Last month we switched from regular bagged, ground coffee to organic, fair trade, shade grown, whole bean coffee (Camano Island brand). Don't freak out -- the price is better than you'd think. Here's why we switched:
1) It's certified organic.
Most of the countries coffee is grown in are very unregulated. They often use toxic pesticides and fertilizers that aren't even legal here in the United States. Coffee is porous and absorbs pesticides very easily. Camano Island's coffee is certified organic. They also require the land the coffee is grown on to have been artificial pesticide/fertilizer free for at least 7 years.
2) It's shade grown.
Shade grown coffee = no rainforests were destroyed to grow said coffee. I will say that shade grown is not always necessary. For example, there may be situations where no rain forest existed in the first place, so it wouldn't matter in those cases. For the coffee I was purchasing, however, its location did mean I needed to find a shade grown source. If you aren't sure just err on the safe side. Some sources say shade grown coffee tastes better, too, because it grows more slowly.
3) It's fair trade.
The farmers are paid a fair wage for their coffee. Now, I do realize that there is some controversy in the way the Fairtrade Foundation operates (as in how much actually gets to the farmers). For a general overview, go here. It's certainly not perfect. In doing research I found a few other coffee companies that seemed even more legitimate than Camano but the prices were outrageous.
Camano Island does help its farmers. Here's a 2008 article in which the author describes the company's "Direct Trade" approach -- dealing directly with the farmers and eliminating the middlemen. This probably helps get the farmers a better price for their coffee beans. Camano Island also offers interest free loans to their farmers to help them get their products up to organic standards. From what I can tell they do seem to be helping coffee growing families increase their standard of living to some extent. The company also donates to Agros International (who helps set up villages land grants, medical care, education, etc.) Part of the price of your coffee purchase goes directly to this cause (in the villages where the coffee was grown).
4) It's an American company, started on Camano Island, WA.
It's always an added bonus to support American companies.
5) It's fresh-roasted, vacuum sealed, and whole bean (although you can also purchase ground coffee).
The whole bean thing took some adjusting to for us labor-wise, but we always knew fresh ground coffee was best anyway. Once we got into the rhythm of grinding it's been great to get that yummy flavor back again. We got a 5 pound bag and froze it in 1 pound amounts. Then we just grind what we need.
6) Free shipping, either on Amazon or on their own website (can be automated, too).
7) It tastes really great! (well-reviewed, too!)
We got the Papua New Guinea Medium roast (we prefer medium or light coffees), and it's fantastic. When we had other coffee (including other organic, fair trade from the store) it couldn't hold a candle to this coffee. Now, some of that is most likely due to the fact that it is fresher (properly stored) and whole bean, but I do feel like at least part of it has to be the roasting process.
8) It's actually pretty affordable!
I really hate Folgers and Maxwell House-type coffee. I mean, I'd drink it in a pinch, but we never buy it. You can't beat that price. The best deal we could get on coffee at the store that we'd actually purchase is when New England coffee is on sale for $5.99/12 ounces. That works out to 50 cents per ounce. When it's not on sale it runs $6.99/12 ounces (58 cents/ounce).
Camano Island whole bean 5lb bags (80 ounces) are $49.90. That works out to 62 cents per ounce (free shipping). That is a totally reasonable price increase for the huge advantages we're getting by switching -- even for one of those reasons I think it'd be worth it!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Dishwasher detergent
We almost always purchased Cascade until a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes I'd go for those pre-packaged little squares of dish detergent in whatever brand, but for the most part Cascade was our detergent of choice. For over a week we've been using Biokleen Free & Clear Automatic Dish Powder.
The ingredients in Biokleen's dish detergent:
Natural oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) - scores a 0
Vegetable fiber
Natural anti-corrosive agents (I found a journal article discussing these as various plant extracts)
Grapefruit seed and pulp extract - scores a 0
Soda ash (sodium carbonate) - scores a 0
Sodium citrate - scores a 0
Readily biodegradable nonionic surfactants (proprietary??)
The ingredients in Cascade:
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) - scores a 0
Sodium sulfate - scores a 1
Water - scores a 0
Sodium silicate - scores a 3 (irritant)
Sodium percarbonate - scores a 0
Modified polyacrylate - no score, a skin and eye irritant although non-toxic if ingested?
Alcohol alkoxylate - no score, a nonionic surfactant ... MSDS sheet said to avoid it seeping into sewage systems so that can't be too good
Polyethylene glycol - scores as high as a 6
Hydrozincite - no score, a mineral, reduces metal tarnishing
Amine Cobalt Salt - no score, uncertain of its function
Protease - scores a 0, an enzyme
Amylase - scores as high as a 3, an enzyme
Perfume - scores an 8 (under fragrance, a catch-all term for any number of ingredients)
Cascade used to contain phosphates, but it doesn't anymore. Phosphates help soften water and suspend dirt, but they also are bad for the environment. They get into our rivers, increasing algae growth which then inhibits the oxygen needed for healthy aquatic life. Not good!
