It's been a couple of months...
I wanted to update you all on where I'm at and what has been going on.
About halfway through the Baby Steps to Natural Living series, I realized that I have been doing some extra work... & then I was given a very good idea.
I have given you all the first few steps. I feel that before I go into health, nutrition & all the DIY stuff that goes along with it, I need to be real with you all. I am still working through all of this crunchiness. It is a long journey, this natural one.
So, in light of that, I have decided to do something big. I will be researching these topics a little more in the coming months. I want you all to have updated, valid information. When I have completed all of my studying and digging, I plan to release this entire series as an E-Book.
This is something that I believe will benefit many of us. I *wish* I would have had something like this when I began my natural journey years ago.
Be watching for release dates &, of course, lots of fun stuff leading up to that.
In the meantime, I'll keep posting my weird stories & you can follow along as we do life with the Splendid Six.
XOXO
Kourtney
Showing posts with label natural living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural living. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Baby Steps Day 9: The TOP 5 chemicals you should steer clear of in personal products
Well, we are halfway through the list of personal products...
This week we've talked about cosmetics, nail polish, and hair products. Today & tomorrow we have lots to cover!
Have you ever thought about what might be in your handsoap? What about your lotion? Toothpaste? No? How about deodorant?
It's okay! Most people haven't!
We are going to talk a little about what exactly ANTI-BACTERIAL means. This word is slapped on everything from hand soap and hand sanitizers to deodorant and body wash to laundry detergents and dish soaps!
It's important to remember that OUR BODIES NEED BACTERIA!
We don't need all bad bacteria, but some is beneficial to developing a healthy immune system! We also need good, healthy bacteria... we'll talk more about this next week when we dive into NATURAL WELLNESS, but for now you should know that ANTI-BAC is not Jesus! It will not save you from every sickness and disease... in fact, killing every single bacteria and sanitizing every surface 10 times a day could actually be doing more harm than good!
Check out these articles if you want to get a head start on that topic:
http://www.neatorama.com/2011/08/07/antibacterial-hand-sanitizer-may-actually-make-you-sicker/
Antibacterial soaps: Being too clean can make people sick, study suggests -- ScienceDaily
Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick | Guest Blog, Scientific American Blog Network
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/03/20/immune-systems-increasingly-on-attack.aspx
So, what makes a product anti-bacterial? Oh... this is where it gets good...
We're going to talk about the top 5, but then I'll list a few more that you should look into on your own! It becomes so much more real when you start to do the research for yourself!
1. TRICLOSAN
Remember this one from last week's chat on household products? Let's dig a little deeper! Well, not only does it kill bacteria, but it has been found to actually KILL HUMAN CELLS!
Once it's on your skin, it stays there for many hours. It is actually similar to the chemical Agent Orange and can cause decresed frtility, birth defects & damage to major body organs. When combined with the chlorine in our water, it can create chloroform gas. It can bioaccumulate in fish and be detected in human breast milk!!! THIS CHEMICAL is found in almost every standard "anti-bacterial" product on the market!
2. Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate
This chemical is in 90% of products that foam! That's shampoos, dish soaps, hand soaps. Interestingly, the very product used in SHAMPOOS that are for your hair's health also is linked to HAIR LOSS! It is also linked to skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicological, and biochemical or cellular changes, and possible mutations and cancer according to EWG.
3. PARABENS
This is an ingredient used to preserve shelf life. It also includes many in the paraben family: methylparaben, propylparaben, beutylparaben, etc. It is endocrine disrupting and linked CLOSELY with Breast Cancer. In fact, it has been detected in human breast tumors. This is concerning because parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen, which can encourage the growth of human breast tumors.
4. SYNTHETIC COLORS
Made from coal tar, these contain heavy metal salts and leave deposits on the skin. We know that the skin absorbs what is put on it, then putting these toxic heavy metals into our bodies!!! This is especially concerning for anyone who has any sort of metal toxicity already, which we will also get into next week, but many of us do! Labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a number or color, studies have shown almost all of these to be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing!
This is the main ingredient found in anti-freeze and is listed by the FDA as a human carcinogen. Makes sense, right? We shouldn'tdrink anti-freeze! However, this chemical is found in hand sanitizers, moisturizers, shaving creams, deodorants and baby products. It weakens skin cells, and is linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity!!!
Here's a list of a few ingredients to research on your own:
Diethanolamine
1, 4-Dioxane
Ethyl Alcohol or Ethanol
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
These chemicals are in so many of our products!
I went through my house this morning to search for products that could have these chemicals and I found lots! I have a pretty crunchy house & have already begun to toss the yucky stuff... even after all that I still found plenty of products I needed to toss! Old hand soaps under my sink, "natural" shampoo & conditioner, "natural" toothpaste... so like we mentioned last week, just because something says "GREEN" or "NATURAL" doesn't mean it's free of toxins!
I want you to feel empowered to start finding this info on your own, so I've given you a few links below to read through. Each of them will get you started to the road to research!
Check out these articles on DEODORANT:
http://organic4greenlivings.com/5-reasons-you-should-not-use-deodorant-or-antiperspirants/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/09/20/does-your-antiperspirant-cause-breast-cancer.aspx
Check out these articles on TOOTHPASTE:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/05/30/toothpaste-part-two.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/20/are-your-toothpaste-shampoo-and-body-wash-harming-your-health.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste/
So, what are we supposed to do? Be dirty and gross? OF COURSE NOT! There are natural options that we can use in place of the traditional, chemical-laden, cancer-causing stuff we would typically buy at the store. And places like Target are even starting to stock more natural products! Gotta love Target!
In our next post we will have a link party! I've been saving up product links, DIY links and much more. Get ready!! I'll see you all back here tomorrow!
