What’s happening now? Part 2 of 2. December 2, 2009

Paraben Free.

Along with “Sulfate Free”, it’s the new buzz word in the beauty industry. Next time your at the beauty counter  or drug store check out a few of the popular skin lotions or hair products that are available. Due to pressure from the EWG (Environmental Working Group), Safe Cosmetics and savvy consumers like you, it seems that parabens are being phased out of our beauty products. This is a site for sore eyes as parabens are known to be a significant hormone disruptor and in 90% of our skin care products. Don’t take my word for it, grab a lotion out of your cabinet and check for yourself.

The part that concerns me about the massive hype “Now Paraben Free!” is that in order for products to remain on the shelves for an extended period of time there has to be a globally approved preservative present. Introducing…Phenoxyethanol folks. You’re globally approved preservative. Phenoxyethanol has been approved by the CIR  Expert Panel ( Cosmetic Ingredient Review) as a safe ingredient when concentrations are less than 1 %. But, this panel is also funded by the CTFA (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance  Association) and not to forget that Parabens up until recently were also deemed safe by the CTFA. We know that there is no regulation in the beauty industry and any company can claim their products or ingredients are safe, until of course, they change their minds due to public pressure.

Phenoxyethanol ranks lower on the database than Parabens and is not a known endocrine disruptor, but is a carcinogen. So check your labels for “Paraben Free”  and see what the substitute is. Another thing to really watch out for is where the preservatives are listed on the ingredient labels. The higher up on the list the higher the concentration. I mentioned in my last post how fragrance has moved its way up the list and I am seeing the same with Parabens and Phenoxyethanol, and this really concerns me.

We all want to use more natural or organic products if possible and beauty companies have picked up on this. They are not dummies. We demand quality ingredients- they market, they label and they deliver. And we buy because we are being told of all the wonderful new natural, organic ingredients put into their formulas. Well, buyer beware. Natural ingredients expire faster than their chemical partners and when they get all mixed up together in a nice little jar, natural and chemical, the preservative concentration has to be higher to keep it from spoiling. Just as with fragrance, higher up the list the Parabens go.

So the rule of thumb is, as I always say, read your labels. Get to know your ingredients. You dont have to be a rocket scientist just memorize 1 or 2 names. You’ll remember next time your shopping and at the very least question the product you’re looking at. Natural and organic is the “green” thing to do right now and there are plenty of good companies out there bringing us excellent products, but there are also many, many more with clever marketing strategies looking for your money.

Buy local, look for minimal processing, minimal packaging and minimal ingredients. Explore essential oils and natural skin care remedies. Olive and jojoba oil to nourish your skin, sugar and salt for a gentle scrub, baking soda to exfoliate….the kitchen is full of healthy ingredients!

What’s happening now? Part 1 of 2. November 5, 2009

The last several months I’ve been “out of the loop” so to speak and apologize for not updating my post. I have a seasonal business at the Minnesota state fair (www.statefairdos.com) which demands most of my attention, and then Im right back to work which leaves little time for writing or researching. Now that life has settled down a bit I have been noticing some things that have really piqued my interest. It’s amazing what you notice when you step away from something for awhile.

I have been a label reader for some time now and I always find it amusing ( okay, amusing maybe isn’t the right term. How about interesting.) So I find it interesting… when a new distributor brings in their “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” product into my salon with hopes of establishing an account with me. I understand that they believe in their product, they should. They have this incredible new eco-friendly trendy line to show me because they know that’s the only type of product I’ll even consider anymore, but I often wonder if they truly understand what it is they are trying to sell. Like I said above, I am a label reader and I don’t just look for the natural or organic  ingredients in a product, I look for all of the other things that most people overlook. Sure, it’s cool to “Go Green” these days, but you just can’t trust that the product you are using or buying is healthy. You really need to become a label reader because nobody knows whats best for you, except you. What’s happening is, chemicals are being replaced with chemicals, and so the familiar name that you know to look for on a label as being toxic or potentially harmful such as Parabens, is being replaced with Phenoxyethenols and other carcinogens. Just the other day I read on a label “organic propylene glycol”. Really? Is that possible? I think Id like to research that one a little further before I lather up- thank you very much.

