What is in your daily face cleanser and moisturizing lotion?

Have you ever read closely on what is in your daily facial cleanser and moisturizer? I just did!
I am shocked to find out how many "Dirty Dozens" ingredients are in them.

Daily Facial Cleanser

Moisturizing Lotion

I hope you checked yours! and choose body cloth and moisturizer that are toxins free! #JoinMe #ToxinsFreeRevolution #NewYearResolution

Current Poofy Organics Fave Product: Orange Lavender Herbal Shampoo Bar

I started using orange lavender shampoo bar when I had to travel to Asia last month.
Thinking of TSA-friendly skin care, I load up my luggage with Poofy Organics orange lavender shampoo bar and lotion stick.
It takes a while to get used to using the shampoo bar as they lather differently from liquid shampoo.
At first, I feel that I over-rubbing it into my hair and I am not rinsing it well enough. But, after using the shampoo bar for a month, i am in love!

I love the convenience of using just a bar for my whole body.
I love that the shampoo bar actually leave my hair in perfect state (I wash my hair everyday and I used to feel that liquid shampoo is drying my hair and conditioner leaves my hair oilier than I expected- So I used to use just deep conditioner just every few days) Now with the shampoo bar, my hair feels much healthier and easier to style. I had couple people commented on how nice my new hair looks :)
I love that the shampoo bar is relatively cheap and last a while.
Last but not least, i love the smell of the orange lavender!

The top question people asked me about the shampoo bar:
How do you use it?It is simple. Just get your hair wet, take the bar and rub it  over your scalp and down your hair. Then put the bar away and massage your scalp and hair to work it into a wonderful lather. Lastly, make sure you have a very good  and clean rinse. Voila!

My tips, do not forget to use Soap Lift to make your bar soap last longer.

Ready to give it a try? You can purchase my favorite here

Poofy Organics Orange Lavender Herbal Shampoo Bar

Ingredients: saponified organic oils of palm, coconut, sunflower, castor & olive, rhassoul clay, bentonite clay, organic essential oils of orange & lavender

Merry Christmas DIY Matcha Lavender Honey Sugar Scrub

Today I am in the mood of being busy in the kitchen.....
not for baking, not cooking, but making my own sugar scrub!

I want to give handmade gifts for some friends, hence this:
Matcha Lavender Honey Sugar Scrub

Matcha Lavender Honey Sugar Scrub Christmas DIY

Ingredients:

• Cane Sugar or Brown Sugar (preferably Organic one) 
• Manuka Honey (This is what I use)
• Matcha (I got it from Uwajimaya)
• Lavender USDA Certified Organic Essential Oil (I got mine here)
• Jojoba Oil (I need it last minute so I went to GNC)

I used 1 cup of sugar with 2 tsp of matcha, 2 tsp of manuka honey, 1 Tbs  of Jojoba Oil, and 4 drops of lavender oil

Mixed all of them and healthy skin for the holiday is coming your way!

Choosing only the best ingredients!

Matcha's benefits:  At first I was debating whether I want to use matcha or green tea- then I read this article, so I decided to go with Matcha!

Manuka Honey: read here for benefits

Jojoba Oil: Known as the best carrier oil to treat acne (here)

Lavender USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils: " Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. It's great for beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations."- Poofy Organics

Ava Anderson Essential Oils NOT organic- in violation with USDA

I am all for companies that strive to provide safe havens away from harmful chemicals. However, I dislike companies that is not truthful. Marketing products as something that it is not, is considerably a fraud! I am very disappointed with this news and saddened.

I still can not wrap it in my mind why million dollars company like Ava Anderson is not providing us with USDA Organics products.
I am all for the USDA Organic certification and the seal. I have posted information about how rigorous the process of obtaining the USDA Organic seal here: http://creatingsafehaven.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-important-is-usda-certified.html

And this is another GREEN and SAFE company that speaks about USDA Organic Certification well: http://bubbleandbee.blogspot.com/2014/08/can-usda-organic-be-trusted.html

I support Bubble and Bee's statement: "Of course, it always helps to buy your organic products from sources you trust, and companies that have demonstrated their dedication to organic standards." and with that, I choose to NOT use Ava Anderson products because I just cannot trust Ava Anderson.

Ava Anderson Essential Oils in violation with USDA

One of the Ava Anderson's page posted this "“USDA Organic” is simply a marketing term now, unfortunately. And did you know that the goal of the USDA has always been to increase agricultural sales, not promote organic farming? It's ALL about the ingredients. NO seal, stamp, buzzwords or "certifications" mean very much, unfortunately." with a link to here: http://www.realfarmacy.com/usda-organic-labels-no-longer-trustworthy/#dQsq12tY6wwGqsv3.99

What a joke?!

USDA ORGANIC CERTIFICATION SEAL means INTEGRITY and ACCOUNTABILITY.
I, personally, prefer products with USDA Organics seal.

Holiday Hosting...need tips for Cleaning!

Here's some good guides for Laundry :)

I feel that my marriage goes through rough spots when I have my baby. This is a good reminder to keep my marriage healthy and loving. Hope this bless you, too! Long Lasting marriage takes work and believe me, it is worth it, especially if we put Jesus Christ in the center of it all.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken- Ecc 4:12 NLT

There's an alternative, why not use it?

Yesterday, I found out a disturbing news. The Rose Ointment I have from Young Living contains mink oil. I did not bother to research it more when I read it because I thought that mink is just some type of plants, until someone ask about it at the oil group on Facebook that I am in. "Was the mink oil ethically sourced?" Then, it just clicked on me about "mink fur" and how cute minks are. I was scared to know where the mink oil came from.