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/antibacterial/triclosan-research-3-09.pdf
Immune Systems Increasingly On Attack
We are going to talk a little about what exactly ANTI-BACTERIAL means. This word is slapped on everything from hand soap and hand sanitizers to deodorant and body wash to laundry detergents and dish soaps!
It's important to remember that OUR BODIES NEED BACTERIA!
We don't need all bad bacteria, but some is beneficial to developing a healthy immune system! We also need good, healthy bacteria... we'll talk more about this next week when we dive into NATURAL WELLNESS, but for now you should know that ANTI-BAC is not Jesus! It will not save you from every sickness and disease... in fact, killing every single bacteria and sanitizing every surface 10 times a day could actually be doing more harm than good!
Check out these articles if you want to get a head start on that topic:
http://www.neatorama.com/2011/08/07/antibacterial-hand-sanitizer-may-actually-make-you-sicker/
Antibacterial soaps: Being too clean can make people sick, study suggests -- ScienceDaily
Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick | Guest Blog, Scientific American Blog Network
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/03/20/immune-systems-increasingly-on-attack.aspx
So, what makes a product anti-bacterial? Oh... this is where it gets good...
We're going to talk about the top 5, but then I'll list a few more that you should look into on your own! It becomes so much more real when you start to do the research for yourself!
1. TRICLOSAN
Remember this one from last week's chat on household products? Let's dig a little deeper! Well, not only does it kill bacteria, but it has been found to actually KILL HUMAN CELLS!
Once it's on your skin, it stays there for many hours. It is actually similar to the chemical Agent Orange and can cause decresed frtility, birth defects & damage to major body organs. When combined with the chlorine in our water, it can create chloroform gas. It can bioaccumulate in fish and be detected in human breast milk!!! THIS CHEMICAL is found in almost every standard "anti-bacterial" product on the market!
2. Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate
This chemical is in 90% of products that foam! That's shampoos, dish soaps, hand soaps. Interestingly, the very product used in SHAMPOOS that are for your hair's health also is linked to HAIR LOSS! It is also linked to skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicological, and biochemical or cellular changes, and possible mutations and cancer according to EWG.
3. PARABENS
This is an ingredient used to preserve shelf life. It also includes many in the paraben family: methylparaben, propylparaben, beutylparaben, etc. It is endocrine disrupting and linked CLOSELY with Breast Cancer. In fact, it has been detected in human breast tumors. This is concerning because parabens have been shown to mimic estrogen, which can encourage the growth of human breast tumors.
4. SYNTHETIC COLORS
Made from coal tar, these contain heavy metal salts and leave deposits on the skin. We know that the skin absorbs what is put on it, then putting these toxic heavy metals into our bodies!!! This is especially concerning for anyone who has any sort of metal toxicity already, which we will also get into next week, but many of us do! Labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a number or color, studies have shown almost all of these to be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing!
5. Propylene Glycol, Propylene Oxide, Polyethylene Glycol
Here's a list of a few ingredients to research on your own:
Diethanolamine
1, 4-Dioxane
Ethyl Alcohol or Ethanol
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
These chemicals are in so many of our products!
I went through my house this morning to search for products that could have these chemicals and I found lots! I have a pretty crunchy house & have already begun to toss the yucky stuff... even after all that I still found plenty of products I needed to toss! Old hand soaps under my sink, "natural" shampoo & conditioner, "natural" toothpaste... so like we mentioned last week, just because something says "GREEN" or "NATURAL" doesn't mean it's free of toxins!
I want you to feel empowered to start finding this info on your own, so I've given you a few links below to read through. Each of them will get you started to the road to research!
Check out these articles on DEODORANT:
http://organic4greenlivings.com/5-reasons-you-should-not-use-deodorant-or-antiperspirants/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/09/20/does-your-antiperspirant-cause-breast-cancer.aspx
Check out these articles on TOOTHPASTE:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/05/30/toothpaste-part-two.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/20/are-your-toothpaste-shampoo-and-body-wash-harming-your-health.aspx
http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste/
So, what are we supposed to do? Be dirty and gross? OF COURSE NOT! There are natural options that we can use in place of the traditional, chemical-laden, cancer-causing stuff we would typically buy at the store. And places like Target are even starting to stock more natural products! Gotta love Target!
In our next post we will have a link party! I've been saving up product links, DIY links and much more. Get ready!! I'll see you all back here tomorrow!
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/antibacterial/triclosan-research-3-09.pdf
Immune Systems Increasingly On Attack
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Baby Steps Day 8: Hair Care
Hope you all enjoyed learning more about what's been going on our faces!
Just for fun, here's a great link to lots more DIY beauty products.
Now today, we learn about what's going on our HEADS!
That's right.
HAIR PRODUCTS!
It should be no surprise after learning all that we have so far, that most hair products are loaded with parabens, phthalates, and sulfates which are highly toxic to our reproductive and endocrine systems! Not to mention, these are all irritants in many people and some are known carcinogens!
http://www.organiccolorsystems.com/5-of-the-most-common-toxins-you-dont-want-in-your-hair-products/
http://healthychild.org/chemicals-to-avoid-in-your-personal-care-products/
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2013/01/study-links-hair-products-early-puberty-girls
So, we're going to skip the science today & get right to what you can use instead!!!
Homemade Hairspray Recipe
http://www.diynatural.com/how-to-make-hairspray/
Homemade Hair Gel
http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-natural-hair-gel/
Homemade DRY Shampoo (all the mommas said AMEN!)
http://wellnessmama.com/5047/dry-shampoo/
NOW... let me knock your socks off with this. Have you ever heard of going NO POO? I'm not talking about anything potty related. I'm talking about using no shamPOO! If you're even the slightest bit crunchy, you'll know the term.
The idea behind this is that shampoos not only contain dangerous chemicals and toxins, but that they are extremely harsh on our hair. It is not recommended to wash your hair daily, especially not with shampoos. Our hair actually needs those oils to stay healthy and strong! Often, when we remove standard shampoos and conditioners, it takes a few weeks for our hair to "detox", but the finished product is healthier, shinier, stronger, more vibrant hair.
