Saturday, June 26, 2010

The Truth About “Non-Toxic” Nail Polish

Don’t let the labels fool you: Even so called “non-toxic” polish is still considered hazardous waste. Get informed + $900 in ecoswag!

by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, www.EcoStiletto.com

Can nail polish be “natural?” Let’s get real: No matter how many eco-friendly labels get slapped on the bottle, most of these products do contain chemicals—some of which can be dangerous to our health, and to the environment. Don’t let those labels fool you: Even so called “non-toxic” polishes should be disposed of as hazardous waste according to Earth911.com.

Remember, unless a beauty product is USDA Certified Organic, its manufacturer is not required to list ingredients on the label. Which is why we get “fragrance,” and it can mean 3,100 different chems. Literally.

But what about “organic?” The word is defined by the Random House Dictionary as “noting or pertaining to a class of chemical compounds that formerly comprised only those existing in or derived from plants or animals, but that now includes all other compounds of carbon.”

Basically, “organic” material comes from formerly living substances and is not necessarily good for you. Think motor oil. Organic, yes. USDA Certified Organic, no.

But we digress. Even an ecoista uses nail polish once in a while. Here’s what you need to know:

BYE, BYE BIG THREE: HELLO, RESIN

Most of the major polish brands are going “big three free,” meaning they’ve taken the most well known toxic ingredients—formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—out of their formulas. But some still contain chemical solvents, typically acetate derivatives (that’s the stuff that makes it stinky). And some have gotten flak for “hidden” ingredients like formaldehyde resin, which may not be listed on labels.

OPI

OPI is one of those brands: The industry’s biggest name has taken the toxic trifecta out of their best-selling polishes, but do include formaldehyde resin and acetate derivatives in their formulations. According to OPI chemist Paul Bryson, the difference between formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin can be confusing. “Formaldehyde is one of the raw materials that is used to make resin, but…when the resin is made, the formaldehyde molecule is torn apart: part of it becomes a water molecule and part of it is incorporated permanently into the resin molecule.” Not to get all chemical on your or anything, but Bryson also notes that formaldehyde’s highly reactive carbon-oxygen double bond also disappears in the process, meaning OPI’s big-three free polishes probably won’t blow up if you light them on fire. Bonus!


A TRACE OF ACETATE

SpaRitual

Orly revolutionized nails when founder Jeff Pink introduced the French manicure in 1975; daughter-in-law Shel Pink was one of the first—in 2004—to create a vegan polish that eliminated DBP, toluene, formaldehyde (and formaldehyde resin), and phthalate derivatives, synthetic dyes, parabens, and petrochemicals. Although the formulations do include butyl and ethel acetate, the color selection and hipness factor of SpaRitual polishes can’t be beat.


Firozé

Paraben-free Firozé claims to be the first polish company to have taken out DBP (in 1999). Their polishes do include butyl and ethel acetate but no toluene, formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin. Firozé also fortifies their polishes with herbs, vitamins, essentials oils and soy and rice polymers; their acetone-free polish remover is made with corn. And they never, ever test on animals.


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Emmanuelle Chriqui of "Entourage" exclusive

Photo credit: Claudette Barius

by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff

Emmanuelle Chriqui is a contradiction in terms: She recently returned from the former Soviet Union, where she filmed a starring role in Renny Harlan’s politically charged recreation of the Russian invasion of “Georgia,” but Emmanuelle was most recently seen on the big screen as a pregnant porn star in the SXSW-debuted indie “Electra Luxx.”

Perhaps best known as Sloan on “Entourage,” in her personal life Emmanuelle is all about single-minded commitment to the causes that she passionately supports. She’s heavily involved in the Environmental Media Association’s Young Hollywood board, and helped launch Raise Hope For Congo with respected humanitarian John Prendergast. EcoStiletto’s Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff spoke with her after Emmanuelle helped kick off the EMA’s School Gardens Program, which will roll out through 25 schools in urban Los Angeles to help underserved communities develop self-sustaining, organic food sources.

ES: When did you start getting involved in eco-consciousness?

EC: I’ve always been attracted to the alternative lifestyle, meaning organic and natural and alternative healing. That stuff has always been present in my life.

