More Sunscreen Tips and Commentary From SustainLane

By now, you probably have heard about the findings from a recent study from the Environmental Working Group about sunscreens.  Many of the major brands tested by the EWP in 2010 Sunscreen Guide,  failed to make the grade.  These findings inspired a post from us last month: Is Your Sunscreen Providing Enough Protection? - and inspired me to pay better attention to my own personal summer skin care for myself and family.

SustainLane, a wonderful source of eco and health news & commentary, came out with their own recommendations and tips as a result of this study.  Though the 2010 summer season is coming to a close; we felt like this information was relevant and important enough to pass on to our readers and friends.  Here are some guidelines to choosing safe sunscreens from the article Is Your Suncreen Safe :

1. Don’t rely on SPF ratings. As we said, SPF only accounts for UVB-ray protection, which means the higher the number the more likely it is that you’re being misled about the protection. Part of the reason the EWG slagged this crop of sunscreens is because many are making claims of SPF 50 and over. In fact, some are promising SPF as high as 100 this season. (Insert eye roll here.)

2. Avoid chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb the rays so you don’t have to, and then they sneak into your body and mess around with your hormones. Oxybenzone, a hormone-disruptor found in 97 percent of Americans according to the CDC, is one widely used active to avoid—and if you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for the planet: Every year, 4,000 to 6,000 tons of chemical sunscreen comes off our bodies (and into the ocean), destroying the coral reef in the process.

3. Zinc is your new best friend. This is the cleanest and most effective active ingredient you can find in a sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection—that means from both UVA and UVB rays—while posing absolutely no health threat. And fear not: Advances in technology mean the zinc on the market is nothing like the stuff you used to see striping your lifeguard’s nose.

4. Titanium dioxide is your new second-best friend. As an ingredient, it’s not as clean as zinc—you won’t find it in your multivitamin since it’s dangerous when ingested or inhaled—but it offers the same meaningful protection and isn’t absorbed through skin. All of the 39 EWG top-rated sunscreens featured zinc and/or titanium.

5. Beware of nanoparticles. Used in some sunscreens to make titanium dioxide appear less white on the skin, nanoparticles are a hot-button issue right now. By making them that small, there is evidence that the particles can then migrate to body tissue, where they may wreak all kinds of havoc. In Europe, companies using nanos have to say so; not so over here, though.

6. Avoid vitamin A in sunscreen like the plague. While animal studies never represent conclusive evidence for humans, when other mammals are getting cancer faster—as was shown in the FDA’s study of vitamin A and sun exposure—it’s a good idea to avoid the suspected culprit. It’s packed into a lot of anti-agers and sunscreens, and should be avoided at all costs.

7. Be wary of the other ingredients in there. Fragrance (which contain phthalates), chemical preservatives like parabens (which may or may not mess with hormones), and a host of other questionable things are found in most mainstream sun products. We’ll cover these in more depth in future columns and in our book, but in the meantime, remember that the fewer ingredients the better.

8. Don’t count on sunscreen alone. Even if you’re using the good stuff, most of us tend not to apply enough, or reapply it like we should. The false sense of security offered by sunscreen is thought to be one of its biggest threats. Which takes us to…

9. Protect your head. The EWG and any doctor with a brain will tell you as much. Hats, protective clothing and shade are still your best bet when it comes to avoiding sun exposure. But…

10. Get a little unprotected exposure. While it goes against everything we’ve been taught, some doctors are recommending we get limited exposure to the sun without any sunscreen to ensure healthy vitamin D levels. If you don’t want to risk it—and we don’t blame you if you don’t—make sure to get your D in other ways, through diet and supplements.

This is the second installment in a series inspired by No More Dirty Looks: The Truth About Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics, a forthcoming book by GOOD’s features editor Siobhan O’Connor and her co-author Alexandra Spunt.

Featured Non-Profit: Alliance For International Reforestation (AIR)

When you make a purchase at Organic Bug, know you are using your power as a consumer to affect positive change in the overall environment and social climate.  Organic Bug works with 1% for the Planet to give back to non-profits that share its belief that industry and ecology are inherently connected.

One such organization on the list of affiliated non-profits at 1% for the Planet is AIR: Alliance For International Reforestation. For the past 3 years Organic Bug has chosen AIR as one of its most treasured recipients, pledging a portion of 1% of gross sales to support the programs initiated and maintained by this outstanding non-profit.

From AIR’s Webpage: The Alliance for International Reforestation, Inc. or AIR, is a non-profit organization working to make a difference for the people of Guatemala and Nicaragua. AIR plants trees, establishes tree nurseries, provides environmental education for teachers and farmers, digs wells, builds fuel-efficient brick ovens, and helps to educate everyone about the environmental challenges facing Central America.