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/04/going-no-poo.html
http://babyslime.livejournal.com/174054.html
This is my next venture & I have plans to do a NO-POO CHALLENGE with those of you who are interested in kicking the 'POO in 2015. We will begin mid-March. Be on the lookout for more details in the coming weeks!
Tomorrow is another day packed full of links, information, and more BABY STEPS! See you then!
Just for fun, here's a great link to lots more DIY beauty products.
Now today, we learn about what's going on our HEADS!
That's right.
HAIR PRODUCTS!
It should be no surprise after learning all that we have so far, that most hair products are loaded with parabens, phthalates, and sulfates which are highly toxic to our reproductive and endocrine systems! Not to mention, these are all irritants in many people and some are known carcinogens!
http://www.organiccolorsystems.com/5-of-the-most-common-toxins-you-dont-want-in-your-hair-products/
http://healthychild.org/chemicals-to-avoid-in-your-personal-care-products/
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2013/01/study-links-hair-products-early-puberty-girls
So, we're going to skip the science today & get right to what you can use instead!!!
Homemade Hairspray Recipe
http://www.diynatural.com/how-to-make-hairspray/
Homemade Hair Gel
http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-natural-hair-gel/
Homemade DRY Shampoo (all the mommas said AMEN!)
http://wellnessmama.com/5047/dry-shampoo/
NOW... let me knock your socks off with this. Have you ever heard of going NO POO? I'm not talking about anything potty related. I'm talking about using no shamPOO! If you're even the slightest bit crunchy, you'll know the term.
The idea behind this is that shampoos not only contain dangerous chemicals and toxins, but that they are extremely harsh on our hair. It is not recommended to wash your hair daily, especially not with shampoos. Our hair actually needs those oils to stay healthy and strong! Often, when we remove standard shampoos and conditioners, it takes a few weeks for our hair to "detox", but the finished product is healthier, shinier, stronger, more vibrant hair.
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/04/going-no-poo.html
http://babyslime.livejournal.com/174054.html
This is my next venture & I have plans to do a NO-POO CHALLENGE with those of you who are interested in kicking the 'POO in 2015. We will begin mid-March. Be on the lookout for more details in the coming weeks!
Tomorrow is another day packed full of links, information, and more BABY STEPS! See you then!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Baby Steps Day 7: Cosmetics & Nail Polish
Welcome back!
Today is the day, ladies. Today is the day we hear about what's REALLY been going on our faces. It's scary, I know... but there are some great alternatives & we can totally do this!
So, when you're a tween, the greatest thing you can imagine is the day you get to shave your legs, wear a bra and put on make up! Right? Now, WHY we all want to do these things is beyond me. WHY we want our chests to be bound, our faces to be covered and to forever be forced to shave your legs... I just don't understand. Nevertheless, most young girls want to!
Now here we all are, glowing at the young age of 25...
Wait! You don't get older either? ;)
Well, maybe not 25... but here we are. All these years later it's not for fun. We are putting on makeup to cover the imperfections, make ourselves look more awake, and possibly help us forget the wrinkles even if just for a moment. I could give some inspirational post here about loving the imperfections. I could encourage you to embrace the wrinkles and love your body because the wrinkles simply show us where we've smiled, laughed, grown, stretched. But like I said... here we are. Learning about the INGREDIENTS is what our focus is going to be on today.
When we reach for the foundation or the mascara, we probably aren't thinking about what is in it. BUT WE SHOULD. Because it's not good!
The big concern here is that toxins and metals can be absorbed through our skin. In particular, products put on lips, can then be ingested. Even fingernails are not exempt. Especially when put on little girls who might put their fingers in their mouths.
The Environmental Defense organization did a study where they tested different cosmetics for heavy metals. Why do heavy metals matter? According to Environmental Defense and numerous other articles and studies, they can build up in the body over time and are known to cause varied health problems, which can include: cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, neurological problems; memory loss; mood swings; nerve, joint and muscle disorders; cardiovascular, skeletal, blood, immune system, kidney and renal problems; headaches; vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea; lung damage; contact dermatitis; and brittle hair and hair loss. Many are suspected hormone disruptors and respiratory toxins, and for some like lead, there is no known safe blood level.
So... yeah. Bad news!
Here's what their study found:
As always, here are a few links to keep learning. There are links within these articles as well that could keep you researching for hours!
See you tomorrow!
New Study Finds Major Toxins in Many Cosmetics
99% of Breast Cancer Patients Have Parabens in Their Body
Chemicals in Cosmetics
Today is the day, ladies. Today is the day we hear about what's REALLY been going on our faces. It's scary, I know... but there are some great alternatives & we can totally do this!
So, when you're a tween, the greatest thing you can imagine is the day you get to shave your legs, wear a bra and put on make up! Right? Now, WHY we all want to do these things is beyond me. WHY we want our chests to be bound, our faces to be covered and to forever be forced to shave your legs... I just don't understand. Nevertheless, most young girls want to!
Now here we all are, glowing at the young age of 25...
Wait! You don't get older either? ;)
Well, maybe not 25... but here we are. All these years later it's not for fun. We are putting on makeup to cover the imperfections, make ourselves look more awake, and possibly help us forget the wrinkles even if just for a moment. I could give some inspirational post here about loving the imperfections. I could encourage you to embrace the wrinkles and love your body because the wrinkles simply show us where we've smiled, laughed, grown, stretched. But like I said... here we are. Learning about the INGREDIENTS is what our focus is going to be on today.
When we reach for the foundation or the mascara, we probably aren't thinking about what is in it. BUT WE SHOULD. Because it's not good!
The big concern here is that toxins and metals can be absorbed through our skin. In particular, products put on lips, can then be ingested. Even fingernails are not exempt. Especially when put on little girls who might put their fingers in their mouths.
