tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post8381833019574397325..comments2024-02-02T04:26:58.941-08:00Comments on My Year Without Spending: Going OrganicAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16599239118658166008noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-2214027151487311632010-04-23T00:13:01.662-07:002010-04-23T00:13:01.662-07:00I've been using organic facial skincare produc...I've been using organic facial skincare products for a long time now, but I'm only just getting into natural deodorants and hair care. <br /><br />I would definitely recommend that you look at the ingredients labels on products, as you might find that some brands that say they are organic have only 1% organic ingredients (it's a crime, really), like L'Occitane whose products are really still quite chemical, not natural.<br /><br />I love Dr Hauschka, Jurlique, Weleda, 2Nature and I love pure French Green Clay mixed with rose water as a mask...Alissa Evelynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096755062387923642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-56493691204314452282010-04-05T16:54:52.190-07:002010-04-05T16:54:52.190-07:00Jason Natural products are great and they're 7...Jason Natural products are great and they're 70 per cent organic - whatever that means. They're inexpensive and their moisturizers really work.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-13557747005952367312010-04-03T18:22:28.468-07:002010-04-03T18:22:28.468-07:00I have actually just begun going down this path my...I have actually just begun going down this path myself. Finally checked out the cosmetics database site about a few week ago. Like you, I am just going to replace as I use up. Right now I need SPF moisturizer and eye cream. Got a list of recommendations from the website, but unfortunately haven't been able to find any of the products at either Whole Foods or Fred Meyer's health section (would prefer not to have to order online). <br /><br />I have significantly reduced my shampoo usage. A few years ago I realized that my complexion was worse when I used facial cleansers that contained SLSs, so I figure it's probably not great for my scalp, either. I have been able to go as long as 10 weeks without shampoo, just massaging my scalp under the showerhead and occasionally using conditioner. I only know of one deodorant that I don't react to, but I recently tried spraying rubbing alcohol on my pits and it worked just as well. Have been thinking of trying baking soda, too. <br /><br />I've been curious if making the change to less toxic products will reduce all my skin sensitivities and breakouts. Your post even got me to toying with the idea of activating my Google blog to chronicle the process as I try to balance low toxicity with effectiveness, budget and earthy-friendly packaging. I have an analytical personality and writing helps me think, so it may be useful for me (especially since I tend to forget which things I've tried and which things I haven't!).RobbieKayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15879069758344945795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-7614791745275313672010-03-25T11:06:38.637-07:002010-03-25T11:06:38.637-07:00I've been using Alba Botanica sunscreens for a...I've been using Alba Botanica sunscreens for a year or two (thank you freebie days at the ski hill!) and I think they are very good... but you do have to carefully apply, or you end up with white streaks.<br /><br />Others have mentioned Burt's Bees product line - I have sensitive skin and have never had a problem with any of their products.<br /><br />Check the label on organic shampoos... I made the mistake of buying shampoo containing organic corn syrup - completely weighs down and make hair look greasy!Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15245107729792018727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-55944644111991498952010-03-21T12:24:26.859-07:002010-03-21T12:24:26.859-07:00Kiss My Face makes nice organic products; I especi...Kiss My Face makes nice organic products; I especially like their shampoo and conditioner.<br /><br />For cosmetics I liked Body Shop, but the Anita Roddick sold out to a regular cosmetics company, and I'm not sure I will purchase from them again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-52554273707875562402010-03-20T23:20:56.427-07:002010-03-20T23:20:56.427-07:00In experimenting with the compact, I've tried ...In experimenting with the compact, I've tried a rock crystal deoderant. Didn't notice much difference, either positive or negative.