So here’s what’s happening in the beauty industry. And of course this is just my opinion, but I encourage you to take a look  for yourself  the next time your at the beauty counter. Most people dont realize that the combination of certain chemicals in lotions, face creams and the like, can create an unwelcomed “smell”, and so companies are adding more fragrance  to mask the unpleasant odors. Fragrance, which is highly toxic, an allergen and an endocrine disruptor, used to be near the bottom of the ingredient list and typically the last ingredient, just to give a nice little scent and make you feel good. Not so  much any more. I am noticing fragrance being listed in the top third of the list and sometimes even the 2nd or 3rd ingredient! I tried a new gel the other day and by the end of the day I had to wash my hair as the scent followed me around like an unwanted friend. My headache went away by morning and I threw the product in the garbage. Glad it was just a sample. Fragrance was the 5th ingredient in this product. 5th out of 34. This really raises cause for concern as Phthalates, which are in fragrances and many other skin and body care products, are dangerous for our reproductive systems  and especially for young girls and teenagers who slather it on like butter. Read more about Phthlates here or do a google search and start looking at your labels when your considering a product. Make sure you turn the product around and read the back label, not the front as clever marketing can have you fooled. If it looks unhealthy put it back on the shelf or simply say “no thank you”, making sure to tell the salesperson why you’re refusing it.

Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge can change the world.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: New Safe Cosmetics Video September 17, 2009

What does the public think? What do you think?

They’re listening!! August 11, 2009

I received this from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) last week and wanted to share it with you. We always hear about the efforts being made for keeping us and our world healthy but we typically don’t hear if there are any results being made. Read the following email and you will feel confident that all of our efforts do not go unnoticed. They are listening!!

Dear lorri,Over the last several months EWG has made some waves and drawn a lot of attention to the issues you and I care about. I want to make sure you know what EWG has achieved in just the last few months.

We all agree that influencing public policy has a lot to do with being heard by the right people at the right time. At EWG, we’ve got a knack for just that. Our unique investigations, skilled team of researchers and effective advocacy work well together to catch the attention of decision makers – right when it matters.

We’ve told decision makers what you want. . . and they’re listening.

• We caught food industry giants plotting to mislead mothers and minority parents about the hazards of bisphenol-A (BPA) and spurred grassroots pressure to find a safe alternative.
• Some 14,000 members of EWG’s burgeoning online community joined us to ask U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. And he did. Nearly a million acres of public land has been set aside, preventing the mining industry from staking any claims for at least two years, and possibly as many as 20 years.
• Congressional insiders picked EWG and myself as top grassroots advocates on biofuels for our ability to combine lobbying and research with grassroots power effectively.
• The California State Senate passed the Toxics-Free Babies & Toddlers Act, which we sponsored, to ban BPA in children’s food products. If the State Assembly approves the bill, the largest market in the country will join Connecticut and Minnesota whose state legislatures enacted partial BPA Bans earlier this year.
• We asked the EPA to consider the full impact of over-subsidized biofuels on greenhouse gas emissions and penned an Op-Ed published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
• Five environmental justice leaders joined us for an extensive two-year study that tested them for 75 chemical contaminants. They took their results directly to Congress as a compelling argument for reform of the failed federal toxics law.

We researched, reported and testified for better public policies.

• We released our third annual sunscreen report to help consumers identify safe, effective products and better understand the ingredients in sunscreen. We found that sunscreen companies are reformulating many products to be safer and more effective as a result of our three-year campaign.
• We expanded our ground-breaking work on bottled water safety by reviewing labels, provided by our fabulous fans, and released a report rating manufacturers on their (lack of) transparency. We took this research to Congress where Jane Houlihan, our head of research, testified in front of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

We created and shared important, useful information.

• Our Editor-in-Chief, Elaine Shannon, began writing for the Huffington Post so that we can take our message to millions of readers. Here’s an exciting post discussing a ground-breaking study about infertility and bisphenol-A.
• We launched a new blog on Kid-Safe Chemicals where EWG staff and outside experts are discussing emerging science and the need for toxics policy reform.
• I presented our 10 Americans talk to hundreds in California, Georgia, Canada, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. You can watch a short version on our site.
• We launched a monthly informational email series based on our popular Healthy Home Tips guide.
• We won two Treehugger awards for best health and beauty information and best natural health news web sites.