Yesterday, I had the reply from product information at YL:

"The minks that we use as the source for our mink oil are minks that are

farm raised for their fur. Humane euthanasia techniques practiced on

fur farms are those recommended by the American Veterinary Medical

Association in the United States and by the Guelph University Research

Facility in Canada. The only method of euthanasia for mink certified

by FCUSA Animal Welfare Committee is pure carbon monoxide or carbon

dioxide bottled gas. The animals are immediately rendered unconscious

and die without stress or pain. Due to the larger physical size of fox,

the American Veterinary Medical Association approves lethal injection as

the most humane method. This is the only method recommended by the FCUSA

Animal Welfare Committee. These are the same methods used by many local

humane shelters. In the United States, the U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) includes fur farming in annual agriculture production

statistics and reports, as do most state agriculture departments. In

Canada, fur farming is licensed and regulated by the provincial

departments of agriculture.

Mink oil is made from the thick fatty layer minks have just under their

skins. This fat is removed from the pelt when the mink is skinned and is

then rendered into mink oil. Mink oil is a source of palmitoleic acid

which possesses physical properties similar to human sebum, therefore

mink oil is used in several medical and cosmetic products."

That just does not sit well with me. I am appalled. Bear in mind, I am not an animal activist, I still eat meat and all.......but this just is not right on many level.

1) There is a botanical alternative, why not use it? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink_oil

2) Gas chamber as supposed to lethal injection?

3) How can this be cruelty free? I need a new definition of cruelty free :(

By the way, I also questioned whether YL is TRULY cruelty free, when they claim to be. Why aren't they listed at PETA or the Leaping Bunny? Companies can claim whatever without third party accountability.

Now, I just don't know what to do with my rose ointment. I can't use it when I think of the minks, although I used to enjoy the smell of it.

Price is what you pay, Value is what you get

You paid for what you get goes the same with Essential Oils.
I wonder previously when I saw on Amazon or other stores regarding CHEAP 100% pure essentials oil.....and I got my answers.
Dr. Pappas, at Essential Oil University posted his research findings on Facebook today:

The result: The chemical profile is NOT consistent with that of  a true lavender oil. "In summary it's a Lavandin oil profile that's been cut with synthetic linalyl acetate." The peppermint oil is more of a cornmint oil (Mentha Arvensis) instead of peppermint oil (mentha piperita)

https://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity/?fref=ts

HOPE

When your situation seems gloomy......don't forget that there is HOPE. Look at the HOPE of the World. JESUS CHRIST! He will not disappoint... (Rom 5:5)

Norwex vs E-Cloth

Many people have asked me this. Although I have not used e-cloth personally, here's some blogs I have found that gave reviews of Norwex vs. E-Cloth.
In a short summary, E-cloth has DIFFERENT feel than Norwex. Although both are microfiber cloths, they are not exactly the same. Hence the price difference. I am a believer of "you got what you paid for" and I attest that Norwex stands to that statement.

Norwex is 1893 miles of fiber, while e-cloth is 1200 miles of fiber. Since Norwex is over 50% denser, it would make sense that it's more absorbent and will likely last that much longer.

Feel free to read these posts:
https://keepcalmkeepclean.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/norwex-vs-e-cloth-microfiber-cloths/
-Update: Turns out this blog has been deleted by the author (but you can still see pinterest picture-https://www.pinterest.com/pin/25755029096578353/)
The author mentioned that e-cloth takes longer time to dry than Norwex. This means without the silver, e-cloth will potentially harbor more bacteria and will have bad smell quicker.
Also, when e-cloth had nanosilver (back in 2013) it was priced at $16.99 while Norwex only $16.49

http://www.healthhomeandhappiness.com/norwex-vs-e-cloth-plus-my-cleaning-schedule.html

http://www.overthrowmartha.com/2014/02/norwex-vs-e-cloth-green-cleaning.html#.UvRgdP3pVhA

I feel that Norwex cloth is far superior with the microsilver in the cloth. * The BacLock™ in the cloth—our micro silver antibacterial agent—goes to work with self-purification properties against the mold, fungi and bacterial odor within 24 hours, so that it is ready to use again.
http://www.norwex.biz/pws/home2999999/tabs/microfiber.aspx

Especially after reading this article, I prefer Norwex with the microsilver.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/16/kitchen-rag-bacteria_n_5960786.html

Ava Anderson, what else are you hiding?

Before I learned about Poofy Organics, I tried 4 products of Ava Anderson Non Toxic (AANT) and I enjoyed couple of them (Deep Conditioner and Boo Boo Stick), so-so on the Dream Cream, dislike the Bathroom & Hard Surface All purpose Cleaner because it is ineffective.
My search for Non-Toxic Products continues until I stumble upon this page:
http://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2015/04/21/why-ava-anderson-remains-on-my-so-so-list-2/

I cannot believe that Ava Anderson used to contain Geogard Ultra (sodium benzoate & gluconolactone) - synthetic preservatives!
https://gogreenct.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/my-fda-complaint-against-ava-anderson-nontoxic/

Further on, on Eco Friendly Mama USA blog, she writes:
"Past issues that lead to me being wary of their claims: Many felt their diaper cream contained zinc oxide, but the label didn’t list it. Turns out eventually they did come out & say “oops, yes, there is zinc oxide in there, but don’t worry, it’s just a small amount”,  and then they added it to the label. Of course since they don’t make the products themselves they were able to pin it on the manufacturer & take no personal responsibility whatsoever. Why does this matter: What if your child was deathly allergic to zinc oxide, Zinc oxide is not cloth diaper safe, as it repels water, and we as the consumer have the right to know every, single ingredient in our products. So, this is where the trust issue comes into play. As with the CA baby reformulation scandal (Google the term if you’re unfamiliar with that), once something like this happens, my trust in the company & products is lost forever."

YES. MY trust in AANT and products is LOST FOREVER.

CA baby reformulation scandal- http://safemama.com/2012/01/21/california-baby-reformulation-drama/

What else are you hiding, AANT??