<br /><br />Also bought three different-scented gallons of Dr. Bronner's to use for multiple purposes. The lavender seems great for cleaning, but too strong as a shampoo scent. The eucalyptus has become my staple shampoo, though I find that a good vinegar rinse is required to get it all out. And while I'm using up what I bought, I probably won't buy more, as it doesn't seem better than my old shampoo, and comes out to be just about as expensive. But the eucalyptus fragrance is a great one to wake up to in the morning--refreshing and awakening. <br /><br />I haven't gotten any further in evaluating my products. You're inspiring me to do that!Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06577914443944550903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-36401043445578684412010-03-20T20:51:45.788-07:002010-03-20T20:51:45.788-07:00I switched to Tom's of Maine deodorant after r...I switched to Tom's of Maine deodorant after reading your post a few weeks ago, and having long worried about the aluminum in regular deodorants. So far, so good.<br />I also bought a huge bottle of organic moisterizer, but it just ain't working. My hands are a wreck.Lomagirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09273397354830985024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-59071238785626201422010-03-19T13:21:14.980-07:002010-03-19T13:21:14.980-07:00Hi, I'm late to this thread. For sunscreen, co...Hi, I'm late to this thread. For sunscreen, consider plain old zinc oxide. It's considered a "physical" sunscreen, instead of a chemical one--it's the basis for the old white smear on lifeguards' noses. You can get zinc oxide in a tube at a pharmacy. I get mine from Paula's Choice.<br />For shampoo, Liggett's makes a bar shampoo, so you don't have to throw away plastic containers afterward.Ben Kurtzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04291725832043157245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-73470174868291651442010-03-19T12:28:36.943-07:002010-03-19T12:28:36.943-07:00Thank you all so much for your brilliant suggestio...Thank you all so much for your brilliant suggestions! I am going to make a list and start the trial and error right away.<br /><br />I really count your recommnedations like those of a good friend. I knew I could count on my readers!Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16599239118658166008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-74076882761608357102010-03-18T11:54:04.861-07:002010-03-18T11:54:04.861-07:00I didn't read all the posts, because I am so e...I didn't read all the posts, because I am so excited about this topic, so here are my recommendations:<br /><br />For cosmetics, consider Dr. Hauschka. We have a local t.v. program here called "La Vie en Vert" that had professional make-up artists test their make-up and they made the A-list hands-up. The mascara is awesome. <br /><br />I use Skinceuticals products for my skin. They use nutraceuticals, such as vitamin C and E, hyaluronic acid etc. and I don't think they use any of the no-no's. <br /><br />I also use squalane oil from Skinbiology as my evening moisturer. It is made from olive oil and absorbs instantly. <br /><br />All the natural zinc based sunscreens leave me looking like a geisha, so I have opted for companies, such as La Roche Ponay that use mexoryl, a less toxic agent.<br /><br />Deodorant: I mix a bit of baking soda with water and apply it to my underarms and it works better than any natural deodorant I have ever tried. <br /><br />Aubrey's Organic's shampoos and conditioners are amazing. I have fine hair that gets greasy after two days, so I shampoo every second day, and this product leaves my hair shiny and full of body.<br /><br />I really understand your qualms about the process of finding products that work for you. What a hassle! Hope your search will be quick and not too expensive!Marie-Joséehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12895515743881722310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-51435090582023803092010-03-18T11:13:44.626-07:002010-03-18T11:13:44.626-07:00If you can find it, Alaffia (based in Washinton) m...If you can find it, Alaffia (based in Washinton) makes an amazing face wash. So does Suki but they are quite expensive. Another cheap "organic" option is using honey to wash your face - it works well, contains lots of antioxidants and vitamins and is natural anti-bacterial. <br /><br />I like Aubrey shampoos and conditioners - no weird chemicals. <br /><br />A great resource for finding some small indie natural product makers is the Indie Beauty Network - http://www.indiebeauty.com/<br /><br />It is definitely difficult to make the complete switch to all natural and organic products but I think its important to change the stuff that stays on your skin vs. the stuff you wash off.Alanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09548736831098404693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-51110980431186432022010-03-18T10:17:37.458-07:002010-03-18T10:17:37.458-07:00My suggestion for all of the items you named is Me...My suggestion for all of the items you named is Melaleuca products. My husband and I have been using nearly the whole line for the past two years and love everything we try! As far as make-up, Melaleuca carries Nicole Miller which avoids the use of harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde in lipstick and other products. I would totally recommend the Renew lotion! It is better than anything we've tried (including Eucerin). <br /><br />We love the products so much that we recommend them to everyone we know!Karenhttp://www.brownings.makemoreathome.