When I was shooting “Zohan” I really wanted to get a new car. I had been driving the same lovely little 1988 red two-door Toyota Corolla forever. I wanted to drive a Prius, and that was a big commitment for me because it was a real statement at the time.

One of the producers put me in touch with Debbie Levin [CEO of the Environmental Media Association], who connected me with Toyota. Being involved with Debbie and the EMAs [the Environmental Media Awards show, produced by the Environmental Media Association] has been a constant learning process. I’ve been getting more and more involved. And it’s really gotten a lot easier to be environmentally conscious!

ES: Yes, I was thinking about that when you talked about a so-called “alternative lifestyle” that was environmentally conscious. I can’t wait for a time when organic and natural is the norm!

EC: Exactly! And the alternative is the bizarros who are driving their giant old Broncos.

Emmanuelle with Alexx Levin and Bari Milken at the Alexx Jae for Milk opening. Photo courtesy of EMA.

ES: So, let’s talk about the important stuff. What are your favorite green fashion labels or beauty finds?

EC: I’m still learning. I love Alexx Jae, which is awesome. I love their style, and their idea of using [upcycled fabric] from other companies. I wear Alexx Jae all the time.

I also love anything made from bamboo—jeans, shirts, anything. I don’t understand why everybody doesn’t want to dress that way; it feels amazing—softer than the softest old t-shirt!

The whole thing is an exploration. Fashion, cosmetics—I feel like every day there’s a new something that’s all natural, all organic, no parabens. I love going to Erewhon and using Jason Body Wash. Just switching out everything and replacing it with the good kind.

It’s a journey and it’s a lifestyle that’s evolving every single minute. There are better products all the time. But you can’t just use something because it’s good for the environment. It’s got to feel good. Like toilet paper. There are so many different eco brands now, you can choose which one you like.

Find out more about Emmanuelle's eco-challenges--and eco-sins--at EcoStiletto.com.

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Oui, Oui Greening Paris

By Paige Donner

Green Is Glam

Madame Le Figaro, France's premier intelligent women's magazine, declares that Green Is Glam, even for haute fashionista Parisians!  Read about Greening Hollywood and Green Celebs such as Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts in the June issue of Madame Le Figaro.

Shizen: the new magazine for eco friendly trends

Originally Posted by X.M.
Here comes the all brand new eco friendly magazine, Shizen, which happens to be a goldmine of information for all eco friendly citizens! Well written, and with a good dose of humor, Shizen is printed with vegetal ink, on recycled paper, and wants to give a positive image of women, with in depths articles about major environmental problems. As an example  , the last articles talked about the devastation of the Brazilian forest in favor of cattle breeding (When the beefs eat the Amazonian forest) and about the hidden side of our beauty products (Are we in danger when we pamper ourselves?). You can also upload Shizen in pdf version (a good gesture for the planet).
info@shizen-lemag.fr
shi-zen-magazine

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Jet-Set: Eco Fashion Goes Continental

by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff,.EcoStiletto

Last month’s assertment that Los Angeles was the epicenter of North American eco-fashion ruffled a few feathers—from New York to Canada. (“The Emerald City? Puhleeze!”) Our eco fashion part deux:

SANDY LEONG JEWELRY

There’s eco-jewelry and then there’s fine eco-jewelry, the kind of serious pieces think about for a long time before you buy them—and wear them for a long time to come. New York-based jewelry designer Sandy Leong’s gorgeous, angular cocktail rings—crafted exclusively in recycled gold with fair trade gems like the one pictured above—are just those kinds of pieces, and have made fans of celebs like Zoe Saldana, Kristen Stewart, and Fergie. Not bad company to keep.



LINA RENNELL AND ASHLEY WATSON

We’ve loved Lina Rennell and Ashley Watson separately for a while now—Lina for her swimsuits and Ashley for her upcycled leather jacket purses—but their new collaboration on a series of bags crafted from hand-printed organic cotton with recycled leather accents is a dream come true. With Ashley in New York, Lina in NorCal and the bags made in Canada, this is truly a multi-city offering.



LABEL

There’s nothing basic about LABEL’s Tony tee. Crafted from the thinnest possible, tissue-weight lyocell, it’s equally at home at the beach as it is on the dance floor. Since 2007, LABEL has utilized all natural, organic, renewable or reclaimed fibers to make their sporty-meets-sexy designs. Can we get one in every color?



