Cleaner Living: No More Face Products!

Dec 20, 2011 by

So after taking a look at my hair care routine I decided to look at other ways I was using products with unnecessary and harmful chemicals.  Next up was my face!

I never had blemishes until I was 21.  I have a pretty classic “T-zone” which means I get most of my oil and breakouts on my forehead and chin and around my nose, and I have somewhat large pores that clog easily.  I also have some dark spots from old blemish scars that I wanted to lighten.  For a while I was using whatever was cheapest for face wash, but recently had switched to Olay Regenerist products since it was anti- aging (you know, ‘cuz at 31 I’m “old”).

The Olay products I was using helped with my breakouts, but left my skin slightly sensitive.  During my purging of chemicals I researched my products on the EWG Skin Deep database and was HORRIFIED!  Here is what I was using and the hazard level they were given:  Read more...

Cleaner Living: I banished my shampoo

Nov 22, 2011 by

Welcome to the first Cleaner Living Column!

Most people who want to reduce their chemical use, may start with something innocuous like kitchen cleaner, something that no one will really see or care about if it goes wrong or doesn’t work.

NOT ME!

I picked my hair!

For background, I currently have shoulder length, auburn/brown hair.   I have colored my hair since my best friend and I smuggled some Sun-In into my moms bathroom when we were 17, so i really can’t remember my true natural color.  It is somewhat wavy/curly when I don’t blow dry it, and has a fair amount of natural body.  I have never really had any shampoo brand loyalty, having to switch quite often when my hair became “immune” to one kind or another.   I get it trimmed about every 8 weeks unless I get the urge to cut it all off.  Read more...

Cleaner Living Column

Nov 22, 2011 by

I wanted to start a column talking about ways we can live cleaner.  Not just for the environment, but how to reduce the abuse on our bodies and the bodies we love by limiting the chemicals we subject them to.

Growing up, I never really gave any thought to the products I used or exposed myself to.  I mean, if they can be sold in stores they must be ok for you, right?

Wrong.

As a consumer advocate, Hubby has been warning me for the last 10 years about the perils that surround us in bottles, sprays, cleaners, etc.   We know that companies who manufacture and market their products to us do not have our best interests at heart.  Most if them think with their bottom line- our health is collateral damage in the quest for higher profits.  Read more...