Are Temporary Tattoo’s Safe?

Learn About Temporary Tattoo Toxins and Safer Alternatives

Temporary Tattoos have become part of life. Kids gravitate towards their favorite characters and bright colors for rub on tattoos.  They are in goodie bags, trick or treat options and passed out at fairs and local Temporary Tattoo Toxinstown day booths. So, what are we really applying and which ones should you stay away from?

The FDA does not approve children’s temporary tattoos. (They do not disapprove it either-it is just not regulated by them) The FDA approves the colors themselves used in tattoos created in the United States.  This is important information because it also means the tattoos made in China do not meet that same FDA approval.  The ingredients in those colors are not disclosed.  Given the amount of times my children end up with temporary tattoos I am not overly concerned about them participating in the fun periodically BUT I will be sure they were made in the United States or find them ones that are.

When it’s time to remove them?

We all know after that tattoo has spent a day or two in it looks more like a patch of dirt. Scrubbing them off is never appealing to young children.  A tip from our house: a bit of our face moisturizer and a drop of lemon essential oil  and wipe it right off! No scrubbing needed!

What About Henna?

Some older kids and teens have the attention span and desire to get Henna tattoos. A henna tattoo has become one of the newest rages. They are not permanent but last longer and look more grown up that rub on character tattoos so they have their own appeal.  Henna is plant derived and considered safe and without additives. There are seldom reactions to the use of henna without additives.  There are some things to be aware of given certain sensitivities.  Some artists add essential oils to help the stain set better. This is generally helpful and aromatic given they use pure essential oils.  Citrus essential oils can also be used but one should note they are photosensitive so if you are out in the sun after it could invite sunburn.  Other artist includes walnut powder to darken the stain. Generally this is also a non-issue for people but if you have a nut allergy you should definitely be aware!

Not All Henna Is Created Equal

The FDA has warned consumers to avoid any temporary tattoos labeled as “black henna” or “pre-mixed henna.” (The FDA approves neither for cosmetic use but these often still become available at local beaches and vacation resorts)   The black or premixed henna may contain silver nitrate, carmine, and pyrogallol; disperse orange dye, and chromium.  In addition, “black henna” gets its color from paraphenylenediamine (PPD).  PPD, which is banned for skin use in Canada, is a dye that is approved for use in hair color and not for skin.  They consensus is that Black Henna is never safe. Henna is never colored. If there are other colors involved it is not henna and you should stay clear.

Henna Tattoo On Hand

 

Hand Sanitizer Toxins

Toxins in Hand Sanitizers Create a Bigger Problem

The crisp fall weather means those first colds and the paranoia of germs. Hand sanitizer is everywhere! We want to stay healthy and prevent the spreading of germs but is coating our hands in hand sanitizer actually Toxins in Hand Santizerthe answer?  Personally I stay away from them. I am blessed with a decent immune system, built on four kids worth of germs and having taught preschool for 19 years.

Having searched high and low, I can’t find a single one that contains NO sketchy ingredients. Even those on the safer end of the EWG rating scale, all include some less than perfect ingredients.  I find very few situations where there is no place to wash my hands or a nice scrub with the kids wet wipes won’t accomplish enough for me to get by. Since that is not the case for everyone, let’s look at the best possible scenarios.

What to avoid

First and foremost avoid Triclosan. The FDA has recently banned 19 ingredients, including Tricolsan however the new regulations do not include hand sanitizers or wipes. Starting  January 2017 it is banned in Minnesota products. It HAS been proven to cause thyroid and hormone disruption in animals. A major pitfall is that it takes 1 minute for Triclosan to kill germs. Most people do not wash their hands or use hand sanitizer for an entire minute so the effectiveness has not quite weighed in.

Ethyl Alcohol: This is what kills the germs. It also enhances the absorption into the skin of other chemicals. (So take note if you are using one that contains Triclosan). Unfortunately for your skin it also dries out the natural oils. Making your skin dry enough to have cracks would increase the ability of germs to get in. An alarming observation? Adults have shown to have alcohol in their blood stream after using large amounts of hand sanitizer. Children have never been tested.