ALLISON TEICH

The genius behind eco-fashion mecca TEICH, Allison is a super-green geek—we say that ever-so-lovingly—who retrofitted her East Village location with vintage fixtures, low-VOC paints and energy-efficient lighting before opening in 2009. She offers a wide range of sustainable jewelry and accessories, mostly made locally in New York City, but our favorite is her eponymous line of TEICH handbags like this vegan ultrasuede, organic-cotton lined Nolita shoulder bag with the detachable vintage chain strap.



FLORA AND FAUNA

Vancouver-based Flora and Fauna specializes in sustainable separates, like this back-to-the-beach hoodie shrug crafted from organic bamboo and cotton and accented with coconut buttons. Plus, $2 of each sale goes to local animal rescue associations. (Cute dog not included.)



FERAL CHILDE AT BODY POLITIC

Brooklyn design house Feral Childe is known for their hand-drawn textile prints and construction details—a peplum here, a plume there—crafted from sustainable materials. Find them—and other cutting-edge eco-designs—at eco boutique body politic, which adheres to its sustainable ethics with recycled shipping boxes and an emphasis on low-carbon-footprint online catering to customers with emailed size recommendations and style tips.



PANSY MAIDEN

Wear your inspiration on your sleeve? Try moving it up to your shoulder with Boston-based Pansy Maiden’s new Lady Day bag, inspired by Billie Holiday’s signature gardenia and crafted in all-vegan-all-the-time materials like organic twill and hemp. Sweet and rugged, dainty and durable—just like all our favorite heroines.


JONANO

The steel canyons of Pittsburgh are crawling with green start-ups, despite the dirty reputation the industrial age has left with the city. Local designer Jonano pioneered the cultivation of eColorgrown cotton at a Brazilian artisan cooperative, where organic cotton grows in a rainbow of gorgeous colors without dyes, but we’re partial to their new line of water color dresses made from organic bamboo and cotton that look to us like a gorgeous cloudy sky—the perfect counterpoint to a sunny summer day.

PLAID DOCTRINE

We may love peace silk evening gowns, but even a green girl’s gotta work. We love Seattle-based Plaid Doctrine’s new line of vaguely preppy work bags crafted from vintage-inspired fabrics made from recycled bottles, accented by veggie-tanned leather. We’re snapping it all up, from briefcases to laptop totes to accessories like this smart—yes, we said it—purse organizer, which could very well double as a clutch. 



NICOLE BRIDGER

Winner of the first-ever eco-fashion “Designer of the Year” award from Fashion Takes Action, Canadian designer Nicole Bridger is an original innovator of the Vancouver sustainable fashion movement. Nicole learned about sculpting fabric while working with Vivienne Westwood, then applied the knowledge to fabrics such as naturally pest-resistant—and therefore truly organic—linen, like the beautiful Presence top, pictured below.



THIEVES

With its clean lines and innovative designs, Thieves spearheaded the Canadian eco-fashion movement when it was launched by designer Sonja den Elzen in 2006. Four years later, Thieves is still setting milestones—summer’s five-in-one tencel dress, which can be worn a myriad of ways, is a definite case in point. We can’t wait for next season, when the label introduces pieces crafted in beeswax organic cotton, like the wrap belt we’re sneak peeking here. Shhh.



NIXXI

There’s a reason Vancouver-based Nixxi has such a cult following: The line infuses refined classics with edgy, contemporary styles crafted in sustainable materials like hemp, soy and linen. Eco-dyed and sewn in fair-trade Canadian factories, this is a line with its ethics intact. Oh, and did we mention that each and every piece is ridiculously cute?



ELROY

Leanne McElroy’s eponymous label hits sustainable fashion on every level. Not only do her clothes rock, but she manufactures through fair-trade cooperatives in Indonesia, where she also sources her certified organic or sustainable fabrics, including the buttery soft chambray tencel denim featured in these adorable slouchy trousers.