Btw, if you are looking for effecting cleaning products, use NORWEX Microfiber cloths- just add water and for my baby & my personal skin care products and cosmetics, I use Poofy Organics

C-Rated Companies (Greenwashers)

This is a list of companies that I do not recommend using, due to several harmful chemicals in their products. Some of these companies claim being "green and safe" while it is NOT. The common term is GREENWASHING.

With this reviews, I want to learn with you how to decipher labels and identify toxins.

Amway/Artistry– NUMEROUS ingredients of concern in every label I looked at. Here’s a shampoo label, which contains Retinyl Palmitate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Polyquaternium-7, Glycol Stearate, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG-150 Distearate, to name just a few red flags. Body wash: Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Oat Protein, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. I don’t know that they make any “green”/natural claims, but I was asked about them so I’m sure others have heard of them too, and may be curious.

Arbonne– If I had to point to the worst of the worst of the worst, this company would be it.  Of course they do not list ingredients on their website, you must get them from a consultant which is incredibly frustrating to say the least! A mama on the page got me the ingredient lists for the baby shampoo & baby lotion. THE WORST ingredients I’ve ever seen in any product. I’ve NEVER seen a baby line include Retyinyl Palmitate (rated 8 in EWG, as a known human reproductive toxicant, One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at low doses, Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics, One or more animal studies show tumor formation at very low doses!!!!!). Here are just a few of their BABY lotion ingredients- marketed for babies with extremely sensitive skin: cetyl lactate, glyceryl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, sorbitan stearate, glycine soja (soybean) oil polysorbate 61, dimethicone, stearic acid, retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated lechitin, citric acid, oleic acid, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, carbomer, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid. That’s about 1/2 of the ingredients, to view the entire list see following link:  http://www.arbonnemarketing.com/PK/dl/pk/851_us_eng.pdf. Baby wash ingredients of concern, again marketed for babies with extremely sensitive skin:  cocamidopropyl betaine, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Butylene Glycol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated lechitin, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, hexylene glycol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, limone, to view entire list, here’s the link: http://www.arbonnemarketing.com/PK/dl/pk/850_us_eng.pdf. I absolutely loathe this company, and it’s marketing of their products as pure, safe and beneficial… To see what their ingredient labels look like: http://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/arbonnethe-longest-ingredient-lists-ive-ever-viewed/

Aveda– ingredients not listed on their website. I asked for photos of products & received several which told me what I needed to know. Very long labels with numerous ingredients of concern: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=812202325462076&id=397517646930548

Avon Naturals Kids- Body wash: WATER/EAU,  COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE,  SODIUM TRIDECETH SULFATE,
PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, SODIUM LAUROAMPHOACETATE, PEG-150 DISTEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID. Enough said. The rest of the line is more of the same. I would never, ever use or recommend any of these products!

Babyganics–  Best of their products rate a 1, and that’s 3/32 in EWG, rest 2 , with several 3 & 4. Ingredients of concern from baby shampoo & bubble bath: Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosine, Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate. Several products contain fragrance (which alone ranks 8 in EWG).

Beauty Without Cruelty—116 products in EWG, only 3 rate at 1, the rest 2 or above. They use  ingredients such as Retinyl Palmitate which rates 8, and oxybenzone & propylparaben which rate a 7—I don’t trust any company that would use such ingredients in even 1 product.

Charlie’s Soap– 5 products in EWG cleaning guide, 1 rates D, the other 4 F. Main concern= undisclosed surfactants: http://www.ewg.org/guides/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Charlie%27s+soap&x=0&y=0&page=1&per_page=15.

Dapple—Several ingredients rate 3 or higher in EWG- here’s a list of ingredients they use, with links to EWG ratings: http://www.dapplebaby.com/ingredients.php

DoTERRA personal care (I don’t evaluate essential oils) You have to get ingredient labels from a consultant, which is incredibly aggravating. Numerous ingredients of concern in the shampoo & lotion labels shared with me- many have NO data in EWG: Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Laurylamidopropyl, Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11- 15, Pareth -7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Retinyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol (listed twice in the lotion), polysorbate-20 (these were ingredients of concern from 3 labels shared with me: shampoo, lotion, foaming hand soaop). Like many other companies, the bar soaps look just fine, no ingredients of concern.

Earth’s Best— No ingredients included on website- so going by what EWG says: 16 products rate 1-5. 3 products rate at 1 (sunscreen, and 2 baby wipes). 9 products rate 3-5 (moderate hazard) for the following ingredients of concern: fragrance, retinyl palmitate (non-petroleum jelly) (both rate an 8), octinoxate (6). The following all rate at 4: unspecified flavor, calcium lactate, homosalate, benzyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, linalool, limonene, and the following at 3: disteareth-75 IPDI (1,4-Dioxane!), polysorbate-60, potassium sorbate, tocopheryl acetate, ethanol. No results in EWG for cleaning products, and since no ingredients are included on their website, which is VERY frustrating, I cannot comment on that aspect. If anyone concerned with/using this line can send me some ingredient labels, I’d love to take a look. Based on what EWG has to say, this is definitely not a line I recommend! Update: I did some digging and found an ingredient label from a 3rd part site, here’s the baby shampoo, which confirms the ingredients of concern listed in EWG: Aqua (Purified Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Gel*, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Di-Steareth-75 IPDI, Coco-Betaine, Vegetable Glycerin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernal Oil, Beta-Glucan, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit.E), Anthemus Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract*, Panthenol (Vit.B5), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Ecos- Out of 30 products in EWG, 2 rate B (all-purpose cleaner, window & mirror cleaner), the rest C-F. Laundry detergent uses methylisothiazolinone, which includes moderate environemental conern due to acute aquatic toxicity. Many ingredients which score F’s… http://www.ewg.org/guides/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Ecos&x=0&y=0&page=1&per_page=15

Eco Store USA–  shampoo includes these ingredients: Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate (and) Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Cetyl Betaine, Lauryl Lactyl Lactate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate-20. Body washes use Phenoxyethanol as a preservative (rated 4 by EWG).