Also, it's hard to say if dish detergent is 100% removed from dishes after the rinse cycle, so I'd like to use one that is as safe as possible should I accidentally consume some residue. I doubt that's a problem once but over time that can't be too great.
I can't tell a difference between Cascade and Biokleen. They both work great. I have even tested out using half a tablespoon of Biokleen (instead of one) and my dishes still look good. I also like that I can't smell any fragrances. I have a pretty good dishwasher and do pre-rinse (just slightly), so your results may vary depending on your dishwasher and tendency to rinse.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Biokleen Free & Clear 32 ounces (64 loads ... double this if you can get away with half a scoop): $12.50 (39 cents/oz, but you can double the load # and it goes down to about 20 cents/oz)
Cascade Complete Powder 45oz 2pack (so 90 ounces): $16.93 (19 cents/oz) -- the directions say to fill the entire 2 chambers of your soap dispenser. I only fill one chamber and it takes 2 Tbsp. to clean my dishes (I could maybe get it down to 1 Tbsp). Essentially I need double the amount of Cascade.
1 ounce = 2 tablespoons. So for each ounce of Biokleen I can do 4 loads. 32oz x 4 loads/oz = 128 loads for $12.50. For each ounce of Cascade I can do 2 loads. 90oz x 1 load/oz = 90 loads for $16.93. 90oz x 2 loads/oz = 180 loads for $16.93.
So if I use half a tablespoon per load with Biokleen and 1 tablespoon per load with Cascade, Cacade is 2/5ths of a cent cheaper per load. However if I use 2 tablespoons like I normally do with Cascade, then Biokleen is cheaper.
Phew! That was a bit lengthy, sorry. =)
Convenient access:
It is much easier to get Cascade than it is to get Biokleen. This is often the case with green products, but it's easily purchased on Amazon if you're willing to venture online.
I'm satisfied with this switch, plus the container takes up way less room in the cabinet. One thing to note: you have to provide your own scoop (encourages you to reuse, I guess?).
The ingredients in Biokleen's dish detergent:
Natural oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) - scores a 0
Vegetable fiber
Natural anti-corrosive agents (I found a journal article discussing these as various plant extracts)
Grapefruit seed and pulp extract - scores a 0
Soda ash (sodium carbonate) - scores a 0
Sodium citrate - scores a 0
Readily biodegradable nonionic surfactants (proprietary??)
The ingredients in Cascade:
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) - scores a 0
Sodium sulfate - scores a 1
Water - scores a 0
Sodium silicate - scores a 3 (irritant)
Sodium percarbonate - scores a 0
Modified polyacrylate - no score, a skin and eye irritant although non-toxic if ingested?
Alcohol alkoxylate - no score, a nonionic surfactant ... MSDS sheet said to avoid it seeping into sewage systems so that can't be too good
Polyethylene glycol - scores as high as a 6
Hydrozincite - no score, a mineral, reduces metal tarnishing
Amine Cobalt Salt - no score, uncertain of its function
Protease - scores a 0, an enzyme
Amylase - scores as high as a 3, an enzyme
Perfume - scores an 8 (under fragrance, a catch-all term for any number of ingredients)
Cascade used to contain phosphates, but it doesn't anymore. Phosphates help soften water and suspend dirt, but they also are bad for the environment. They get into our rivers, increasing algae growth which then inhibits the oxygen needed for healthy aquatic life. Not good!
Also, it's hard to say if dish detergent is 100% removed from dishes after the rinse cycle, so I'd like to use one that is as safe as possible should I accidentally consume some residue. I doubt that's a problem once but over time that can't be too great.
I can't tell a difference between Cascade and Biokleen. They both work great. I have even tested out using half a tablespoon of Biokleen (instead of one) and my dishes still look good. I also like that I can't smell any fragrances. I have a pretty good dishwasher and do pre-rinse (just slightly), so your results may vary depending on your dishwasher and tendency to rinse.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Biokleen Free & Clear 32 ounces (64 loads ... double this if you can get away with half a scoop): $12.50 (39 cents/oz, but you can double the load # and it goes down to about 20 cents/oz)
Cascade Complete Powder 45oz 2pack (so 90 ounces): $16.93 (19 cents/oz) -- the directions say to fill the entire 2 chambers of your soap dispenser. I only fill one chamber and it takes 2 Tbsp. to clean my dishes (I could maybe get it down to 1 Tbsp). Essentially I need double the amount of Cascade.
1 ounce = 2 tablespoons. So for each ounce of Biokleen I can do 4 loads. 32oz x 4 loads/oz = 128 loads for $12.50. For each ounce of Cascade I can do 2 loads. 90oz x 1 load/oz = 90 loads for $16.93. 90oz x 2 loads/oz = 180 loads for $16.93.
So if I use half a tablespoon per load with Biokleen and 1 tablespoon per load with Cascade, Cacade is 2/5ths of a cent cheaper per load. However if I use 2 tablespoons like I normally do with Cascade, then Biokleen is cheaper.
