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Just Say No to Nanoparticles!

by Leslie Billera on March 8, 2011 · 0 comments

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Q: When is ‘skin deep’ not deep enough?
A: When technology worms its way into your personal care products!

Nanoparticles are a hot new technology and all the rage in the beauty industry. But beyond the hype, the picture isn’t so pretty.

One of our skin’s key jobs is to keep harmful substances out;  but it has met its match with nanoparticles.  These ultra fine particles act as ‘penetration enhancers’ that deliver ingredients past the skin to a deep, cellular level – with unintended health consequences.

Nanoparticles enter the bloodstream almost immediately, carrying chemicals to organs. According to the Environmental Working Group, nanoparticles slide up the optic nerve to the brain or burrow inside red blood cells.

Nano No No

Although nanoparticles are found in more than one-third of all products, from sunscreen to moisturizers to foundation – they aren’t easy to spot on ingredient lists!

The following is a list of known nanoparticles to look for on labels – and avoid:

  • Nano Zinc Oxide
  • Fullersomes
  • Nanosomes
  • Fullerene (C60 Hydroxide)
  • Microspheres
  • Ingredients containing the words ‘nano’ or ‘micronized’

Peruse this list of 256 products with nano-scale ingredients from the Environmental Working Group, and read their full report to the FDA on the topic for a more in-depth look.

Natural Know-How

Take control of your beauty and bath routine. Remember…

  • Less is More: the more natural the product, the fewer ingredients it’s likely to have
  • Herbal Essence: Look for products high in herbal content like lavender and aloe vera
  • Plant It: Natural, plant-based options – like pure essential oils – are your best option, especially since we absorb 60% of anything we put on our skin.

Stick to the all-natural basics, and feed your body all the nourishment it needs – and leave the nanoparticles for NASA.

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Strange…but Safe

by Leslie Billera on February 13, 2011 · 0 comments

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Kiwi magazine wants families to grow ‘the natural and organic way’ and we couldn’t agree more!

As I’ve mentioned, that was one of the critical reasons Peggy OKelly founded the St. Helena Olive Oil Company in light of her daughter’s allergic reaction to food dyes and preservatives.

In Kiwi’s ‘special food issue,’ the savvy magazine offered some interesting ‘ingredient watch’ advice unlike other lists I’ve seen in the same milieu….a list of strange-sounding ingredients that you may find on labels – but need not fear. The list includes:

  • Alginate, Carrageenan: thickening agents made from algae; used in dairy products
  • Alpha Tocopherol: a form of vitamin E
  • Ascorbic Acid: another name for vitamin C
  • Sodium Citrate: controls acidity in juices, gelatins and other foods
  • Lactic Acid/Lactase: controls acidity
  • Lecithin: a source of nutrient choline

These are in stark contrast to red flag ingredients like yellow No. 5, 6 and 13; Red No. 3, 7, and 40; Blue No. 2 as well as sodium benzoate, hydrogenated oils, nitrites (found in cured meats), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).  Issues tied to these bad guys range from behavioral issues to possible carcinogenic qualities. Not so tasty.

It’s up to us to be our own advocate, from food to personal care products to the cleansers we use at home.

If you’re not signed up for St. Helena’s Olive Oil Co.’s blog – penned by Peggy herself – check it out and get the latest harvest-healthy inspirations from Napa Valley delivered straight to your in-box.

And if you are looking for organic and all-natural ingredients like mustard, seasalt and truffle oil and more to spike up your next meal, check out the “Other Ingredients” section and treat yourself!

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Why Hydrotherapy Gets a Good Wrap

by Leslie Billera on October 21, 2010 · 0 comments

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Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic use of water, steam and ice. For centuries, hydrotherapy has been used to treat injuries and a wide range of illnesses. Whether it’s used for something serious or as a mental stress reliever (which, let’s face it, can also be ‘serious’), hydrotherapy is a wonderful way to unwind.

The three types of hydrotherapy are cold water, hot water and alternating between the two.

In warmer climates, we tapped into the benefits of cold-water therapy. With temps going down, hot water therapy takes center-stage.  Hot water:

  • Stimulates the immune system
  • Increases circulation
  • Calms and relaxes the body
  • Soothes nerves

Alternating between hot and cold water treatments have been found to alleviate upper respiratory congestion and stimulate organ function through improved circulation.

That’s a Wrap!

One hydrotherapeutic technique usually reserved for the spa can be easily done at home – with the help of a friend or special someone.  A body wrap can help you lose inches, speed up metabolism, purge toxins from your body and best of all – simply slow you down.