Isopropyl alcohol: This is a known neurotoxin with a 4 rating on the EWG site.

Fragrance: Fragrance is that one tiny word that may contain any of up to over 3,000 ingredients including phthalates. Many are toxic and have never been tested for safety. (Essential oils will be listed as essential oils, not as fragrance) Fragrances rate an 8 out of 10 on the toxic scale!

Amino methyl propanol: Shown to be an endocrine disruptor and having respiratory effects.

Tocopheryl acetate. This is a tricky one for consumers. Tocopheryl is Vitamin E. However-this ingredient is vitamin E with an added acetate group now making it a 4 on the toxicity scale and certainly not as natural as vitamin E.

Propylene glycol: An ingredient found in antifreeze, processed foods, and cosmetics. It can be irritating to the lungs, skin and eyes.

Solutions

For my family, I opt for washing hands when possible as a first choice. A second choice is pulling out the water wipes (at least we are getting the dirt off right?) Last choice when needed is my DIY hand sanitizer.

Disclaimers:  Judgment call: If we are at the local farm and there is no running water I will opt for my hand sanitizer over theirs before we eat. If my child were sick in the hospital I would likely take my chances with the toxins and use theirs. Obviously my DIY hand sanitizer has not been tested for how much bacteria it can kill, nor have any others from what I can find.  Essential oils have shown to have natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties. Tea Tree has been tested in clinical studies (link to study https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm).

There are MANY variations to this recipe and you can add and tweak as you like.

1/4C of Aloe Vera Gel

1 tsp of Witch Hazel (omit if you wish to keep it alcohol free or if using on children under 2)

15 drops of Germ Destroyer

10 drops of Tea Tree Oil

½ tsp Vegetable Glycerin

½ tsp of Vitamin E.

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Antibacterial Soap Toxins

Antibacterial Soap Toxins are Worse Than You May Think

Summer is winding down, which leads us to fall and back to school.  Back to school advertising and products seem to be aimed at fighting germs. It is inevitable when putting groups of kids in a classroom, children are bound to get sick. Enter the antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizers and soaps.Antibacterial Soap Toxins

No one wants to be sick, so you hit Target and stock up…but are you keeping yourself and your children healthy? Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it absorbs everything we put ON it as well as IN it.  What does that mean for us when using antibacterial soap?  75% of liquid soaps and 30% of bar soaps contain Triclosan.

What is Tricolsan?

Tricolsan is a chemical that studies have shown actually promotes the growth of bacteria resistance.  Bacteria resistance means it is more difficult for our current antibiotics to do their job when needed. One study showed 80% of people tested had urine that contained Triclosan.

Does it Get Worse?

In addition, Triclosan creates a toxin by the name of Dioxin.  Dioxins are known to disrupt thyroid, the endocrine system, and are labeled as a human carcinogen.   These problems can lead to infertility, artificially advanced early puberty, obesity and cancer.  Children with prolonged exposure have shown to have a higher chance of developing allergies and hay fever as well. Washing your hands or your body with these daily adds up to a lot of toxin exposure we can avoid easily. Triclosan is also toxic to aquatic life, so help our environment by not washing it down the drain.

Can it be avoided?

What’s the solution? The solution is easy. You CAN buy safer hand soaps that do not contain Triclosan.  Studies have shown that scrubbing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds is as effective at removing dirt and bacteria without toxic consequences. (Children can be taught to sing the song happy birthday 2x for timing purposes).

EWG safer soap options: Safer Soap Options

Other places you may find Triclosan: Toys, clothing, kitchenware, furniture, body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics.

For more information regarding common toxins in your products, view our free toxin checklist: Checklist

 

E-Cloth – Does It Work?

We put the E-Cloth to the test, and think you will love the results!

A few weeks ago I was sent an E-Cloth as a gift from one of our Instagram followers. This was sent as a thank you for the information we have been providing on our page.  That alone made my day to hear another wonderful E-Clothmessage of how we are helping with sharing of information and the products we have chosen to offer.  To be clear, nothing was asked in return, it was just a thank you.

