Eco-Trippin’ on the Green Dot

By Bianca Alexander

I can’t tell you how psyched I was when I first heard that the Discovery Channel was launching Planet Green, the first and only network-tv channel dedicated to “all things green”. Even though I’ve sworn off of network TV (except for Oprah, of course), I’ve always loved Discovery for being one of the few networks that offered conscious programming, like the now-defunct Discovery Health and the humanitarian-oriented Animal Planet. And then, on a recent trip, I actually got the chance to sit back and watch the channel for a couple of hours. (Though we’re tv producers, we don’t actually own a TV set. With literally thousands of channels on broadband TV, why bother?).

In any event, I was even more psyched when I learned that eco-celebs like Adrien Grenier, Ludacris and Tommy Lee would be working overtime as on-air personalities to help convert the masses to “going green”. And for the most part, I like their current line-up. But shortly after surfing my way to what I now affectionately call “the green dot channel”, I noticed something audaciously un-green: their sponsors. The first is Proctor & Gamble, a multi-billion dollar company whose personal care products are full of toxic chemicals that are polluting our planet and have been linked to cancer and a number of degenerative diseases in humans. Among a host of earth-damaging company practices, they regularly test their products on animals.

The second is GM, a Fortune 50 company whose Vice Chairman Bob Lutz recently commented that “global warming is a crock of sh#%t”. Moreover, GM has a long track record for spending billions of dollars to keep automotive mpg’s as low as possible—which makes it more expensive for consumers like you and me at the pump. Although they have made small strides to introduce several low-mpg “hybrid” vehicles and gas-guzzling SUVs into the market, the way I see it, these efforts are less about “going green”, and more about what many would call greenwashing.

But who am I to judge? As an independently-funded producer of Conscious TV programming, I understand all too well the challenges inherent in broadcasting positive messages to the masses without pandering to corporate interests which can ultimately compromise the integrity of one’s overarching mission. But perhaps naively, I expected more from a media juggernaut like Discovery Communications, and their 50 million dollar green dot channel, which combined should have the talent and resources to pursue more sustainable advertisers.

Ultimately, I have to ask myself: if GM offered to pay me a whopping $10 Million to advertise on our media platform, would I turn them down? I’d like to think so.

Toxin-Free Sun Care

What You Don’t Know About Your Sunblock Could Hurt You

By Bianca Alexander

Many holistic health care practitioners recommend 20 minutes of sun exposure per day for optimum health and a daily dose of vitamin D. However, during the past few decades doctors have become increasingly aware of the rise in skin cancer and the need to protect ourselves from ultraviolet radiation, which is intensified by the effects of global warming. The harm caused by UV rays can include premature aging (such as wrinkling and age spots), skin cancer, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to the eyes. In addition, certain over the counter drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics and retinoids can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. As such, it’s critical to apply UV protection anytime you head outdoors.

Unfortunately, most sunblocks that are designed to protect our skin actually contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked to degenerative diseases and even skin cancer. For example, traditional brands like Banana Boat, Bain de Soleil and even many so-called “natural” and “organic” sun care brands like Avalon Organics and Zia are made with chemicals like oxybenzone and parabens. A derivative of benzophenone, oxybenzone serves to absorb ultraviolet rays. However, when exposed to sunlight and penetrated into the skin, this compound has been known to cause malignant melanoma, which according to recent studies, is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths.

Parabens are chemical preservatives commonly found in most shampoos, shaving gels and lotions, including sunscreen. Traditionally, parabens are used for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. However, when rubbed into the body or washed down the drain into drinking water, are known to disrupt the function of the body’s endocrine system (which includes the hypothalamus, ovaries, and thyroid) and mimic the hormone estrogen, which has been linked to the development of breast cancer.

