Please take a few minutes to watch the video above, The Story of Cosmetics, hosted by Annie Leonard, the creator of the viral video hit The Story of Stuff. This film was co-produced by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of over 150 women’s, environmental and health organizations, and Free Range Studios. The Story of Cosmetics examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. (learn more)

Just as this video was being launched, we received good news. On July 21st, the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (HR 5786) was introduced, which gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients. Existing law, passed in 1938, granted decision-making about ingredient safety to the cosmetics industry. For the first time in 70 years, Congress is poised to close the gaping holes in the outdated federal law that allows chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other illnesses in the products we use on our bodies every day. (learn more)

Please join in support of this vital bill and Send a letter to Congress.

Sources: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and The Story of Cosmetics

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I thought it might be useful to post periodically, introducing the newest additions to ecomodish's listings of natural and green companies. Some companies that we add are well-known, but we also make it a priority to promote small independent businesses - many of which are ecomodish readers just like you - who have contacted us to introduce themselves.

This week's new additions are listed below. Please take a minute to check out them out and if you're familiar their products, leave a review and tell others about them!

Organic Apoteke offers 100% natural skin care products made from organically-sourced vitamins and herbal nutrients that help prevent and reverse the signs of premature aging.

Tsi~La offers natural and organic fragrances made from the world's finest essential oils and plant botanicals. Their fragrances are free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, and other harmful ingredients commonly found in traditional perfumery.

close your eyes hold out your hand (which I recently posted about) creates beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. All pieces are made from fine silver with hand felted wool and/or hand colored resin.

Also don't forget - if you join ecomodish to write a review, we will plant a tree in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, AND you'll also earn ecoPoints that count towards planting more trees for every review you write!

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Ever wonder what a "fragrance" is comprised of? As consumers, most of us trust that the products we buy contain safe ingredients. Why wouldn't they? But fragrance is considered a trade secret, which means your perfume could contain a blend of any number of 3,100 chemical ingredients used by the fragrance industry, AND the maker doesn't have to list any of them on their product label. So, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group joined forces to find out what secret ingredients are hiding in a variety of popular fragrances - and you don't want to miss these results.

Independent Testing of Popular Fragrances

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned independent tests, and partnered with the Environmental Working Group to analyze the data and product labels, of 17 popular fragrance products. Among the tested fragrances were celebrity scents Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow, Britney Spears Curious, Halle by Halle Berry, and Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity.

What They Found

The analysis revealed that nearly half of the ingredients in the products tested were not listed individually on labels, due to the trade secrets loophole. These ingredients are allowed to hide under the vague ingredient "fragrance".

Among these are chemicals associated with hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and a propensity to accumulate in human tissues and even be passed on to newborn babies.

And, the analysis revealed that these products contained, on average:

• 14 hidden chemicals not listed on labels due to a loophole in federal law that allows companies to claim fragrances as trade secrets.
• 10 sensitizing chemicals associated with allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis.
• 4 hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to a range of health effects including sperm damage, thyroid disruption and cancer.

The Good News

There are companies out there that are committed to being open about their product ingredients and are dedicated to crafting safe, natural fragrances without all these harmful chemicals, including:

Pacifica - free of Parabens, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol, Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan and Petro-chemicals. All are cruelty-free and 100% vegan. Shop Pacifica

ACORELLE - free of Phthalates, Petro-chemicals, Musks and other contaminants such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers and synthetic molecules. Shop ACORELLE

Lavanila - free of Parabens, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol, Phthalates, PEGs, Synthetic Fragrances and Petro-chemicals. Shop Lavanila

TSI-LA - free of Parabens, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol, Phthalates, GMOs, Petrochemicals, Dioxins and Synthetic Fragrances. Shop Tsi-La

How You Can Help

You don't have to settle for not knowing what harmful chemicals might be hidden in your fragrances. To find out more about this study and what you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and future generations from unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals in personal care products, visit safecosmetics.org.

Source: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

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Great green gift ideas for the holidays season - browse over 1700 products for organic and natural skin care, bath & body, hair care, makeup, nail care, and fragrances. Brands include Pangea Organics, 100% Pure, Weleda, Dr.Hauschka, Juice Beauty, Red Flower and more. Check it out! And stay tuned for more additions...

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Looking for a healthy way to get a sun-kissed glow this summer? There is no need to bathe in the sun's harmful rays or harsh chemicals. For a safe, instant tan; sunless tanners and bronzers are a great alternative. But not all sunless tan and bronzer products are healthy for your skin. Check out these self tanners and bronzers rated low to moderate hazard by the Environmental Working Group:

Sunless Tanners:

Boots No7 Quick Dry Tinted Lotion - Medium/ Dark
EWG safety rating: 2 low hazard [?]

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Liquid Bronzer, Fair Skin
EWG safety rating: 3 moderate hazard [?]

Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion, Medium Natural Tan
EGW safety rating: 5 moderate hazard [?]

Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam Fair And Medium
EGW safety rating: 5 moderate hazard [?]

SkinCeuticals Sans Soleil Moisturizing Sunless Tanner
EGW safety rating: 5 moderate hazard [?]

Bronzers:

Ada Cosmetics Mineral Bronzers
EWG safety rating: 1 low hazard [?]

Everyday Minerals Everyday Bronzer
EWG safety rating: 1 low hazard [?]

Colorescience Bronzer SPF 20 w/Brush - Kissed By The Sun
EWG safety rating: 3 moderate hazard [?]

Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Glow Bronzer
EWG safety rating: 3 moderate hazard [?]

