In making skin care and cosmetics, preservatives are always a great concern, especially for organic and natural products. There needs to be a balance between a long shelf life and a safe product when formulating non-toxic products.

Every product must include an antimicrobial that kills or inhibits growth of bacteria and an antioxidant to prevent the product from going rancid. Most organic and natural skin care companies choose one of two methods.

• formulating products with preserving plant extracts or
• adding a synthetic but safe preservatives.

Here are a few of the more popular choices:

Natural Preservatives

Antimicrobials – grapefruit seed extract, essential oils (there are many different combinations that work)

Antioxidants – rosemary leaf extract, green tea extract

Synthetic but Safe Preservatives (according to the Environmental Working Group)

Antimicrobials – potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.

Antioxidants – vitamin E, vitamin C palmitate

Either way, often the use of safe preservatives means that products may not have the shelf life of products that use toxic preservatives. Personally, I would prefer to buy smaller amounts, use them in good time, and not suffer the fallout from toxins that may be cause cancer.

If you are concerned about the ingredients in your products put them to the test with the EWG’s cosmetic database.

How to tell if your skin care products need to be replaced? Although the answer changes per product, here are some things to look for.

• The product smells off.
• The colour has changed.
• The product is separating in its container.
• The product changes texture.
• The products is drying out.

When you buy skin care products, check for an expiration date. If it doesn’t have one, ask. And only buy as much as you think you will need. It isn’t always cheaper to buy the bigger bottle or to stock up during a sale, especially if you can’t use it up before it becomes unsafe.

I prefer to buy products in smaller quantities more often, knowing that I am treating myself and our planet with the respect and care we all deserve. And I have to say that since my change, I have had comments regarding how great my skin and hair look (for my age, of course).

A big thank you to Jessica at www.cocoonapothecary.com for her assistance in writing this piece. She was generous with her time and information and I am grateful to be able to pass on her knowledge.

Karen Clark founded Green Beaver with her husband Alain. They were inspired by the birth of their son Joshua when like most babies, he drank the bubbles in his bath water. They were shocked to discover how many chemicals were used in everyday household products. They endeavoured to make their own personal care products and Green Beaver was born.

EC: When did you first become an ethical consumer and why did it become important at that time?

Karen: Approximately 10 years ago when we decided to start a family we became more conscious. I had previously worked in the pesticide industry as a biochemist. I guess I knew too much about chemicals. When we had our son, I was appalled at the chemical ingredients used in baby shampoos, lotions, creams and so forth.

EC: What are the three most important things you do - that others could do as well - to live your values as an eco-mom?

Karen: Live in a chemical-free house (free of conventional personal care products, cosmetics, household cleaners, laundry detergent, etc.) as much as you can. Also, grow an organic vegetable garden (or a container garden) and try to keep some for the winter (We can as much as we “can’). Also, recycle or even better, consume less.

EC: What are your eco-weaknesses? Is there something you buy or do that maybe you shouldn’t?

Karen: Once in a while, I have a cola!

EC: In a world full of consumerism and mass advertising, how do you pass on your values to your children?

Karen: The best way to pass on values is to show by example. Children are always watching and imitate what we do. It’s as easy as good eating habits (school lunches etc) and using all natural at home. My son came home the other day and told me he thinks he’s allergic to all chemicals…..that’s good!!!

EC: Finally, what would you like for Mother’s Day?

Karen: Flowers, organic of course !

Enter our Mother’s Day giveaway to win some fabulous gifts, including some all natural Green Beaver products!

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we thought it would be fun to give away some eco-friendly goodies to honour our eco-friendly moms.

Here’s what we are giving away.

Green Beaver Certified Junior Personal Care Product Gift Basket

EverythingEco.ca’s Divine Pink Gift Collection

Undine’s Black and White Polka Dot Necklace

I would like to thank all of our sponsors who have graciously provided these amazing prizes.

To win this fabulous prize pack, just comment below letting us know what you would like for Mother’s Day. Or if you are not a mom, comment on what you will be getting mom for Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to leave us your email. (We will only email you once to say that you did/did not win the prize. We will not share your email with anyone.)