To do a DIY body wrap, you’ll need:

Follow these steps to hydrotherapeutic bliss:

1. Exfoliate arms, legs and torso in a circular motion. Rinse off in the shower or use washcloths

2. Apply essential oil moisturizing in circular motions. Take your time and enjoy putting it on.

3. Wrap legs and torso in plastic wrap, leaving arms free

4. Lie down on a flat surface. Place wool blanket over your body, and lie heating pad on top of that.

5. Breath deep, sweat, and detoxify for 15 minutes.

6. Cut yourself out of plastic wrap with safe scissors.

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Yes Virginia, There Are Greener Chemicals

by Leslie Billera on October 12, 2010 · 0 comments

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Interesting green factoid du jour: there are many chemicals that are inherently less hazardous for humans and the environment.

While we’ve reported on the risks of chemical cocktails in many personal care products, the truth is – we need chemicals. And not all of them are bad. But it’s up to a product’s manufacturer to make the right choices so that healthier options come to market.

That’s where the folks at Clean Production Action (CPA) come in.  The group’s “Green Screen” is a tool that tracks the:

  • design
  • manufacture
  • use

…of safer chemicals.  En route, they are helping major companies and governments substitute hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.

This important business-to-business organization networks internationally to promote clean production strategies using education and resources to step companies down the path of more sustainable, healthier chemical use.

A project of the Tides Center – a highly-respected incubator for philanthropists, foundations, activists and organizations – Cleaner Production Action works behind the scenes in projects including:

  • Safer Products Project: Take a tour of CPA’s “Chemical House” and learn about the hazardous chemicals found in products used in every room in the house. The group’s research shows that even the dust in our homes is contaminated by chemicals that can easily be replaced with healthier, greener alternatives.
  • Electronics: Electronic products have short life spans – and a limited recycling infrastructure. In fact, electronic waste is the fastest growing, most toxic waste stream in the world. CPA works to advance the production and use of electronic products that can be safely used, re-used and recycled.
  • Power to Producers: CPA helps manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental and social impacts of their products throughout the whole product system. By making manufacturers responsible for their product’s waste streams, they are forced to adopt sustainable product design, and own the take-back, recycling and reuse of their materials in their end-of-life products.
  • Common Sense: It is actually cheaper and safer to design products that are nonhazardous, able to be upgraded, more durable, more recyclable — or in the case of bio-based materials, safely composted.

I am always inspired by the hard-working, intelligent teams of people devoted to working from the inside out on healthier products for consumers.  Thanks to CPA and other not-for-profit organizations of their ilk for advocating for greener, healthier homes and neighborhoods!

View new Green Screen video (2.33 min)

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We’re in Vogue!

by Leslie Billera on October 7, 2010 · 0 comments

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Pick up a copy of iconic Vogue magazine, turn to page 228, and join us in a congratulatory cheer for Peggy O’Kelly! Peggy, Napa Valley Bath and St. Helena Olive Oil Co. are all featured in the issue under a piece aptly entitled “Fields of Dreams.”

Highlights of the piece include:

Kudos to Peggy, her hard-working, devoted staff, and all the farmers who make her products so quintessentially wonderful. As the Vogue piece says, Peggy ‘follows her heart’ — and the proof is in every one of her products!

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Mano-a-Mano

by Leslie Billera on October 5, 2010 · 0 comments

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Are you hands in fighting form?

The term mano-a-mano  – translated in Spanish as “hand to hand” – originated with bullfighting and refers to a knock-down, drag-out direct confrontation.

Hopefully, your mitts don’t need to be on that level of fighting condition…but they do need some TLC from time to time.  In these DIY recipes, organic lavender partners with other non-toxic ingredients to keep your fingers frisky and fresh.

Before you get creative, don’t forget one of the easiest, chemical-way to clean fingernails – a toothbrush and good old-fashioned baking soda dipped in water! This is a quick way to refresh your digits, kind of like mouthwash for your hands!

Give a Hand for Lavender Love

Hand Rescue Cream: yields 5 oz.

Ingredients:

How to: Melt beeswax in a pan. Add the lemon juice and oils and stir with a wooden spoon until blended. Transfer to a jar. Shake occasionally until the cream is cooled and uniform. Use as an all-natural hand cream every day.

Manicure in a Jar: yields 4 oz.

