Posted by Jing on December 21, 2009 under What We're Using | 
Have you checked the ingredients in your baby wipes lately? If you think a product such as Huggies EXTRA SENSITIVE fragrance free baby wipes would be a good pick, you’re not alone in being misled by the false labeling. Last I checked, methylparaben and DMDM Hydantoin were not exactly ideal for sensitive baby skin (or anybody’s skin).
Sure you can buy safe, non-toxic baby wipes from the store from a very limited number of options, but you’ll also pay an arm and a leg for them. And at the rate that I use baby wipes for my own 2 children for everything from their tushies to their faces, it would definitely break the bank. A super easy alternative that I’ve been using myself now for almost a year is making your own baby wipes. It’s much easier than you’d expect and only takes a couple minutes to prepare. I know that with everything else on a mom’s to-do list, making homemade baby wipes probably doesn’t sound as desirable as ripping open the plastic package and pulling one up from those handy little tubs. But trust me, once you try it you’ll be hooked! And you’ll feel even better about what you’re putting and leaving on your baby’s skin. Have you seen the ratings for Huggies or Pampers baby wipes on the cosmetic database? We’re talking “high hazard” products that make you think twice about what you’re putting onto and thus INTO your baby.
For those interested, here you go:
Bounty Paper Towels (select-a-size work best)
2 Cups water
2 Tablespoons Baby Wash/Soap such as Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Castile Liquid Soap
2 Tablespoons Baby Oil such as Nature’s Baby Mandarin Coconut Baby Oil
Using a serrated knife, cut the roll of paper towels in half so that you have what looks similar to 2 rolls of toilet paper. Place one roll into a storage container of your choice. Mix water, baby wash, and baby oil and pour over the roll. Allow liquid mixture to soak in and then easily pull out the cardboard core. Pull the wipes out from the center to feed and viola, you’re set! It was that easy.
An even easier alternative is LuSa Organic Baby Wipe Juice. An 8 ounce concentrate bottle mixes with water to make 2 gallons of baby wipes liquid! Use 1-3 teaspoons of Baby Wipe Juice with 1 Cup of water.
Good luck;)
Posted by Jing on December 7, 2009 under Education, News, What We're Reading |
Not that we needed any more evidence, but here’s one more indicator that toxic chemicals are not just everywhere around us but also within us. The Environmental working group recently released the results of laboratory tests performed on the cord blood of 10 minority babies and the results are astonishing. 9 out of 10 cord blood samples contained BPA (a chemical found in plastic), which is linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, reproductive and endocrine abnormalities, and behavioral impairments just to name a few. And up to 232 chemicals were found among the 10 newborns’ cord blood. Although the sample size is very small in research standards, it is clear to me that exposure to toxic chemicals begins long before birth. Babies are exposed to some seriously toxic chemicals in the womb, ones that can have lifelong consequences that we do not fully understand yet. When you consider how vulnerable developing babies are in utero and how critical the early stages of development are, it is frightening to think about the possible effects that may not manifest until many years after birth.
If you’re like me, after finding out this news, you are now wondering, “What can expectant mothers do to help lower her baby’s exposure to chemicals in utero?” EWG created these top 10 Healthy Pregnancy Tips that I’d like to pass along:
1. Don’t smoke
2. Get your Iodine by using iodized salt and vitamins since it buffers against chemicals that can affect baby’s brain development)
3. Eat good fats like Omega – 3 Fatty Acids found in fish, nuts, eggs, which can offset effects of lead and mercury
4. Go organic and eat fresh foods, limit canned food as well since the linings contain BPA
5. Drink safer water by using a carbon filter or reverse osmosis system
6. Choose better body care products and safe cosmetics by reading skin care ingredients and avoiding fragrance, oxybenzone, triclosan, and BHA to name a few. Check out the Skindeep website.
7. Identify and avoid lead sources
8. Clean greener by using natural cleaning products and a HEPA-filter vacuum.
9. Pick plastics carefully to avoid BPA, PVC, and phthalates and don’t re-use single use plastic or microwave in plastic containers
10. Think ahead to baby by breastfeeding if possible, using glass or BPA-free bottles, and feeding organic food and milk.
Posted by Jing on November 30, 2009 under Personal Care |
With Christmas shopping upon us, Body Sense offers a wide range of gifts for everyone on your list, especially those “hard to buy” for people and even neat little appreciation gifts (teachers, babysitters, etc) that won’t break the bank! In addition, we’re offering FREE shipping thru Cyber Monday (11-30-09, Continental US orders only). With no minimum purchase, now that’s a deal that can’t be beat!
$10 and under:
* Nature’s Boundaries are beautifully packaged hand soaps and lotions that feature a unique bible verse on the label. Pair an $8 bottle of Organic Hand Soap with an inexpensive Christmas hand towel and you’ve got a perfect teacher gift!