Don’t forget to tell your family to check out your comment so they know what to buy you for Mother’s Day!

Here is the small print. Commenting indicates that you have read and agreed to the small print.

1. Enter online at www.ethicalconsumer.ca/blog/ by commenting on what you would like for Mother’s Day. No purchase necessary
2. Contest only open to residents of Canada with a Canadian shipping address. Not open to residents of Quebec.
3. All entries must be received by midnight PST on May 8, 2010. Maximum one entry per person. Estimated retail value of the prize $100.00. Prizes are non-negotiable and may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash.
4. Prior to receiving the prize, the winner will be required to answer a mathematical, skill-testing question.
5. One entry per person. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries submitted to the contest.
6. By commenting on the blog post, entrants agree to the rules and regulations of this contest and agree to the use of their name and city of residence for the purpose of announcing the prize winner.
7. Winner will be notified by email after the contest closing date of May 8., 2010.
8. Entrants must be the age of majority in their respective province to enter this contest.

Good luck!

When shopping for vegan cosmetics you will find something missing on the label. Nowhere does it say “for oily skin” or “for dry skin”. That is because the special mineral oils used are suitable for all skin types. This might sound strange if you are new to vegan make up, but once you try it, you will see it is true. Your skin’s appearance will be transformed without the heavy, suffocating feeling you get from regular make up.

The secret to mineral cosmetics is the skin soothing botanicals and minerals that blend seamlessly with the natural oils in your skin for perfect coverage that is surprisingly light and long lasting. The anti-oxidant green tea protects your skin from sun damage and visible signs of premature aging. But, beauty is more than skin deep. Using mineral and vegan cosmetics, helps you to be beautiful on the inside. The companies that produce these products are ethical in practice. Beyond not testing on animals, you can be assured that not one part of any animal was used.

This may sound like a no-brainer. Who would ever use animals to produce cosmetics? Actually, most cosmetics are not even regulated by the FTD or Health Canada. Current laws allow manufacturers to use just about any ingredients they choose. But, Health Canada is working on changing that. Currently these ingredients are not allowed. If you find any of them in any products on the shelves or that you purchase, you are encouraged to inform Health Canada by emailing bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Find your inner and outer beauty without animal products. Check out the fabulous vegan cosmetics companies in our directory for great Canadian vegan cosmetics and other vegan products to make your life better.

Toothpaste cleans our teeth, freshens our breath and fights cavities. But, what is it made of? Reading a tube of Crest won’t give you the answers. All it tells you is what it can do for you and how much sodium fluoride it contains. Green Beaver offers a solution. Vegan skin care and oral care is still in its infant stages. You have to do a lot of searching to find truly vegan products. Green Beaver is a company dedicated to doing the searching for you. Here you will find everything you and your family needs for healthy vegan skin care and oral care solutions.

Although they don’t have a physical store, their products are available throughout Canada at health stores. Alternately, you can order on-line directly through their secure on-line store. Plus, they offer a vegan toothpaste so you will know exactly what your toothpaste is made of.

The list of ingredients is clearly marked: plants & minerals, real flavours without any chemically engineered synthetic flavours (or dyes), natural antibacterial agents such as Xylitol (which occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables such as berries, apples and plums), lemon and tea tree extracts. According to Health Canada “studies have indicated that xylitol in particular may actually help to prevent tooth decay”

The Green Beaver toothpaste also contains natural mineral whiteners such as Silica and calcium carbonate, and natural breath fresheners like aromatic and refreshing herbs. They add Calcium ascorbate, which contributes to the normal development and maintenance of teeth and gums. We all know that the most important part of healthy teeth and gums is proper cleaning. You can brush your teeth with water but that won’t remove all of the plaque build up.

Aside from toothpaste, Green Beaver also offers a complete line of winter vegan skin care products. Canadian winters can be a bit harsh, so you might want to check them out. Live healthy. Live green!