Essante Organics- They have been reported to the National Organic Program for violating labeling of their products. There are things that don’t add up. I do not recommend them. Many products contain sodium benzoate and/or potassium sorbate which would normally land them on the so-so list.

Jordan Essentials– not in EWG. I read ingredient labels for numerous products & didn’t see one that I would recommend. All contain fragrance, and nowhere does it state it comes from essential oils (fragrance is rated 8 in EWG), in addition there are NUMEROUS ingredients of concern in just about everything I looked at (several products such as deodorant do not have ingredients listed)- shampoo: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Hydrogenated Cocamidoproply Betaine, Aminomodified Siliconepolyether Copolymer, Lauramide MEA, Polyquaternium 7, Sodium Chloride, DL-Panthenol, Fragrance, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprlyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Tetrasodium EDTA, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot Oil), Silk Protein, Caprylhydroxamine Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin. Lotion= Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Soybean Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Barbadensis, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Benzophenone 4, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

LUSH Cosmetics– only 1 old formulation in EWG. Ingredients of concern- bar soap: Blue no. 1 & 3, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, tetrasodium editronate. Nearly every product I looked at had artificial colors.

Melaleuca— One of the worst of all greenwashers! Next to Arbonne, the worst ingredients I’ve seen in a baby line marketed as safe. I truly despise the misleading that this company is doing! Line not in EWG.  The following ingredients from their Koala Pals baby shampoo/wash is nothing short of horrendous, and makes me very angry. Rest of the labels I’ve viewed are more of the same: “Aqua (water/Eau), Sodium trideceth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, PEG-150 Distearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, d-a-Tocopheryl Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Amylcinnamyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methypropional, Hexl Cinnamal, Linallol.  Is it possible they make one or 2 safer products– of course. BUT, any company that would make this toxic of a baby wash, what should be their mildest formula, is not a company I would trust to make anything safe. Cleaning product labels are extremely vague, which many cleaning labels are. Things such as non-ionic surfactants, buffering agents, non-disclosed preservatives, doesn’t disclose what IS actually in there, which is very important to know.. Can tell nothing about what they actually do contain by their labels… A post on Melaleuca equaling the very definition of Greenwashing: http://ecofriendlyusa.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/melaleuca-the-very-definition-of-greenwashing/

Method– Mostly D & F in EWG cleaning. A few C’s… Ingredients of concern: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, fragrance, undisclosed preservatives, among a host of other chemicals. Personal Care line- EWG lists 50 products, none scoring less than 3-6. Stay away! It’s possible a few specific products look OK, it’s a huge line, and I obviously didn’t look very far once I started reading a few labels & saw them loaded with ingredients of concern.

Nature’s Gate–  Just a couple days ago I was staffing at my food co-op & picked up each & every sunscreen on the shelf. Nature’s Gate was one of them & it was terrible! Every product I picked up of theirs (& other brands) left me shaking my head in disgust! Both the mineral & non-mineral sunscreens are awful. Kids SPF 50: Active ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Zinc oxide 6.9%. Inactive ingredients: aloe barbadensis leaf juice, calendula officinalis flower extract, caprylhydroxamic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylyl glycol, cetyl dimethicone, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, magnesium sulfate, neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol diisostearate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, sodium chloride, tocopheryl acetate, triethoxycaprylylsilane, water. Their sunscreen contains http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704203/OCTINOXATE/

Mineral sunscreen, kids spf20: ingredients: Titanium dioxide 8.3%, Zinc oxide 2%. Inactive ingredients: allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, althaea officinalis root extract, bisabolol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, calendula officinalis flower extract, caprylic/capric triglyceride, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl wheat straw glycosides, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, dehydroxanthan gum, diisopropyl adipate, dimethicone, ethylhexylglycerin, euterpe oleracea fruit extract, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl undecylenate, hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) extract, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 80, propylheptyl caprylate, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, triethoxycaprylylsilane, viola tricolor extract, water.

Lotion is pretty easy to offer with a safe ingredient list, but there’s again, several ingredients of concern: Water (Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Gluconolactone, Stearyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower/carthame) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower/tournesol) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Xanthan Gum, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai/açaï) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea/karité) Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond/amande douce) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot/abricot) Kernel Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai/açaï) Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract, Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut/noix du Brésil) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuacu/cupuaçu) Seed Butter, Allantoin, Polysorbate 60, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum)*.

As with all lines, there may be a few products I might recommend, but as EWG shows, they use MANY ingredients of concern: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/Nature%27s_Gate/

Norwex Skin care- Not in either EWG database. I LOVE all their Microfiber clothes: “Used dry these fibers produce an electrostatic charge which attracts and holds dust particles. When wet the fibers use capillary vacuum force to pull moisture and grease from the surface up into the fibers.
However, Transparency is big for me. If you cannot release ALL of your ingredients, you are forever in this C-Rated List (Greenwashers)
”Here’s a lotion label to give you a feel of their personal care line: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Parfum, Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tricaprylin, Cetearyl Olivate Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii*, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Crambe Maritima Extract, Simmondsia Chinesis Seed Oil*, Plukentia Volubilis Seed Oil*, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beeswax*, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin Caprylate Acid, Benzoic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/leaf Extract* May contain: Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool. Face serums/creams contain numerous ingredients of concern. Even the best of labels contain potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol. I definitely don’t recommend any personal care products I looked at, which were many. Here’s a link to their pdf with ingredient labels: http://media.norwexcs.com/Product-Manual-2,0.pdf. As to be expected, cleaning product labels are extremely vague, many say what is not in them, but not at all what is in them, or labels such as: Laundry Pre-Wash contains enzymes, ascorbic acid, citric acid and water. Which enzymes are being used is very important…

Ology– Line not in EWG. This product gives an example of the types of ingredient labels you will see–Baby wash/shampoo: Water , Sodium Lauroamphoacetate , Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate , Wheat Germamidopropyldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein , Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol , All Natural Fragrance.   Laundry detergent ingredients: water , Laureth 7 , methyl 2-sulfolaurate , Disodium 2 Sulfolaurate , Sodium Bicarbonate , Methyl Soyate , Sodium Chloride , Cocoamidopropyl Betaine , Sodium Propionate. Phenoxyethanol, one of the few I’m familiar with, ranks a 4 in EWG. Fabric softener: water , Laureth 7 , methyl 2-sulfolaurate , Disodium 2 Sulfolaurate , Sodium Bicarbonate , Methyl Soyate , Sodium Chloride , Cocoamidopropyl Betaine , Sodium Propionate. I do not recommend using this line.