Several days later the cloths arrived at my house.  My first thoughts, I didn’t expect to be overly impressed with what a dry cloth (wet with water to clean) would do for me.

The First Test

Our skincare products are oil based, so my shower needs a good scrub periodically.  Generally I opt for baking soda with lemon essential oil, vinegar, a scrubby sponge and some elbow grease. Figuring this was the perfect test, I went to work. Adding nothing but water to the E-Cloth, I was shocked when I got my shower perfectly clean.

More Results

Next, I tackled the minivan, after it took a several day road trip with four kids, food, muddy feet and bathing suits.  Took the dirt right off the seats (leather FYI). Later in the week I used it on counters etc. Each time I was equally impressed with its ability to clean!

So Where’s the Catch?

There has got to be a catch-I figured if I researched enough I would find that there is some sort of toxin or chemical involved in this “magic.” I did my research. NOTHING. Rave reviews and reports.  Clinical testing done by the internationally accredited Silliker Group has proven it to remove 99% of bacteria including E. coli and Listeria using just water. Crazy! More good news? It has a 300 wash guarantee! That replaces endless paper towel waste, toxic sponges, cleaning chemicals and more.

What can you use it on?

Glass

iPads, phones and other electronics

Stainless steel

Appliances

Granite (not Matt)

Tile

Sinks

Toilets

Wood and furniture

Leather

Upholstery

(There is a separate cloth for windows that gets amazing reviews!)

Normally we do not do reviews.  I was not asked to review this product, but since it fit perfectly into our standards of toxin free and environmentally friendly cleaners I wanted to share it with you for a Toxic Tuesday. I highly recommend adding it to your cleaning team!

Link to E-Cloths:

http://www.milkallergymom.com/2013/01/e-cloth-allergy-friendly-store.html#!/c/0/offset=0&sort=normal

 

Facial Toner Toxins

Facial Toner Toxins Can Do More Harm Than Good

Before I started making my own, I never used toner. In hindsight, I am glad that I was skipping what would have been anotherFacial Toner Toxins bunch of toxins applied daily, but it does have it’s benefits (so long as it’s toxin free).

So what does toner actually do for your skin?

Toner’s job is to balance the pH levels (an abnormal pH can promote bacteria growth and make our skin more susceptible to infections and wrinkles), remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil and traces of cleaner left behind.  Toner will help temporarily minimize the appearance of pores when used between cleansing and moisturizing.

What is in a Facial Toner?

Unfortunately the majority of toners will contain synthetic ingredients. Toners specific to oily skin will likely contain salicylic acid, and benzyl alcohol. Both of these ingredients are neurotoxins and skin irritants. In addition most will contain phthalates if they have a fragrance and parabens as a preservative. Some even contain synthetic colors!

So what is the solution?

Can you live without toner? Yes. However-this DIY recipe along with our skin care moisturizer has my skin clearer than it has been since I was about 12.  Before you jump to conclusions and click off the page-let me assure you that you will not smell like vinegar!

Apple Cider vinegar  (raw unfiltered) is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It can help treat acne and reduce redness for those with oily skin. For those with normal and dry skin it can help reduce wrinkles and exfoliate.

Recipe:

2TBSP Raw unfiltered organic Apple Cider Vinegar

4TBSP witch hazel or filtered/distilled water (I use witch hazel)

Several drops of essential oils (good choices are Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender or Tea Tree)

Store in bottle. Shake. Spray onto cotton ball and apply. Moisturize as usual.

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Is Dust Toxic?

 Household Dust Poses More Problems than You May Realize

Dust itself is toxic since it contains particles from any air pollutants, pet dander, fungal spores, hair and skin, and furniture made of particleboard etc. There is no way of avoiding dust. It can cause respiratory Is Dust Toxicissues and aggravate allergies.