One of the best things about Vegan stores, aside from the products being 100% natural and cruelty-free, is that they are sole proprietorship or family owned businesses. Not a huge corporation only interested in high profits and low quality, although, this is changing as the big guys are seeing more and more interest in vegan cosmetics. This is where the consumer really needs to pay close attention. Many times a large cosmetic company will introduce a vegan product, and without any warning, change some of the ingredients to make it cheaper to produce. Always read the label even if you have used the products before!

Canada’s Viva Granola Vegan Store is a family (two adults and three children) owned web store offering everything Vegan! The family hopes to expand into a physical store, but as of now, they are only available on the web. There are hundreds of products to choose from, including great vegan cosmetics, and the prices are very affordable! They are always keeping their eyes out for new products to carry. If you can’t find what you are looking for, they will do whatever they can to find it for you. If you have any suggestions, they welcome those, too.

The biggest challenge vegan stores face is the lack of vegan manufacturers. Companies that produce vegan products, also produce non-vegan products. This leads to the risk of cross-contamination, no matter how well the equipment has been cleaned. As the demand for vegan cosmetics grows, more manufacturers will be able to deal solely in producing vegan products. But, for now, the equipment is too expensive to justify the small quantities produced.

As more people become aware of the benefits of vegan cosmetics, not only for a healthy lifestyle, but for the whole planet, more products will become available. Soon your vanity can be filled with nothing but natural, cruelty free cosmetics and skin care products!

Between the toilet, sink, bathtub and shower, the bathroom might just be the most water-unfriendly room in the house. Today is World Water Day, so here are some easy, conscientious and FREE ways of conserving water in the bathroom. We will follow up with two more water wise articles, one for the kitchen and one for the yard.

o “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” - Once just a humorous guideline, now a motto to live by… in your own home, anyway. Let your recycled toilet paper sit there for a while and flush only as needed.

o Finally, a good use for a plastic water bottle - If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, fill one with water and add to your toilet’s tank; this will help reduce the amount of water drained when the toilet is flushed.

o Put a bucket under the tap while you are waiting for your shower water to heat up; use collected water for your plants, to mop the floor, to cook your Mac and cheese, or anything else that comes to mind.

o Once you are in the shower, get out! Rather, don’t dilly-dally. Lather, rinse, repeat, and then turn off the tap.

o If you opt for a bath, keep the water low and again, reuse; graywater systems are becoming increasingly popular, but you don’t need expensive new plumbing to reuse your gray water – sprinkle your lawn, your garden, or use to flush the toilet.

o “Please don’t flush sanitary products or paper towels down the toilet” – The sign posted in your mall’s public bathroom applies to your home as well. Dispose of your household paper products in the garbage; this will help eliminate the overuse of gallons of water.

o Finally, for the love of whomever you pray to, do not keep the water running while you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands or shaving! So simple, so self-explanatory, so do it.

Incorporate one, two or all of them into your routine, because for all our good intentions, sometimes the most obvious things are the ones that get passed by.

Do you have any other ideas that we have missed? Add them to the comments.

In the making of vegan products, words such as ‘natural’, ‘animal free’, and ‘free of chemicals’ come up quite frequently. That, in a nut shell, is what vegan cosmetics are. Getting the right material and blending them in just the right manner, however, is not as easy as it sounds. There are many simple recipes you can follow at home, but since some ingredients are hard to come by, it is easier to just visit your friendly Canadian vegan cosmetic web site such as www.oresta.ca

Tea tree oil and thyme essential oil are natural preservatives. Therefore, you will find these in most cosmetics vegan or otherwise. Grapefruit seed extract and rosemary extract when combined with certain vitamins, such as E or C, can also be used as preservatives. Always check the expiration date, as shelf life can vary.

When making vegan cosmetics, companies only produce small batches. This ensures that the product will be used or sold well before any danger of bacteria can grow. Many companies offer an ‘on demand’ option. This means the product will not be made until it is ordered, ensuring the utmost in freshness! Sure, you can rub strawberries on your checks as blush, but the result will be more scary than attractive. It’s better to follow the instructions of the professionals, or buy the cosmetics readymade.