Ingredients:

How to: Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer to a wide-necked jar so you can easily gain access with your fingertips. One by one, dip your fingertips into the jar, massaging the sugary mixture gently into cuticles and knuckles. Julie Gabriel, the creator of this yummy recipe, recommends waving your hands gently to please your senses. Then, briskly immerse your hands in warm water to remove excess oil. Dry your hands and apply Hand Rescue Cream.

Recipe Source: the green beauty guide, by Julie Gabriel

If you opt for a professional manicure, consider how your salon measures up on the green front.

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Bring the Spa-gasm Home!

by Leslie Billera on September 30, 2010 · 0 comments

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Your body feels supple and smooth. Your skin is glowing. Your busy brain is at rest.

The Zen-tastic feeling you get when you leave the spa is like nothing else. If you’re like me, you feel rested, relaxed – and ready to take on the world in a calm, self-assured way.

Home is Where the Spa Is

On the the reality front, frequent visits to your favorite spa can be pricey and time-consuming. As fall approaches – along with harsher climates that may dry out your skin – now is the perfect time to commit to an at-home program of sumptuous bath and beauty that delivers benefits beyond great skin.

  • Add it to the Agenda: It may seem silly to add ‘take bath’ or ‘give self massage’ to your calender…but if you don’t, will it get done? Prioritize yourself the way you prioritize so many other things. You deserve it.
  • Gifts from the Heart: Check out Napa Valley Bath’s gift packages and gift one to the CEO of Your Life: YOU.  The Ultimate Body Care package is a great value and includes Lavender Lotion, Lavender Sugar Scrub, Lavender Salt Scrub, and Organic Lavender with Flowers Soap. This is the starter kit you need to combine the therapeutic affects of aromatherapy with the all-natural skin care (from sloughing to soaking) your body craves.
  • Light My Fire: There is a reason fabulous upscale spas are alight with flickering candles. Napa Valley Bath sells a unique Organic Lavender Soy Massage Candle that serves double duty as both massage oil (soy has a lower burn point so the oil is warm to the touch…not boiling hot like synthetic candle wax). A friend of Peggy’s swears by the soy wax as a cuticle softener!
  • Lost and Sound: While silence is golden, you probably need at least some kind of soundtrack to drown out the noise of your home or the world beyond it’s doors (urban dwellers, I’m talking to you). Visit iTunes, search for “Spa Music” and download a couple of tracks for under five bucks.
  • Sip to Sanity: A cup of tea (ideally rich with antioxidants) can transport you. Add a spoonful of artisinal honey and all the sweeter!
  • Daily ‘Do-Nothing‘ Time: Call it meditation, checking out, me-time…whatever nomenclature you use, put 15-20 minutes aside – every day – to shut your eyes, breathe deeply and clear your mind. After all, a high end spa experience delivers solitude and peace in addition to rubs and scrubs.

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Avoid Foodless Food

by Leslie Billera on September 28, 2010 · 0 comments

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Q. How many cherries does it take to make Cherry Jell-O?

A. Zero.

Frankly, if I had given thought to this, I may have guessed the answer. But that’s the point: I didn’t think about it. And neither do millions of mothers and fathers who allow their children to ingest enormous amounts of food additives every day. That’s when high value not-for-profits like The Feingold Association come into play.

Just 7 minutes after watching The Feingold Association’s home page video – featuring a very non-preachy and articulate host named Jane Hersey who is the Association’s Director – I was both extremely enlightened and deeply disturbed.  Highlights of the hard truth about food additives, which contribute to behavior, learning and health problems – depending on the individual – include:

  • Food dyes are made from petroleum, some of which may include lead, arsenic and mercury
  • Food additives are cheaper than food, hence their popularity with large food manufacturers  (the original Jell-O contained a combination of gelatin and fruit; now, the manufacturers save big by including artificial flavors vs. real fruit)
  • Food dyes are everywhere: toothpaste, medicine, candy, cake mixes, vitamins, beverages, mouthwash, cereal, and many, many more
  • Food dyes are made from petroleum, some of which may include lead, arsenic and mercury
  • Food additives are more of a problem now because of the frequency with which they are consumed

Jane also introduced me to a term I hadn’t heard before: foodless food. What an interesting concept. She cites today’s modern school lunches as excellent examples of ‘foodless food’ – processed food with very little whole ingredients and lots of petroleum-based food additives and synthetic flavorings. (See Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution for the prime time version of the battle for school food).

Yuck.

