Not only was I interested in safer ingredients, but I also wanted the products I use to be cruelty free, fair trade, and from a company giving back to the environment or otherwise doing their part to ensure the future of our planet and its ecosystems.
After months of research and scouring the EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database to find the best products that were as close to food grade quality as possible, smelled good, and actually did a good job cleaning, I present to you my list of favorites:
Miessence Garnet Exfoliant (normal skin) - the best scrub with a wonderful texture that doesn't feel too much like sand paper and delicious citrus scent
Tahitian Breeze Roll On Deoderant - Great scent and the only "safe" deoderant that doesn't leave me stinky on hot sweaty days or after a workout, but bear in mind, it will not keep you dry which is a good thing because you are supposed to sweat, it is your body's way of releasing toxins and cooling off
Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castille Magic Soaps - Peppermint and Sweet Almond, and looking forward to trying new Citrus. This stuff is so concentrated, I dilute it with lots of water so it lasts forever even for a family of 6...just don't use the peppermint in areas that are sensitive to the tingling mint sensation. I use it as a body wash, laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo (follow with the Citrus Skakai Hair Rinse and Peppermint Hair Creme). I also fill my foaming hand soap pumps with water and a few squirts of Dr. Bronner's for a great smelling, cheap, and non toxic hand cleanser.
Aubry Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner - I love the scent of this stuff and the conditioner is amazing on my frizzy, dry locks! Its pretty thick, so it helps to add a touch of water to make it a bit easier to get out of the bottle.
Aubrey Organics Ultimate Moist Unscented Hand & Body Lotion - Thick, super moisturizing (I occasionally add a bit of almond oil to thin it out) and no icky scent.
Jaffa Lip Balm - my favorite lip balm because it actually works and has a great citrus, vanilla scent/taste
Ecover Dishwasher Tablets - combined with Wave Jet (below), is a terrific non toxic choice. I tried Seventh Generation but had a lot of murky film and food pieces left, but after 2 months of using Ecover, I am super pleased with my squeaky clean dishes.
Earth Friendly Products, Wave Jet Rinse Aid - Auto Dishwasing Spot and Residue Eliminator, this stuff works beautifully with the Ecover tablets to leave my dishes clean, streak free, and food free. I will soon be testing it in conjunction with Seventh Generation dish powder to see if it improves the film and food particles I was experiencing.
BioPure Probiotic Household Cleaner Concentrate - I love using this to clean my hardwood floors. It uses probiotic bacteria, antioxidants, and enzymes to break down grease, grime and dirt while neutralizing odors with a wonderful light vanilla scent.
BioKleen Bac-Out - contains live enzyme-producing cultures and lime peel extract that clean tough stains and odors while leaving the wonderful non toxic aroma of fresh limes...great on carpets, in bathrooms, and my top choice for use on cloth diapers with #2
Charlies Soap - Love this stuff! I was a Tide and Bounce addict until I converted to this miracle laundry soap. One tiny scoop seriously cleans an entire load of laundry and leaves it fluffly and smelling clean without harsh additives or fabric softeners. I highly recommend the big bucket...you won't have to buy more for at least a year and you can reuse the bucket for mopping, car washing, or storing toys.Runners up:
Dr. Bronner's Hair Rinse and Conditioning Cream - while I love the scent of the Citurs rinse and Peppermint cream (haven't yet tried the Lavender) it can tend to leave a slight greasy like residue.
Bumble & Bumble Defrizz - the safest rated defrizzing shine goop I have found and a little goes a long way
My favorite places to order these products:
http://paigeye.mionegroup.com/
http://www.iherb.com/ coupon code: SAG078 for $5 off (October $1.99 priority mail shipping fee, always FREE shipping for orders over $60)
http://www.drugstore.com/
** Stay tuned for the next edition with my favorite products for kids **
Merna June Ofield, aged 89, joined her beloved husband of 65 years, Oliver "Barney" Ofield, in Heaven on April 29, 2008. She was a lifelong member and past director of Christian Education at First Park Congregational Church. She was also involved with Muir Ten and the Tapestry Group at church. She took great joy in preserving vintage clothes and did many fashion shows with Pages from the Past. She was a needlework artist and a leader of The Campfire Girls for 12 years. The Garden Club, PEO, EGA, and Potluck were just some of her many interests. We'll always remember the good old days on Silver Lake. She enjoyed cooking, walking around the lake and being outdoors. She loved all animals but was especially fond of dogs. Most of all, she loved her family. Merna lived her life with patience, love, loyalty, honesty and generosity. Her family would like to send a heart-felt thank you to the staff at Clark Retirement Community for taking such wonderful care of mom. She was preceded in death by her brother, William Metcalf and sister, Margaret Pickens. She is survived by her children, Sandy and John Henbest and Larry and Mary Ofield; grandchildren, Lance (Kelly) Gilmore, Paige (John) Kirkman, Meghan Allen, Kim (Mark) Zeitter, Jay (Rachel) Ofield, Tim Ofield and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Clark Retirement Community, 1551 Franklin S.E. Interment Oakhill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Park Congregational Church. Her family will receive friends and relatives Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ofield Funeral Home. Ofield Funeral Home
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