Phew! That was a bit lengthy, sorry. =)
Convenient access:
It is much easier to get Cascade than it is to get Biokleen. This is often the case with green products, but it's easily purchased on Amazon if you're willing to venture online.
I'm satisfied with this switch, plus the container takes up way less room in the cabinet. One thing to note: you have to provide your own scoop (encourages you to reuse, I guess?).
Laundry detergent
Since the babies were born we have been using Tide Free. Last month we switched to Biokleen All Temperature Citrus Laundry Powder (with chlorine-free bleach). All of its ingredients fall in the green zone and a couple are plant extracts (natural but couldn't search on EWG).
The ingredients list for Tide Free HE is long. I didn't put everything into the EWG database, but most of the ones I entered fell in the green or yellow zone. Tide contains borax -- I didn't even know that! Borax (rated a 6 by EWG) is something I want to be cautious of since it can be very toxic in infants (if ingested). It can also cause respiratory and skin irritations. I don't think it has to be avoided at all costs, but I am glad to find a replacement detergent without borax just in case. I also like that it has oxygen bleach in it, so I can stop using OxyClean Free (saves money and time!).
It was strange switching back to a powder detergent after using liquid for so long, but I don't mind. I put about 1/2 to 2/3 a scoop of detergent in per load (1.5-2Tbsp). We have a front-loading HE machine. I haven't noticed a difference in cleaning power, so I will take that to be a good thing! I also like the light citrus scent, although it doesn't linger after going through the dryer.
Some nice things about Biokleen:
-No artificial fragrances, colors or preservatives (this holds true for Tide except preservatives)
-Manufactured with 100% green energy (wind, I believe? ... 100% according to Biokleen, of course, I can't say for sure ...)
-Rapidly biodegrades/safe for environment (the surfactants in Tide also biodegrade)
-Does not contain SLS or optical brighteners
-No animal testing
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Biokleen 5lb box (75 HE loads): $15.99 (17 cents/ounce). If you subscribe and get a 4 pack of 10lb boxes it goes down to 8 cents/ounce.
Tide Free HE liquid 50 ounces (32 loads): $10.57 (21 cents/ounce). If you subscribe you can get it down to 18 cents/ounce.
Tide Free HE powder 113-ounces (80 loads): $21.99 (19 cents/ounce). If you subscribe you can get it down to 17 cents/ounce.
Convenient access:
It's obviously easier to find Tide Free, but I saw Biokleen at our local grocery store in the organic aisle, so it's not impossible to locate.
The savings in going green with Biokleen are pretty incredible! It is literally half the cost of Tide Free (comparing subscription prices). Even without a subscription it works out to be about the same price per load (looking at Tide powder). You can also recycle the cardboard because it doesn't have a chemical liner like normal boxes of detergent. There is a plastic bag inside the box to help preserve the powder. It is technically recyclable but that would depend on what your area recycles. The only drawback is convenience, but I am finding that once you adjust to Amazon it ends up being more convenient to have your stuff automatically show up at your door just as you're realizing you're running low.
The ingredients list for Tide Free HE is long. I didn't put everything into the EWG database, but most of the ones I entered fell in the green or yellow zone. Tide contains borax -- I didn't even know that! Borax (rated a 6 by EWG) is something I want to be cautious of since it can be very toxic in infants (if ingested). It can also cause respiratory and skin irritations. I don't think it has to be avoided at all costs, but I am glad to find a replacement detergent without borax just in case. I also like that it has oxygen bleach in it, so I can stop using OxyClean Free (saves money and time!).
It was strange switching back to a powder detergent after using liquid for so long, but I don't mind. I put about 1/2 to 2/3 a scoop of detergent in per load (1.5-2Tbsp). We have a front-loading HE machine. I haven't noticed a difference in cleaning power, so I will take that to be a good thing! I also like the light citrus scent, although it doesn't linger after going through the dryer.
Some nice things about Biokleen:
-No artificial fragrances, colors or preservatives (this holds true for Tide except preservatives)
-Manufactured with 100% green energy (wind, I believe? ... 100% according to Biokleen, of course, I can't say for sure ...)
-Rapidly biodegrades/safe for environment (the surfactants in Tide also biodegrade)
-Does not contain SLS or optical brighteners
-No animal testing
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Biokleen 5lb box (75 HE loads): $15.99 (17 cents/ounce). If you subscribe and get a 4 pack of 10lb boxes it goes down to 8 cents/ounce.
Tide Free HE liquid 50 ounces (32 loads): $10.57 (21 cents/ounce). If you subscribe you can get it down to 18 cents/ounce.
Tide Free HE powder 113-ounces (80 loads): $21.99 (19 cents/ounce). If you subscribe you can get it down to 17 cents/ounce.
Convenient access:
It's obviously easier to find Tide Free, but I saw Biokleen at our local grocery store in the organic aisle, so it's not impossible to locate.
