The No ‘Poo Method Update!

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Hey guys & gals!

I promised you an update on this crazy no ‘poo journey of  mine… and so far it’s been 3 months without using any shampoo. Wow! I seriously can’t believe it. Honestly, nothing feels better than being liberated of having to spend the crazy amount of cashola on a bottle of shampoo goo!

I’ve been playing with the conditioning part of the recipe by allowing fresh herbs and essential oils I have on hand. So far I’ve done peppermint, mint and rosemary. In fact, I just made the rosemary version last night and haven’t cracked the jar open yet. I’m excited. I’ll give it a few more days to infuse. So far the peppermint wins over the mint… and I love mint! Mint alone isn’t strong enough for apple cider vinegar (ACV).

The no ‘poo method doesn’t mean you have to be a dirty hippie type just because you aren’t producing any suds upon washing. I still “wash” my hair. I still work the no ‘poo solutions into my my scalp  as I would with “normal” shampoo. I’m not shy about letting my hair go a few days before washing it out with baking soda and vinegar just to experiment and see what state my hair is in. So far, nothing funky has occurred.  Phew! My hair and face have always been a bit on the oily side so it’s hard to say whether the no ‘poo has really affected the oily factor.

When I say oily… I don’t mean greasy or matty (my hair is really fine). It just has a bit more shine to it.  When I run my fingers through my hair it actually feels great. Going a few days without any routine either shampoo or no ‘poo it usually proves I do need to cleanse my hair unless I plan to dread it….which has actually crossed my mind.

In all actuality, most of my life I grew up with short hair. Just after I gave birth to the eco tot I chopped it off. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for some change and have thought about hacking it off again.

But, I digress.

I still feel like I’m in the “transition” period. It’s only been 3 months… so maybe some of the oily business will let up… OR NOT! Either way, I’m on this journey for good!

The Routine

When I first started (original post here), I would fill up my pint mason glass with the baking soda and do the same with the ACV in a reused peri bottle. It was a bit of a time killer at first but now it’s part of the routine as with anything else when first learned. I’m still working on figuring out a way of having pre-made solutions without spoiling. I’m waiting on an agave nectar bottle for the baking soda rinse to switch out having glass in the tub. Then I will  have two squeezie tops which makes applying both solutions much easier.

A few months back, I cleaned out our cupboards and saved two Malt O Meal boxes for reuse. I remembered them last week and immediately filled up an empty box with baking soda for the ‘pooing part. Prior to the Malt O Meal box, I was scooping out the baking soda from a plastic bag… gross! At least this way the baking soda is contained and makes for easy storage and pouring ability.

Next, I take the ACV infusion and dump some of it into the peri bottle with water. I like adding in peppermint essential oil too. BUT, not too much or your head will tingle. ALL. DAY. lol! I learned this the hard way. One or two drops is plenty. Believe. I’ll let you know how it goes with the rosemary infusion. I’m hoping it’s heavenly… I think I may just do a rosemary mint combo too!

All in all, a few extra steps hasn’t made this a make or break deal. I still feel like I’m still in the “transition” period. It’s only been THREE months…so maybe some of the oily business will let up at six. OR NOT!

Either way, I’m on this journey for good.

How about you?

Do you no ‘poo?

Exit for Non Toxic Highway, On Back!

Photo credit: Jeff Keen via flickr

Yesterday, I didn’t have the time to elaborate in yesterday’s post… but the message in A Wake Up Story really hits home, doesn’t it? Just last week, I was feeling discouraged about all the toxic chemicals us moms have to worry about. A friend and I were talking about toxic chemicals (more of a rant) and I was giving her a toxic 411 lesson on all the yucky chemicals. Both she and I have tried to eliminate product containing harmful chemicals but every time we turn around; we learn about another pesky and toxic chemical to lookout for. I’m so sick of having to flipping items around to look for harmful ingredients. These companies are poisoning us AND as long as we continue to support them with our hard earned cash they won’t stop!

It’s not an easy task (nor easy being green, for that matter!) but avoiding products that don’t contain nasty chemicals is important for the sake of our lives and the planet.

The simplest item such as toothpaste can contain numerous chemicals that are known to cause cancer (found this out the other night when trying to make a decision on which one to buy; basically, it was which one is least harmful). Does this mean I need to start making my own toothpaste too? In my opinion, hell yes it does! Plus, Tom’s of Maine isn’t cheap and it STILL has propylene glycol in it! ARGH! An organic version (Jason Organics) is $8 bucks and I’m not going to spend a pretty penny on toothpaste, thank you very much (or any other overpriced “natural” product). Not right now, anyway.

Everything and it seems like everything sold in stores is bad for you. It’s impossible to avoid all of it the chemicals whether in our homes, outside, or at the movies!  What we can do as consumers and as FRIENDS is make a difference.

Tell all your friends as the Healthy Child Healthy World video implies and help spread the word! Secondly, stop buying the product and try to find an alternative. Finally, start writing to the companies and DEMAND change. This could seriously devote ones time since there are so many companies out there who are polluting the planet and our bodies (toxins + plastic). As a consumer we need to start standing up for what’s right- not wrong!  The FDA (Food and Drug Adminstration) does not require premarket health or safety studies or testing on products that hit store shelves which means were the guinea pigs who suffer!