Origins– List key ingredient only, which is highly aggravating! They must have recently reformulated, because EWG only has 3 products in their database that list new formulation but those 3 products rate 4-7. The rest of the line has a few 1’s, but the vast majority are 2+, with several 5-9! If you have a recent formulation label you can share with me, I’d love to see it. It’s very frustrating they don’t disclose ALL ingredients on their website, which leads me to believe they don’t want us to know. Based on the data I did see, and the lack of disclosure, I’m not comfortable recommending this line.

Perfectly Posh– not in EWG. Several products contain artificial coloring, which is something I’d never recommend (Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 33), and numerous other ingredients of concern Here’s a body crème label to give you an idea, NUMEROUS ingredients of concern: Water/Aqua, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate-20, Cocamide MEA, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance/Parfum, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-150 Distearate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Glycerin, Yellow 5 [CI19140], Blue 1 [CI 42090], Citric Acid. Bath bombs contain: PEG-180, Titanium Dioxide, Polysorbate-20. The few baby products offered look much better, but contain both Potassium sorbate & sodium benzoate. Every product I looked at has numerous ingredients of concern!

Planet- What is extremely frustrating about cleaning products is EWG can rate them an A, but when you click for further info you see they contain individual ingredients that rate poorly. Planet laundry detergent rates an A, but contains Laureth-7 and PPG-5 Laureth-5, which rate a C due to concerns over chronic aquatic toxicity, cancer, developmental/endocrine/reproductive effects, acute aquatic toxicity, damage to DNA, respiratory effects, nervous system effects, digestive system effects, skin irritation/allergies/damage, damage to vision. The entire line is the same, A ratings, with ingredients of concern I definitely advise against using–VERY frustrating, always click for more info on specific ingredients in EWG. http://www.ewg.org/guides/brand/2504

Plumberry Parade- You can read my review of a few samples sent to me here. I can say this is the worst experience I’ve ever had trying to get info from anyone. They don’t make anything, but are buying it & sticking their label on it. Extremely rude, among other things. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=586115874737390&set=a.568349859847325.144572.397517646930548&type=3&theater

Rodan & Fields– they don’t make “green” claims, and indeed they are a completely terrible, conventional line, but for some reason many are led to believe they’re a safe option. ABSOLUTELY, positively horrible ingredients:  $60 for 1/2 oz of THIS nastiness (eye cream): Water, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric/Myr istic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Glycerin, Macadamia lntegrifolia Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Steareth-20, Polyuretha ne-40, Lecithin, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Tetrapeptide-21, Tetrapeptide-16, Tranexamic Acid, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. May Contain(+/-) Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Hand cream: Water, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Arginine, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Phospholipids, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Distearate, Polysorbate 60, Fragrance, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Caprylyl Methicone, Sucrose Stearate, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

The fact that ANYONE would pay $78 for this paste blows my mind: C11-13 Isoparaffin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sucrose, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Trihydroxystearin, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Yellow 5, Yellow 6

Seventh Generation– I DON’T like what I see. Baby wash/shampoo-the overall product rates a 2 (you may be fine with that…), but components of it rate at 4, a couple come in at 3, several at 2. When ingredients rate that poorly, I don’t go for it, no matter how much is in the final product, etc. I don’t use, nor recommend anything with either sodium benzoate, or potassium sorbate, this product has BOTH in it, not to mention tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, all 3 synthetic preservatives. I did also look at the bubble bath, and the baby lotion, wayyyyy too long of ingredient lists, with numerous questionable ingredients. Sunscreen: hydrogenated methyl abietate (skin conditioner), magnesium sulfate, polyaminopropyl biguanide (synthetic preservative), polyglycerol-10 laurate, sorbitan stearate.. Are there worse products on the market? Sure. Are there safer products on the market? YES– thankfully! If you want my opinion on an individual product, please ask & I’ll take a look! As far as cleaning products, EWG rates a couple at A, but many at D or F, please take a look: http://www.ewg.org/guides/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=seventh+generation&page=1&per_page=15&x=0&y=0

Shaklee– The ingredient labels speak for themselves. Here is one label from their personal care line to give you an example of why I placed them where I did on my list- just about every, single ingredient from this label from the Hydrating Moisture is of concern. I would never, ever use, nor recommend this product, and the other labels I’ve viewed are very similar. If these are the types of products you consider the best & safest on the market, then let’s just agree right now that we will never agree on what makes a safe product. I’m really in disbelief that anyone would try to argue with me that these are the “greenest & safest” products on the market. As ALWAYS, I encourage you to do your own research, and come to your own conclusions!!: WATER/EAU, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, CETYL LACTATE, OCTYLDODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, DIMETHICONE, POLYSORBATE 60, STEARIC ACID, PANTHENOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, SORBITAN STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, GLYCERYL ISOSTEARATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, GLYCERIN, BETA-GLUCAN, PPG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE ETHER, SODIUM COCO PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, CARBOMER, CERA ALBA/BEESWAX/CIRE D’ ABEILLE, DISODIUM EDTA, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PEG-7M, FRAGRANCE/PARFUM, BISABOLOL, RETINYL PALMITATE, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT, SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, BENZOIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE. No ingredients to cleaning products listed on their online labels as they are for the personal care line, a consultant shared a pdf with me. Basic H Cleaning Concentrate: naturally derived cleaning agents (corn- and coconut-based surfactant), natural thickener, biodegradable preservative, and water. Not one of their cleaning labels actually discloses a single ingredient, just more of the same vagueness…

Sun & Earth laundry detergent– entire line rates D & F in EWG Cleaning Database.