* Badger Classic Lip Balm Set contains 4 USDA Organic Lip Balms packaged in a cute recycled box (pink grapefruit, vanilla madagascar, tangerine breeze & lavendar orange) $10
* Handmade Bar Soap is unique and affordable. Organic scents ranging from lemon poppyseed to rosemary mint. $3.99 and up
* Kid Critters 4 pack of hand soap by Cheeky Maiden come in fun shapes (mouse, cat, pig, monkey) that big kids love. Help keep those germs at bay with good handwashing!
$25 and under:
* Earth Mama Angel Baby Gift Sets are ideal for expectant moms, new moms, and new babes.Clinically tested, toxin-free skin care packaged in decorative boxes that don’t even need wrapping. $21.95 and up.
* Balms for Gifted Gardeners contains 3 popular balms for the nature lover. $16.50
* Create your own “Winter Care Package” with all natural hand sanitizer, cold/flu chest rub, and a relaxing bath soak. Throw in a box of tea from the grocery store for a thoughtful gift!
When you just don’t know what to get:
* Khushi Spa Refreshing Gift Set has all you need to pamper a loved one. $30-$46
* Cheerful Mind Balm and Strees Soother Balm Duo is a little aromatherapy that will be appreciated by everyone. $16
* Body Sense Gift Certificates are available in any denomination. They can be emailed or snail mail delivered to you or directly to your gift recipient.
Posted by Stephen on November 17, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Greenwashing as defined by Wikipedia: “is a term used to describe the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment”
Whether it is organic cotton t-shirts, energy efficient printers, or organic skin care products that are advertised as “green”, in many cases these claims could not be further from the truth. According to recent article on green washing the green label only focuses on one or two environmental impacts of a product. While one component or raw material might be green sourced; the packaging, delivery, or other supplier processes are not evaluated. This leads to labels and claims that are suspect at best. However, there is a new practice called “life-cycle assessment” (LCA) that evaluates all of the sub-processes in a product’s supply chain to get a better perspective of the environmental impact of a product. Leading companies such as Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola are already conducting LCAs on different products. I encourage you to do read beyond the certification to uncover if you are being told a comforting lie.
Posted by Jing on November 12, 2009 under Education, What We're Reading |
While you may think twice about what you put in and on your body, have you thought about what products you use to clean your home? Yes, “greener” cleaning products are obviously better for the environment, but did you know that they are also better for your health?
A recent study by the Environmental working group found that a “typical assortment of cleaning products released 457 distinct chemicals into the air.” The study focused on cleaners used in schools to see what our children are being exposed to, often unknowingly inhaled through contaminated air. Just like personal care products, there is little or no regulation on what can go into a cleaning product and even more lax labeling regulations.
While this study focused on schools, many of the cleaning products EWG tested are ones that you have probably heard of and might use in your home as well, such as Comet, Febreze, or Pine Sol. And I’ll tell you right now that the results aren’t pretty….air contaminants, asthmagens, and carcinogens across the board! Heard of chloroform or formaldehyde? Yikes. If this isn’t enough for you to make the switch to greener cleaning, then I don’t know what will.
To read the full report and see the cleaning products test results, click here. Body Sense offers a full range of greener cleaning products from trusted names such as EcoDiscoveries, Naturally Clean, and Ecover to name a few. They are environmentally friendly products that are better for your health as well. No toxic chemicals, no toxic fumes, and cleaner air in your home as a result!
Posted by Stephen on November 2, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Recently Lisa Jackson was named the head of the EPA. She is a dedicated environmentalist that wants to bring a new Chemical Risk Management Law to guide Congress. Key points of her proposal are:
1. Review all chemicals against safety standards that are based solely on considerations of risk – not economics or other factors
2. The industry is responsible for providing information to prove their products meet the safety standards
3. Special consideration for groups with higher vulnerabilities, particularly children must be developed
4. Clear authority for the EPA to take swift action for addressing chemicals that don’t meet safety standards
5. Investment in green chemistry for more sustainable chemicals
I applaud her for taking a strong stand on this topic. While our focus is on organic baby products and personal care products; we need a leader in the EPA to help drive progress on all fronts not just personal care. I agree that in the near-term strong safety standards are important, but if we are going to heal mother earth we need to aggressively move toward more sustainable chemicals. Kudos to Ms. Jackson for her visions; let’s hope she can execute on it.
Posted by Jing on October 8, 2009 under Education, News |
Grassroots coordinator, Mia, from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics recently hit the streets in Boston talking to people about chemicals in cosmetics. She’s posted two short videos so far in a three part series that you don’t want to miss. And while you may be “in the know” if you’re reading this blog, most of the people Mia speaks with on the street are unaware of the presence of untested chemicals in personal care products and shocked at the revelation that the government does not regulate Skin care ingredients.
One of my favorite parts in the second video is when Mia informed two teenage girls about lead in lipstick, which they wear and reapply several times a day. They reply with “Didn’t they take lead out of paint?” Bingo! But it’s still in lipstick? Definitely one of those “Ah-ha” moments.
