Thursday, July 9, 2009

Rules for Buying Lotion, Soap, and Shampoo


This in an interesting article I found about a possible link between cosmetics and breast cancer. It is a little far fetched...it is not proven that certain products cause cancer, but it is apparently best to avoid these products so that it does not contribute.


It is safe to say that buying organic products, free of harmful chemicals, is the safest way to go. Not only is it good for the environment to buy products that do not have harmful chemicals, but it is also good for our personal health.

I will give you a quick rule of thumb (based on the MSN article) for buying cosmetic products such as shampoo, lotions, and soap. Remember that "organic" can sometimes be a marketing a ploy, so be sure to check the ingredients!

Shampoo: Stay away from products that contain "methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or isobutylparaben, and opt instead for paraben-free alternatives".

Soap: Avoid liquid soap that contains triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in many antibacterial products that has been linked to hormone disruption in animals. Just FYI, it is also uncertain whether antibacterial soaps are any more effective than regular soaps.

Lotion: Look for lotions labeled phthalate-free, or opt for those that don't list fragrance as an ingredient.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Green Newsletter and Book Worth Reading


I'm sure all of you have seen Seventh Generation products around, but many of you may not know that Seventh Generation was actually one of the first "socially responsible" companies. I absolutely love their products. I swear by there dish soap in Lavendar and Mint. It smells so good AND it is enironmentally friendly!

Long story short, I subscribe to the Seventh Generation E-Newsletter. They send it out monthly and it is always full of fabulous information.

This month, the newsletter contained an article about a new book called "Go Green, Get Lean". The title appealed to me....LEAN AND GREEN! Two things I strive to be!


So check the book out at Amazon.com. Don't forget to buy it used....Reduce, REUSE, Recycle!!!


And check out Sevneth Generation to sign up for their newsletter. It it worth it!