honey!
I put it in my tea daily and now I'm cleansing my face with it.
It's simply divine.
When you scale back on your beauty and personal
care routine, something magical happens.
Keep it sweet & simple.

How to Wash a Face With Honey

Benefits of Honey

Who else is crazy about honey?

Introducing karma~naturals --Go Green With Celeste interviews Owner/Creator, Kris Ash

Introducing... karma~naturals!

NEWSFLASH: First time customers-
Get 20% Discount at karma~naturals with code NEWCUST807.


Q&A with Owner/Creator, Kris Ash

Celeste: How did you come up with the name karma~naturals?

Kris: Lots of people have asked why we use the word karma (our company is called karmic klutter, and our products are called karma~naturals). Well, it has a double meaning. First, we feel it's our fate, purpose, or karma to help others find the opportunity to bring their lives into a more natural existence. And secondly, it stands for Kris Ash Really Makes All (naturals)...and I happen to be Kris Ash, the visionary and primary entrepreneur of this little family company.

Celeste: What went through your mind when you discovered your cosmetics and personal care products you were using (before you started making your own) were toxic?

Kris: It always bothered me that I could not pronounce the names of most of the ingredients in the products I was using…and, with my severely dry skin, I used A LOT of them. Worst of all, up until about 5 years ago, I hadn’t even bothered to read labels. Once I did, I was horrified to see how unnatural and toxic these products were! No wonder so many of my friends and loved ones were dying from cancer. Why would I put something on my skin (which drinks in these chemicals), when I wouldn’t dare consider consuming it? I felt stupid and determined to find a better alternative so I could rest at night with peace of mind. So, with my husband’s scientific background and my little bit of chemistry knowledge, I took on the task of making skin care products about which I could feel safe and use.

karma~naturals Lip Gloss Sheer triple pots

Celeste: Name 5 benefits women should know about when using your natural products.

Kris: Five benefits of using our karma~naturals products….

1. You can pronounce the ingredients within our body products, so you know what you’re placing on your skin. The formulas are simple, giving you only the ingredients you really need without any inert ingredients so common in big company products. The products contain no parabens, phthalates, or petroleum based products. And, the ingredients are listed in a reader friendly format.

2. Most of the oils we use are organic. So, you can rest at night knowing your skin care products contain plant based ingredients that weren’t grown with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

3. Unlike big companies, you can talk to me personally. I am the person who creates, packages, and processes your orders. I am there every step of the way (although my family members help throughout the process). I know I’m making my items for a person….and I keep this personal relationship in mind during the entire process.

4. The reason I create my products is for body benefits….not profits like big companies. I make these products for myself, my family, friends, and associates….so, they make your skin feel great! And, the only skin they are tested on belongs to me and my willing human volunteers…. NO animal testing.

5. My husband and I are eco-conscientious. We reuse all of the packaging materials which accompany ordered supplies as they arrive at our home. We recycle any of the cardboard, paperboard, glass, and plastic containers and packaging we find we can’t use. Also, we clean our home (and the company processing rooms) with eco-conscious cleaners. Best of all, we donate a portion of our income to eco-conscientious and environmental causes…..like Wilderness Society, World Watch Institute, Zero Population Growth, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and League of Conservation Voters. Our long distance carrier is even WALD (Working Assets Long Distance). All of this we do….so we can make a difference.

karma~naturals Nourishing Lotion Bars

Celeste: What inspired you to start making your own organic cosmetics?

Kris: We are a very small family operated company with a big mission in mind...
Leave this world better than the way we found it!"

And, this is just what my husband and I have been doing on our journey throughout this life together with our three children. Thus, as we have watched ourselves getting older, we began questioning many of the assumptions we were taught growing up... like our skin was a protective covering that hindered outside forces (such as chemicals) from affecting our precious interiors. How wrong we were! With the advent of medical patches, it is perfectly clear our old assumptions are just plain wrong!

So years ago, we began purchasing earth-friendly products from companies like Seventh Generation and Gaiam to protect ourselves from harmful exposure to chemicals. Who knew that the very cosmetics and lotions we'd been putting on our faces and bodies were just as toxic as the cleaners we'd been using to clean our home! And, with all the media attention drawn to parabens, phthalates, and petroleum products (and the harm they do to our bodies), I became personally concerned as I watched so many of my friends and family members die from cancer within the past handful of years. I was especially concerned for my own safety since I have exceptionally dry skin and use tons of creams and lotions on my own body!

