March 10, 2010
1. Toss the Chemical Air Fresheners: Toss the chemicals and use natural products like baking soda or essential oils, or simply open the windows.
2. Go Paperless: Sign up for paperless billing, opt for email marketing instead of catalogs, and end the flow of bulk mail.
3. Clean up the Dirty Laundry: Hang up a clothesline outside or in the basement.
4. Be Smart About Water: Take shorter showers, use a toilet dam, and shut off the water when you brush your teeth.
5. End Energy Leaks: Unplug devices such as cell phone chargers, computers and TVs when you’re not using them.
6. Spruce with Eco-Friendly Paint: Indoor air pollution can cause major health problems. Choose paint with a low VOC (volatile organic compounds).
7. Reuse: Turn old t-shirts into rags instead of using paper towels. Use old newspapers to clean the windows.
8. Change your Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs. They use 2/3 less energy and last 8-12 times longer.
9. Make Your Own Cleaning Products: Salt, water, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice have been known to remove stains better than their chemical counterparts.
10. Recycle: Not just the basics – remember to recycle old cell phones, magazines, computers, etc.
June 23, 2009
With rising concerns over the environmental issues, the beauty industry is seeing a rise in “green” products. The terms “natural” and “organic” are being thrown on labels everywhere we look, but what does it all really mean? It is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks these products to become an informed consumer.
Natural
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, there is no actual definition of “natural” pertaining to beauty products. Technically, a product can claim to be natural if it has ingredients derived from plants, algae or minerals. Most products can fall into this category. The FDA says, “There is no list of ingredients that can be guaranteed not to cause allergic reactions, so consumers who are prone to allergies should pay special attention to what they use on their skin.” The bottom line is: if you want products free of synthetic chemicals, don’t just trust the label. Read the ingredient list and look for anything out of the ordina ry.
Organic
The term “organic” implies that the ingredients are not genetically modified, and don’t have any chemicals, additives, preservatives or artificial scents/colors. The important thing to know here is that there are 4 levels of organic certification, so don’t be fooled by any marketing schemes. For example, label that says “made from certified organic ingredients” means that it has some organic ingredients, but can be mostly inorganic.
Products that are 100% organic will have a USDA seal. If you don’t see the seal, look for signs of false advertising! In particular, read the ingredient list for any long, unpronounceable words. If the product only meets lower standards of certification, it may not have the qualities you are looking for in your organic products.
This was originally written in December 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski & Pierce Mattie Public Relations.
Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.
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