True beauty is natural

Making vegan cosmetics is all about helping women lead a healthier lifestyle. Everything you put on your skin will soak into your bloodstream or be washed into the water supply. Once in the water supply toxins affects every aspect of our planet: plants and animals. Then, the toxins come back to us a second time and further affect our health and welfare.

I’ve read about it and written about it, but I think it can be said again: we should be as careful about what we put on our skin as what we put in our bodies. The other day I noticed a great blog post by Harnn & Thann on parabens.

Another great place for information on parabens is the EWG cosmetics database. See what they have to say about each of the parabens mentioned in the Harnn & Thann blog post.

-> Methylparaben

-> Propylparaben

-> Butylparaben

There are so many fabulous companies that use safe ingredients, we don’t need to use products that will eventually do us harm. You can find many great cosmetic and skin care companies in our directory. There are many, so try searching by city to narrow it down to your local area.

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8 tips for choosing the best sunscreen

Luscious lips and a healthy planet

Pretty Nails, Potent Cocktails

Choosing sunscreen isn’t easy. The number of brands – old and new - packing the shelves seems endless and researchers are constantly churning out new findings on what ingredients are deemed ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for our health.

Here are 8 tips to keep in mind for choosing a safe, effective sunscreen to protect your family this summer.

1. To get the most from your sunscreen, look for ‘broad spectrum protection’ meaning it protects against both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, the leading cause of premature aging of the skin. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but only some protect against UVA.

2. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are minerals and sunscreens containing minerals are best, according to the National Geographic Green Guide. These two minerals reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays before they reach your skin, while other sunscreens use chemicals that absorb UV rays. Minerals also block both UVB and UVA rays. However, it’s worth noting that recent medical research has identified some concern around titanium dioxide.

3. You really want a sunscreen as chemical-free as possible. Avoid brands containing parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and benzyl-) as they can interfere with your hormonal systems and more. Other chemical ingredients to avoid include: benzophenone, oxybenzone and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens don’t always protect against UVA rays. In fact, evidence shows that some - including those containing the chemical Avobenzone, or Parsol 1789 - can break down in sunlight in as little as half an hour. See the Green Guide for more ingredients to avoid.

4. Choose a sunscreen that is water resistant because let’s face it, even if you’re not near water, you’re more than likely going to sweat at least a little with the heat or while working out. Keep in mind that water resistant and waterproof are not the same. Waterproof is actually considered an incorrect term when applied to sunscreen products, says the Environmental Working Group, as no sunscreen product is completely waterproof.

5. If you’re swimming in the ocean, choose a biodegradable sunscreen with plant-based ingredients to avoid damaging coral and other marine life. Any doubts, check out this great article about sunscreen and coral from National Geographic that explains why.

6. Doctors recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of a minimum 15. Higher SPFs will give you more protection, but once you reach SPF 30, there isn’t a huge difference between products with higher SPF values. An SPF 50 product, for example, only blocks about 1.3% more UVB radiation than a SPF 30 product. When you start seeing 50, 70, 100 it seems the numbers are more about marketing than effectiveness. Keep in mind SPF is a measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays. It does not cover UVA rays.

7. Steer clear of products that combine bug spray and sunscreen. Bugs may not be a problem during the hours that UV exposure peaks plus sunscreen may need to be reapplied more frequently than bug spray, or vice versa. An even bigger concern is that sunscreens often contain penetration enhancers. According to the EWG, studies indicate that concurrent use of sunscreens and pesticides leads to increased skin adsorption of the pesticide.

8. Look for a sunscreen that is safe for adults, children, babies – the whole family. This saves you buying more than one bottle, which is in many cases non-recyclable.

Be sure to check out your current brand or any you’re considering on the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. It offers some good information and rates 400+ sunscreen products. The #1 brand is Soleo and it’s available online here. Interestingly, the traditional brands we all used growing up like Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic rate low on the database because of their ingredients.

Louise Campbell is co-founder of Vancouver-based online lifestyle boutique Lavish & Lime, specializing in eco-friendly products for green living and giving. Join their email list for a chance to win a $100 eco shopping spree.