Given the health and environmental risks, it’s best to avoid sunblocks—or any cosmetics for that matter—containing oxybenzone or parabens. The good news is, there are many suncare brands on the market that offer adequate sun protection without these chemicals, so it’s easier to make a more conscious choice. Be an educated consumer, and look for products that are certified organic (which means a minimum of 95% of ingredients are organic), as well as sunscreens containing titanium dioxide. Since they remain on the surface of skin, sunblocking agents like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide serve to naturally reflect--not absorb--the sun’s powerful rays. Here are a few of my favorite brands that are free of scary chemicals and safely offer a full range of sun protection:

1. Dr. Hauschka. This is hands down my favorite skin and sun care line. Their organic and biodynamic skin care line protects the skin from the sun’s rays with titanium dioxide, and natural botanicals like sea buckthorn, ice plant, jojoba oil and quince seed extract sooth skin and keep it hydrated and supple. They offer suncare products for all skin types including sensitive skin, and their waterproof SPF 30 is great for kids and those with burn-prone skin. I love their Sunscreen SPF 15 Spray, which makes application as easy as one or two pumps. Or, forego the sun altogether and try their mineral-based Translucent Bronze Concentrate, Bronzing Powder, or Toned Day Cream for an all-natural glow.

2. Juice Beauty. This USDA certified organic line is infused with natural skin enhancers like skin brightening hydroxy-acids and fruit juices, and age-defying DMAE, CoQ10 and vitamin antioxidants. If you like a little color with your sunscreen, try their 2-in-1 SPF30 Mineral Tint Moisturizers, which offer light coverage for age spots and blemishes, and can be worn under or instead of your favorite foundation.

3. DeVita Natural Skin Care. This aloe vera based skin care line is infused with rare essential and vegetal oils that sooth and normalize all skin types. DeVita’s Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 is a deeply moisturizing daytime cream for normal to dry skin containing two different sun screens for ultimate solar protection. This moisturizer goes on soft and smooth and absorbs into skin flawlessly, so it’s light enough to wear undetected under makeup.

Bianca Alexander is the Host of Conscious Living, an internet TV show that celebrates green and sustainable living. Visit www.ConsciousLivingTV.com for dozens of tips on toxin-free cosmetics, or for the latest and greatest in green travel and design, eco-fashion, organic cuisine and holistic living.

Healthy Beauty Makeover

by Bianca Alexander

Ready to update your look? The new season is a perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet and swap out that old, chemical-laden make-up bag for some of the hottest natural cosmetics on the market. Making the switch may require some effort (after all, it may be hard giving up formaldehyde in your nail polish) but it will keep your skin, hair, nails and the planet looking and feeling great! Here are a few tips to get started:

Healthy Hair How-Tos. There’s nothing like an updated color and style to make you feel brand new, but chemical processing and heat can wreak havoc on your hair and body. Take better care of your hair by booking an appointment with a professional coiffeur like Johnathan Gale at the John Frieda salon in L.A., who uses organic hair color and conditioning treatments on his celebrity clientele. Or, care for your hair at home with Dr. Hauschka’s organic and biodynamic shampoos and conditioners. Their world-famous Neem Hail Oil is perfect for protecting, conditioning and actually strengthening hair before and after coloring or relaxing. And to keep your color from fading between visits, avoid shampoos with hair stripping chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate. Pureology and Lanza are SLS-free and have botanicals that help color last up to 107% longer. Worried about thinning hair? Chemicals in shampoos can worsen the condition, so try Your Crown and Glory For Thinning Hair shampoo and conditioner, which is SLS and paraben-free.

Sustainable Skin. Any make-up artist will tell you that flawless skin is the first step to creating beautiful make-up, so take care of the skin you’re in by eliminating toxic chemicals from your daily regimen. For all skin types, try Jurlique, whose biodynamically grown herb-based cleansers and tonics work with your body’s natural rhythms to heal and balance the skin. Bonus: All of their products come in eco-friendly packaging. For a more gentle alternative to damaging acid peels and dermabrasion, try Sophyto’s new line of organic skin treatments made with powerful deep-exfoliating fruit enzymes. And to clean up both your body and the planet, try Save Your Body’s new line of organic yerba maté and aloe vera infused bath and body products. Each tropical-smelling shower gel, shampoo and lotion sold saves one acre of rainforest for an entire year!

