When you completed your bathroom ablutions today, did you use deodorant? Toothpaste? Mouthwash? Did your routine involve soap? Body wash?  Facial wipes? Shaving cream?  Perhaps your baby or grandchild was nearby, comfortably Zen with a teething ring? Toxic invisible Triclosan may have been in any one or all of these products. Triclosan, the super anti-bacterial whitish crystalline powder is often added to skin care. It is a synthetic chemical, first introduced in the 70’s for hospital use to keep medical instruments sterile. But then its use spread. Triclosan itself can weaken our immune…

Holiday Season is the perfect time to freshen up the pooch. Now we that are all on board with natural shampoos... Well, most of us hopefully... We can begin to get our dogs chemical free as well! Shampoo Bars are the best way to clean your dogs coat without the mess and toxicity of liquid shampoos. See our article on Zero Waste Shampoo Instructions: 1. Wet dog thoroughly using warm water. 2. Rub the bar directly on your wet dog's coat. 3. Massage into a foamy lather, avoiding the eyes. 4. And Rinse! 5. We also recommend the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair rinse to wash away odour, residue and let's…

Frankincense, (aka olibanum) an aromatic resin retrieved from the boswellia trees in India, has been highly revered since ancient times as a sacred medicine. As an incense, it was burned to ward off negative energy in temples, churches and used for sacred rituals. Modern research is discovering its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties to be beneficial in treating serious illnesses, including cancer! No wonder it has been called 'The Father of All Essential Oils'.  Although our ORGANIC FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL is of a pure therapeutic quality, we offer suggestions here for…

As we all try and do our part in reducing waste, we simultaneously begin to look at how consumption is affecting our health. We become aware of what we eat, use and eliminate down the drain and into our garbage and recycle bins. Our skin improves with the decrease in chemicals and our environment throws their branches up in a cheer for a cleaner world. Since we started making shampoo bars, (basic, esp, regular) many years ago, you have given us wonderful feedback on how they lather, how they make our hair clean and fresh and how your scalp is happier and healthier. The pesky eczema on your…

It was 8 years ago that I reviewed “Lipstick’s lethal lead’. I think it’s time to check it out again. Back then I wrote We eat while wearing lipstickWe drink while wearing lipstickWe kiss while wearing lipstick.We spread the lead around. The average American woman, inadvertently, can eat 4 pounds of her lipstick in her lifetime. No exposure is without harm. But this is not new news. Back in 2003 lead in lipstick made the headlines. Many of you were exposed and specific brands targeted for the lead contaminants in the lipsticks.In 2009 the FDA scientists (PCPC) claimed that there are no toxic…

"The-New-Second-Hand-Smoke" The information on the toxic effects of chemical fragrances is exploding in the health industry. "The-New-Second-Hand-Smoke" is what people are now calling perfumes and colognes. The fumes linger for hours and are not only hazardous to the users, but bystanders as well. Ever notice the increase of signs in public waiting places, "No Scents Please"? This is because inhaling these invisible petrochemicals, containing hormone-disrupting phthalates, can cause a slew of damage to our nervous systems. Here are a few... Respiratory: allergic and non-allergic asthma,…

If you're anything like me, packing for a trip requires making lists, strategic planning, packing and unpacking and re-packing a few (million) times. I always end up either bringing too much or not enough. It's difficult to know what you will need while travelling and what you can do without. In the end, I have decided it's better to have more than enough than finding yourself sans shampoo or an extra pair of clean undies... but bringing too much stuff just means lugging around a huge bag which is also a nuisance. I have yet to perfect my wardrobe choice, but my cosmetic case is light and…

Mineral Oil Definition: Noun: a distillation product of petroleum, especially one used as a lubricant, moisturizer, or laxative. The Debate: Is mineral oil safe for the skin? Finding the answer can be confusing. Some say yes. Some say no. We do our research and...  We say NO. Mineral oil is petroleum based and offers no nutritious benefits to the skin.  It might be ‘considered’ safe but that is not a solid reason to use it. What does ‘safe' truly mean and who decides? If the skin is a living organ it should be well fed... Petroleum is not a good food for the skin. Back in 2003, Paula Begoun…