As you can see, we’ve been busy. All of the staff at EWG is grateful for your support, which we know makes our work possible. With your help, we’re doing the hard work it takes to achieve our shared goal: healthy people and a healthy planet.

Sincerely,

Ken Cook
President, Environmental Working Group

I can only add this…. WELL DONE KEN! May the EWG keep up the good work!

Support local food! August 5, 2009

This sounds like great food, fun and fresh air. This sunday at the Nicollet Island Pavillion is the Fresh Taste Festival! It’s all about supporting organic, local and sustainable food & wine. Think of it as the Food & Wine Experience on a much smaller, more intimate scale.

Eating organic foods is so important for us and for the health of our planet.  If you’ve been thinking of going organic, but didn’t know where to start, this a great place to get your feet wet!

Here’s the link.

See you there!

Toilet Cleaner and Vino connection? July 23, 2009

This is a great article! I saw this on AOL this morning and wanted to share it with you. It’s nice to see this information going more mainstream.

Read article here

After seeing Food, Inc. for the second time,  I agree more wholeheartedly than ever with Micheal Pollan – “We have a right to know whats in our food and where it’s coming from”. Forward this article on to friends and family and lets get the word out.

Eat healthy and stay healthy!

Food Inc. June 24, 2009

Last Friday night I went with some friends to see the movie Food Inc. Have you heard of it? Well, let me tell you something. Grab your spouse, your kids, your parents and neighbors and get to the Lagoon Theatre and watch it.

I have been living  what some would call an “organic”  lifestyle for some time now. I shop at co-ops, buy organic, cook only organic at home and am very careful what I order when we go out for dinner. We only eat meat and poultry (at home) that is sourced responsibly and I have an organic garden in my back yard. I thought I understood  how the food industry processes and manufactures food, but after watching this movie I now understand that I had no clue.

This movie will amaze you. It will open your eyes to what the ‘really big picture’  is all about. Who controls (literally “owns”) our food and seed supply, how our food is made, why and how E Coli is getting to be such a deadly problem, immigration, farming and so, so much more.

Warning here: This is not for the faint of heart and a few scenes are graphic and hard to watch (close your eyes) and you probably wont want to see this if you are not willing to change your shopping and eating habits. I promise you, you will not look at food in the same way ever again, and that is a VERY good thing.

Bon Appetite!

Check out the trailer here.

(Movie theatres are always air conditioned so this would be a perfect week to go)!

Sunscreen Safety May 28, 2009

Now that summer is here and we’re all spending a fair amount of time outdoors, we need to make informed choices about the sunscreen choices we’re making and not base them on fear. Not all sunscreens are created equal and many on the shelves have the ingredient Oxybenzone which is on the EWG’s list of ingredients to avoid. It ranks a 9 on a scale of 1-10 and is prominent in many childrens’ brands such as Coppertone Continuous Kid’s Sunblock Spray SPF 50.

We’ve been trained to believe that the sun is dangerous for us, but it is also life giving and provides much needed vitamin D. Doctors are starting to find people are becoming deficient in D and are prescribing supplements to help. It’s helpful to get 10-15 minutes of sun, without sunscreen, daily and then apply a healthy coating with non-toxic ingredients. The active ingredients in sunscreen typically expire after 1 year so it’s wise to toss out the old and start fresh each season.

In the last few years I have questioned the idea of applying so much sunscreen on us, and our fear for the effects of the sun on our children and wonder if the rise in skin cancer is related more to the cancer causing chemicals we are applying than to the amount of sunshine we are getting.  Call me crazy, but worth pondering.

Take a few minutes before purchasing your next bottle and check out the Sunscreen Guide  from the Environmental Working Group, it’s a fabulous resource when searching out sunscreens, and what you find may surprise you.

And  just remember to make the best choices at the time. If your at the beach and Coppertone is all you have, by all means use it, as the alternative is worse. And painful!