Natural Nails. Allow your nails to emerge this season with Sparitual’s sophisticated line of vegan, eco-friendly nail polishes. Unlike most nail polishes, which contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (a.k.a. dibutyl phthalate, a plasticizing agent and reproductive toxin linked to birth defects that’s currently banned from cosmetics in Europe), Sparitual’s polishes and chakra-specific spa treatments are made from wildcrafted and organic plant essences, and free of toxins and synthetic dyes. And even though their products are so darn conscious, there’s no need to sacrifice color: with hundreds of perfect shades for every color palette, you’ll still be able to stop traffic with your favorite flirty shade of red, apricot or pink. Bonus: Sales of their new color, Aware (a vibrant coral), will benefit the Go Green Initiative, an environmental stewardship program for schools. Other lines to try: OPI, whose nail lacquers are all formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene free.

Mineral-Based Make-Up. Let your natural beauty shine this season with Rituals new line of make-up made with pure silk leaves and precious stones that have absorbed the earth's energy over millions of years. Their products include eye shadows, lipsticks and foundations made from gemstones like amethyst, and are free of animal testing and added fragrances with little to no preservatives. My favorite: Their Super Shine Lip Gloss enriched with sparkling ruby, which provides will-power and stimulates blood circulation for a healthy glow and a perfect pout.

And with Dr. Hauschka, there’s no need to sacrifice healthy skin to look your best. They offer a complete line of all-natural cosmetics made from pure mineral pigments and nurturing botanicals that actually improve the quality of your skin. My favorite: The Mascara Intermezzo made with soothing Neem leaf extract, which conditions the lashes so they grow longer and stronger.

De-Tox for Beauty Inside and Out. Over time, your body stores environmental toxins that prevent it from functioning properly, which can lead to low energy, headaches, mental fogginess and disease. According to traditional medicine practices, proper diet alone is not enough to eliminate these stored toxins which accumulate in our digestive systems. Spring is a perfect time to give your inner body a boost with a whole-body cleanse, which will clean, nourish and support your digestive system for good health. Try Symmetry’s BotanaCleansePlus, a two-week cleansing system that detoxifies your entire body. When taken properly, it can even help your lose weight or clear up problem skin! Tip: Consult your naturopathic doctor before beginning any cleansing regimen, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to aid the detoxing process.

And if you’re looking to detox your mind this season, try Emmet Fox’s 7-Day Mental Diet. Even one day on this positive thinking regime could do wonders for your outlook on life.

For more tips on eco-friendly living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.
Labels: beauty, cleanse, conscious consumption, conscious living, detox, hair, make-up, nails, natural cosmetics, organic, skin, sustainable restaurants

Eco Trippin'

by Michael Alexander

I just read in the Sierra Club newsletter that the “biggest single step we can take to cut global warming pollution is to make our cars go farther on a gallon of gas.”

Are you kidding me??? My beloved Sierra Club, the ivory tower of the environmental movement, is still proclaiming that gas efficiency is the key to reversing global warming?

While improving gas efficiency standards is certainly a critical step necessary to reverse global warming, it is NOT the biggest single step we can take. The biggest single step we can take is to switch to a vegetarian diet. In fact, by switching to a vegetarian diet an individual can immediately reduce their carbon footprint by an average of 75%!!! This switch can clearly make a much greater impact on solving global warming than improving a car’s mpg. Unfortunately, most individuals and organizations in the environmental movement fail to address vegetarianism as a viable solution for global warming for one reason and one reason alone: they’re unwilling to give up consuming meat.