Tom’s of Maine-  Owned by Colgate, as I stated with Burt’s Bees, I believe if the packaging was correctly labeled with who is making this product, many wouldn’t buy it… EWG lists 109 products, rating 0-4.  Ingredients of concern: fragrance, unspecified extracts, unspecified flavor &  unspecified oils, zinc, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, among others…. As with every other line, it greatly depends on the individual product, so it’s up to you to read the specific ingredient and determine if you’re OK with their use. This is not a line I use, nor recommend….

Trader Joe’s- EWG has 3 products listing new formulation, rating 4-7. 6 more products listing old formulation rating 3-5 (one at 0)…Had to do some diggin’ because I didn’t see the products linked to from their website. Trader Joe’s Nourish shampoo & conditioner have several ingredients of concern: C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Methylparaben, propylparaben. If anyone can point me to more of their products & labels, I’d gladly take a look, but don’t need to look any further than the 2 I looked at to know this is a line to stay away from!

WEN Haircare– no ingredient labels on their website that I could find, but 3rd party searches brought back several threads which shared labels. Ingredients of concern from shampoo, conditioner & hair crème: Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Dimethiconol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Polysorbate 60, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Amodimethicone, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. Whole line is more of the same!

Whole Foods- 365 line:  No ingredients listed on Whole Foods site, or EWG, but found some info in Good Guide, which is similar to EWG but with a different rating system. Ingredients of concern in shampoo: sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoamphoacetate, glucono lactone, sodium benzoate, phehethyl alcohol, glyceryl caprylate, polysorbate-20. Lotion ingredients of concern: Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, phenethyl alcohol, polysorbate 20 & 60. I don’t have a Whole Foods within 2 hours of me, but many people who have shopped there & picked up bottles from the 365 line chimed in and said they contained way too many questionable ingredients. If you have a specific product you’d like me to take a look at, and an ingredient label, I’d be happy to!

Younique-  absolutely, positively not recommended! No better or different than any other conventional make-up on the market. The 3D fiber mascara has Propylene Glycol in it, definitely don’t recommend putting that on your eye. Here’s a random choice of an ingredient list, all are more of the same- cream foundation: WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, OZOKERITE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, MALTODEXTRIN, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER. And a lipgloss, not 1, but 2 petroleum-derived ingredients, among others of concern, ick: Squalane, Polyisobutene, Mineral Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Microcrystalline Wax, Hydroxy Stearic Acid, Beeswax.  A few of the products look a little better: the eye shadow isn’t terrible, IF they’re using the best micas available, concerns with ingredients in that product come from impurities if they’re not using the best of the best. Again, if you’re looking for something along the lines of Revlon, Mary Kay, Avon, this is fine. If you’re looking for an alternative to mainstream, preservative & synthetic-filled make-up, this is not an option!

Most of these reviews are taken from these posts: http://ecofriendlymamausa.com/product-reviews/greenwashers/

A-rated companies

Aside from Poofy Organics, these are companies that I have tried and researched to have use ingredients that are free from synthetics and harmful chemicals:

1) Dr. Bronner– http://www.drbronner.com/ USDA/OTCO CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Everything is safe except Sal’s Suds which has SLS in it. Offers great castile soap with many uses.

2) Earth Mama Angel Baby– http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC
My friends bought me the sets of "Little something for mama to be" and "Little something for Baby"

3) Farm To Girl: www,farmtogirl.com
I have tried their lotions and lip balms. More expensive than others and short expiration date (about 2 months usage time)

4) Moon Valley Organics– http://moonvalleyorganics.myshopify.com/
 CERTIFIED ORGANIC BY THE WA STATE DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
From Washington! Their products are sold at Pike Place Market.
A lot of my friends use their lotions for safe products for mama and baby

5) Motherlove – http://www.motherlove.com/
I have used the nipple cream here, as well. The BEST! better than earth mama and DEFINITELY better than lanolin

PREVENTION is COST EFFECTIVE

That was written on my wristband this morning.
Today was another day that I dreaded in the morning. I need to get screened for my breast lump, which had been there for a year.
Everytime I went in, there is an anxious feeling of whether it will be good or bad news.
This breast lump was also the reason that I want to make healthier choices.

PREVENT cancer by avoiding toxic free skin care and cleaning products.
START Reading Labels- Know what harmful chemicals are lurking on products.
JOIN THE TOXIN FREE REVOLUTION by Poofy Organics.

Many people hesitate to make the change. Most common excuse I heard is "It is not worth it"
Not worth the time to research/read labels.
Not worth the money to choose the safer products.

Please. Prevention is Cost Effective.
I would rather make the choice NOW to get rid of TOXINS in my life when I can.
Otherwise, it would be too late. Don't regret.

How important is USDA Certified Organics Seal?

"The USDA National Organic Standard Seal not only shows your ongoing commitment to a healthy planet but assures consumers and buyers that your product meets stringent USDA organic certification requirements, thus will make your product more marketable and profitable."

STRINGENT USDA Organic certification requirements like:

1) NOP production and handling standards cover all manners of organic crop growing and livestock handling, along with standards associated with The National List.

2) If a business or individual knowingly labels or sells a product that bears the Organic Seal or USDA organic wording, and that product is not truly organic, a civil penalty of up to $11,000 for each offense may be charged.

3) One major certification policy is that all USDA certified organic applicants must submit an organic system plan to their accredited certifying agent.

So, if you happen to come around products that are labeled organic without the "seal" It is basically means nothing. Look for skin care and personal products from companies that take the EXTRA step to become certified USDA Organic with the seal.