AIR was founded in 1992 and is maintained by its Founder & Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr. Anne M. Hallum. Professor Hallum has worked at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida since 1987 and teaches in the Department of Political Science.

Stetson is just 45 minutes from the Organic Bug office & warehouse and Organic Bug Co-Founder, Peggy English, has enjoyed meeting and corresponding with Dr. Hallum during the course of their ongoing partnership.

Peggy remains impressed with the fact that “at least 93% of all donations to AIR go directly to Guatemala supporting ongoing projects there~addressing the causes of rural hunger & deforestation.  I love that this organization addresses not only the symptoms, but works on solutions through education, planting of tree nurseries & teaching sustainable farming.”

AIR now has close to 300 community tree nurseries & over 1500 farmers have been trained in their own fields to use methods that will increase crop yields without using chemicals. The replanting of trees helps to prevent mudslides & erosion on the eerily deforested slopes that are sadly a part of the Guatemalan landscape.

Although AIR is a small non-profit, it has big goals and is at the top of our list to continue to support in the coming years.

DreamSacks® is Our Green Business Spotlight of the Month!

This is one of the hottest summers I can recall in years, and I have been loving the comfort and the light airy softness from the BambooDreams line of clothing we carry from DreamSacks®.    I decided it was about time we featured them on our blog!

Who is DreamSacks?
DreamSacks, Inc. was founded and is owned by Nancy and Larry Morgan who develop bedding, bath towels, robes & casual wear made from natural and sustainable sources including silk, bamboo, soy and cashmere. Their mission is to provide wonderfully nurturing natural products while consciously caring for people and our environment.

How Did they Begin?
DreamSacks, Inc. was realized when the Morgan family was living and working as professors at the Hwa Nan Women’s College in China. They loved to travel throughout China with young daughter Chelsea; but often Nancy had to use her sewing skills to stitch sheets together, making a kind of sleep sack for them to use….and DreamSacks was born.  Years later, the family relocated their business to Ashland, Oregon where they expanded their line to include clothing, bedding, towels and more.

What Makes Them So Unique?

Other than their outstanding quality and softness we find in all DreamSacks BambooDreams products; we love their Statement of Corporate Responsibility and feels that it rings true with our own ideals and mission:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Meade

We believe that businesses have the opportunity to lead the way towards a more conscious approach to practicing business. At DreamSacks, we are excited to participate in a more ecological and socially responsible business world.

The Morgan’s take this to heart in their daily businesses practices and operations:

• All vendors and factories are required to abide by the DreamSacks, Inc. Code of Conduct which prohibits child labor and provides guidelines for employees to be given safe working conditions with the use of fair labor practices.
• Employers are expected to work toward elimination of the use of toxic and hazardous substances from production processes.
• Their bamboo line, BambooDreams, is another example of their commitment to using resources that have a minimal environmental impact. The dyes used in all their products are AZO free making all of their products a sensible choice for those with chemical sensitivities.
• DreamSacks, Inc. supports conservation by reducing consumption in their day to day operations which includes paperless billing, reusing and recycling paper products, using solar harnessed lighting in work spaces and they even have a rechargeable electric truck for local transportation needs!
• They participate in the Go Green Renewable Energy program sponsored by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and many of their twelve employees walk, bike or drive hybrids to work.
• The company gives back to their community by participating in Coaching for Hope, organization that uses football (soccer) to empower vulnerable young people in the developing world.
• The company also continues to support the Hwa Nan Women’s College, where they began this journey so many years ago. This wonderful school provides advanced degrees to women in practical and technical skills that prepare Chinese women for rewarding careers.

Organic Soap Made Easy by Vermont Soap Organics

Ever wonder how organic soap is made?  Check out this video from Vermont Soap Organics that features each step of their soap making process!

We are proud to carry soaps, pet shampoos and household cleaners from Vermont Soap Organics because they are all USDA Approved and Certified Organic.  That means each product component is derived from plant-based renewable resources, farmed and processed without chemicals in a sustainable, fair-trade manner.

Larry Plesent, founder of Vermont Soap Organics, was inspired by the “capitalism with a conscience” philosophy other Vermont businesses had adopted (Think: Ben and Jerry’s, Earth’s Best Baby Food, Gardener’s Supply, Seventh Generation, and Stonybrook Farms).

His mission is to provide consumers with an ever-expanding line of affordable high quality products while conducting business in an environmentally aware manner, serving as an example of how corporations can and should be a tool for positive social change.

What Does it Mean to be a Woman of Green? Check Out the Organic Bug Spotlight of the Month

When Mind Over Markets co-founder Carolyn Parrs spoke at Green America’s Green Festival in San Francisco; she asked a group of women “What does it mean to be a woman of green?”

She shares the answers on her site: Women of Green; a podcast and online community designed to give women a voice on behalf of our planet and future generations:

It means to be a woman who is willing to stand up and to speak out behalf of the earth and the people of the earth against so many of the thoughtless wrongs that are being perpetuated.