The savings in going green with Biokleen are pretty incredible! It is literally half the cost of Tide Free (comparing subscription prices). Even without a subscription it works out to be about the same price per load (looking at Tide powder). You can also recycle the cardboard because it doesn't have a chemical liner like normal boxes of detergent. There is a plastic bag inside the box to help preserve the powder. It is technically recyclable but that would depend on what your area recycles. The only drawback is convenience, but I am finding that once you adjust to Amazon it ends up being more convenient to have your stuff automatically show up at your door just as you're realizing you're running low.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Toilet paper
We recently switched our toilet paper from whatever major brand was on sale (usually Cottonelle) to Green Forest. Here are the major reasons why:
1) It's made from 100% recycled paper, 90% post-consumer (ie. not virgin wood)
2) It is processed chlorine free (PCF)
When toilet paper is whitened most companies use chlorine. Chlorine reacts with the lignins in the wood used to make the toilet paper and creates dioxins. Dioxins are harmful to the environment and the EPA classified them as a probable human carcinogen. Dioxins can be absorbed through skin contact.
Unfortunately if you want to use recycled toilet paper you can't avoid whatever dioxins might have been present in the recycled paper prior to processing. TCF (totally chlorine free) paper uses virgin wood.
3) Green Forest is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and fragrance-free.
The NRDC has created an environmental rating system for household paper products. You can read more here. To see where your brand falls check out this list.
[While we're on the topic of paper, here's a list of totally chlorine free (TCF) and PCF printer paper if you're interested.]
We don't use napkins, but we do have tissues and paper towels around. I'll address those changes in our house another time.
So we moved from red-rated (ie. bad!) Cottonelle to green-rated Green Forest. The quality is basically the same. They're both 2-ply. Cottonelle is a little bit softer, but Green Forest is a little sturdier. Not enough to make me care either way.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Cottonelle 4 packs of 12 double rolls (48 rolls), 176 sheets per roll: $42.89 (89 cents/roll) -- worth noting that this is a pretty good deal if I remember the price at the grocery store correctly. if you subscribe the price gets lower
Green Forest 4 packs of 12 double rolls (48 rolls), 352 sheets per roll: $53.36 ($1.10/roll) -- if you subscribe the price gets lower
So it looks like Green Forest is pricier at $1.10/roll, but it has double the number of sheets per roll which ends up actually making it cheaper. Woohoo!
Convenient access:
Easier to get Cottonelle. Green Forest is pretty easy to get in the organic aisle at the grocery store, but it's usually just the small packs and I've heard they aren't the same softness? Not sure. We buy in bulk from Amazon.
So all in all, another win for green! I have a bunch of posts in the works right now and am hoping to get them up this week. We've made a lot of changes around here.
*I should mention that we are getting this delivered by Amazon (as we are many products). You have to take into account the energy/emissions, etc. spent to get the product to our door. However, dioxins are bad for the environment and for your health ... I justify it by signing up for automatic delivery so Amazon can factor our deliveries into their routes in advance to make the most efficient route possible. It comes in a recyclable cardboard box, but I suspect it would come that way at the grocery store, too (upon delivery) and the box might not even get recycled there. You have to weigh your options and figure out what's best for you.
1) It's made from 100% recycled paper, 90% post-consumer (ie. not virgin wood)
2) It is processed chlorine free (PCF)
When toilet paper is whitened most companies use chlorine. Chlorine reacts with the lignins in the wood used to make the toilet paper and creates dioxins. Dioxins are harmful to the environment and the EPA classified them as a probable human carcinogen. Dioxins can be absorbed through skin contact.
Unfortunately if you want to use recycled toilet paper you can't avoid whatever dioxins might have been present in the recycled paper prior to processing. TCF (totally chlorine free) paper uses virgin wood.
3) Green Forest is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and fragrance-free.
The NRDC has created an environmental rating system for household paper products. You can read more here. To see where your brand falls check out this list.
[While we're on the topic of paper, here's a list of totally chlorine free (TCF) and PCF printer paper if you're interested.]
We don't use napkins, but we do have tissues and paper towels around. I'll address those changes in our house another time.
So we moved from red-rated (ie. bad!) Cottonelle to green-rated Green Forest. The quality is basically the same. They're both 2-ply. Cottonelle is a little bit softer, but Green Forest is a little sturdier. Not enough to make me care either way.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Cottonelle 4 packs of 12 double rolls (48 rolls), 176 sheets per roll: $42.89 (89 cents/roll) -- worth noting that this is a pretty good deal if I remember the price at the grocery store correctly. if you subscribe the price gets lower
Green Forest 4 packs of 12 double rolls (48 rolls), 352 sheets per roll: $53.36 ($1.10/roll) -- if you subscribe the price gets lower
So it looks like Green Forest is pricier at $1.10/roll, but it has double the number of sheets per roll which ends up actually making it cheaper. Woohoo!
Convenient access:
Easier to get Cottonelle. Green Forest is pretty easy to get in the organic aisle at the grocery store, but it's usually just the small packs and I've heard they aren't the same softness? Not sure. We buy in bulk from Amazon.
So all in all, another win for green! I have a bunch of posts in the works right now and am hoping to get them up this week. We've made a lot of changes around here.