Source: https://organic.about.com/od/organicpublicpolicy/a/Standards-Addressed-By-National-Organic-Program-Regulations.htm

Another worth reading sources: http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/green-living/organic-certification/organic-labeling-requirements/
NOP Allowable and Prohibited Substances
Can USDA Organics be trusted?

Essential Oil Myth Busting!

I would like to first bust the glam and go on "Therapeutic Grade"
There is NO such thing. There is only ORGANIC CERTIFIED and non organic.

http://roberttisserand.com/2010/04/therapeutic-grade-oils-read-all-about-it/
http://www.weedemandreap.com/essential-oil-myths-dr-pappas/

Essential Oils for Ingestion?

I believe that essential oils are beneficial for your health.
However, I am not suggesting EOs for ingestion, even when another big EO companies said so.
I think it is very risky to do so and I would be alarmed when a consultant tells you that EOs are ok for ingestion.
Be wary to unsafe suggestion....listen or seek more to trusted source.

Here's why:
"It is important to keep in mind that internal use has risks. Because the mucous membrane is thinner, it allows for a more rapid ingestion of essential oils. Any safety concerns associated with the essential oil become more of a concern when ingested, as “up to 95% reaches the bloodstream when used internally” than the “potential 10% when used topically.”

Source: http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/06/ingesting-essential-oils/

There are couple FB Groups that you can join to learn more of using EO Safely (without any affiliation to MLMs):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/usingEOsafely/
https://www.facebook.com/RobertTisserandEssentialTraining/?fref=ts
http://www.naha.org/rdt_statement.htm
http://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity?fref=ts
http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

I would also bookmark this page: http://www.learningabouteos.com

Happy Learning and Digesting information! ;)

READ YOUR LABELS!

I am all about reading label! In your food products, your skin care and hair products, your cleaning products.

But, do you know what you are looking for when you are reading those labels?

31 Days to GREENtober

Please join me on 31 Days tips to Green October with Poofy Organics

Live a Healthy Green Lifestyle

https://www.facebook.com/Creating-safe-haven-with-Poofy-Organics-934020890005756/timeline/

One reason that I love Poofy Organics is also because of their ladybug logo! I love ladybug.
We did a ladybug themed baby shower for Tiara :)
This is my very own little ladybug

God's Words

Another BIG thing in creating safe haven is feeding our souls!

I believe that God's Words play important part in creating a safe haven.
Please plan to spend a minimum of 5 minutes each day to meditate/reflect on the Scriptures.

Fish, Fruits and Veggies...

I am not an advocate of buying organics for everything. This is a good list to start knowing which Dirty Dozen Plus fruits/veggies might contains pesticide and it is probably wise to buy organics for those. You can just buy whatever the freshest and cheapest for the Clean Fifteen ;)

Another big thing in my household is FISH.
I love steaming, baking, and making it into soup.
However, the mercury contamination is alarming. This is a good guide:

Is Wild Salmon worth it?

"You are what you eat" so let's be mindful of what enters our body

I plan to go over whether buying organic poultry is necessary on another post.... Stay tuned.

New website I LOVE!

Not a new website...just new to me.

Came across this website:
http://ecofriendlymamausa.com/product-reviews/greenwashers/

and I LOVE IT. It is full of  helpful information for me.

Yes, she viewed Norwex as one of the greenwashers..........and sadly, I have to admit that I agree with Eco Friendly Mama USA.

I LOVE Norwex's cloths, but not so much in their other products.
I demand more transparency on the ingredients.

Anyway, if you want to buy skin care products for your baby, look at her approved list :)

http://ecofriendlymamausa.com/product-reviews/safe-products/


Updated: 10/6/2015

I just received Poofy Organics catalog from Eco Friendly Mama USA! The catalog is like no other catalogs, The ingredients for each items are listed, also whether they are each USDA Organics certified or not! This is a biggie!
You can only trust a company as transparent as Poofy Organics for your babies' and your family need.

Not an extremist

If you see my previous posts, I include other products other than Norwex in my blog. I am not an extremist. I believe in Microfiber cloths, that's why I become a Norwex's consultant. I also support their mission statement of reducing chemicals use. But, my main reason in becoming Norwex consultant is to help others in creating safe havens- by whatever means. If for some reason Norwex's products are too expensive, I give other options.

In my opinion, Norwex is more expensive than other "probably similar" products out there. The biggest reason is because of ME (or the consultants) and also the warranty.
I view it as shopping in Nordstrom vs Macys. Both has clothes and whatever they sell - candles, bed sheet...etc. But the biggest difference is the service. As Norwex consultant, you can reach out to me with any products/ cleaning questions you have and I will try my best to answer. I will also be your mediator with the company in regards to warranty.

Norwex's enzyme products are great for environment and has much less harmful chemicals than the leading cleaning products out there. For me, I would check on EWG.org to see the safest products for my home. So, by trusting Norwex, it is also reducing my time researching and comparing on Ewg.org. I believe in the company after experiencing them.
Norwex's products are not listed in ewg.org due to proprietary formula for the ingredients- I heard that Norwex will be releasing their products information soon (*i am crossing my fingers on this*)

Anyway, another thing that I want to bring up in this post is regarding Dr. Annie's experiments. If you haven't checked her out, you should! https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Annies-Experiments-910076009016890/timeline/
She tested Norwex and basicly her experiments conclude that the silver in Norwex' cloths do not kill the bacteria. Some Norwex consultants misled people by saying that the silver "cleans/purify" Norwex's cloths, while actually what Norwex claims is that The microsilver in Norwex's cloth is solely designed to inhibit bacterial odor, mold and/or mildew growth within the product. So, basicly, Norwex's cloths will not stink as fast as your other cloths.
Some Norwex consultants would also say, "Dr. Annie did not do it correctly, etc etc," But, in my opinion, she proves that Norwex' cloths need good rinse/ deep clean after cleaning. I personally would not wipe raw chicken on the counter top then wipe my kid's high chair table with it!
Dr. Annie also proves that bacterias are everywhere and very resilient.
We need to do what we can to kill bacteria (good vs bad bacteria arguments in another blog sometimes in the future...)
Norwex helps cleaning the surface WELL. Let's leave it to that. Norwex's cloths are the best out there with fiber that has a maximum length of more than 10 million feet for more effective cleaning power.