When I began our journey into removing toxins from our home I read every label and looked everything up on the EWG guide to find less toxic choices. Unfortunately, in this instance there didn’t seem to be one! Adding a toxic spray to “get rid” of toxic dust seemed counterproductive. Dusting wands and Swiffer dusters also scored a D or an F. Pledge Dust  & Allergen dry cloths? They score a D. Most contain ingredients “suspected of causing cancer” as well as toxic fragrances in mineral oils.

What’s the solution? Vacuuming frequently, leaving your shoes at the door, and investing in a HEPA filter will help cut down on the amount of dust created.

Getting rid of the dust that will inevitably exist is actually easier and cheaper than you may think! I have been using this recipe for quite a long time and I believe it works better than any spray I have used in the past.

1 Cup  olive oil

¼ cup white vinegar

5 drops of lemon essential oil

Or arborvitae essential oil (I actually use both)

Combine in a stainless steel or glass spray bottle (lemon essential oil is not compatible with plastic bottles)

When ready to use spray ON CLOTH (microfiber or a strong paper towel) and wipe.

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Non Toxic Fabric Softener

Is there a non toxic fabric softener?

Many day-to-day items we use contain a multitude of toxins. They are considered “safe” despite this based on the amount being used.  Knowing the toxins accumulate in the blood stream it makes sense to eliminate Non toxic fabric softenerand cut down on the ones that we can control.

What exactly does fabric softener do?

It actually coats our clothing with a subtle layer of chemicals making them feel a little softer. Many of the ingredients contain antibacterial properties. Although this may sound appealing it can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant superbugs. That amazing scent it gives your laundry? Fragrance.  (One word that may contain thousands of untested and toxic chemicals.)

 

Are the unscented ones safer?

They will not contain fragrance, however they will still contain many toxic chemicals and antibacterial ingredients.

Fabric softener is considered one of the most toxic household items and air pollutants. As your clothes are drying, your dryer vent is polluting the air.

Vegan? Did you know many dryer sheets are made using tallow? Tallow is a form of animal fat.

So what are some non toxic fabric softener alternatives?

If you have the ability, you can always line dry your clothes and prevent the static caused by the dryer. Generally this is not an option or a year round option for most of us though.

A 1/2 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle is also an option. I have heard many people tell me they use old rags and make a solution of white vinegar and essential oils and toss one in the dryer. (I am told the clothes do not smell like vinegar and it cuts down on static as well)

Dryer balls are a low maintenance and toxin free choice. Be aware that the rubber ones are not eco conscious. Wool dryer balls work very effectively and a scent can be added (without the toxins) by using a drop of essential oil on them. My favorites are lavender and lemongrass.

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Toxins in Coffee Pods

What is the price for convenience?

Are there hidden toxins in coffee pods? While some companies are “exploring” how to produce a pod that can be recycled, others have given the option of collecting them from you (as you reorder). Neither option measures up to the convenience these pods are supposed to provide. K-cups currently claims they offer recyclable pods, however, of all the options available you will not find many. I found 5 choices, all Green Mountain Coffee, Toxins from Coffee Podsthat can be recycled.

Why is it so difficult to recycle them?

The water that passes through the pod is approximately 192 degrees, so they need to remain stable for that temperature. On average, a coffee pod is made of FOUR different layers. One of the layers is often plastic number 7, which is not always an option to recycle.

For the record it is stated that one can separate all the layers to recycle what can be recycled. I am not confident this is even a notable percentage of people. If it IS done apparently the size remaining becomes an issue at the recycling facilities.

Are there health concerns?

Yes. As we now know plastics are full of BPA, (BPA free is not a safer alternative its been proven to be more toxic) BPS, polystyrene, and phthalates which are known endocrine disruptors.  It is the reason we exchanged our plastic water bottles for stainless steel and glass. We are reminded not to drink from the plastic bottles left in a heated car, as they break down and leach into your water, increasing your risks for cancer.  I would venture to guess that streaming hot water through four sturdy layers would also leach toxins into your coffee.

The gross factor?

It is impossible to completely drain the tank lines of water. That means you have a brewing ground for bacteria. Mold and biofilm create yet another list of health issues.

What about the aluminum pods?