What To Look For

(derived from better nutrition magazine)

Phthalates: found in synthetic fragrances, are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity. If it contains the word FRAGRANCE- stay away!

Propylene glycol: found in tortillas, lotions & potions, deodorant, many snack foods, etc., is linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, and skin and eye irritation.  Also listed as 1,2-dihydroxypropane; 2-hydroxypropanol; methylethyl glycol; 1,2-propanediol; or propane- ,2-diol.

Parabens: used as preservatives in a wide variety of body care products. Also linked to cancer and developmental and reproductive damage. AKA 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, p-salicyclic acid or zoic acid.

Mineral Oil: Petroleum based, linked to cancer and can be listed as paraffin.

Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate: used as a foaming or sudsing agent – found in bubble baths and body washes, shampoos and hand washes. It can cause organ toxicity and irritation of the skin, eyes and hair. May be listed as PEG 1-4 or lauryl ether sulfate, sodium slat, polyethylene glycol (1-4)

Oxybenzone: widely used in sunscreens and other skin care products with SPF protection, is linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive damage and cell damage. AKA benzophenone-3, 2-benzoyl-5-methoxyphenol, phenylmethanone and other names.

Familiarizing yourself with these chemicals is your exit sign for the non toxic highway!

Resources

Healthy Child Healthy World

Enviroblog

MomsRising

I’m always checking out these helpful sites for the latest information! I know I’ve mentioned it before but if you’re curious to know what’s in your products be sure to check out the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database. Be sure to also check out their chemical index!

Beware!

Just because a product advertises “all natural” or “organic” doesn’t always mean that it’s non toxic! Reading labels is a huge preventive measure when it comes to buying products that may contain harmful ingredients.

Have you recently switched out a product because it contained unsafe chemicals?

Please, share your thoughts!

Is Your Purse Toxic?

Happy Friday!!

Yes, that’s my purse above and yes, is your purse toxic?

Your favorite accessory may be toxic and should know why!

In about a minute’s time, my friend Jennifer Taggart, The Smart Mama, will tell you what to watch out for.

I couldn’t get the video to come up but you can view here!

Jennifer recently wrote the book Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure.

In her book she provides great tips and tricks to help kick those pesky toxins to the curb & live easily without them!

Her website is also filled with tons of information on her latest investigations concerning toxic products on the market and the 411 on toxic chemicals.

So, back to the question, is your purse toxic?

(In case you were wondering, my purse is made from hemp and the other two accessories are made of cotton.) 

P.S. Thank you, Lisa for tipping me off about this !

Homemade Underarm Goodness

I highly recommend making your own deodorant- it will be gratifying.

It has been a goal of mine to stop buying mainstream deodorants for AWHILE now. In case you didn’t know, deodorant’s on the market today are known to be harmful and cause certain cancers due to the toxic ingredients being used to make them.  (Ugh!)

After learning about chemical exposure from deodorants (what isn’t toxic anymore) I turned to natural alternatives such as, Tom’s of Maine, Alba, Miessence etc. I’ve pretty much tried them all but those name brands are just a few that kept creeping back onto my dresser.

Eventually, I found that Miessence worked the best and had ZERO toxic exposure. It’s my favorite alternative, for sure. My least favorite part though is having to order it and pay extra for shipping.

Granted, the product is outstanding but my pocketbook is not! I have yet to find any place in my town to carry the Miessence line (but even then $$). I thought what would my grandparents have done?

Read more

Eco Link Love Edition: # 1

The other day I shared my favorite raw foodie sites- well, since then I’ve found even more, I really enjoy- lol!! The bloggy world is amazing. You can learn so much all in one day!

Today, I’m going to keep this short because they’re isn’t much time in my day right now to blog! Baby C has been restless and I can’t seem to keep up with everything. Which means, I’m not superwoman- after all- shh!!!! Don’t tell anyone- LOL! Honestly, though, it feels like some days I have to be Super Woman in order to keep some sanity– but that’s just me.

My husband has been working night and day since the start of the summer. He goes to work for the company and then he comes home and works on the rental house my parents own. He’s doing a complete re-model to it. It’s a lot of physical work and TIME. Besides working day and night- he’s been working the weekends pretty much all year long. Before the rental- there was a side job- and before this turns into a rant- I’m going to stop! You get the drift. Things seems a bit crazy at times and I feel like pulling my hair out. ARGH!

Since my life is a bit hectic at the moment I hope you will allow me to spare you some juicy eco details and allow me to break up the monotony…

Here are some GREEN blogs I regularly visit- in no specific order…

Read more

the {upcycled & recycled} & a chuckle!

This week’s Friday Feature of the

{upcycled and recycled} IS…

Maple Shade Kids “eco-friendly children’s room décor and art”

Maple Shade Kids uses sustainably harvested wood, rescued wood, colorful papers, non-toxic glues and sealers.

Check these out…  ::swoon::

Aren’t they adord??