Enjoy safely!

More recipes! April 21, 2009

From bath bombs to lip balm….

Here’s a link to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website and some great “make at home” skin care recipes.

http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=233

Enjoy!

WE’RE GOING GREEN! November 7, 2008

Well…kind of.

I think the term “GREEN” is being hijacked, just like “ORGANIC” or “NATURAL” has been. Although I think it’s wonderful that all this “GREEN-ness” has made people much more conscious of how their choices impact the world around us, I often wonder how many of us consider the choices we make that affect our bodies? Or, more specifically, do we consider what we put ON our bodies?

To me “Going GREEN” means making small changes that can turn into big changes for our future. GREEN means making different choices, focusing on preventative maintenance to become naturally healthy. We should ask ourselves, “What exactly is in that body lotion I apply everyday? What’s in my shampoo, my deodorant, or my toothpaste? What products are really good for me? What should I be looking for? What products are safe for me and my family?”

Well, cancer in my household motivated me to ask those questions and ultimately sent me on a journey that I am truly grateful for. I want to share with you just what I’ve learned and continue to learn.

So, truthfully, the salon isn’t going completely GREEN, we’re just turning over a new leaf. Stay tuned as I continue to grow, learn and share with you how, together, we can make choices that are not only good for our bodies, but also the future of our earth!

To your beautiful and natural health,
~Lorri

USDA Certified Pureganic Fragrance November 16, 2008

Huh?

Sexy Hair Organics is a new offering from the company called Sexy Hair. I’ve refused to bring the main line into my salon, specifically because of the name, but I thought Id check this out. With companies jumping on the bandwagon these days in a hurry to be GREEN, I’ve learned to be very skeptical. When the label reads “Paraben free” or ”Sulphate free”, it’s become a warning sign to me. I would prefer the labels to read “preservative free” or “surfactant free” because more often than not, the parabens and sulphates are only being replaced with other potentially harmful ingredients. A bit deceiving, yes? Well read on my friends, it gets better.

In checking out Sexy Hair Organics (which, by the way, states to be Sulphate free, Paraben free, Petrochemical free and Dye free) there’s a small symbol on the front that shows what percentage of organic ingredients are in it. Im intrigued. Taking a closer look at the label on the back, it reads ” Infused with USDA Certified Pureganic fragrance and made of 77% organic ingredients including a combination of organic aloe vera juice…”.

USDA Certified Pureganic Fragrance???  Seems like I’m not the only confused consumer out there, the United States Department of Agriculture who is responsible for certification  hasn’t heard of it either! I couldn’t begin to explain to you what it’s made up of because there is no way of knowing. Fragrance rates 8 (on a scale of 1-10) on the Skin Deep report and is a known human immune toxicant and neurotoxin. I remove the cap and take a whiff. I cannot smell anything even resembling “pure” and with my experience with essential oils, I cannot detect anything masquerading as natural either. I do however, feel like I just walked into a perfume shop and need to go breathe some fresh air.

This is a perfect example of how deceiving our labels can be and how concerned and aware we need to be. I do apologize for picking on Sexy Hair Organics and while I applaud their efforts, they still have a long way to go as there are several other questionable chemicals involved. Adding organic ingredients to a product only creates another set of problems, and I will write about that in a future blog. Only 1 of the 5 products looked promising and would be worthy of trying, but the rest will find their way back to the beauty supply shelf.

And I no longer need to struggle with a name.

Lj

Pureology at Target November 21, 2008

In the past we’ve had clients tell us they’ve seen professional salon brands at big box retailers such as Target, CVS and even Cub Foods. It’s not uncommon to see Pureology, Redken, Biolage, Crew, Paul Mitchel and more lining the shelves. It’s called Diversion and it’s hurting the salon industry. Please take a moment to see why purchasing a product at a place other than a licensed hair salon could be harmful to your health and pocketbook!

 

Couldn’t have said it better myself!

Stay warm, Lj

Holiday Blues? November 25, 2008

Is Christmas being cancelled?