It means you are conscious about what you are doing.

It means changing habits a little at a time.

A woman a green is a woman who is connected to her heart and to her womb.

It means to be empowering and empowered and to be able to speak your voice about the things that are important to you.

It means to motivate people and inspire them to make a difference.

Carolyn’s vision has led to a wonderful online resource for business owners, entrepreneurs, parents, teachers, writers, activists- ANYONE who wants to help make a positive change for our environment. 

Women of Green is our “Organic Bug Spotlight” of the month and I encourage you to tune in so we can, as Carolyn says, “Turn Up the Volume” and add to the conversation!

Healing Benefits of Negative Ion Therapy in Salt Crystal Lamps

Negative ion therapy is believed to improve health and help relieve respiratory ailments such as allergies and asthma. It uses naturally occurring negative ions to rid the body and the air of toxins that can lead to health problems. The treatment is often received by Salt Lamps containing salt crystals, nature’s natural ionizer.

How Do Salt Lamps Work? Crystal salt is one of the few minerals whose atomic structure is bound electrically rather than molecularly. This unique characteristic enables the crystal to change back and forth from crystalline to liquid. These ancient bio-energetic crystals are hand excavated into various sizes and drilled inside to accommodate a light source.

The  lamps are lit by a small, energy efficient bulb of 15 watts or less. The gentle heat of the bulb in the salt crystal creates a higher surface temperature than the surrounding air. The humidity in the air is attracted to the warmer crystal surface causing condensation on the crystal surface of the lamp, enabling the electrically bound sodium chloride mineral to split into independent (positive) sodium and (negative) chloride ions.

The atomic structure of crystal salt contains more negative chloride ions than positive sodium ions resulting in the emission of negative ions during the natural ionization process. These negative ions become dust collectors, attaching themselves to positively charged particles, purifying the air from dust, smoke, bacteria and other pollutants.

This natural ionization creates an electric charge. Each time the water molecules evaporate the sodium and chloride ions turn back into their crystalline mineral form. The same process occurs when the sun heats up the oceans on a much larger scale. This natural ionization process takes place over & over millions of times without influencing the quality of the crystal similar to the process where tree leaves absorb dangerous dioxides and transform them into essential oxygen without damaging the plant.

So, aside from being a beautiful light source, the lamps are natural air purifiers that may significantly help people with various health conditions including allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. Lamps can be used safely in any room in your home and office and should be left on as much as possible when people are present.

To learn more, watch this video that explains how the lamps work from Solay Wellness.

Is Your Sunscreen Providing Enough Protection?

Are You REALLY Protecting Your Skin?

A recent study from the Environmental Working Group caught my attention in a big way.   According the EWG, a nonprofit organization dedicated protecting public health and the environment with research and public information, many of the top sunscreens we depend on to protect our health may be causing us more harm than good in some cases.

How is this possible? In their comprehensive 2010 Sunscreen Guide the EWG researchers took issue with a surge in exaggerated SPF claims (above 50).  The group reports that the higher SPF claims gives us a false sense of security- so consumers are more prone to exposing their skin to the damaging rays without realizing the danger. There have also been new disclosures about potentially hazardous ingredients found in sunscreens.

So how do you protect your skin from the harmful UVA rays this summer?  First and foremost,  EWG  strongly urges the old fashioned approach when it comes to skin care:

Cover Up. Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays.  Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

Stay in the Shade. Picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella, take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade – they lack tanning pigments (melanin) to protect their skin.

Avoid the Sun during peak hours. If possible be outdoors in early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. UV radiation peaks at midday, when the sun is directly overhead.

In addition to the rules above (which we all know but do not always follow), become a savvy sunscreen sunscreen shopper.  The organization provides the following recommendations:

Avoid Sunscreens that Contain the Following  Ingredients:
Oxybenzone (linked to certain cancers)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) government data links vitamin A to accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions
Added insect repellent

Ingredients to Look For: Sunscreens that contain Zinc, Titanium dioxide, Avobenzone or Mexoryl SX

Use Sunscreens that provide Broad-spectrum protection and are “Water-resistant”  for beach, pool & exercise

Use SPF 30+ for beach & pool

Download their EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Safer Sunscreens for more tips!

Our Favorite Natural Summer Essentials for The Whole Family

Having a naturally safe and healthy summer is very important to us,  so we have researched and tested  products to provide you with the best shopping choices for your family and your home.   Here are some of our favorite summertime products to ensure your summer is natural, safe and healthy. Be safe and enjoy your summer!

#1 Summer Must Have: Sun Protection Products from Shady Day

Shady Day Wipes is one of our all time favorites among our customers.  They have been featured on Oprah’s “Love it” List and Parents Magazine have called Shady Day their favorite sunscreen for the summer.