*I should mention that we are getting this delivered by Amazon (as we are many products). You have to take into account the energy/emissions, etc. spent to get the product to our door. However, dioxins are bad for the environment and for your health ... I justify it by signing up for automatic delivery so Amazon can factor our deliveries into their routes in advance to make the most efficient route possible. It comes in a recyclable cardboard box, but I suspect it would come that way at the grocery store, too (upon delivery) and the box might not even get recycled there. You have to weigh your options and figure out what's best for you.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunscreen
**updated post-shore**
This year we are using Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple SPF 50. It is oil, fragrance, and dye free and scores a 2 on the EWG database. Unfortunately it's not paraben free, but for the price and effectiveness it's worth it (we may switch next year), especially since we don't use it all that often this year. The kids have gone swimming a handful of times and we'll be going to the beach for a week soon.
For their faces I have Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Face Stick, SPF 50+. It scores a 1 in the EWG database.
If you're interested in the Hall of Shame sunscreens check them out here. You'll see Coppertone Water Babies SPF 70+ on the list (not Pure and Simple SPF 50). The bottle looks so similar though. One of the most frustrating things I'm experiencing in trying to change to safer/greener products is how much thought and research has to go into it. Sometimes I stand in the grocery store just staring at the options and reading labels and if I don't take a deep breath I feel like I'll get a headache from being overwhelmed. That's why I'm making this reference list! =)
Here's what I'm gathering to be the things you'd ideally want:
-A mineral sunscreen: the only 2 active ingredients would be titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (some say it's best to just have zinc oxide).
Here is what Wikipedia says about these ingredients:
"Zinc oxide ... is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB reflector that is approved for use as sunscreen by the FDA and is completely photostable. When used as an ingredient in sunscreen, zinc oxide sits on the skin’s surface i.e. is not absorbed into the skin, and blocks both UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–320 nm) rays of ultraviolet light. Because zinc oxide (and the other most common physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide) are not absorbed into the skin, they are nonirritating and nonallergenic."
The reason just zinc oxide is preferable is because titanium oxide must be coated in silica or alumina otherwise it creates free radicals during its reaction with the sun and these can be absorbed into the skin. Free radicals are linked to cancer. That being said, supposedly the coating prevents this from happening. It just depends on how paranoid you want to be!
-No nanoparticles: companies don't have to tell you but some do say >100nM on the bottle which is what you're looking for. You want micronized particles, not nanoparticles because your skin can absorb nanoparticles. Ideally, your sunscreen would have a label stating that the titanium oxide and zinc oxide are >100nM in particle size.
-Paraben free, artificial fragrance and dye free
-No retinyl palmitate (vitamin A)
From EWG: "A 2009 study by U.S. government scientists suggests that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions (NTP 2009, 2011) ... Scientists have known for some time that vitamin A can spur excess skin growth (hyperplasia), and that in sunlight it can form free radicals that damage DNA (NTP 2000)."
-PABA-free: at this time nearly all sunscreens are PABA-free, so don't even worry about this one.
Despite the dangers in sunscreen, it should be obvious that the risk of cancer from sunburn is very present and you should wear sunscreen if you're going to be out in the sun for a long time (ex: the pool, the beach, sporting events, etc.). That being said, some sun exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D. If you're off to the store or taking a quick walk, consider not wearing sunscreen. You do need some sun exposure to be healthy.
We were using Banana Boat Kids this year (well, we only used it about four times). It gets a 7 in the EWG database, so I'm glad to switch over. Here is a price/convenience comparison using that brand.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple, SPF 50: $7.80 for 8 ounces
Aveeno Baby Mineral Block Face Stick: $7.99 for 0.5 ounces (face sticks are always pricey)
Banana Boat Kids: $6.99 for 8 ounces
Convenient access:
I found Banana Boat and Coppertone Pure & Simple easily at Target. Aveeno's mineral block is at most drug stores and probably at Target, too.
Price-wise it's easy to switch to Coppertone from Banana Boat. I've heard it can leave a white tint on your skin, so that could be annoying. I'm able to get the Aveeno face stick for a much cheaper price than listed on Amazon.
Next year we might try the recommendations from my favorite blog, Kitchen Stewardship:
Kabana, Loving Naturals, Mexitan, and TruKid. More expensive and more difficult to get your hands on, but worth it if we're going to be out in the sun more often as the kids get older.
**Update now that we've tested this sunscreen thoroughly:**
This stuff works better than any sunscreen I have used before. Not a single sunburn (except tiny spots I missed). Kids didn't get any color at all. I actually got a nice tan (for me, no one else would have noticed!). Usually I burn if I don't reapply religiously, but I didn't even need to reapply at all. The major con: it is very very hard to wash off. I had to take 2 showers to really feel like it was completely gone, especially on the kids. Next year we will probably try something else to compare, but this stuff is really worth the price!