Thus, the adventure began (three years ago)...
And, here we are creating organic and natural body products that our friends, relatives, co-workers, associates, and neighbors have told us are wonderfully delightful, body safe, and positively indulgent. At their request, we began selling to them, which led to the launching of our eBay store and online website. Finally, we were able to offer even more people the opportunity to enjoy these carefully handcrafted products which we call karma~naturals.

karma~naturals Lip Balm-variety of flavors to choose from!

Celeste: Are your products all natural/organic/vegan?

Kris: Because our inspiration was to produce body products that were safe to use since we were using them ourselves, we make products that contain ingredients that are earth and plant based. (After all, if you can’t actually eat/drink it, why would you put it on your skin?) Therefore, they’re basically safe to consume orally (though I wouldn’t recommend it since they don’t taste all that good!) Most of the oils we purchase and use are organic, and, although most of our products are not vegan, we do currently carry a lip balm and lotion bar that are. And, as each day passes, we are consistently experimenting and producing new products that are organic and natural with some vegan alternatives.

Celeste: What went through your mind when you discovered your cosmetics and personal care products you were using (before you started making your own) were toxic?

Kris: It always bothered me that I could not pronounce the names of most of the ingredients in the products I was using…and, with my severely dry skin, I used A LOT of them. Worst of all, up until about 5 years ago, I hadn’t even bothered to read labels. Once I did, I was horrified to see how unnatural and toxic these products were! No wonder so many of my friends and loved ones were dying from cancer. Why would I put something on my skin (which drinks in these chemicals), when I wouldn’t dare consider consuming it? I felt stupid and determined to find a better alternative so I could rest at night with peace of mind. So, with my husband’s scientific background and my little bit of chemistry knowledge, I took on the task of making skin care products about which I could feel safe and use.

Celeste: Tell us about your journey with essential oils.

Kris: Shortly after my son was born in 1994, I began working in a new age bookstore. Here my adventure into essential oils began. At that time I began using them for my own emotional, spiritual, and health benefits (as well as my family’s benefit). When I began making my own organic & natural body products three years ago, I included many of them in quite a few of my products. Throughout my association with some of my dearest friends in the alternative medical profession, I learned that due to the lack of regulations within the U.S. cosmetics industry, the essential oils made and sold in the United States are mediocre at best. Recently, I have had the opportunity to experience and explore Young Living Essential Oils. It was exciting to learn that they are produced within European medicinal standards and their health benefits are unbelievably substantial. These superior essential oil products have helped me create essential oil products that offer wonderful emotional, spiritual, and health benefits that make living a joy!

Celeste: Do you literally make your products in your kitchen?

I started my first lip balm experiment in my kitchen….and it worked! The product was creamy and delightful. But, as my experimenting expanded and the line of products grew, so did our online orders. It became too much to work my experimenting and order filling around feeding my family, so we built a laboratory production room in our home’s lower level. That initial experience eventually expanded into an additional storage room, and shipping area (which is where we currently are today).

karma~naturals Sheer Lip Gloss

Kris - is there anything else you would like to share with our Go Green With Celeste readers?

Kris: Time has been my greatest enemy as I’ve worked to create body products I felt I could safely use. As a result, while working on my own recipes, we have also offered natural body products that we don’t make ourselves yet still reach our high level of green standards. They are natural products I have discovered and decided to use myself since I want to avoid the toxic alternatives until my own creations have been perfected.Currently, we are carrying several creams and eye liners which are all natural, but not of our own creation. However, I am most excited that I have recently perfected a recipe for body lotions and creams that use drinkable hydrosol waters. The lotions & creams are luxurious, fabulous smelling, and above all – natural & organic! We still need to finish our 6 month testing period, but they will be coming out shortly after the New Year!

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Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Eat Veggies By Amy Todisco

Green Living Expert, Amy Todisco
http://www.greenlivingnow.com

Most of us eat veggies because we know that they are healthy for us, and most of them really taste good. At least we thought they were healthy for us. Well, guess what? A recent University of Minnesota study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality found that antibiotics given to animals could end up in your veggies (gasp!).

Here's the problem:

Raw and/or lightly composted manure is often used as fertilizer on conventional farms. In contrast, manure used on organic farms must be composted or applied at least 90 days before harvest. No such requirements exist on conventional farms.

In the study, researchers found that corn; cabbage and green onions all absorbed the antibiotic, chlortetracycline from the manure fertilizer from pigs that were given the antibiotic. Chlortetracycline is a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics used in human medicine. It's used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses. When humans ingest antibiotics, especially unnecessary ones, it can make bacteria in the intestines become drug resistant. So, if you really needed that antibiotic at some point, it wouldn't be effective. Also, all antibiotics (as I understand it) kill off both the good and bad bacteria in our bodies leaving us more vulnerable to yeast infections, and other health issues. Beyond the immediate effects to our bodies, resistant bacteria created on a farm can contaminate air, water and soil, and travel significant distances.

