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Just Ask Mindy
I love answering your questions, so ask me! Also, check out my Econundrums Q &A column at WholeLiving.com, where I am a regular blogger.
Organic Pest Control in the Garden
Here’s my Whole Living blog on nontoxic weed control. Also, see these comprehensive pest control tips from GreenerPenny’s organic gardener Lindsay Kurz!
Insect Repellents
’re gardening or out and about, keep mosquitoes and ticks away with least-toxic insect repellents that use lemon grass, citronella and other plant oils instead of synthetic DEET and pyrethroids. Also, check out Whole Living’s tips. |
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Green Shampoo and Bodywash to Buy or D.I.Y.
A reader recently asked if I knew of a make-your-own eco shampoo base. Yes, it's easy, and here's the recipe!
And here’s a list of top store-bought green shampoos and bodywashes, plus runners-up, and ingredients to avoid. Worst shampoo culprits include phthalates in synthetic fragrance, as The Green Man explains, and ethoxylated chemicals such as sodium laureth sulfate, which can release carcinogenic 1, 4 dioxane.
Natural skin care and cosmetics
After ocean, swimming pool and sun, summer skin needs soothing products with certified organic plant oils, free of the Top Ten Worst Personal Care Ingredients. Among my current faves for the face: Jasmine Green Tea Moisturizer from 100% Pure by Organic Apothecary. For the body, I slather on their toasted coconut cream, which prompted a friend to exclaim, “You smell so good!”
Another friend sent me a bar of a new plant-based soap by Dr. Wu. Gentle and free of toxic ingredients, it makes my skin feel soft and fresh. Dr. Wu, I love you!
For more personal care products without toxic phthalates, parabens and other ingredients of concern, see my cosmetics blog and list. Readers are contributing great comments! |