This year we are using Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple SPF 50. It is oil, fragrance, and dye free and scores a 2 on the EWG database. Unfortunately it's not paraben free, but for the price and effectiveness it's worth it (we may switch next year), especially since we don't use it all that often this year. The kids have gone swimming a handful of times and we'll be going to the beach for a week soon.
For their faces I have Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Block Face Stick, SPF 50+. It scores a 1 in the EWG database.
If you're interested in the Hall of Shame sunscreens check them out here. You'll see Coppertone Water Babies SPF 70+ on the list (not Pure and Simple SPF 50). The bottle looks so similar though. One of the most frustrating things I'm experiencing in trying to change to safer/greener products is how much thought and research has to go into it. Sometimes I stand in the grocery store just staring at the options and reading labels and if I don't take a deep breath I feel like I'll get a headache from being overwhelmed. That's why I'm making this reference list! =)
Here's what I'm gathering to be the things you'd ideally want:
-A mineral sunscreen: the only 2 active ingredients would be titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (some say it's best to just have zinc oxide).
Here is what Wikipedia says about these ingredients:
"Zinc oxide ... is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB reflector that is approved for use as sunscreen by the FDA and is completely photostable. When used as an ingredient in sunscreen, zinc oxide sits on the skin’s surface i.e. is not absorbed into the skin, and blocks both UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–320 nm) rays of ultraviolet light. Because zinc oxide (and the other most common physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide) are not absorbed into the skin, they are nonirritating and nonallergenic."
The reason just zinc oxide is preferable is because titanium oxide must be coated in silica or alumina otherwise it creates free radicals during its reaction with the sun and these can be absorbed into the skin. Free radicals are linked to cancer. That being said, supposedly the coating prevents this from happening. It just depends on how paranoid you want to be!
-No nanoparticles: companies don't have to tell you but some do say >100nM on the bottle which is what you're looking for. You want micronized particles, not nanoparticles because your skin can absorb nanoparticles. Ideally, your sunscreen would have a label stating that the titanium oxide and zinc oxide are >100nM in particle size.
-Paraben free, artificial fragrance and dye free
-No retinyl palmitate (vitamin A)
From EWG: "A 2009 study by U.S. government scientists suggests that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions (NTP 2009, 2011) ... Scientists have known for some time that vitamin A can spur excess skin growth (hyperplasia), and that in sunlight it can form free radicals that damage DNA (NTP 2000)."
-PABA-free: at this time nearly all sunscreens are PABA-free, so don't even worry about this one.
Despite the dangers in sunscreen, it should be obvious that the risk of cancer from sunburn is very present and you should wear sunscreen if you're going to be out in the sun for a long time (ex: the pool, the beach, sporting events, etc.). That being said, some sun exposure is important for getting enough vitamin D. If you're off to the store or taking a quick walk, consider not wearing sunscreen. You do need some sun exposure to be healthy.
We were using Banana Boat Kids this year (well, we only used it about four times). It gets a 7 in the EWG database, so I'm glad to switch over. Here is a price/convenience comparison using that brand.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple, SPF 50: $7.80 for 8 ounces
Aveeno Baby Mineral Block Face Stick: $7.99 for 0.5 ounces (face sticks are always pricey)
Banana Boat Kids: $6.99 for 8 ounces
Convenient access:
I found Banana Boat and Coppertone Pure & Simple easily at Target. Aveeno's mineral block is at most drug stores and probably at Target, too.
Price-wise it's easy to switch to Coppertone from Banana Boat. I've heard it can leave a white tint on your skin, so that could be annoying. I'm able to get the Aveeno face stick for a much cheaper price than listed on Amazon.
Next year we might try the recommendations from my favorite blog, Kitchen Stewardship:
Kabana, Loving Naturals, Mexitan, and TruKid. More expensive and more difficult to get your hands on, but worth it if we're going to be out in the sun more often as the kids get older.
**Update now that we've tested this sunscreen thoroughly:**
This stuff works better than any sunscreen I have used before. Not a single sunburn (except tiny spots I missed). Kids didn't get any color at all. I actually got a nice tan (for me, no one else would have noticed!). Usually I burn if I don't reapply religiously, but I didn't even need to reapply at all. The major con: it is very very hard to wash off. I had to take 2 showers to really feel like it was completely gone, especially on the kids. Next year we will probably try something else to compare, but this stuff is really worth the price!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Body lotion
Every morning after my shower I put on body lotion. My lotion of choice for many years has been Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer. I don't have extra dry skin ... I don't even know why I buy this lotion honestly. I like it, it lasts all day, it feels good, isn't too expensive, whatever. Sadly, this lotion is a 6 on EWG's database (used to be a 7 with the old formulation I'm sure I used in the past).
There are 6 yellow zone ingredients (including parabens) and 3 red zone ingredients. Ugh. Parabens are preservatives that are rapidly absorbed and metabolized through the skin. They can cause contact dermatitis and have been found in breast cancer tumors. They might mimic estrogen. There's no concrete evidence yet, but I think it's time to find a new lotion, don't you?