Did you think antibiotics were just used to treat disease? I did. Apparently they are also fed to animals to make them grow faster and to compensate for overcrowded, unsanitary conditions on industrial scale farms. Not good for the animals, and not good for the consumers of those animals either.

Sadly consumers have no idea that they are consuming antibiotics in their food, there isn't any label requirement to reveal this information. I guess it's just like genetically engineered organisms, pesticides and other toxins in conventional food. That's not to say that it's impossible for antibiotics to appear in organic food too. It would seem unlikely though due to the requirement to compost the manure and apply it 90 days before harvest. But who knows? I'll continue to put my money on the organic stuff, what about you?

P.S. Occasionally I get asked what a person can do who cannot afford organic food. I usually suggest the following: (1) grow it yourself and freeze and can it for the winter. No land? Grow your own in a community garden plot, or in a neighbor's garden (get the soil tested for heavy metals. Call your local extension service for more information). Shop at local farmer's markets (fresher and usually more affordable). Join a community supported agriculture group (perhaps some farmers will barter your share of the harvest for something of value to them). I've heard that big box stores, like Costco's and Big Lots, carry some organic food. So, if you already shop there, choose the organic.

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

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

**********************************

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

How Green is Your Makeup? Introducing Purely Cosmetics: Mineral Makeup for the Eco-Woman

Robyn Bloom

Owner & Creator/ Purely Cosmetics
www.PurelyCosmetics.com

"My success has always been on listening to my customers and
providing them with solutions to meets their needs."

CELESTE: How were you introduced to mineral makeup?

ROBYN: When I stopped working for Corporate America, I promised myself two weeks off from wearing makeup to let my skin breathe. Five years later, I was talking with a friend about the crappy care I took of my skin. She was the one who introduced me to mineral makeup and the wonderful feeling (or should I say "lack" of feeling) of wearing no makeup at all! I was hooked.

Not long afterwards, my daughter and I were shopping, when we were accosted by someone with a mineral makeup kiosk. He asked me what type of makeup I wore, and I proudly told him, thinking he'd go away. He was my first educator about the differences in mineral makeup and the chemicals that are put into the household name brands. I plunked down $60 (yikes) for a jar of foundation for my teenage daughter right on the spot. Deciding I didn't want any of those irritants in my makeup any more than I did for my daughter, I started looking online for mineral makeup companies.

BENEFITS OF MINERAL MAKEUP:
http://www.purelycosmetics.com/about-mineral-makeup-i-3.html

CELESTE: How did you formulate your own line?

ROBYN: After reading many forums and looking at all the various ingredients that can go into mineral makeup, I decided to formulate my own line using the purist ingredients I could find while still offering a reasonably priced product. I researched the properties of the various ingredients, the pros and cons of each, and ended up with 2 foundation formulations: my basic foundation that has the minimalist approach, using only zinc oxide, mica, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides. It's natural, provides sunscreen protection, and works for those with even the most sensitive skin.

CELESTE: Tell us about your Skin Smoothing formula.

ROBYN: My Skin Smoothing formula is a geared more for the mature crowd - it contains silk powder to hydrate your skin, jojoba oil to nourish it, boron to reduce pore visibility, and silica to blur fine lines. It also has more zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it to increase the sunscreen protection (the silk powder also reflects UVA and UVB rays), in addition to providing more coverage without looking "cakey" for those of us who's skin isn't as perfect as it was when we were 20-years old.

CELESTE: How do you test your products?

ROBYN: There is no animal testing involved in any of my products - I use REAL people with REAL skin issues (blotchiness, acne, roseacea, etc). Because I do not believe in a One-Size-Fits-All approach, my starter kits are fully customizeable with the customer's choice of shades and types of products they want included. Right down to the brushes.
CELESTE: What kind of brushes do you carry?

ROBYN: I carry both synthetic, vegan approved makeup brushes as well as natural haired bristles. The natural hair brushes are only handmade, first cut hairs, making them the softest because their tips are still intact (those would get ruined with machinery) and pointy instead of blunt cut (think about how soft the hair was on your legs the first time you shaved them versus the blunt ends you get when the stubble grows back in).

CELESTE: What is the Beauty Blender?

ROBYN: It's a new type of applicator. It's a hot pink egg shaped sponge that applies makeup flawlessly and without the mess that brushes can. When your Beauty Blender needs replacing (they should last about 4 months), you can send it back for recycling! Learn more about the Beauty Blender here: http://www.purelycosmetics.com/beauty-blender-p-197.html.