We’re being bombarded these days.The economy, wall street, crime, unemployment, housing, the closing of businesses, bankruptcy, bail outs and bombings.  It seems no matter where we are or what we’re doing, someone is reminding us how bad things are. It’s typically the media, but often it can be our neighbor or co-worker, our spouse, or the waitress that brings your morning cup of java. Being an optimistic business owner I try to block out the negativity but it surrounds me constantly and there are days that I struggle. It’s during those moments that I remember to keep my mind focused on better feeling thoughts and good things always prevail.

It wasn’t long ago I sat in a hospital room while my husband received one of his many chemo treatments. Those were dark days and while I sat watching his I.V. drip for 24 hours in a dreary, dark, disgustingly smelly room at 2 West, I found peace and comfort in reading. At the time I was reading Dr. Wayne Dyer “Inspiration, Your Ultimate Calling” and I came across a passage about Joy.

It reads:

 

‘ When the calender becomes frenzied, full of unnecessary turbulence because we’ve failed to simplify, we won’t be able to hear those long distance calls from our Source…and we’ll slip into stress, anguish, and even depression. So whatever it takes to feel joy, we must simply act upon it. Whatever our current station in life, we have a spiritual contract to make joy our constant companion- so we must learn to make a concious choice to say no to anything that takes us away from an inspired life. This can be done gently, while clearly showing others that this is how we choose to live’.

 

After months of searching deep within myself to find and keep the strength for this journey we were on, it suddenly clicked within me. (It was my “AHA”! moment, just like Oprah says). And it has stayed with me since. I reach for it daily, hundreds of times each day as it was (and still is) life changing. It wasn’t an overwhelming feeling, just a soft voice within that whispered to my soul. I knew at that moment that everything would be okay. No matter how things ended up. It was all okay and always would be from that point on. I found Joy in the darkest of moments and everything changed. 

Find the Joy for you! In this moment, in this space, at this time. Right here, right now! FIND THE JOY! There is ALWAYS a better feeling thought even if it’s only a small thought. Even if the thought is simple. Be an observer of your thoughts when your standing in a long check out line waiting to purchase Aunt Roxanne’s cat slippers, or when the item you ordered online with a guaranteed delivery date doesn’t arrive on time. How can you make the best of the situation? When you find yourself caught up in the negative chatter during holday social events, refrain from judgement and just listen for a moment. Listen to your own words and then choose a better thought about the subject at hand. We need Joy now more than ever and it can only start with ourselves. You get to choose the way you experience the Holidays so choose wisely!

I remember my better feeling thought that day. A small, simple thought that changed the moment. And every moment since. Wanna know what it was?

This room doesn’t smell today. And it instantly became a better day.

Joy to you!

Lj

To call my own… December 2, 2008

For the last 8 months I have been searching feverishly for hair and beauty products I feel are worthy of being on my shelves. This has not been an easy task as it seems the moment I discover, what I think is an authentic product, it has a questionable chemical in it and I am discouraged once again. This has been a vicious cycle of excitement and disappointment and it has tested my commitment to my mission. Yes, there are some great healthy products available but none have fit my selective criteria, as there are many shades of “GREEN”. In my searching I have also found many companies (see my previous post titled USDA Certified Pureganic) that make false claims, so I am cautious. Optimistic, but cautious. I know it has to be out there somewhere……

Look no farther.

Arriving January 2009……

Stay tuned!

Lj

Honey & Oatmeal skin cleanser January 5, 2009

This is fabulous for all skin types and extra fabulous for dry, flaky skin due to long Minnesota winters. I use this twice daily and it makes my skin soft and smooth. It is a gentle cleansing scrub and can also be modified to use as a nourishing mask. Make sure you follow the guidelines!

• Honey benefits: Skin beautifier & cleanser.
• Oatmeal benefits: Full of vitamin E, anti-oxidants & is a non-soap cleanser. Oatmeal promotes healing & is wonderfully moisturizing.
• Ingredients: 1-2 teaspoons oatmeal, finely ground. (Oat flour may be used). 1-2 teaspoons honey. 1 teaspoon purified water.
• Recipe: Mix all ingredients together and let rest for 1-2 minutes. You will want a paste-like consistency. Moisten face with lukewarm water and gently massage cleanser into skin for 60 seconds using circular movements, adding more cleanser as needed. Enjoy the gentle scrubbing affect of the oatmeal, concentrating on your dry areas. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water and pat dry with towel. Follow with toner or moisturizer.
•  To use as a mask, reduce water in recipe to make a thicker paste. Drape a towel over your shoulders. Massage into skin and relax for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with cool water and pat dry.