I switched to Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It scores a 2 (green zone) on the EWG database. It has 2 ingredients in the yellow zone: benzyl alcohol (6) and dimethicone (3). Not perfect, but a lot better than Jergens. It is paraben-free and fragrance free.
Cost comparison at Target:
Jergens: 32 ounces for $7.29
Aveeno: 18 ounces for $7.99
*Clearly much more expensive, however I have to admit I have access to highly discounted Aveeno lotion, so the price is actually cheaper than Jergens for us.
Convenient access:
Equally convenient. You can also purchase Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion if you don't want to buy a baby lotion, but this way I can use it on our babies, too.
I like this lotion. If anything, I'd say it moisturizes almost too well. When I take a shower the next morning I can tell it is still there. I definitely prefer the feel of Jergens, but it's not a big deal to switch.
There are 6 yellow zone ingredients (including parabens) and 3 red zone ingredients. Ugh. Parabens are preservatives that are rapidly absorbed and metabolized through the skin. They can cause contact dermatitis and have been found in breast cancer tumors. They might mimic estrogen. There's no concrete evidence yet, but I think it's time to find a new lotion, don't you?
I switched to Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It scores a 2 (green zone) on the EWG database. It has 2 ingredients in the yellow zone: benzyl alcohol (6) and dimethicone (3). Not perfect, but a lot better than Jergens. It is paraben-free and fragrance free.
Cost comparison at Target:
Jergens: 32 ounces for $7.29
Aveeno: 18 ounces for $7.99
*Clearly much more expensive, however I have to admit I have access to highly discounted Aveeno lotion, so the price is actually cheaper than Jergens for us.
Convenient access:
Equally convenient. You can also purchase Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion if you don't want to buy a baby lotion, but this way I can use it on our babies, too.
I like this lotion. If anything, I'd say it moisturizes almost too well. When I take a shower the next morning I can tell it is still there. I definitely prefer the feel of Jergens, but it's not a big deal to switch.
Face wash + a note about face/body scrubs
We switched back and forth between different face washes, but a typical example (the last one we used) is Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub. It scores a 6 in the EWG database.
There are 7 ingredients in the red and yellow zones including:
Fragrance - scores an 8 (red zone) since this is a blanket term for any number of ingredients
Salicylic acid - scores a 6 (yellow zone), can cause skin burns among other things, no studies on its effects during pregnancy, just makes me think it should be used with caution
We switched to Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash. It fights acne with 3 essential oils (some essential oils have antimicrobial properties). This face wash scores a 1 in EWG's database.
I really like this face wash. It smells good and seems to work well. If you've got massive acne maybe it isn't for you ... I don't so I can't really review how effective it would be at controlling more than the occasional pimple here and there. It is a thinner liquid than most face washes, but that doesn't matter to me. It leaves your face with a "squeaky clean" sensation for a minute or two -- I don't like that feeling when it lingers, but it goes away almost immediately so it's okay.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub: $6.97 for 4.2 ounces ($1.66/oz)
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash: $9.52 for 8.5 ounces ($1.12/oz)
Convenient access:
Obviously Neutrogena is easier to get at any store. However, I've seen Desert Essence at our grocery store in the organic aisle and at several natural stores. I bought a bottle for $7.99 at the grocery store. I plan on buying the refill on Amazon ($12.65 for 32 ounces), making it even cheaper in the future and also decreasing plastic waste!
This was an overall win, pretty easy to change.
**One other thing that should make you steer away from face/body scrubs/exfoliators. Those little plastic beads do not get filtered by sewage systems because they're too small and they're ending up in our oceans. Just another good reason to switch! Even switching to a face wash without those beads is a step in the right direction, no matter what its EWG rating.
There are 7 ingredients in the red and yellow zones including:
Fragrance - scores an 8 (red zone) since this is a blanket term for any number of ingredients
Salicylic acid - scores a 6 (yellow zone), can cause skin burns among other things, no studies on its effects during pregnancy, just makes me think it should be used with caution
We switched to Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash. It fights acne with 3 essential oils (some essential oils have antimicrobial properties). This face wash scores a 1 in EWG's database.
I really like this face wash. It smells good and seems to work well. If you've got massive acne maybe it isn't for you ... I don't so I can't really review how effective it would be at controlling more than the occasional pimple here and there. It is a thinner liquid than most face washes, but that doesn't matter to me. It leaves your face with a "squeaky clean" sensation for a minute or two -- I don't like that feeling when it lingers, but it goes away almost immediately so it's okay.
Cost comparison on Amazon:
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub: $6.97 for 4.2 ounces ($1.66/oz)
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash: $9.52 for 8.5 ounces ($1.12/oz)
Convenient access:
Obviously Neutrogena is easier to get at any store. However, I've seen Desert Essence at our grocery store in the organic aisle and at several natural stores. I bought a bottle for $7.99 at the grocery store. I plan on buying the refill on Amazon ($12.65 for 32 ounces), making it even cheaper in the future and also decreasing plastic waste!
This was an overall win, pretty easy to change.