LAV AND KUSH

Soft buttery fabrics like micromodal and tencel—created from beech and eucalyptus trees using a “closed loop” process that isolates and recycles chemicals before wastewater is released—flatter most body types, while carefully-placed details such as gathers, pleats and ruffles make Vancouver-based Lav and Kush a staple of any ecoista’s closet.



Eco Fashion

So stop with the bickering, city girls! There’s definitely enough eco fashion to go around!

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Friday, June 11, 2010

Daddy Greenest, by Mommy Greenest

Who better to get Father's Day Eco Tips from than Mommy Greenest, aka Rachel Sarnoff, founding editor of the site.

Here's some Green Dad advice she offered for honoring Dad and the environment:

GB: We wanted to ask what Mommy Greenest recommends for Dads on Father's Day?


I don't know about most of them, but I think my husband would rather sleep in than have breakfast in bed. Maybe sleeping in followed by breakfast in bed!

GB: More than just product recommendations, we were hoping to get some recommendations on what easy choices Dads can make with their kids for Father's Day?
Spring is here and we'll probably spend Father's Day in the garden. Our seedlings are growing like crazy, and we put in our seeds a few weeks ago, so it's exciting to see what's popping up! Our three-year-old will probably have to arm wrestle her dad for the few organic blueberries that are just starting to get ripe this week.

GB:  Eating out?  What are some organic or sustainable choices a Dad can make and still be kid friendly?
Eating organic is far easier at home where you know what's going into your food. One easy destination for eating out on Father's Day is the farmer's market, where everything is organic and locally sourced. Bring a blanket and have a picnic in the sunshine!

GB: Getting dressed up?  What are some Eco clothing choices a dad can make without having to shop at the local hemp store?
Vintage! If you buy from a used clothing store, you can't help but reuse and recycle! 

GB: Driving the kids to the playground?   Are there alternatives to driving or to using regular fuel that the kids can enjoy as well?
Walking is our best bet since our three-year-old decided the bike seat is too scary for her taste.

GB: If your kids are taking you to a movie or renting a DVD, what are some Eco choices that both Dad and kids can enjoy?
Hands-down, "Wall-E" is the greatest environmental movie ever made. Okay, maybe it's second to "An Inconvenient Truth," but the robot is fun for the whole family and the big kids really get the message.

GB: Sports?  Are there some sports equipment that you can choose that are more eco-friendly than the regular choices?
I love Fair Trade Sports  balls! I discovered them when I was writing our Fair Trade Gift Guide.  They're vegan and Fair Trade Federation-certified, made from sustainably-sourced rubber in India and Sri Lanka by adult workers who are paid a living wage and ensured healthy working conditions. Fair Trade Sports balls also carry the first-ever “green” certification for balls and they donate all after-tax profits to children’s charities. Goal! 
GB: Any other topics or suggestions for Dad?
I think creating a day full of things that he loves--like painting a card with your kids, creating a Pandora station of his favorites and playing it all day, making a great meal from food from your fridge or your garden, taking a walk together--is so much more rewarding for dad than going out and buying him a tie!

GB: How did being a Mommy encourage you to make green choices? Would it be the same considerations if you're a dad?
My journey really began when I was pregnant with our first child--that's when I started making connections between sustainable products, personal health and the health of the planet. I think that having children is just an eye-opener in general. You are forced to see beyond your immediate future. That's true of anyone--mom or dad.

Thank you Rachel, aka Mommy Greenest!

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Skin Cancer, Sun Exposure And Jane Iredale Cosmetics

NPR's Your Health reported yesterday that, "Young women are the biggest users of tanning salons, and many cite peer pressure as a reason. And, researchers have found that many women who visit tanning salons show symptoms of addiction."

Listen to the complete interview HERE.

"About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV rays, so we are thrilled to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation in an effort to help spread awareness on preventable measures against this deadly disease," says Jane Iredale, President and Founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics.  "We are not only committed to developing quality products to enhance color, but also the overall health of the skin – including skin cancer prevention."

The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation has set the criteria for effective UV protection for more than 30 years.  Products were evaluated by the Foundation's Photobiology Committee, composed of leading U.S. dermatologists who are experts on how the sun interacts with the skin.   Secondly, each product underwent testing for safety and efficacy standards, including an SPF of 15 or greater, validation of the SPF number by testing on 20 people, acceptable test results for phototoxic reactions and contact irritation, and substantiation for any claims that a sunscreen is water- or sweat-resistant.