CELESTE: Are you using natural and/or organic ingredients for your products?

ROBYN: Yes, all of my products are either organic, or organically derived. Some HAVE to be produced in a lab, as they can be toxic without the impurities removed (such as iron oxides). Those that are not straight minerals (stearates, such as magnesium myristate or zinc stearate), are vegetable derived (usually they can be vegetable or animal derived; I try to stay as vegan as possible). The only powder I use that is not vegan (and also has a shelf life, but it's 2 years) is 100% Pure Silk Powder, which comes from the cocoon of the silk worm.

CELESTE: Do you use any parabens, petroleum, or perfume?

ROBYN: There are no parabens, talc, bismuth, or preservatives of any sort in any of my products.

Many mineral makeup companies use many of the same basic ingredients: mica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Larger companies will use lots of fillers and ingredients that don't belong to bulk up their products. Nor do I use micronized particles, as the safety of these have yet to be determined. A good comparison of many well known companies versus my product can be found here: http://www.purelycosmetics.com/mineral-makeup-comparisons-i-10.html.

CELESTE: Is your packaging recyclable?

ROBYN: The packaging isn't recyclable but they certainly are reusable.

CELESTE: What sets your line apart from other natural beauty products on the market?

ROBYN: What will set many small companies apart is the texture, adhesion, staying power, and obviously, the shade selection. I also believe that customer service ranks right up there.

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Q&A: Coral Rose, Founder of Eco-Innovations

Coral Rose

Founder of Eco-Innovations
Corporate Sustainability Strategy
Sustainable Textile and Solutions
Website: www.eco-textiles.com
Blog: www.coralrose.typepad.com

CELESTE: In addition to buying vintage and used clothing, what should consumers look for when buying eco-friendly clothing?

CORAL: Look for apparel:

• THAT IS THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIED ORGANIC:This is certification for the growing of the fiber. There are additional 'voluntary' certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) that cover processing of the item including dyes as well as social standards.

• AN ITEM THAT IS VERSATILE & WILL SERVE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE: An example might be a Patagonia jacket that converts to a vest--2 jackets in one--or pants that zip-off for different lengths-shorts-capris-long-so you get 3 garments in one.

• THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONSERVE ON LAUNDERING: For cotton (conventional or organic) over 76% of the life cycle impacts happen at the consumer level. Not only do we consume a lot, we do a lot of laundry. This (76%) happens in the washing-drying-water, etc, so work on wearing outer-garments that are not soiled more than once!

CELESTE: When people throw out used clothing and shoes rather than donating them, how is this impacting our environment?

CORAL: Great question. The 2006 EPA Facts (resource EPA-United States Environmental Protection Agency:http://www.epa.gov.osw) regarding MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) is as follows: In 1960, we were generating 2.7 pounds of waste per person PER DAY. In 2006, that number is 4.6 pounds of waste per person PER DAY. Note: Rubber-Leather-Textiles are lumped into the same bucket at 7.3% of the total MSW. So the impact of not 'trashing' our clothes and shoes amounts to over 7% of the municipal waste that is generated.

CELESTE: Name a few apparel companies we should keep our eyes on.

CORAL:

• PATAGONIA: They are the original pioneers in organic cotton,usually setting the trends in sustainable fibers.

• TARGET: They are just getting into this arena of sustainable textiles. It will be interesting to see where they go with products and with consumer messaging.
  

CELESTE: Many consumers are choosing to bring their own fabric totes with them while they shop now rather than using the stores' plastic or paper bags. When purchasing totes for this purpose, what would be your 'top pick' as far as material used to make the tote?

CORAL: Choosing one fiber as a 'top pick' is not as easy as it sounds- there are many 'tradeoffs' to consider, that occur during the life cycle of the product with most sustainable fibers.
On a personal note, I prefer Hemp, one of natures finest whole fibers. Here is a bit from my blog of why:

Hemp fiber dates back to 2800 B.C. Prior to 1880 the US economy was based on hemp. Industrial hemp was a primary source of food, fuel and fiber. It is now illegal to grow hemp in the US. Hemp grows well without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. Manufactures of hemp fiber claim that the fiber is biodegradable. All hemp fiber in the US is imported. China and Eastern Europe are the primary producers of hemp. Although seed for food consumption is readily available certified organic, certified organic hemp fiber is not widely available. To date,IMO certifies only one organic hemp farm in Inner Mongolia. (www.imo.ch/).