The Environmental Defense organization did a study where they tested different cosmetics for heavy metals. Why do heavy metals matter? According to Environmental Defense and numerous other articles and studies, they can build up in the body over time and are known to cause varied health problems, which can include: cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, neurological problems; memory loss; mood swings; nerve, joint and muscle disorders; cardiovascular, skeletal, blood, immune system, kidney and renal problems; headaches; vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea; lung damage; contact dermatitis; and brittle hair and hair loss. Many are suspected hormone disruptors and respiratory toxins, and for some like lead, there is no known safe blood level.
So... yeah. Bad news!
Here's what their study found:
- Seven of the eight metals of concern were found in 49 different face makeup items
- All products contained at least two metals of concern
- Some contained as many as seven of the eight in just a single product
- None of the metals were listed on the product label
This means you could be ingesting these toxic metals into your body and never even know!
The most notable part of this to me is that the products that contained the highest amounts of metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead (all of which do build in the body over time) were LIP GLOSSES, which means they are most likely getting ingested into our bodies!
No thank you!
And this is not the only study! There have been studies on cosmetics done by Contact Dermatitis, Environmental Working Group, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and the US-FDA.
An Environmental Working Group analysis even found that at least 146 cosmetic ingredients may contain harmful impurities linked to cancer and other serious health impacts and that 80 per cent of the 9,747 personal care products studied contain these potentially contaminated ingredients, including more than 80 per cent of all lip balms (EWG, 2006). AND... lead, arsenic, heavy metals, and mercury were estimated to be potential impurities in 3.6, 3.5, 2.6, and 1.9 per cent of products. An example of ingredients that may have lead and other heavy metal impurities are D&C Red 6 and aluminum starch octenylsuccinate.
Here's a fun fact, taken straight from the FDA's site though:
"The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients (except for color additives not intended as coal-tar hair dyes) to have FDA approval before they go on the market..."
So, what does this mean? It means cosmetics are not regulated. It means that buying your makeup just got more complicated. So what are our options?
First of all, we can use cosmetics less often. When you're home relaxing or just running to the grocery store... consider going makeup free. Or at least wear less. Embrace your face!
Secondly, there are lots of DIY recipes.
Third, there are a couple of great companies that are making efforts to provide safe, toxin-free cosmetics. I've linked them below.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
http://www.spiritbeautylounge.com/
http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com/
https://www.youniqueproducts.com/
I haven't tried any of these yet, but they are definitely on my list to try when I get to this on my own journey. I really hope to have a good replacement for my old cosmetics by spring when Eliza has her big dance recital. Once you know what's in this stuff, there's no way I can put any of those yucky toxins on my baby's precious face!
So. That covers our faces, but what about another cosmetic that doesn't go on the face?
NAIL POLISH
Here are a few of the chemicals in nail polish that you should be aware of:
Formaldehyde- a known carcinogen (cancer-causing)
Dibutyl Phthalate- (recognize that word?) endocrine disruptor, harmful to reproduction, linked to liver and kidney damage
Toluene- The paint thinner smell that can be found in human milk when the mother is exposed & can cause toxic developmental hazard
Formaldehyde Resins- skin irritation, dermititis, environmentally toxic
Camphor- nausea, headaches, dizziness
Luckily there are some great options that are 5-free, removing these 5 toxic chemicals:
http://www.mineralfusion.com/
There's one company I've really fallen in love with though... JAMBERRY NAILS!!!
They're non-toxic, gluten-free, latex-free, made in the USA, vegan-friendly nail wraps & 5-free nail lacquers.
The wraps stay on my fingers for 2 weeks, on my toes for way longer. Honestly, even at 2 weeks they still look great, but my nails have grown out by then so that's why I remove & put fresh ones on. I just really love these & because they never chip or peel, I always look clean & professional. As a doula, I use my hands for my work. These help me look and feel put together, even if I am not! Haha!
Now, for my shameless plug, here's the link to one of my best friends' Jamberry websites! ;)
Baseball season wraps!
As always, here are a few links to keep learning. There are links within these articles as well that could keep you researching for hours!
See you tomorrow!
New Study Finds Major Toxins in Many Cosmetics
99% of Breast Cancer Patients Have Parabens in Their Body
Chemicals in Cosmetics
Monday, January 5, 2015
Baby Steps Day 6: Intro to Personal Products
Wow!
It's already Monday! I can't even believe it! My weekend just flew by and I'm sure yours did too.
Well, this week we are going to continue our Baby Steps series with PERSONAL PRODUCTS. Today we'll just introduce it, but get ready... because the rest of the week we are going to cover A LOT!
So you may be wondering what exactly I'm talking about when I say "personal products"...
Makeup
Nail Polish
Lotions
Hair products
Shampoo
Body Wash
Hand soaps
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Clothing
Underwear
Tampons
Diapers
Baby products
There are so many products and so little time! Also get ready for some challenges. This is an area that I was so afraid to step into. Like I mentioned on Friday, it has been the last area to "go natural" for Michael and I. When we began our natural journey several years ago, we did the easy stuff first. For us, that was household products. Then we approached wellness/medications and food simultaneously. Because both of those have been a continuing process, we then added in personal products for the KIDS at some point. They were most important.
However, I am learning a lot right now about what it means to be a mom. I have been sacrificing for 9 years... my body, my sleep, my diet, my exercise, my health... and in 2015 that is all changing! A healthy mom is a happy mom, and a happy mom is a better mom! I have made a pretty big commitment to my health for this year. A huge part of that is diet and exercise, but another part is to finish what I started when I vowed to rid our home of toxins. In our home, in our bodies... outwardly, inwardly... circumstances, relationships... anything toxic must go!
And I'm taking you all along for the ride with me!
I hope you're ready...
See you tomorrow!
It's already Monday! I can't even believe it! My weekend just flew by and I'm sure yours did too.