This product was created by 2 moms who wanted to provide a product that combine mess free application solutions, with all natural, high quality ingredients.  We encourage you to check out their entire line of products but the award winning Daily Sun Protection Wipes are a customer favorite!

#2 Summer Must Have: Herbal Bug Balm

This bug repellent is a must have for parents concerned about using synthetic chemical compounds on their children’s skin. Created by For My Kids, this Herbal Bug Balm is a safe natural alternative to chemical bug repellents for kids and the whole family!

The Herbal Bug Balm uses pure organic catnip essential oil to keep bugs at bay. AND it is chemical free! Ingredients: organic coconut oil, organic soybean oil, candelilla wax, lemongrass oil, organic tamanu oil, Vitamin E oil, organic lemon balm, organic rosemary, organic geranium oil, organic catnip oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil.

#3 Summer Must Have: Piggy Paint “Flower Power” Kid-Friendly Nail Polish Gift Set

Piggy Paint is a customer favorite for a reason. Girls of all ages can have fun decorating their fingers and toes with these vibrant, natural & non toxic polishes.   It’s as natural as mud in the sense that every ingredient is biodegradable with no residues left behind to harm the environment.  This product was also created by a Mom so she could provide safe, non-toxic pedicures for her young daughter’s “piggies”.    And make sure you check out the Piggy Paint “Little Miss Firecracker” Kid-Friendly Nail Polish Gift Set for the 4th!

#4 Summer Must Have: Green Toys Recycled Indoor Gardening Kit

This 9-Piece Indoor Gardening Kit is a great way to introduce your young ones to gardening and growing their own food. Everything you need is included, and of course, it is 100 % recycled.  Green Toys’ line of classic toys uses recycled plastic milk containers to make safe, eco-friendly children’s toys that do not contain phthalates or Bispenol-A (BPA), and meet FDA food contact standards.

#5 Summer Must Have: Klean Kanteen 12oz Brushed Stainless Classic Bottle + Kid Kanteen Sippy

This is a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles-  perfect to take along  for the pool, summer vacations and camp. Klean Kanteen products help to keep your kids well hydrated while on-the-go.  The  12oz Kid Kanteen Sippy is designed like a basic bottle, add an adapter cap and Avent non-spill, easy-sip spout.  All bottles and caps are BPA-free .

Run! Run! Run! June 2 is National Running Day!

The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step- Lao-tzu

An entire day has devoted to bringing awareness to the numerous benefits of running.  Who knew? National Running Day is an initiative to nationally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise.

I have personally benefited from running since I have begun training for a half marathon through an amazing program: Team in Training that benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Whether it’s five minutes, 15 minutes, or 45 minutes, every little bit of time spent running makes a difference in the goal to live healthy, happy, and heart strong.

You can participate in National Running Day anywhere—you don’t have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part. At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run, and invite a friend to join you.  Join us for National Running Day on Wednesday, June 2, as we come together as a nation to take strides toward leading healthier, fitter lives.

Pangea Organics Facial Mask Featured on Vanity Fair’s Beauty Blog!

Another member of the Organic Bug family has been recognized for outstanding quality and commitment to bringing consumers more sustainable options.  In the past, Pangea Organics Facial Mask has been featured and honored on numerous occasions such as:

• 2009 Better Nutrition Best of Beauty Award for Best Skin Care
• 2007 H20 Fitness & Wellness for Women H20 Beauty Awards for Best Overall Mask
• 2007 ShapeYou Gear Awards for Great Gear of the Year Award
• 2007 Natural Health Natural Beauty Award for Face Care in the Face Mask Category
• 2007 Best of Show Awards, Natural Products Expo West 2007 for Best New Vegetarian Product
• 2007 New Products Showcase Award, Natural Products Expo East for Best New Product for 2007

Now they can add  the Vanity Fair Favorite Green Pick in May 2010 to this list!    This month, Pangea Facial Mask with Japanese Matcha Green Tea, Acai & Goji Berry made the list of favorite green beauty picks on the very popular Vanity Fair Beauty Blog:

“During the month of May, [Vanity Fair] Beauty brings you our favorite green picks that will keep you pampered from head to toe…..Once a week, we detoxify, cleanse, and exfoliate our skin with Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask. Acai helps skin to regenerate, goji berry helps with anti-aging, and matcha tea helps to prevent damage from free radicals.”

The products are handmade in the USA without synthetic preservatives, petrochemicals or parabens.  All Pangea Organics products arrive packaged in molded fiber boxes manufactured using a Zero-Waste process with 100% post-consumer recycled paper and organic seeds like amaranth and sweet basil. Slip off the label and soak the box in water for a minute and plant it approximately 1” deep in soil. Then watch your garden grow!

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