Aluminum exposure has been linked to Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. Personally I opt out of anything aluminum when at all possible.

So what is the solution?

You CAN brew your own coffee-for a significantly cheaper price, eliminating the convenience for environmental and health issues. You CAN opt for some of the newer pods that are not in plastic at all, and are biodegradable.  It is not perfect-you are still using a foil or plastic top, however toxins are cumulative so the more you eliminate the better off you are.

The opinion of the original inventor? He wishes he had not invented them and has thought of solutions for the problems, but people have yet to listen.

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/03/the-abominable-k-cup-coffee-pod-environment-problem/386501/

The Problem with Reusable Shopping Bags

Are Reusable Shopping Bags Still Creating a Problem?

Plastic bags are not good for the environment and never decompose.  Being more Earth conscious, those were replaced with reusable shopping bags. Are these really helping the environment? We are preventing more plastic from ending up in landfills.

So what is the problem with reusable bags? The majority of the brightly colored bags you have are made from polypropylene plastic.  This is not considered one of the “worst” plastics, polypropylene is “known to leach chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones.” Do you want your fruit in that? Probably not. Reusable Shopping Bags

Non-canvas bags are not completely washable, leading most to test positive for bacteria (12% tested for E-coli, others for Salmonella). If you leave these bags in a hot car, bacteria multiplies, making them up to 10 times more unhealthy for your food. Lead, a known neurotoxin, and other toxic materials were found in the majority of bags tested. The more colorful bag you have, the more lead your bag contains. A black plastic insert at the bottom of your bag contains a higher level of lead as well.

Several years ago, a number of bags tested over the allowable limit for lead, were pulled from store shelves. However, the problem has not been solved. These bags still contain toxic materials and can never be recycled, which means they are still filling and polluting the landfills.

The best current solution is using a canvas bag. Canvas bags coming from China may contain higher levels of lead, so read your label before you swap out one toxin for another.

So what about your children’s lunch boxes. Are THEY safe? Since it is unlikely your child is transporting raw meat, the contamination factor goes down. There are a number of lead free options available. Here is a website with some helpful links for selecting a new lunchbox for your child this school year!

http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/safer-lunch-gear/

Make life easier, know what’s in your products!

 

DIY Non-Toxic Eye Serum

 

Looking for a Non-Toxic Eye Serum?

Eye Serums. They come in the tiniest tubes and are generally full of a host of ingredients, many toxic. They are marketed to “erase” the lines under your eyes making you look younger.  What is the cost?  For the most part, eye serums are full of synthetic chemicals. If yours is lotion based, it likely contains parabens.  A majority seemed to contain 6-8 different parabens. Several I found contained retinyl Acetate (also labeled as Vitamin A acetate or palmitate). This ingredient scores a NINE on the EWG database for concerns including cancer. It is not worth the damage it does to your health. Non-toxic eye serum

So what’s the real solution to helping those fine lines under your eyes without compromising your health? There are lots of ideas and suggestions out there, but we put Plant Therapy’s recipe, from their blog, to the test. We like it for it’s simplicity and safe ingredients. (Note: we opted to use our own face serum as the included oil, since we are very happy with it’s effectiveness!) Caffeine has been shown to work wonders with dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.

What to do:

  • Place 2TBSP of unused caffeinated coffee in a glass jar (a recycled baby food or any small jar will do).
  • Pour in ¼ Cup of your oil of choice (we opted to use our Face Moisturizer, Meadowfoam, Jojoba and Rosehip are also great oils for your face).
  • Allow to sit for one week.
  • Strain through cheesecloth. (We got ours from Amazon).
    Put in an essential oil roller bottle or small pump bottle for easy application.
  • Enjoy!

Check it out here at:  www.planttherapy.com/blog/2015/08/22/diy-eye–serum/

Download a free checklist Eye Serum Toxins OR Shop Face Moisturizer

Face Moisturizer Ingredients

Our Face Moisturizer ingredients: Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba)*, Virgin Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Oil*, Virgin Argania spinose (Argan) Nut Oil*, Vitamin E.

*Organic Ingredient