Well, this week we are going to continue our Baby Steps series with PERSONAL PRODUCTS. Today we'll just introduce it, but get ready... because the rest of the week we are going to cover A LOT!
So you may be wondering what exactly I'm talking about when I say "personal products"...
Makeup
Nail Polish
Lotions
Hair products
Shampoo
Body Wash
Hand soaps
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Clothing
Underwear
Tampons
Diapers
Baby products
There are so many products and so little time! Also get ready for some challenges. This is an area that I was so afraid to step into. Like I mentioned on Friday, it has been the last area to "go natural" for Michael and I. When we began our natural journey several years ago, we did the easy stuff first. For us, that was household products. Then we approached wellness/medications and food simultaneously. Because both of those have been a continuing process, we then added in personal products for the KIDS at some point. They were most important.
However, I am learning a lot right now about what it means to be a mom. I have been sacrificing for 9 years... my body, my sleep, my diet, my exercise, my health... and in 2015 that is all changing! A healthy mom is a happy mom, and a happy mom is a better mom! I have made a pretty big commitment to my health for this year. A huge part of that is diet and exercise, but another part is to finish what I started when I vowed to rid our home of toxins. In our home, in our bodies... outwardly, inwardly... circumstances, relationships... anything toxic must go!
And I'm taking you all along for the ride with me!
I hope you're ready...
See you tomorrow!
Friday, January 2, 2015
Baby Steps Day 5: The Problem With Plastic
Welcome back friends!
Today, we get to wrap up our topic for the week. We get to close the door on toxins and alternatives regarding household products and start off next week learning all about personal products! We are going to cover everything from cosmetics and toothpaste to deodorant, shampoo, tampons, diapers and so much more. Who's excited? Just me? I hope not! Personal products are actually the area that I am working on with my family right now. We started with household products, moved to food, then wellness & medications. Personal products are what I'm in the thick of throwing out, testing alternatives & convincing my family to try. So, next week should be fun... despite the fact that it means more baby steps. Come on guys! We can do this!!!
But we can't move on until we cover one more very important topic.
PLASTICS
Yesterday we discussed endocrine disruptors in fragrances. One of the ingredients we brought up was PHTHALATES. We briefly discussed them, but what are they? Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemicals that soften plastic. That new toy and new shower curtain smell is phthalates off gassing. They’re also found in medical supplies such as IV tubes and drip bags, plastic food wrapping and containers, and most ubiquitously in fragrances of every description, from scented candles and (so-called) air fresheners, to fabric softeners and perfumes. And let’s not forget nail polish.
So, plastic food wrapping... plastic cups... tupperware... anything plastic really... are full of phthalates.
All full of endocrine disruptors!
Now I'm getting personal!
You mean, my kids' plastic sippy cups? Yep!
You mean, my cute melamine plastic plates? Sure thing!
But what about the BPA-free label?
Oh! Great question! I'm glad you asked!
BPA stands for the chemical Bisphenol-A. It is yet another plastic that is endocrine disrupting and linked to cancer. It has been removed from all products labeled for infants and young children due to these health concerns. HOWEVER, if they removed BPA... what was put in its place?
According to this study, the chemicals used to replace BPA were also chemicals with estrogenic activity!
BPA, Phthalates and chemicals like them can leach these chemicals into our food and drinks when we use them, which is the big issue here. In addition, these plastics actually break down when heated, leaching even more chemicals into the food and drinks that we then consume! Heating could be from a microwave, dishwasher or even UV light! Raise your hand if you've ever taken an insulated, plastic sippy cup to the park on a sunny day... you too? Man!
So, if we can't use plastics, then what can we use. The two safest options are GLASS and uncoated metal like STAINLESS STEEL.
We have made this switch almost completely. I have a small stash of plastic for when friends come over, just because I can't afford to re-stock my entire kitchen with glass or stainless only. My kids each have 2 cups and then we use glass plates/bowls for dinner. We switched out our tupperware and use only Pyrex glass dishes for leftovers.
There are some great products out there now that weren't just 2 years ago when I purged all our plastic for the first time. I sometimes get crazy & buy plastic again. I have a weird cup obsession... & I sometimes can't help myself! Haha! See... everyone can improve somewhere...
Links to our favorite bottles & water bottles for the kids are listed below, as well as links to more information!
I'll see you all on Monday when we will begin to cover PERSONAL PRODUCTS!
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/banphthalates.html
http://healthychild.org/its-bpa-free-but-is-it-safe/
https://www.lifefactory.com/
http://www.kleankanteen.com/collections/kid-kanteen
http://www.shopthermos.com/products/lunch_kits/funtainer_lunch_kits
Today, we get to wrap up our topic for the week. We get to close the door on toxins and alternatives regarding household products and start off next week learning all about personal products! We are going to cover everything from cosmetics and toothpaste to deodorant, shampoo, tampons, diapers and so much more. Who's excited? Just me? I hope not! Personal products are actually the area that I am working on with my family right now. We started with household products, moved to food, then wellness & medications. Personal products are what I'm in the thick of throwing out, testing alternatives & convincing my family to try. So, next week should be fun... despite the fact that it means more baby steps. Come on guys! We can do this!!!
But we can't move on until we cover one more very important topic.
PLASTICS
Yesterday we discussed endocrine disruptors in fragrances. One of the ingredients we brought up was PHTHALATES. We briefly discussed them, but what are they? Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemicals that soften plastic. That new toy and new shower curtain smell is phthalates off gassing. They’re also found in medical supplies such as IV tubes and drip bags, plastic food wrapping and containers, and most ubiquitously in fragrances of every description, from scented candles and (so-called) air fresheners, to fabric softeners and perfumes. And let’s not forget nail polish.
So, plastic food wrapping... plastic cups... tupperware... anything plastic really... are full of phthalates.
All full of endocrine disruptors!