And, to start your weekend; here’s a little chuckle…. TGIF

Carnival of the Green #194

Hello! Welcome to the Carnival of the Green. Brought to you by Treehugger but hosted by greenies, like me!

I’m happy to host this eco carnival and hope you enjoy the  green reads!

There’s lot’s of groovy green information to share this week, so let’s get started…

Last week’s Carnival of the Green was hosted by The Eco Chic. Be sure to visit and enter the current giveaways currently open at her site!

Want to start a hanging herb garden or learn to garden without much space? Micheal at the Urban Gardener will teach you how.

Kelly, at The Centsible Life gives you tips on how to keep your laundry routine green.  A must read for anyone who’s been thinking about making their own detergent!

Get your kids involved on an important issue facing our planet: climate change! Find out about the Cool the Earth program at Greening Families and green up your child’s school today!

Go back to school in eco style. Your kids will be hip and proud! Retro House Wife Goes Green talks about waste free lunches. Check out all the eco friendly fashionable options.

Also,  Humane Connection shares 10 tips for Helping Create a Humane School. What memories do you have of your childhood?

Eco Enviro Girl has a wonderful article on ways to create awe and wonder in our children and ourselves!

Read more

Pure & Heavenly: Earth Mama Angel Baby

Back when I was pregnant with Tristan I had heard of a company named Earth Mama Angel Baby but had never seen it (I live in a small town) until I started looking online for greener baby products. Before conceiving, I’d heard startling information about baby washes containing harmful ingredients. It made me realize, I needed to start doing my research and find natural baby products that did not contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde,” etc.

Recently, I was actually able to sample Earth Mama Angel Baby products through swag and for this review. I received a sample of their Bath Blossoms, Bottom Balm and Baby Lotion. I so was excited when I saw EMAB inside my swag bag from The Smart Mama’s book release. I’d always wanted to try their products but just never had the opportunity. Quite honestly, I was going with my easiest most available option…. Burt’s Bees, California Baby and Little Twig. Depending on where we did shopping is what we’d end up with. I’d known about the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and have looked up a few things in the past. It never really dawned on me to look up the baby products. I thought I was in the clear. Boy, was I wrong!!!

Read more

LunchBots: A Non Toxic, Healthier Alternative

Packing a lunch without using plastic can be a challenging. With all the Ziploc baggies and plastic containers out there makes it hard to avoid. Packing a healthy lunch is one thing but having to worry about packing a plastic and waste free lunch is where it can get difficult.

Look no further…LunchBots are here to the rescue! 100% stainless steel and non toxic lunch containers.

LunchBots was created by a mom who couldn’t find any non-plastic containers to use and no longer wanted to worry about which plastics are safe. Sound familiar?

Jacqueline Linder of LunchBots began the company with the idea that we could eliminate the use of Ziploc bags and other plastic containers that are harmful to the environment. Plus, she wanted them to be unique and have a great design so kids AND parents would love them. Read more

Go Green With Beanpod Candles

There’s nothing better than a clean house with a lit candle or essential oils diffusing. Since going green and cleaning up my toxic act, one of things I’ve kicked to the curb are all the plug in air freshners and candles that burn off toxic fumes and contain nasty chemicals. When I say clean I mean candles too! Candles that are safe for the environment and safe for us too! You know the kind that  don’t contain hormone disruptor’s or nasty black soot.

You can bet that I was jumping up and down when I found Beanpod soy candles about two years ago at my local candle shop I was truly impressed. What’s so great about them, you ask?

It begins with soybeans.
A beautiful, fragrant candle that is made with a lead-free wick. Candles created with our patent-pending Tempacure™ process that provides rich fragrances and colors that last from first light to final flame.

Wholesome Soy Wax.
At Beanpod, we take pride in using real soy wax. Giving you a wholesome candle that other large candle makers strive to measure up to.

Quality.
It has to endure. And with Beanpod Candles it does. You’ll discover it the moment you see a Beanpod Candle’s bright color and experience its rich scent. More than 60 fragrances. Candles proudly poured in America’s heartland with the very best ingredients.

The burn time on these candles lasts awhile before you’ll find yourself splurging on a new one. Beanpod candles are infused with essential oils in their candles and do not test on animals. These earth friendly candles and the jars are made in the USA and to top it off- Beanpod uses recycled glass!!

For Earth Day, Beanpod has a limited fragance called Earthly Embrace. The special edition, Earth Day jar features a botantical paper hang tag that when planted yields wildflowers! The seed tag is printed on recycled paper and the ink used to print the tag is soy based.

I haven’t found a scent I don’t like yet. I usually go with Lavendar or Orange Vanilla. I also like Cranberry Clove and Cherry Almond. Cinnamon Bayberry is great around the holidays! Beanpod also has these wonderful Soy Beads that you can mix and match with other candles or melt them using a diffuser. They’re unique and versatile.

I just bought a few votives and a tea light set in the scent Solitude for the day of birth. The votives are Lavendar and Eucalyptus Lavendar for a calming mood to help with labor. I’m so glad I found Beanpod candles and more importantly that I’m burning pure, clean and non toxic scents in my home. Whether it be for the day I give birth or for everyday use…they get a green kudos in my book!

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