Friday Focus - Miessence Mother & Baby Range

Despite their claims of being pure and gentle for baby, many supermarket brands of baby care products have been found to contain the chemicals 1,4-dioxane and/or formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is created when other chemicals in the product break down over time, while 1,4-dioxane is formed when foaming agents are combined with ethylene oxide or similar petrochemicals.

These baby shampoos, lotions and powders also commonly contain phthalates that have been linked with possible reproductive problems. There is a strong correlation between phthalate exposure and early onset of puberty in girls. Phthalates are used as a fragrance stabiliser and are often not listed on labels.A recent study, found phthalates in elevated levels in the urine of babies who’d been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

Another common ingredient is parabens. These are a group of synthetic preservatives. Possible side effects - allergic reactions, endocrine disruption: contact dermatitis and a possible increase in the risk of breast cancer.

Propylene glycol often found in skin care products has been found to cause skin rash, deafness, kidney damage and liver problems in scientific and animal studies. This chemical damages cell membranes, leading to rashes, dry skin and surface damage of the skin. One researcher advises caution when propylene glycol is used on the skin, even in the laboratory. Another study warns that animals and humans are both at risk when taking medicines containing propylene glycol.

Miessence Mother and Baby Products are contain certified organic ingredients and are totally free from synthetics, allergens, perfumes and essential oils.

Below is a list of ingredients in a popular supermarket brand of baby lotion. They make you feel good about buying the product because it contains Aloe Vera and vitamin E. These are only a small part of the overall ingredients.

Water, Propylene Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Polysorbate 61, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Synthetic Bees Wax, Carbomer, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Aloe Vera Extract, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)


Compare this with the ingredients in Miessence Baby Lotion:

certified organic aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, certified organic calendula officinalis flower extract, certified organic cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit oil, certified organic matricaria recutita (chamomile) flower extract, certified organic vanilla planifolia CO2 extract, non-gmo lecithin, certified organic althea officinalis (marshmallow) root extract, sclerotium rolfsii gum, aqua, certified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, certified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter, certified organic ethanol (sugar cane alcohol), citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) fruit extract

Have a look here for products that contain ingredients that you can actually pronounce and you know are safe for use on the skin of your precious baby.

20% off until Midnight 03/06/10.

Friday Focus - EnviroClean Fruit and Vege Wash

We all know that eating fresh fruit and vegetables is good for us but what else are we eating?

The fruit that you are eating may also contain pesticides, herbicides, animal manure, wax to make the fruit/veg look better in the shop etc.

EnviroClean Fruit and Vege Wash removes wax, pesticides, gases, herbicides, chemicals, animal soiling and dirt from the surface of fruit and vegetables. Recommended for both organic and conventional fruit and vegetables. Also keeps fruit and vegetables in peak condition

Highly concentrated - only 2-3 drops needed to half a sink of water.

The very first product Dr. Ivy Bullen recommends to cancer patients (GP in Western Australia)

Available to buy here

Of course, buying organic fruit and vegetables is best, this is not always possible both from a point of view of availability in your area and cost factors. Some fruit and vegetables have been found to contain more residual of pesticides than others. If you can only afford to buy some organic produce, which are the best to buy organic and which are not so bad? A list of 49 fruits and vegetables from best to worst, can be found here. Keep in mind this is a US list so when they mention domestic and imported, they are referring to the US marketplace.

You can also download a shoppers guide to the 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean 15' here

Use EnviroClean Fruit and Vege Wash to reduce exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other nasties on the outside of your produce and prolong the life of your fruit and vegetables.

Friday Focus - Just Cloths Microfibre cloths

Chemical products leave surfaces with residues that actually attract dirt, contribute to the growth of bacteria & are harmful to the environment & our families. JUST CLOTHS Ultra Microfibre Cloths are a SPLIT fibre, which when the fibres are split, this creates capillary action which draws dirt, grease, bacteria, dust & allergens deep into the cloth.

JUST CLOTHS are made of 80% Polyester & 20% Polyamide giving you a product that will last and has great water absorbency. The cloth is a Tricot weave, which gives a vast surface area which allows you to clean for longer without the need to rinse.

JUST think about how cleaning with these Ultra Microfibres will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save you time, money, your & your families health and the environment.

Never worry again about inhalation, absorption or ingestion of dangerous chemicals.

Make cleaning CLEAN for you and the environment.

Available here

Friday Focus - Enviro Wash Ball

Saves money and energy

• lasts for 1,000 washes or up to 3 years
• only 5 cents per wash
• no more need for expensive laundry soaps and fabric softeners
• uses less water and electricity (no rinse cycle needed for regular loads)
• less wear and tear on washing machine and pipes (no corrosion; reduces scale, rust and lime build up)
• clothes last longer (no residue left on fabric; no fading; no breakdown
  of fabric)

Saves time

• laundry finishes faster
• no more measuring, pouring, cleaning messy spills
• no more travel time to buy detergents and softeners

Other benefits

• environmentally safe
• does not pollute grey water (great for gardens in times of drought)
• does not contaminate soil or our waterways
• safe for sensitive skin and skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis (no residues like enzymes left on washing)

Until midnight 20/05/10 - purchase a wash ball and get a stainstick FREE!