Now I'm getting personal!
You mean, my kids' plastic sippy cups? Yep!
You mean, my cute melamine plastic plates? Sure thing!
But what about the BPA-free label?
Oh! Great question! I'm glad you asked!
BPA stands for the chemical Bisphenol-A. It is yet another plastic that is endocrine disrupting and linked to cancer. It has been removed from all products labeled for infants and young children due to these health concerns. HOWEVER, if they removed BPA... what was put in its place?
According to this study, the chemicals used to replace BPA were also chemicals with estrogenic activity!
BPA, Phthalates and chemicals like them can leach these chemicals into our food and drinks when we use them, which is the big issue here. In addition, these plastics actually break down when heated, leaching even more chemicals into the food and drinks that we then consume! Heating could be from a microwave, dishwasher or even UV light! Raise your hand if you've ever taken an insulated, plastic sippy cup to the park on a sunny day... you too? Man!
So, if we can't use plastics, then what can we use. The two safest options are GLASS and uncoated metal like STAINLESS STEEL.
We have made this switch almost completely. I have a small stash of plastic for when friends come over, just because I can't afford to re-stock my entire kitchen with glass or stainless only. My kids each have 2 cups and then we use glass plates/bowls for dinner. We switched out our tupperware and use only Pyrex glass dishes for leftovers.
There are some great products out there now that weren't just 2 years ago when I purged all our plastic for the first time. I sometimes get crazy & buy plastic again. I have a weird cup obsession... & I sometimes can't help myself! Haha! See... everyone can improve somewhere...
Links to our favorite bottles & water bottles for the kids are listed below, as well as links to more information!
I'll see you all on Monday when we will begin to cover PERSONAL PRODUCTS!
http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/banphthalates.html
http://healthychild.org/its-bpa-free-but-is-it-safe/
https://www.lifefactory.com/
http://www.kleankanteen.com/collections/kid-kanteen
http://www.shopthermos.com/products/lunch_kits/funtainer_lunch_kits
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Baby Steps Day 4: Fragrances, Air Fresheners & a little about Anti-Bac
I hope you all have learned something this week! We are wrapping up HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS tomorrow, but for today we are going to dig a little deeper into Fragrances and Air Fresheners.
But first... a link I had meant to share with you all at the beginning of the week.
The Environmental Working Group is a great organization committed to TOXIN-FREE living. They have several databases of products where you can search your specific product & then they rate it on a grading scale of A-B-C-D-F. It's an amazing resource to have & also really interesting to check out the products you've been using in your house to see just how toxic some of them could be!
http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners
So. Back to today's topic...
FRAGRANCES
Have you ever walked past a Bath & Body Works? Or one of those candle stores? Oh the smells! They might make you feel happy, relaxed, sexy, sleepy, or even overwhelmed. My husband, on the other hand, used to get a headache anytime I would make him go in there with me when we were dating. I used to wonder why that was. Well, now I know that not only are those smells overwhelming his senses, triggering toxic overload symptoms... but they were also affecting his hormones! Artificial fragrances and aromas affect all of our hormones whether we notice or not!
There are ingredients in synthetic fragrances called PHTHALATES. Phthalates are associated with causing cancer, are known endocrine disruptors and are also thought to cause reprouctive issues.
What does this mean?
EARLY PUBERTY IN GIRLS
LOW SPERM COUNT IN MALES
REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS IN DEVELOPING FETUS
Basically, they are mimicking Estrogen in the body. We all have Estrogen in some amount, but when your body thinks it has too much, due to the synthetic mimicking, it will not produce the amounts we actually need... THUS THE IMBALANCE. Now, our hormones are responsible for so much in our bodies! This includes responses to stress and injury, growth and development, absorption of nutrients, energy metabolism, water and electrolyte balance, reproduction, birth, and lactation. These are all crucial things!!!
There is another Estrogen-mimicking chemical in household and personal products called Triclosan. This happens to be in most anti-bacterial items like soaps, hand sanitizers, makeup, toothpaste, deodorant... but we'll get into all of those things next week.
So, here's the deal. Anything with synthetic fragrances is problematic for your sake, but also for the sake of your kids. As an adult, you've already gone through puberty. You've already developed your own endocrine system. So, damage can still be done, in the case of causing cancer or causing hormone imbalances, but not as great as it could to a baby in utero whose endocrine system is being formed or to our little ones who have not yet hit puberty. Personally, I do not have any desire to have my children begin to go through puberty any earlier than necessary. Think about the other possible effects though... your sons, who have not yet reproduced... if they are exposed to enough endocrine disruptors, this could mean potential infertility. I don't know about you mommas, but I want grandbabies some day.
I've compiled a list of a few great links for you to look through. This is just the beginning of information you could read on this subject! So, gather up the Glade, the Febreze & the Germ X... and toss 'em! Your future grandchildren will thank you!
See you all tomorrow!!
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2014/08/expert-panel-confirms-fragrance-ingredient-can-cause-cancer
http://www.drfranklipman.com/15-ways-to-reduce-endocrine-disruptor-exposure-in-your-house/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15808/how-endocrine-disruptors-seriously-mess-with-your-health.html
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2012/05/new-york-times-kristof-lays-out-case-against-endocrine-disruptors
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11127/why-everyone-should-care-about-endocrine-disruptors.html
But first... a link I had meant to share with you all at the beginning of the week.
The Environmental Working Group is a great organization committed to TOXIN-FREE living. They have several databases of products where you can search your specific product & then they rate it on a grading scale of A-B-C-D-F. It's an amazing resource to have & also really interesting to check out the products you've been using in your house to see just how toxic some of them could be!
http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners
So. Back to today's topic...