Watch the videos, email them to a friend, and help the people in your life make informed decisions about safe cosmetics.
Video 1: “Untested Chemicals in Cosmetics? You Bet”
Video 2: “A Closer Look”
Posted by Jing on October 7, 2009 under Education, News |
Their “clinically proven mildness” labeling apparently isn’t so convincing anymore. Johnson & Johnson is continually under fire for the chemicals used in their all time classic baby shampoo. This time there are new concerns around a chemical preservative used in many popular baby shampoos including Johnson & Johnson and Huggies Baby Wash. Quanternium 15 is a chemical preservative that kills bacteria by releasing formaldehyde has repeatedly been shown to be a strong allergen and cause irritation, rashes, and even open sores. Even thousands of stores in China have pulled Johnson’s baby products from their shelves due to recent revelations about their ingredients. Unfortunately, last I checked it was still in every drugstore in my neighborhood.
I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it again and again (& again!) to get parents to open their eyes about what they are innocently exposing their little babies and kids to everyday. There are countless alternatives to the yellow baby shampoo you’ll find at your corner store that chemical-free, preservative-free, and formaldehyde-free! If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend you check out several options of baby shampoos and body washes by manufacturers of high quality organic baby products such as Cocoon, Nature’s Baby, and Baby Organic to name a few. Parents new to these products should know that most all-natural and organic formulas are not tear-free (meaning they don’t have chemical numbing agents that numb they eye from the stinging feeling). So be careful when bathing your little ones and avoid getting the baby shampoo and baby soap into those precious eyes.
Posted by Jing on October 5, 2009 under Education, What We're Reading |
Diving into the world of organic and natural, whether you’re talking about food, personal care, clothing, etc, can be overwhelming to say the least. If you’re looking for some good books to educate yourself on the topic of the link between your health and toxic chemicals, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has compiled a fabulous reading list below. Making the transition to a greener lifestyle by using organic, natural, and sustainable products has been an important step in taking charge of my family’s health. I am confident you will find the information in these books as valuable and life-changing as I did. They are great picks for your book club as well! Happy reading!
The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens our Health and Well-Being (North Point Press 2008), by Nena Baker.
Investigative journalist Nena Baker explores the chemicals getting into our bodies, the everyday products that deliver the chemicals and the government policies that allow these potentially harmful products to be sold.
Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power (Chelsea Green Publishing 2007), by Mark Schapiro.
Exposed shows that, short of strong government intervention, America will lose whatever claim it has to commercial supremacy. Increasingly, its products are equated with serious health hazards.
Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (New Society Publishers 2007), by Stacy Malkan.
This inside story of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, written by Campaign co-founder Stacy Malkan, received a 2008 Silver Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on our Children (Random House 2008), by Phillip Shabecoff and Alice Shabecoff.
In this shocking and sobering book, journalists Alice Shabecoff and Philip Shabecoff directly and definitively link industrial toxins to the current rise in childhood disease and death. This is an eye-opening account of a country that prizes money over children’s health.
Safe Trip to Eden: Ten Steps to Save Planet Earth from the Global Warming Meltdown (Running Press 2007), by David Steinman.
Steinman uncovers the links between petrochemical dependence and the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Safe Trip to Eden includes a chapter on the cancer-causing chemical contaminant 1,4-dioxane in baby bath products.
The Secret History of the War on Cancer (Basic Books 2007), by Devra Davis.
Dr. Davis shows how the War on Cancer has targeted the disease and left off the table the things that cause it — tobacco, alcohol, the workplace and other environmental hazards.
Posted by Jing on September 15, 2009 under Education, News |
Next week, September 20-26, is National Clean Hands Week. As winter approaches and the cold and flu season draws near, this is a great opportunity to teach kids the importance of good hand washing. Kids (and adults for that matter) come into contact with countless germs on a daily basis and can easily get sick by then touching their mouths, noses, or eyes. Start good handwashing habits early to help keep your young ones and entire family healthy.
You can make it a fun learning experience by buying a unique shape or color of soap or a fun soap dispenser. For my own little preschooler, I’ve decorated a “special” self-foaming bottle (I removed the label from a recycled bottle of hand soap) using stickers and paint markers and labeled it with her name. And I remind her to sing the entire ABC song while rubbing those bubbles together! You’ll find plenty of fun soap that will make your child excited about washing his or her hands including soap shaped like whales, pigs, and monkeys. What kid wouldn’t love those?! If you prefer a pump soap, there’s even a great self-foaming soap that smells like yummy orange or berry (or unscented is available for those kids with extra sensitive skin).
And as always, stick with only natural skin care products and ingredients to make sure you’re staying away from unnecessary chemicals and potential toxins. While washing hands with plain soap and water is best, it’s good to carry around an all natural hand sanitizer for when a sink is not readily available. A small travel size bottle will easily fit into your diaper bag or purse. Keep those hands clean and stay healthy!