Purchase at www.greenchickadee.com.au

Friday Focus - Miessence Nourishing Hand Cream

An ultra-rich and nourishing cream for dry, chapped hands with antioxidants that help protect the hands from environmental stress.
Divinely perfumed with organic rose essential oil
Ultra rich for dry chapped hands
Organic shea butter to keep hands soft and smooth
Organic shea butter and phospholipids keep the hands soft, supple and smooth.
Helps to refine the texture of the hands and brings moisture to the skin.
Absorbs quickly without leaving the skin greasy.
Perfumed with divine organic rose essential oil.

Pure and traditional, the elegant rose aroma adds decadence to a daily ritual. Presented in a handy 40 ml tube to carry in your handbag, for your office and anywhere you may go.

Ingredients
Organic aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice,
organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter,
aqua (purified water), organic sugar-cane ethanol,
non-gmo lecithin, sclerotium rolfsii gum, aroma
(organic essential oils), organic olea europaea
(olive) juice extract, geraniol*, citronellol*, citral*
(*components of organic essential oils).

To purchase click here

For your FREE SAMPLE - send your postal address to sales@greenchickadee.com.au

Product Review - Ambrosia Essence Skin Perfector

This month we would like to introduce you to the incredible properties of Ambrosia Essence Skin Perfector.
Ambrosia Essence Skin Perfector is an extremely potent combination of eight highly effective herbal and flower extracts to soothe, tone and renew the skin. It's an ultra rejuvenation treatment. Use daily as a super-intense nourishing booster prior to moisturising; use nightly after cleansing to revive and restore the complexion and promote cellular renewal, and renew the youth-fullness in the skin.
Simply pump a few drops of the oil onto your fingertips and massage into the skin until completely absorbed.

Ingredients:
Organic Tamanu Nut Oil (calophyllum inophyllum)
Tamanu oil possesses the unique capacity to promote cicatrisation thereby improving the appearance of wounds and healthy skin alike. It is used widely in the Pacific islands as a sacred medicine, and is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, scars, psoriasis, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, and eczema.

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (rosa rubiginosa)
Rosehip seed oil is used to reduce the appearance of scars and facial lines, and prevents the signs of premature aging.

Organic Helichrysum Flower Oil (Helichrysum italicum)
Helichrysum oil is used to improve the appearance of scars, acne, dermatitis, stretch marks, boils, and abscesses.

Organic Neroli Flower Oil (citrus aurantium ssp amara)
Neroli oil can help with the appearance of scar tissue and stretch marks, and also prevents the signs of premature aging.

Organic Patchouli Leaf Oil (pogostemon cablin)
The pure essential oil of Patchouli leaves is used to improve the appearance of dry, mature or wrinkled skin. It is useful for inflamed skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and acne.

Organic Calendula CO 2 Flower Extract (calendula officinalis)
Calendula is an excellent anti-inflammatory and is very useful for eczema, dermatitis and irritated skin.

Carrot CO 2 Seed Extract (daucus carota)
Carrot seed oil is excellent for improving the appearance of wrinkled, sun damaged and mature skin. Using carrot seed oil will improve tone and elasticity to the skin, creating a firmer, fresher appearance.

Organic Rosemary CO 2 Leaf Extract (rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, preventing damage by free radicals. Rosemary is renowned as a rejuvenating tonic and is said to prevent the signs of premature aging.

BUY NOW

Re-using your Grey Water

Greywater is any water that has been used in the home apart from in toilets. It comprises of water used in the kitchen, laundry and bath/showers.

Reusing your grey water is a great way to save water usage which is vitally important during the times of drought we are experiencing.

Greywater can be used for watering your garden, washing cars, flushing toilets and much more.

To maximise the benefits of your greywater, it is best to use cleaning products that do not contain phosphates, petrochemicals or non-biodegradable materials.

Green Chickadee stocks cleaning and personal care products that are safe for greywater use including soap nuts, and mienviron, envirocare, enviroclean and enviropet ranges of products.

There are a lot of systems available for reusing your greywater, ranging from the simple to more complex such as installing envirocycle/biocycle septic systems or having your plumbing diverted.

One simple way of reusing your greywater is to have your washing machine hose emptying out into a large bin which depending on your home, can either be inside your laundry or outside the window.

I recently come across a great Australian invention called a Hughie. One of those simple - why didn't I think of that types of things! It is basically a shaped bucket that fits inside your kitchen or laundry sink and catches the water from washing your hands. rinsing vegetables, dishes' laundry etc. You can also put it in the bottom of your shower to catch the cold water before the water heats up. It has a plug in the bottom which makes it eaiser to use for watering your plants.
They sell for $25 plus postage of $5. The website is www.hughie.com.au I've ordered one for myself for Christmas!