With all of the above, I am not a Norwex extremist. If you find other comparable safe products and using it, please do. I am just an advocate for "please take a look at what you are using at home and commit yourself to creating safe haven for your family"
If you think that you need help in doing so, feel free to reach out to me. I value your trust in my time and commitment to create safe havens.

Are you using Dryer Sheets and Laundry Softeners?

Think Twice and Ditch them!

https://branchbasics.com/blog/2015/01/12-toxic-chemicals-in-dryer-sheets-fabric-softeners/

When we stopped using the dryer sheets, my husband said that our clothes are very static-y. So I research on the remedy! There are couple options via Norwex: The dryer balls or the wool (fluff and tumble) balls. We use the rubber ones and as I miss my clothes smelling lovely, I added lavender oils in a small towel and throw it in dryer to make my clothes smell nice. Oils can be added directly to the wool balls as well.

You can also get the wool balls for your dryer here: http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Sheep-Premium-Reusable-Softener/dp/B00GA9P5P0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1443590183&sr=8-3&keywords=wool+balls+dryer

I am all into creating SAFE HAVEN, not just selling Norwex. So, whatever it takes for you to ditch your laundry softeners and dryer sheets. Let me know ;)

Take out the Toxins

Please review your personal care products and your babies' along with your cleaning supply products. There are many harmful chemicals lurking around!

http://www.healthychild.org/chemicals-to-avoid-in-your-personal-care-products/

Clorox Wipes?

I used to love Clorox Wipes. The easiest way to clean, in my old mind opinion.

Have you take a good look at the Clorox wipes' instruction?
"For a true disinfected clean, you must make that wipe somehow keep the surface "visibly wet" for 4 minutes. Then, you must do a "potable rinse" (I had to google that: it means it has to be rinsed with drinkable water.) Sound like a lot of work and margin for error? Yeah, I thought so too. Want an easier, safer, more reliable solution for cleaning bacteria from surfaces? It's Norwex." -Adapted from Amanda Aebly DeSonia- Independent Norwex Sales Consultant facebook page.

Wet Wipes overflow the earth...

One of the reason why I switch to Norwex is WET WIPES ( and paper towel). I noticed that being overly protective to Tiara, I wipes her hands and her surrounding so often with wet wipes or paper towel. I can go through a roll of paper towel in just 3-4 days. I imagine of the WALL- E movie where Wall-E has to clean up all our trash!

Since I learn about Norwex, I have been using the body cloth to wipe Tiara's hands and enviro cloth for everything else. I am able to successfully significantly reduce my usage of paper towel and wet wipes. I also use baby body cloth and travel enviro for travelling.

Check this out for why you should avoid buying wet wipes (or overusing them!)
http://www.treehugger.com/health/why-you-should-avoid-buying-wet-wipes.html

Products and Services that I love and support

Once I dive into direct selling/MLM companies, I learnt that a lot of Christian moms are actually doing this. I love supporting fellow Christian moms and thinking of the coming Christmas gifting.
Here's few products that I personally use and love:

Young Living: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NovaLillieYLEO/
I highly recommend purchasing the starter kit as you start your Oils collection. I diffuse oils for health and nice aroma home


DoTERRA: Www.imcaptaineo.com

I sometimes buy individual Doterra oils other than YL oils. If you decide to just purchase individual item, I am quite sure Doterra's diffuser is cheaper than YL and I think they work the same way. 


Noonday Collections: http://www.mackenzieellis.noondaycollection.com/
 I love how Noonday  creates a flourishing world where children are cherished, people have jobs, women are empowered, Most of the jewelries are made from third-world countries. 
Below is my baby with one of their versatile bracelet-necklace piece.

Mary& Martha: I love their home products that incorporates Scriptures in them http://www.mymaryandmartha.com/13337/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E31920&from=DIRECTLINK

Another services/products I adore that are not direct sales:

PreciousBlissBoutiq: handmade super cute tutus and headbands for your lil ones https://www.etsy.com/shop/PreciousBlissBoutiq

Oh Joy! Photography: Joy is my super creative and talented friend! Anything she touches becomes magical ;)
https://www.facebook.com/OhJoybabygraphy

Giggles 'n Glow Photography: My cousin's artistic photography skills in display

Norwex Journey

Personally, I have never thought that I will be joining a direct sales/MLM program....
I am not a sales person. I do not want to lose friends from being too sales-y or I just plainly feel awkward.

However, I give Norwex a try. Why? Well, why not?
I truly love the microfiber cloths. I could have just bought Norwex and so be it. But, after learning more about Norwex, I really want to help my other fellow moms in cleaning with less time and less harmful chemicals.

I am not used to cleaning my home. I do the minimum to keep my house presentable. Usually my mom will come yearly to help me "deep" clean the house. But since I can no longer rely on my mom, I have to find ways to clean my home myself.

I become a Norwex Consultant so that I can learn to clean. Cleaning effectively and efficiently without harmful chemicals. Norwex Consultants group on Facebook offers me great tips and support on cleaning.
Also as I joined Norwex, I feel that the company is generous with its consultants. We received many incentives gifts once we signed up and hit certain sales goals.

I just had my first downline recruit last month, Henny. I went to her home and demo-ed Norwex products. She was sold.

I love how Norwex products sell themselves and I get to help creating safe havens.
One house at a time.

With this blog, I will continue to give my honest opinion on Norwex products that I tried- which one has been great and which one has not. Also, I will cover other options of cleaning and personal care products.

TheresiaSong.Norwex.Biz