Eco-Friendly Beauty

What does it mean to be green all over? You can be green from head to toe, all it takes is a little knowledge and consistent effort. Think about everything you put on your body. Be aware that your skin “drinks in” what ever it is exposed to. Consider the effects of skin care products, make-up and soaps on your overall health. My rule has always been, if I can’t safely ingest it, I don’t put it on my skin.

Looking your best should not require vast amounts of money and countless products. “High maintenance” isn’t the green way to be! And if you are on a budget, being green will be more affordable for your lifestyle.

To start, here are some questions to think about when evaluating your personal care product arsenal:

• What chemicals are contained in this product?
• Is this product oil /petroleum based?
• Does this product work the way its advertising claims?
• Can I ingest this product safely (not suggesting you try)? If not, should I be putting it on my skin?
• Is this product tested on animals, or worse, did an animal have to die to create it (consider fish oil products)?

Know exactly what you are spending your hard earned cash on!

We have been sold on the idea that beauty can be bought in the newest bottle of wrinkle cream or cellulite remedy. Advertisers have sunk huge budgets into convincing us that we need these products. It is their business. It’s about money.

I have decided that I am just fine exactly how I am. Sure, I want to look great – but beauty is not in a bottle. I hope you will join me in accepting yourself in all your natural beauty and not fall for any more advertisers gimmicks that are aimed at your wallet, damage the environment and are actually bad for your health.

I am not saying that you have to go au naturale all the time! There are so many wonderful natural and organic options that do not test on animals and are careful to use recyclable packaging. Check them out and I’m sure you will find they are better than the chemical alternative!

1. Read all labels - stay away from petroleum based products (and reduce the demand for fossil fuels).
2. Avoid chemical filled tampons: Use organic tampons/ pads or try reusable cloth pads, or menstrual cups.
3. Use non-toxic soaps that don't contain SLS. Check shampoo labels for this ingredient as well.
   
4. Try henna hair colors. They don't have the dangerous and smelly chemicals of traditional hair color.
5. Look for eco-friendly nail care and polishes. Most nail polish contains formaldyhde, a known carcinogen, among other chemicals.
6. Simply use less products! There will be less waste, less chemicals in your home and on your body and you will save some cash.
7. Make your own beauty / spa products using all natural ingredients.
8. Let your hair dry naturally. Do you really need to use the blow dryer?
9. Don't use curling irons or straightening irons, or avoid daily use.
   
10. Avoid jheavily perfumed lotions unless they are natural fragrances.
11. Cut back on personal care products - see what you can do without!
12. If you are a woman - skip a day or two shaving.
13. Schedule an all natural day each week (or more) where you do not use any cosmetics, shampoos, hairspray, etc.
14. Do not use aerosol hairspray or deodorant.
15. Use an all natural deodorant. Regular deodorants contain chemicals that could be harmful to your health long term. Chemical antiperspirants contain aluminum salts and have been linked to breast cancer.
16. If you go to the salon for haircolor, explore all natural color alternatives, or stretch the time between visits a little further. Better yet, stop altogether!
17. Buy organic, chemical free sunscreens or don’t rely on sunscreens for protection. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting your direct sun exposure during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
18. Try using a combinations of baking soda and water to brush your teeth and avoid the wide range of chemicals found in toothpastes. Try an all natural toothpaste.