And Now, A Note From Our Fearless Leader

Peggy O’Kelly, founder of both St. Helena Olive Oil Co. and Napa Valley Bath dove into The Feingold Association’s deep resource pool when she found her own daughter was allergic to food dyes and preservatives many years ago. In fact, it was this discovery – and the lifestyle changes it brought to her family – that eventually led to her interest in organic, whole foods and pure personal care.

“The information I got from The Feingold Association helped change my daughter’s life – and that of my family – for the better. They were able to help us find food we enjoyed, but in more natural versions…and more importantly, helped my daughter feel better.  The premise is simple: eat nutritious, chemical-free food, and get back to basics.  We have to fuel our body and mind with what’s real – not synthetic.”

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New FTC Green Guides: Greenwashers Beware!

by Leslie Billera on September 23, 2010 · 0 comments

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We’ve told you about why greenwashing is a dirty way to get the attention of unsuspecting consumers looking for greener, healthier personal care products. And we’ve profiled how false organic claims have been levied at some of the most popular brands on the market.

Now the Federal Trade Commission is stepping up to the challenge – acting one year earlier than originally planned! – in order to tighten guidelines for marketers trying to make false green claims. (Don’t applaud the FTC’s ‘jump start’ too soon…their last Green Guide update was 12 years ago).

According to Sustainable Industries’ Joshua Radoff, some of the areas in the spotlight under the new and improved FTC Green Guides include:

  • Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and carbon neutral claims
  • Packaging claims pertaining to biodegradable and recyclable
  • Use of terms considered vague to many, like “sustainability”

According to Advertising Age, positive change is in the air: during the first two years of the Obama administration, the FTC has already brought seven environmental advertising enforcement actions, compared to zero during the eight years of the Bush administration.

Who were the culprits? According to Environmental Leader, the FTC charged:

  • Kmart Corp, Tender Corp., and Dyna-E International with making false and unsubstantiated claims that their paper products were “biodegradable.” (June, 2009)
  • Sami Designs LLC, dba Jonäno; CSE Inc., Mad Mod and Pure Bamboo LLC and the M Group for selling clothing marketed as made from bamboo with deceptive advertising and marketing claims. (August, 2009)

Advertising Age goes on to explain that the FTC Green Guides are not new laws, but “rather, they’re an update of how the FTC will interpret its mandate to enforce longstanding laws against unfair and deceptive advertising.”

Honest Abe? There’s a Transcript for That

If you’re a green consumer watch dog, check out the transcripts and webcasts available on the FTC’s site. You may not have been able to be a part of these public meetings in Washington, D.C., but the Internet’s magic brings them to your laptop for click-ready consideration.

As a curious green consumer, you may want to check out Sorting Out ‘Green’ Advertising Claims.

Finally, an FTC spokesperson has said that the new FTC Green Guides me debunk many of the whopping 300 ‘green seals’ on the market. What green product seals are you aware of – and which do you trust? Let us know, right here.

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Cooking Good!

by Leslie Billera on September 21, 2010 · 0 comments

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Combine your love of culinary arts with your concern for toxin-free personal care and you’ve got The Green Beauty Recipe Book.

Julie Gabriel – green beauty aficionado and resource for many DIY recipes we’ve posted using organic lavender – is at it again. Her newest tome is a hands-on how-to devoted to homemade bath and beauty that will help you keep both gorgeous and green.

A Cookbook with a Catch

If you’re ready to craft all-natural and organic lotions and potions from your very own kitchen, this is the book for you. The catch? Less ka-ching at the beauty counter – more pure goodness at your finger tips (and on your face, neck, arms, etc.).

With The Green Beauty Recipe book at your side, you will:

  • Get guidance on formulating your own cosmetic products to minimize the risk of irritation and achieve maximum benefits for your skin condition
  • Learn the (dirty) secrets of the cosmetic industry
  • Create your own beauty products without chemicals using only natural ingredients
  • Discover which vegetable oils, herbs, floral waters, essential oils, plant-based emulsifiers, and natural preservatives to use
  • Push the envelope by packing and labeling your very own beauty products
  • Get tips for safe storage
  • Choose from over 250 recipes based on your own personal beauty desires and dilemmas – and learn how to combine all natural ingredients for best results
  • Purge phthalates, parabens, and other toxic chemicals from your bath and beauty routine forever
  • Learn about active botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and other formerly mysterious ingredients that are perfect for your homemade beauty products.

Whether you’re a curious first-time DIY-er, or an experienced beauty practitioner, Julie’s new book (available from her website)  has something in it for you.

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