Natural and Sustainable

If you have ever picked up a product, be it an edible product or a body product, and scanned the ingredients list and wondered, “What is that?” Then this list may help you. I have always told as many people as I can, ‘If you can’t pronounce it, why put it on your body or take it into your body?’

Here is a list of the most common used labels that appear on almost all products carry now days.

1. Biodynamic: Also known as biodynamic agriculture and biodynamic farming. It is the ingredients that are not only grown organically but also harvested when they are believed to be most potent and at the peek of freshness.

2. Fragrance: When listed on packaging as “fragrance” can mean a proprietary blend of hundreds of chemicals and can be a way for companies to mask unhealthy toxins or toxic ingredients. It is also known to have companies add a fragrance to a certain blend of sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate
products and place them in this category.

3. Organic: In the United States products labeled “100 percent organic” are just that, while those labeled “certified organic” must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Make up and other cosmetics with at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the world but not receive the USDA seal. Terms like “all-natural”, “cruelty-free” or “biodegradable” are not regulated.

4. Parabens: The FDA insists these synthetic preservatives are non toxic and very safe for anyone, there has been studies to show otherwise. These studies have raised suspicions that they are possibly carcinogens. There are many companies that steer away from these synthetic ingredients by using the alternatives such as, grapefruit seeds extract, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

5. Propylene Glycol: It is known as a moisture retainer (humectants), it can be derived naturally from plant glycerin and alcohol. But it is usually a synthetic petrochemical combo, which has been known to cause skin irritations and even in some e3czema and hives.

6. Sulfates: Used as a foaming agent in many, many products out on the market now. Is in everything from shampoos, hand soaps and even detergents for the laundry. Is can and well irritate the skin over time and it has been known to strip dyed hair.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Shut off your tap while you brush your teeth. If you are scrubbing for the dentist-advised two minutes, and leave the water running during the entire two minutes you spigot puts out the average three gallons per minute. You will save six gallons just by shutting off the water.