Green Tea skin toner January 5, 2009

Naturally anti-aging, Green tea is loaded with the anti-oxidants vitamin C & vitamin E which help strengthen your skin’s natural defenses. This is a wonderful tonic to sooth irritated, windburned or sunburned skin. Make a little extra for yourself and enjoy a cup of natural energy! ALWAYS buy organic when purchasing green tea (all teas if possible) as it has a high pesticide rate. Don’t forget to follow the guidelines!

• Benefit: naturally anti-aging & soothing.
• Ingredients: 1/2 cup purified water or pure spring water. 2 green tea bags.
• Recipe: Boil water in saucepan. Place tea bags in ceramic mug or bowl and pour boiling water over bags. Cover and allow to steep for 2-3 minutes. Allow tea to cool completely. Apply to face with cotton or gauze. Do not rinse off.

A picture really IS worth a thousand words. February 1, 2009

Todays post is going to be a little out of the ordinary. It has nothing to do with organics, wellness, ingredients, questionable chemicals or the like. It does, however, have to do with hair and the power of intention!

My husband and I own  a booth at the Minnesota State Fair called Fair Do’s! . We’ve had this business for 7 years and last year a professional photographer named Joel Sartore, from a pretty famous magazine shot some pictures of our creations. It seems this magazine was doing a spread on our nations greatest state fairs and the final picks would be in the August 2009 issue. There was a 1 in 40,000 chance a photo of his would be picked, but after learning his work has been on hundreds of covers, I was optimistic. I’m a firm believer in visualization and imagined how awesome it would be to be picked to represent our state fair.

I received a call 2 weeks ago and was informed that Fair Do’s will be in the August issue of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine! HOW COOL IS THAT?

Anything’s possible boys and girls if you believe in the power of your dreams. Absolutely anything.

Carcinogens in bubble bath. March 14, 2009

I had read a report this afternoon from the Organic Consumers Association about toxins in childrens bath care products when later on, my girlfriend mentioned she had read this article in USA Today. She is the mother of a 3 year old and was really disturbed by what she had learned.

Group finds carcinogens in kids bath products:

Twenty-three of 28 products tested contained formaldehyde, the report says. Formaldehyde — considered a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, — is released as preservatives break down over time in a container.  

Many children’s bath products contain chemicals that may cause cancer and skin allergies, according to a report released Thursday by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Thirty-two of 48 products contained 1,4-dioxane, also considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, is a byproduct of a chemical processing techniques used to make petroleum-based ingredients gentler to the skin. Nearly two-thirds of products tested, including Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, contained both chemicals, according to the campaign, a coalition of environmental and health groups that includes the Breast Cancer Fund and the Environmental Working Group.

Formaldehyde can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, the report says, and Japan and Sweden have banned formaldehyde from personal care products.

As disturbing as this information is, it is applaudable that USA Today picked up the story. I don’t know about you, but after months of  being bombarded with Bernie Madoff, business layoffs and the stock market tanking, it’s refreshing to hear some news that gives us an option on how the story ends. With this information we can start making healthier choices about what we apply to our bodies and our children’s bodies, and begin to write our own story.

Contrary to popular belief – knowledge is not power, applied knowledge is power. Be the change.

Read the OCA full press release  here  to find out which companies have changed their ways and print out the “shoppers safety guide” to help you be an informed consumer.

Keeping your kids carcinogen free,

Lorri

What should you use for your children? March 19, 2009

Here’s a link for a follow up to my last blog about carcinogens in childrens personal care products.

Parents buying guide

Print out the list and bring it with you when you go shopping!

Safe Shopping from Skin Deep June 11, 2009

Here’s the latest Enviroblog from Skin Deep. Worth reading…

Read report here