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Pacifica Solid Perfumes are a modern take on the most ancient form of fragrance, made with organic soy and coconut wax and signature perfume blends of essential and natural oils. This portable, spill-proof fragrance is perfect for traveling whether its just around town or an out-of-state adventure - just toss it in your bag and go.

You are sure to find a scent you love from their enchanting fragrance collections of fresh florals, exotic fruits, intense herbs & spices and earthy woods & resins. Wear alone or layer to create your own unique fragrance fusion. Popular scents include: Malibu Lemon Blossom, Tahitian Gardenia, Hawaiian Ruby Guava and Lotus Garden.

And Pacifica uses only safe, sustainable materials free from parabens, animal ingredients and animal testing; and they are working towards carbon neutrality - so enjoy!

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Warm weather means trading in your stuffy, winter footwear for something more breezy and revealing. So now is the perfect time to pretty up your toes with some natural, green nail polish. Treat yourself to a natural manicure or pedicure with these vibrant, summer-inspired nail color collections from Zoya.

Zoya La-Di-Da Collection (Cream Finish) - America: Bright orange-y red, Dita: Classic cherry red, Renee: Ultra bright cherry, Paz: Ultra bright neon orange, Ali: Ultra bright neon pink and Pippa: Ultra bright neon yellow.

Zoya Ooh-La-La Collection (Metallic/Frost Finish) - Katy: Pink purple with multi-color metallic highlights, Tallulah: Vibrant metallic medium blue, Midori: Unexpected metallic apple green, Goldie: Multi dimensional metallic yellow gold, Emme: Shimmering soft pink and Ginessa: Multi dimensional metallic frosty white.

Zoya Chit Chat Collection (Metallic Finish) - Gaia: hip white metallic, Erika: soft pink metallic, Bekka: cool chartreuse metallic, Lianne: ultra tangerine metallic, Annie: bold berry metallic and Elke: hot rose metallic.

Zoya Gossip Collection (Cream Finish) - Audrina: red-purple cream, Whitney: hot fuchsia cream, LO: electric cerise cream, Elodie: bold poppy cream, Heidi: hi-beam orange cream and LC: Summer red cream.

Zoya Candy Collection (Metallic & Cream Finishes) - Tart: Blue metallic, Yummy: Robin egg blue cream, Sweet: Bubble gum pinic cream, Creamy: Yellow cream and Tangy: Lime green metallic.

Zoya Smitten Collection (Metallic Finish) - Ariel: shimmering magenta pink metallic, Shiloh: shimmering summer red metallic, Sylvie: shimmering mellon red metallic, Pia: shimmering tangerine metallic, Hayden: shimmering pale hot pink metallic and Vivi: shimmering bold pink metallic.

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Farmers Market popularity increases every year, which is good news because not only do they benefit the farmers but also the communities in which they operate. Farmers Markets give the consumer access to fresh, local produce and the opportunity to establish relationships with the farmers who grow it. They are not limited to just produce though. Depending on the size and location of the market; you may also find local honey, eggs, dairy, meat, flowers and more. And with minimal transportation and the opportunity to support sustainable local businesses, you can reduce your carbon footprint while boosting your community's economy.

If you live in a warmer climate, you are probably lucky enough to have access to year-round farmers markets. If not, you will most likely have seasonal markets that run from around June to October. Most markets are cash only, but some do accept payment in the form of credit/debit cards, SFMNP vouchers or even WIC vouchers. Locally grown produce is not only green, but it tastes better and is more nutritious - so don't miss out. Find a Farmers Market near you

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With warm weather around the corner, I decided to look into some new sunscreen and turned to the Skin Deep Database for some guidance. I found some unsettling information in a study done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG): 4 out of 5 sunscreens don't adequately protect skin from the sun's damaging rays and/or contain chemicals that may pose health hazards. There are no mandatory sunscreen standards in place, so products vary in safety and effectiveness; and companies are free to claim but not provide broad spectrum, all-day or instant protection. Many sunscreens even lack UVA protection altogether (the sun rays linked to skin damage, aging, immune system problems, and potentially skin cancer). So how do you know which sunscreen to buy? Here are a few effective and safe sunscreens that pose a low health hazard and provide very good UVB and UVA protection*:

Keys Soap Solar RX Sunblock, SPF 30
safety: 0 low hazard, UVB strength: strong, UVA strength: strong view data

Soleo Organics Sunscreen SPF 30+
safety: 0 low hazard, UVB strength: strong, UVA strength: strong view data

Sun Science Organic Daily Wear SPF 30
safety: 1 low hazard, UVB strength: strong, UVA strength: strong view data

Dermalogica Super Sensitive Faceblock SPF 30
safety: 2 low hazard, UVB strength: strong, UVA strength: strong view data

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Suncreen Lotion SPF 30+
safety: 1 low hazard, UVB strength: medium-strong, UVA strength: medium-strong view data

Lavera Sun Block Neutral SPF 40
safety: 1 low hazard, UVB strength: strong, UVA strength: medium view data

* Provided by the Skin Deep Database. Safety ratings scale: 0-2 low, 3-6 moderate, 7-10 high hazard.

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Pacifica Handmade Natural Soaps are available in a variety of uniquely intoxicating scents, like Tuscan Blood Orange, Mexican Cocoa or Bali Lime Papaya, that turn your shower into a sensuous retreat. Their proprietary vegetable-glycerin base, herbs and signature essential and natural oils make these soaps rich-lathering, long lasting and moisturizing. They contain no parabens, sulfates, animal ingredients or artificial colors and are bio-degradable. Favorite scents: Tahitian Gardenia and Hawaiian Ruby Guava. On My List: Brazilian Mango Grapefruit.

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