**One other thing that should make you steer away from face/body scrubs/exfoliators. Those little plastic beads do not get filtered by sewage systems because they're too small and they're ending up in our oceans. Just another good reason to switch! Even switching to a face wash without those beads is a step in the right direction, no matter what its EWG rating.
Toothpaste
I love my toothpaste. Like, for real, love it. We used Crest Extreme Herbal Mint (the paste in a tube, not the liquid gel) ... mmm just thinking of it makes me want to go brush my teeth. I brush at least 3 times a day and I just love how fresh this toothpaste makes my mouth feel. Alas, our toothpaste scores a 4 on EWG. While not horrible, I am trying to move towards things in the green zone (0-2), so I decided to switch toothpastes.
The ingredients list for my old Crest toothpaste is long, so if you want to check it out go here.
The things in the yellow zone are:
Sodium Fluoride (0.243%) - scores a 6
Flavor - scores a 4 (a general term that could be any number of ingredients)
Blue 1 Aluminum Lake - scores a 3
Yellow 10 Aluminum Lake - scores a 3
I switched over to Tom's of Maine Clean & Gentle Anticavity SLS-Free toothpaste. Ditching the SLS in my toothpaste was important to me. It only scores a 1 in the EWG database, but I know studies show SLS to be a skin irritant and it causes cancer in studies of prolonged exposure in animals. I don't think it's super dangerous necessarily, but SLS is in so many products (soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste -- anything that has suds) that I'd like to decrease exposure to it if possible.
The ingredients in Tom's SLS-free toothpaste that rank in the yellow zone are:
Sodium monoflurophosphate - scores a 3
Acacia senegal gum - scores a 3
I am not willing to give up flouride in my toothpaste. I think the benefits of a flouride toothpaste far out number the possible issues (if there are any). I don't understand why Sodium flouride (the form in Crest) scores a 6 when Sodium monoflourophosphate (the form in Tom's) scores a 3. My husband (a dentist) isn't sure either. EWG claims sodium flouride has cancer risk, but I have been reading some stuff off of PubMed that suggests the two chemicals are basically the same and don't pose a hazard. Who knows.
Cost comparison on Amazon (pack of 2):
Tom's of Maine: $10.37 for a pack of 2 ($1.10/ounce), free shipping
Crest Extreme Herbal Mint: $3.10 for 1 tube (52 cents/ounce) + $2.99 shipping, but obviously you could get it at the store and avoid shipping
Convenient access:
Crest Extreme Herbal Mint is easy to get at any Target, drugstore, grocery store, etc. Tom's is easy to find, but not this particular kind. I had to get it on Amazon.
I'm not going to lie, I miss the amazing way my mouth felt after using the Crest toothpaste. That being said, I've been using Tom's for a few weeks now and am getting used to it. I hated it for the first few days and then it kind of grew on me. It will never be better than Crest, but it's worth it to avoid the artificial flavor, dyes, and SLS.
The ingredients list for my old Crest toothpaste is long, so if you want to check it out go here.
The things in the yellow zone are:
Sodium Fluoride (0.243%) - scores a 6
Flavor - scores a 4 (a general term that could be any number of ingredients)
Blue 1 Aluminum Lake - scores a 3
Yellow 10 Aluminum Lake - scores a 3
I switched over to Tom's of Maine Clean & Gentle Anticavity SLS-Free toothpaste. Ditching the SLS in my toothpaste was important to me. It only scores a 1 in the EWG database, but I know studies show SLS to be a skin irritant and it causes cancer in studies of prolonged exposure in animals. I don't think it's super dangerous necessarily, but SLS is in so many products (soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste -- anything that has suds) that I'd like to decrease exposure to it if possible.
The ingredients in Tom's SLS-free toothpaste that rank in the yellow zone are:
Sodium monoflurophosphate - scores a 3
Acacia senegal gum - scores a 3
I am not willing to give up flouride in my toothpaste. I think the benefits of a flouride toothpaste far out number the possible issues (if there are any). I don't understand why Sodium flouride (the form in Crest) scores a 6 when Sodium monoflourophosphate (the form in Tom's) scores a 3. My husband (a dentist) isn't sure either. EWG claims sodium flouride has cancer risk, but I have been reading some stuff off of PubMed that suggests the two chemicals are basically the same and don't pose a hazard. Who knows.
Cost comparison on Amazon (pack of 2):
Tom's of Maine: $10.37 for a pack of 2 ($1.10/ounce), free shipping
Crest Extreme Herbal Mint: $3.10 for 1 tube (52 cents/ounce) + $2.99 shipping, but obviously you could get it at the store and avoid shipping
Convenient access:
Crest Extreme Herbal Mint is easy to get at any Target, drugstore, grocery store, etc. Tom's is easy to find, but not this particular kind. I had to get it on Amazon.
I'm not going to lie, I miss the amazing way my mouth felt after using the Crest toothpaste. That being said, I've been using Tom's for a few weeks now and am getting used to it. I hated it for the first few days and then it kind of grew on me. It will never be better than Crest, but it's worth it to avoid the artificial flavor, dyes, and SLS.
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