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-10463811084545496532010-03-18T08:31:42.063-07:002010-03-18T08:31:42.063-07:00Weleda and Tom's of Maine are products I have ...Weleda and Tom's of Maine are products I have used, still use. Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal has recipes for all kinds of good personal care products. I use olive oil for skin, and no sunscreen - I'm very allergic to most of it. Being Plain, I wear a sunbonnet (made by myself in an afternoon. It's easy.)I don't wear make-up. I liked Burt's Bees back when it was still in Guildford Maine and Burt made stuff in his garage. I'm not sure if it is all organic now.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17992939127871927121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-69090556907871804672010-03-18T08:19:39.367-07:002010-03-18T08:19:39.367-07:00We made this switch over the past couple of years,...We made this switch over the past couple of years, and here is what we have found we like:<br />Bath soap: Publix carries a pure castille soap; the name eludes me. While it is more expensive than commercial body soaps, it is less expensive than other natural organic soaps.<br />Facial Cleanser: I have sensitive skin and I really like Avalon Organics facial cleanser. You can buy it online or at Whole Foods.<br />Lotion: we use Burt's Bees, and I have found that the hand and body lotion works for my face, as well. <br />Lip balm: again, Burt's Bees.<br />Cosmetics: for organic and reasonable prices, I use Physician's formula organic (watch the label, not all products are organic.) Their moisturizing foundation also contains sunscreen SPF 15. I can find it at Walgreens and Target. I also order lipstick and mineral eyes shadows and blush from EyesLipsFace.com. Again make sure you are ordering from the organic line.<br />The big surprise: Badger sleep balm. (Badgerbalm.com) LOVE the fragrance, and on a lark, I tried putting it around my eye area at night. In less than 30 days, my crow's feet are gone. AMAZING.The Craigshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08653879776538972516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-89303073910832716852010-03-18T06:30:22.849-07:002010-03-18T06:30:22.849-07:00I also use Dr. Bronners shampoo. My daughters comp...I also use Dr. Bronners shampoo. My daughters complain that it doesn't make their hair feel clean, but I like the peppermint one and it's fine with me. My husband uses the Tea Tree scent. I heard they have a conditioner now, but I haven't seen it in any stores yet. A rock crystal does it for the deodorant and Uncle Harry's tooth powder is great. Takes a few brushes to get used to, but I love it. My daughters bought me some moisturizing cream from Merriweathers (www.merriweathers.com), which is heavenly, but although their site says they're all natural I never did check their ingredients out. My daughter and husband have etsy shops (knitting, and pewter buttons & Navajo spindles -- sorry, no health care products), so we buy often from other etsy shops. It's a great resource and a wonderful way to support indie artisans.Georgiannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-50425338442127267302010-03-17T20:48:27.767-07:002010-03-17T20:48:27.767-07:00I discovered L'Occitane when I stayed at a Fou...I discovered L'Occitane when I stayed at a Four Seasons Hotel in Texas. (Fortunately, I was there on business.) It's been my budgeted "splurge" for a few years now. Didn't really know they were organic. Just discovered that they have about a dozen outlet stores scattered around the country. Google it to see if there's one near you. Good luck in your quest!Dianenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-57581531731164225082010-03-17T19:50:21.345-07:002010-03-17T19:50:21.345-07:00I recently switched to abba hair care products. Th...I recently switched to abba hair care products. They are working very well considering the amount of allergies I have. They are pricey and I can only find them at my hair salon. They do have a website but u cannot order off it. <br /><br />Good luck with the rest I use clinique as well and while not organic is the only lotion,make-up I can use without breaking out from allergies.Wandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-66692704228369259142010-03-17T18:45:22.361-07:002010-03-17T18:45:22.361-07:00One more thing! :) I have EMAB lotion for moms, bu...One more thing! :) I have EMAB lotion for moms, but honestly, I prefer the baby lotion. I apply the baby lotion daily on myself and my daughter. It smells like a dreamsicle, I love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-77143910723698482942010-03-17T18:37:52.354-07:002010-03-17T18:37:52.354-07:00My tip is to make sure you check their toxicity ra...My tip is to make sure you check their toxicity rating before buying. Just because they say natural or organic, doesn't mean they are much safer than what you currently use.