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, products that contain sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more should be applied daily for prevention against harmful UV rays.  jane iredale's Amazing Base, PurePressed Base, Dream Tint, LipDrink and Powder-Me SPF in Tanned and Translucent range from an SPF of 15 to 30.  

Made with the highest grade of micronized minerals, PurePressed Base is a pressed mineral foundation that provides superior yet weightless coverage with unsurpassed skin care benefits.  Amazing Base is a loose mineral foundation that provides a natural barrier to the sun's harmful rays, with a very water resistant SPF of 20.  It's your skin, only better!

  • Contains no talc, oil, FD&C dyes, parabens, synthetic preservatives or fragrance.
  • Non-comedogenic.
  • Minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are naturally anti-inflammatory, helping to calm inflammation.
  • Extracts of sea minerals soothe and nourish the skin and also aid in hydration.
  • Micronized minerals provide very water resistant, broad spectrum, chemical-free sun protection of SPF 20.
  • Minerals naturally diffuse light to create a luminous, smooth appearance.

Dream Tint SPF 15 is an award-winning, oil-free tinted moisturizer.

  • Sea lipids help to improve skin's elasticity and prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
  • Titanium dioxide calms and soothes inflammation and provides instant broad spectrum sun protection of SPF 15.
  • Boron nitride creates a soft-focus effect to minimize the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

LipDrink is a colorless, moisturizing, protective lip balm in a base of macadamia nut oil.

  • Edible zinc oxide provides an SPF 15 and broad spectrum sunscreen.  
  • Combines a variety of waxes and oils – some with small molecules in order to penetrate, moisturize and condition the delicate lip membranes, and some with larger molecules to provide a protective shield by lying on the surface.  
  • Contains the antioxidants green tea extract, and vitamins E and C.  
  • The flavor is a mixture of lemon and orange oils.  
  • Feels more moist on the lips than a traditional lip balm.

Powder-Me SPF in Tanned and Translucent is an all-over face and body powder that helps protect against both UVB and UVA rays with an SPF 30 and a very water-resistant rating.

  • Physical, not chemical, sun protection that works instantly so you can brush on and head straight for the sun
  • Powder-Me SPF is packaged in an innovative dispenser for quick and even coverage
  • Applicator has a mirror for easy, fault-proof application
  • Formulated with active ingredients like titanium dioxide and a unique clay that contains minerals to nourish and calm the skin
  • Completely free of contaminants and atmospheric pollutants
  • The all natural ingredients are safe to use on children
  • Translucent – no appearance on the skin
  • Tanned - a golden bronze

For more information about The Skin Cancer Foundation please visit www.SkinCancer.org/Seal

 

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Boyfriend Jeans: Now That's A Trend I Can Get Behind

by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff

[Rachel is founding editor of MommyGreenest]

Can you wear boyfriend jeans after age 30? That’s a question I asked myself recently. The answer? Maybe if I had a boyfriend to borrow them from—my husband’s jeans are a little tight.

I think the idea is that your boyfriend jeans are loose and broken down so you can kind of wrap them around your ankles in that devil-may-care, I-can-rock-anything-with-high-heels kind of attitude.

I tried the husband jeans. They were a little snug across the derriere. Maybe devil-may-care comes with slightly longer legs and significantly less ass. Or maybe I just need a fatter husband.

But I like the trend of boyfriend jeans. It’s recycling in action—if you do it properly. And this reducing and reusing stuff is important when it comes to clothes, if you consider that textiles account for nearly four million tons of solid waste every year, or four percent of the content of our landfills.

Back in the day, we used to scour vintage clothing stores to score the perfect pair of broken-in Levi’s 501s. Now, we pay top-dollar for manufacturers to dump chemicals into washes that eat away at the denim until it rips and tears just like life used to do. (Not to mention the two-thirds of pesticides that went into the cotton that made that fabric in the first place.)

Find out how, with a little know-how and ingenuity (not to mention significantly less cash), you can still score a genuine, planet-saving pair of broken-in jeans, by reading more at www.MommyGreenest.com

Boyfriend optional.

 

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