But why? Many argue that protein from meat is crucial for a healthy diet. This is simply not true. In fact, many other food groups are excellent sources for protein, including beans, grains, nuts, eggs, fake meats and even green leafy vegetables like broccoli. Moreover, though I have type O blood (which many doctors claim means I must eat meat to stay healthy), I have been a vegetarian since 2005 and since then, have consistently been able to maintain my ideal weight, have never felt better, and have had several doctors tell me that I’m the healthiest person they have ever seen.

More often than not, most meat-eaters-—many of whom are self-proclaimed environmentalists--are just not willing to give up the taste. But is the taste of a bloody burger fresh off the grill worth ruining our planet for future generations?

Since I no longer eat meat, I can’t answer that question. But one thing I do know: the next time I meet a Prius-driving, meat-eating, card-carrying environmentalist--I’ll be sure to ask them.

For more insights on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Toxin-Free Cleaning

by Bianca Alexander

Still cleaning your sacred space with toxic cleaning products?

Did you know that most cleaning products are made with poisonous chemicals--like phosphates and pesticides--that are polluting our planet and contributing to global warming? The average cleaner is made with hundreds of toxic chemicals just to give it a "fresh" scent. Traditional cleaners can be lethal to our bodies, and have been linked to health problems like liver failure and even cancer. They're also responsible for between 5-10 million household poisonings per year, most of which are fatal and involve children.

There's no point in cleaning with tools that will beautify your home but dirty up the planet. Instead, spif up your space using a line of eco-friendly cleaning products like Epic, which donates 100% of proceeds to environmental conservation, education and research. Tackle dirt with die-free sponges by Twist, which are made from natural loofah and cellulose sourced from renewable tree farms. For mopping and sweeping, try Quickie's new line of mops and brooms made from sustainable bamboo and natural cotton. And to freshen your home safely, Pure Ayre's all-natural enzyme-based air fresheners break down even the worst odors and are great in your car, for pets, and even the nursery.

Or, make your own all-natural cleaning products at home with lemon, vinegar and baking soda and all-natural essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and lavender. Feel free to use the following recipes as a guide:

For All Surfaces.
Tee tree and lavender have anti-bacterial properties that are great for cleaning countertops. Just mix a few drops of either essential oil with water and spray on kitchen counters or around the bathroom. For large jobs like killing mold and mildew, add about 50 drops into a bucket of water.

For Cleaning Floors.
To clean floors, combine 15 drops of orange essential oil and 8 drops of lemon essential oils, 1 gallon hot water and 2 tablespoons liquid soap. This mixture will work on tough jobs and will leave the room smelling fresh.

To Freshen Carpets.
Here's a simple recipe for a homemade carpet freshener: Mix 4 cups of baking soda or cornstarch in a bowl with 25 drops of essential rosewood oil, 35 drops of eucalyptus oil and 30 drops of lavender oil. Stir well until baking soda clumps are broken apart. Pour into a shaker bottle and sprinkle on carpets about 15 minutes prior to vacuuming. Feel free to substitute this recipe with your favorite essential oils.

For Your Laundry.
Make your own homemade dryer sheets by placing several drops of lavender, rose or your favorite essential oil onto a towel. Add the towel into the dryer along with clothes and dry as you normally would to give your clothes a naturally fresh scent.

To Freshen the Air.
To freshen up the air inside your home, place several drops of your favorite essential oil into a pot of water and simmer the mixture on the stovetop on low heat for several hours. To ensure there's always a fresh scent in the bathroom, squeeze a few drops of essential oil onto the cardboard toilet paper roll that holds the toilet paper. The fragrance will release each time you pull a sheet of paper. Recycled the old roll, then repeat with each new one you hang.

Note: As with all household cleaning and freshening products, remember to keep all essential oils away from your eyes when mixing or cleaning. Also, properly label all products and store them in areas where children or pets won’t have access to them. Although essential oils and natural cleaners are non-toxic, ingestion of excessive quantities can cause sickness.

To watch an eco-friendly home cleaning, or for more tips on sustainable living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.