FRAGRANCES
Have you ever walked past a Bath & Body Works? Or one of those candle stores? Oh the smells! They might make you feel happy, relaxed, sexy, sleepy, or even overwhelmed. My husband, on the other hand, used to get a headache anytime I would make him go in there with me when we were dating. I used to wonder why that was. Well, now I know that not only are those smells overwhelming his senses, triggering toxic overload symptoms... but they were also affecting his hormones! Artificial fragrances and aromas affect all of our hormones whether we notice or not!
There are ingredients in synthetic fragrances called PHTHALATES. Phthalates are associated with causing cancer, are known endocrine disruptors and are also thought to cause reprouctive issues.
What does this mean?
EARLY PUBERTY IN GIRLS
LOW SPERM COUNT IN MALES
REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS IN DEVELOPING FETUS
Basically, they are mimicking Estrogen in the body. We all have Estrogen in some amount, but when your body thinks it has too much, due to the synthetic mimicking, it will not produce the amounts we actually need... THUS THE IMBALANCE. Now, our hormones are responsible for so much in our bodies! This includes responses to stress and injury, growth and development, absorption of nutrients, energy metabolism, water and electrolyte balance, reproduction, birth, and lactation. These are all crucial things!!!
There is another Estrogen-mimicking chemical in household and personal products called Triclosan. This happens to be in most anti-bacterial items like soaps, hand sanitizers, makeup, toothpaste, deodorant... but we'll get into all of those things next week.
So, here's the deal. Anything with synthetic fragrances is problematic for your sake, but also for the sake of your kids. As an adult, you've already gone through puberty. You've already developed your own endocrine system. So, damage can still be done, in the case of causing cancer or causing hormone imbalances, but not as great as it could to a baby in utero whose endocrine system is being formed or to our little ones who have not yet hit puberty. Personally, I do not have any desire to have my children begin to go through puberty any earlier than necessary. Think about the other possible effects though... your sons, who have not yet reproduced... if they are exposed to enough endocrine disruptors, this could mean potential infertility. I don't know about you mommas, but I want grandbabies some day.
I've compiled a list of a few great links for you to look through. This is just the beginning of information you could read on this subject! So, gather up the Glade, the Febreze & the Germ X... and toss 'em! Your future grandchildren will thank you!
See you all tomorrow!!
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2014/08/expert-panel-confirms-fragrance-ingredient-can-cause-cancer
http://www.drfranklipman.com/15-ways-to-reduce-endocrine-disruptor-exposure-in-your-house/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15808/how-endocrine-disruptors-seriously-mess-with-your-health.html
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2012/05/new-york-times-kristof-lays-out-case-against-endocrine-disruptors
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11127/why-everyone-should-care-about-endocrine-disruptors.html
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Baby Steps Day 3- Household Products
Well, yesterday we learned all about why NOT to use mainstream cleaners.
Today I want to cover what products we CAN use! I am not paid by any of these companies... I'm not that important. I just want to help you mommas know the best options for your families.
If we're talking about getting rid of toxins, pretty much every bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner is out. So are laundry detergents and dusting sprays. So are window & glass cleaners.
SO WHAT CAN WE USE?
Well, the first thing I'd like to mention is "GREEN" cleaners.
It's important that we always read the labels first, even with organic, natural, eco-friendly, all-natural, green products.
If they don't list ingredients... RED FLAG!
If you don't recognize any of the ingredients... either skip that cleaner, or look it up! We all have smart phones now. There's no reason that you can't do a quick google search in the grocery store aisle. In fact, this skill will come in handy when we get to Natural Food Choices in a couple weeks. So why not start practicing now?!
Next, I have to mention NORWEX.
If you haven't heard of Norwex, they are a type of micro-fiber cloth. Here's what their website says:
|
I am so encouraged to know that there are companies out there that have this at the root of their business! Basically, the way they work is by weaving SILVER into the actual microfibers. Silver is antibacteral by nature. So when you use their anti-bacterial micro-fiber cloths WITH NOTHING BUT WATER, you are getting just as clean... actually studies show it cleans BETTER... than your typical mainstream cleaners. I encourage you to check out their website & see for yourself. These are what we use for dusting, cleaning windows, floors & as a replacement for body wash! No joke. These things are the real deal!
They have a whole line of products as well. And you really wouldn't need to go any further, except for it is not very cost effective if you are on a tight budget. We really had to save up for the cloths we have & even now we do not have as many as we need.
Another GREAT, slightly more affordable BRAND is
Honest Company
Another GREAT, slightly more affordable BRAND is
Honest Company
They are who we use for dish detergent, dish soap & hand soaps. They used to be a web-only company, but have recently begun having certain items at Target!
Here is what their website says:
Here is what their website says:
We believe the products people use should be safe and non-toxic (surprisingly, many companies don't!) — not filled with questionable, risky, untested, or harsh ingredients. We also believe it's better to be safe than sorry when deciding what goes in our products and we're vigilant about the latest science regarding chemicals and health to ensure we're being mindfully cautious.
Based on these beliefs, we created our Honestly FREE Guarantee — a core commitment we make to you and your children. And, it's another way for us to be Honest — educating, empowering and inspiring people to make better choices for their health & families. Providing clear, credible, transparent information. No smoke and mirrors. No confusion.
What's it mean? In a nutshell:
You can rest easy knowing The Honest Company DOES NOT USE health-compromising chemicals or compounds.
Now that I've covered some great companies,
one last way to do it is... YOURSELF!
one last way to do it is... YOURSELF!
Honestly, all you'd have to do is go onto Pinterest & search DIY Cleaners. You'd have tons of results. Some with vinegar. Some with Essential Oils. Some with Baking Soda. Some with Apple Cider Vinegar. It's all on there. I'm gonna hook you all up with some great links though! Many of these are what we use at our house!