<br />http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/<br /><br />I love Earth Mama Angel Baby products. They have a rating of zero and smell amazing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-10984416713982625622010-03-17T17:47:51.040-07:002010-03-17T17:47:51.040-07:00I use and recommend Badger lip balm, Burt's Be...I use and recommend Badger lip balm, Burt's Bees (I use their baby products for my little guy, but I just saw sunscreen on their website yesterday...they are doing a free lip shimmer or balm with a $25...and you can also order a sample of their new toothpaste - I haven't gotten mine yet obviously since it was only yesterday, but it's an option to consider). <br /><br />Check Saffron Rouge (www.saffronrouge.com) for organic products like Weleda and Dr. Hauschka. I placed an order with them a few weeks back and got EXCELLENT customer service. Ordered some Badger lip balms and Dr. Bronner's lotion along with another product... the 3rd item was out of stock and a woman there emailed me right away with the info and suggested alternatives, or the option of just dropping the item. I elected to drop the item, and she updated the order and shipped it out the very next day. They have a discount code going from Organic Spa magazine - drop me a line on my blog if you want it.Meloniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09218572127310877215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-82406969171265061862010-03-17T16:01:58.552-07:002010-03-17T16:01:58.552-07:00Not an organic beauty product, but have you though...Not an organic beauty product, but have you thought about using a DivaCup instead of pads/tampons?Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17037096114595293153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-33558868692950612942010-03-17T13:48:19.531-07:002010-03-17T13:48:19.531-07:00Remember suds in shampoo don't clean your hair...Remember suds in shampoo don't clean your hair! Shampoo does not need to foam to clean, total myth. I use Desert EssenceDi Hickmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02371703320256085745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-35899955980646123722010-03-17T11:57:07.421-07:002010-03-17T11:57:07.421-07:00I think using up what you have is best with beauty...I think using up what you have is best with beauty products, cleaning supplies and food, and then recycling the containers and making better choices next time. I am not a fan of tossing things into a landfill. That seems just as bad for the environment. It's also a financial waste.<br /><br />I recently watched and recommend the documentary, "Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution," which made a very compelling case to buy organic. The cancer rates tied to pesticide use, especially among children, are alarming. One peach grower used 22 different kinds of chemicals, and some farmers won't eat their own food.Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06488301404397970300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-36588476190381329172010-03-17T11:20:21.458-07:002010-03-17T11:20:21.458-07:00I am not sure if you will need to give up Bioeleme...I am not sure if you will need to give up Bioelements. It depends on what ingredients you are giving up. They don't contain parabens. You can find all the ingredients in each products on their website.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7718743594504287977.post-83947931751050742502010-03-17T11:11:44.507-07:002010-03-17T11:11:44.507-07:00Take a look at Brittanie's Thyme. I'll be ...Take a look at Brittanie's Thyme. I'll be honest, I'm one of the owners. We are a women-owned company that manufactures USDA certified organic personal care products. Our mission is to broaden the consumer base for organic personal care by maintaining affordable price points while producing effective products using the highest quality ingredients available.<br /><br />I think you'll find the prices are fantastic and all of the ingredients are listed (and recognizable). Take a look and let me know what you think: www.brittaniesthyme.com<br />My email: y.petterson@brittaniesthyme.comEmpire builderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18438220812571015930noreply@blogger.com