TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: Loopholes in federal laws allow manufacturers to add phthalates to popular cosmetics and beauty aids. Tests have shown these chemicals can damage the lungs, liver and kidneys, and seriously harm the developing testes of male offspring. (Source - Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/reports/nottoopretty)

In today’s show, Carolyn and Irv talk about the “not so pretty” side of skincare and healthier, natural alternatives to really being beautiful. Our guests: Ulrike Klein, horticulturist and co-founder of Jurlique skin care and her daughter, Thora, who grew up picking herbs in Jurlique’s biodynamic fields.

Cosmetic No No List

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.) are skin irritants; disturb your hormonal balance that has been found in breast cancer tumors. They are commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions and deodorants.
• Propylene glycol is a strong irritant, may cause delayed allergic reactions, kidney, liver, nervous system damage, and has not been fully investigated for its potential to cause cancer. Check your makeup, deodorant, mouthwash, shaving lotions and baby lotion for this ingredient.
• Fragrance may irritate the skin and cause a variety of adverse reactions. It may contain hundreds of different chemicals, some are hazardous, some cause cancer. This is found in just about all cosmetics and personal care products, unless it says fragrance free.
• Sodium fluoride is a poison and its toxic effects can be delayed. It can cause death if swallowed. Check your toothpaste. Unless it says fluoride free, it most likely has some form of fluoride in it.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate is a skin and eye irritant, and may cause dry skin and eczema. It is found in shampoos, bubble bath, lotions, creams, and toothpaste.
• D&C colors and FD&C colors are primarily derived from coal tar which is known to cause cancer. Commonly used to add color to most commercial cosmetics and personal care products.

Source: Dying to Look Good by Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. (www.dyingtolookgood.com), The Disturbing Truth About What’s Really in Your Cosmetics, Toiletries and Personal Care Products

Resources

Jurlique (www.jurlique.com), all natural skin care made with active, organic herbal extracts grown on their own biodynamic farm in South Australia.

Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), a non-profit environmental research group based in Washington DC).

TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: A baby crawling on a conventional carpet inhales the equivalent of four cigarettes a day as a result of out-gassing. (Source: Scientific American Magazine).

In today’s show, we talk about how peace on the planet begins right in our own backyard (and kitchen, living room, basement, etc.). Our guest is Lawrence Comras, the Founder of the Greenhome.com, one of the most comprehensive online resources for greening your home.

Intro and Outtro Music:
A special thanks to Kevin Hays for his song “What Survives” off the Kevin Hays Trio CD. PLEASE, if like this music, check him out at KevinHays.com

TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: Over the life of a coat of paint, toxins are released on a daily basis most of which leak into the air during the first 30 days after being applied but continue to leach out for years. (Source: American Lung Association).

In Today’s Show we talk with one of the pioneers in healthy home products, Rudolf Reitz. He’s the founder of BioShield Paint Company, which is a leader in non-toxic paint and natural home improvement products for over 20 years. Rudolf shares insights and solutions on how to green up your home and make it into a healthy haven.

Resources:

BioShield Healthy Living Paints and Natural Cleaning Products

CLICK HERE to get the free e-Book “Paint’s Dirty Little Secrets”