Laundry Detergent
(we skip the borax)
http://dreawood.com/2008/10/homemade-detergent/
All Purpose Cleaner
(I use Lemon EO in mine & once a week use OnGuard EO from doTERRA)
http://www.mommypotamus.com/household-cleaning-supplies-greener-cheaper-better/
*also, the link above has en e-book from Mommypotamus for DIY cleaners
Here are a bunch of great recipes:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-diy-green-cleaning-recipes-141129
See you all tomorrow!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Baby Steps Day 2- Household Products
Hey there friends!
Are you all ready to get started learning about how to live more naturally? I am so excited to get started on this. I hope you all have followed the blog, liked our Facebook page & will check in on here each day to see what the next Baby Step is.
I am challenging you to do something each week. You don't have to do it all in one day. Every Monday I will start our focus on a different area. Just choose ONE THING to change or introduce to your family each week. Then, once the series is over, let's keep it up! In the coming days there will be a Facebook group started where we can all join in and encourage each other in our Baby Steps. Like I said yesterday, even if you've been on the "Crunchy Train" for a while, there is ALWAYS something new to try, or something you can change. Sometimes, we just fall back into bad habits & need encouragement from other moms to get back on track.
So today, we will get started with HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. I think this is one area we can easily make changes in.
When I was a kid, we all had to clean every Saturday. My jobs were to vacuum, dust and clean the kids bathroom. I always got a headache after I was done. Every time. Now, I had a few other bad habits as a kid that contributed to my headaches, BUT the point is, I would immediately get one after doing my weekly cleaning chores. Why is this?
Two words.
TOXIC
OVERLOAD
Here's the deal. All mainstream cleaning products have chemicals. Too many chemicals in the air and on our bodies can create toxic overload in our system. This includes things that TOUCH our bodies. This includes things that touch our food, which then enters our bodies. This includes things that get used on surfaces and are then active on those surfaces, which we then touch. Get the picture? Chemicals might be in small amounts in ONE cleaner, but the likelihood that we will only encounter that one product in a 24 hour period is very unlikely.
Take the chemical chlorine for example. Chlorine is in some cleaners as a bleach. It is used in city water filtration (we'll talk about water in a couple weeks). It is also used to bleach paper towels and toilet paper. It is also used in many laundry detergents, which leave residue on our clothing. It is not *as* toxic when touched. It *only* causes skin and minor eye or lung irritation. That's all...
BUT did you know that it can reach highly toxic levels when combined with ammonia? So, if you mix chlorine bleach with another cleaner, even hours apart, they could combine to create a toxic gas that you the breathe in. An even more likely situation, especially if you have children, is this...
Let's say you clean your bathroom, toilet included, with a cleaner with chlorine in it.
Then, your child uses the restroom.
Their urine has ammonia in it. Because it's urine.
At this point the chemicals mix & create a gas. If even just for that moment, your child has breathed in a toxic gas.
But what if they then do not flush the toilet? Because they are kids.
Those chemicals create a toxic gas and continue to release that in the air.
So, what?
What is the big deal about chemicals?
Well, like I said. It's not just one. We are exposed to a large amount of chemicals on a daily basis.
What is the big deal about chemicals?
Well, like I said. It's not just one. We are exposed to a large amount of chemicals on a daily basis.
Triclosan
Chlorine
Formaldehyde
Ammonia
Sodium Laurel Sulfates
Phthalates
Benzene
Chloroform
DEGBE
DEGME
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA)
The list could go on and on. Among these are skin, eye, and lung irritants. However, also among these are known carcinogens, ingredients that are linked to cancer. Also ingredients linked to asthma, allergies, and some that are considered neuro-toxins.
Another concern is fragrances. We will get into this later in the week, but unfortunately there are not regulations in place for cleaning products in the US. Companies are NOT REQUIRED to list ingredients. These same companies also frequently list unknown or dangerous ingredients as "fragrance". Artificial fragrances are hormone disruptors. Like I said, there will be a full-day devoted to fragrances and air fresheners later in the week.
For now, the point is that we just do not know everything that is in these products.
For now, the point is that we just do not know everything that is in these products.
I got rid of mainstream cleaners several years ago, but as I was typing this up, I had my husband dig under our kitchen sink to see if there was anything left under there. Way in the back, he found a bottle of carpet cleaner from when we steam cleaned our carpets about 2 years ago and an almost empty bottle of windex.
NEITHER had any ingredients listed on them. The windex said "contains ammonia" & the carpet cleaner had a huge warning about not drinking it due to health hazards... Yet it's safe to pour into our carpet and drive in with steam?
Personally, I would like to avoid all of these things. I cannot control the toxins my children & I are exposed to when we leave our home, so my goal is to reduce the amount of toxins INSIDE the home.
Tomorrow will be a little more fun. We're going to learn about what we CAN use to clean our homes. I will have lots of links and DIY recipes.
Then Thursday we will chat about fragrances and air fresheners.
Friday we will learn about the problem with plastics.
Until tomorrow, there are a load of links for you to look through below and keep digging for information! Pop on over on the Facebook page... Post goals for your baby steps! Let's do this together! We will have a photo challenge next week & a video challenge the week after that...
Have a wonderful day!
https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/how-toxic-are-your-household-cleaning-supplies
http://healthychild.org/5-secrets-conventional-cleaning-product-makers-dont-want-you-to-know/
http://toxicfreekidsblog.org/2011/03/what%e2%80%99s-wrong-with-chlorine-bleach/
http://www.mamashealth.com/doc/cleanprod.asp
http://toxicfreekidsblog.org/2014/04/toxic-free-spring-cleaning-tips-childrens-cancer-recovery-foundation/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Paper-Towels---Effect-on-the-Environment&id=4612910
http://toxicfreekidsblog.org/2011/03/what%e2%80%99s-wrong-with-chlorine-bleach/
http://www.mamashealth.com/doc/cleanprod.asp
http://toxicfreekidsblog.org/2014/04/toxic-free-spring-cleaning-tips-childrens-cancer-recovery-foundation/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Paper-Towels---Effect-on-the-Environment&id=4612910
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)