EARTH MATTERS

Since 1970, Earth Day has been observed every April 22^nd as a way to remind individuals about becoming better caregivers of planet earth and its natural resources.  And since 2007 on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour has occurred around the world from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, where eco conscious individuals turn off all lights and electrical appliances to emphasize the dwindling natural resources of the planet.  Somewhere along the way, the month of April became designated as Earth Month to coincide with Earth Day.

While this all of this is commendable, individuals shouldn’t wait for one hour, one day, or even one month a year to be reminded of their stewardship for planet earth.  It begins as an ethic that is taught by parents to their children and cultivated throughout their years of maturation.  Every hour is Earth Hour.  Every day is Earth Day.  Every month is Earth Month.

Part of this awareness is the need to consider using personal care and home care products that aren’t toxic and don’t pollute the earth; this also includes the manufacturing process in reducing CO2 emissions and one’s CO2 footprint; it also includes recycling, reusing and repurposing materials and consuming only what’s needed to avoid waste.  Taking these small steps may initially seem a bit of an inconvenience, but eventually, they become second nature and automatic.

~ FOR FACE & BODY ~

NATUROPATHICA**

Age Defense Skin Care Regimen Kit ~ Part of a collection, this all natural and ECOCERT certified skin renewal kit targets minimizing the visible signs of aging with restorative and revitalization products.  The Age Defense Skin Care Kit is ideal for travel, and includes products paired for morning

and evening skincare regimens that are formulated to work synergistically to maximize their effectiveness. Each regimen included a cleansing product and a restorative product.  Whether I used the products in the morning or evening, the overall experience was exceptional, and I found all products to be gentle and non-irritating; after using them, my skin’s texture was firmer and definitely looked healthier.  Cleansing products thoroughly cleansed, while leaving a veil of hydration; the restorative products were quickly absorbed and didn’t leave any tacky residue; throughout the entire day, hydration levels were maintained; restorative products seemed to have built-in sensors and knew exactly how much hydration was needed in those areas that were drier or normal.  The product’s aromas were also calming, making them aromatherapeutic. 

For the morning regimen, there’s Oat Facial Polish and Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex.  Some of the key ingredients in the Oat Facial Polish included aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, oat protein, jojoba beads, sesame seed oil, lavender flower oil, rose flower oil, ylang ylang flower oil, wheat germ oil, rosemary leaf extract, oat protein and oat beta glucan extract.  Some of the key ingredients in the Vitamin C Revitalizing Complex included Vitamins A, C and E, kudzu extract, algae extract, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, rose flower water, rose flower oil, rose bud extract, wheat germ oil, shea butter, blood orange peel oil, linden flower extract, rosemary leaf extract and superoxide dismutase (enzyme and antioxidant).  For the evening regimen, there’s Sweet Lupine Cleansing Cream and Plant Stem Cell Serum.  Some of the key ingredients for the Sweet Lupine Cleansing Cream included lupine protein (regenerative properties), aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, ylang ylang flower oil, chamomile flower extract, rose flower oil, frankincense resin extract, rosemary leaf extract and wild mango butter.  Some of the key ingredients for the Plant Stem Cell Serum included Echinacea stem cell (collagen synthesis), butterfly bush stem cell (healing and restoration), Helichrysium (anti-inflammatory), sunflower seed oil, rosehip seed oil, acai pulp oil, pomegranate seed extract, elder flower extract, geranium flower leaf oil, Roman chamomile flower oil, rosemary leaf extract and neroli flower oil.  In addition to the products being ECOCERT certified, between ninety and one hundred percent of the ingredients are natural in origin with portions also being organically derived. http://www.naturopathica.com/

NATURALLY FRESH

Mineral Salt Deodorant, Spray Mist Body Deodorant and MoistStic Natural Lip Protection ~

For those that are trying to simplify their lives by using natural and non-toxic personal care products, Naturally Fresh offers to different forms for your deodorant needs.  The Mineral Salt Deodorant comes in a handy roll-on; I tried the Lavender scented one.  The product provided only medium coverage from odor, was non-irritating, non-greasy and non-sticky; I enjoyed that it didn’t leave any

white product residue and was hypoallergenic and free of allergens and phthalate; some of the key ingredients included natural mineral salt, chamomile extract and natural fragrance.  The Spray Mist Body Deodorant provided greater protection against odor; I tried the Ocean Breeze fragrance, which is a fresh aroma; this is the spray mist version of their roll-on; also didn’t leave any white residue; mist was fine and didn’t drip.  Both formulations are widely recommended by dermatologists, allergists and oncologists because of their gentleness and formulations that haven’t any harmful or toxic ingredients.   The MoistStic was a wonderful lip balm formulated with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, Vitamin E, coconut oil and peppermint oil; it was soothing and kept the lip area hydrated; product when on easily and without any drag.  http://www.naturallyfreshdeodorantcrystal.com/

~ AROUND THE HOME ~

FRESH WAVE*

Crystal Gel Design Collection ~

The Fresh Wave line of products has always delivered natural, safe and non-toxic solutions to eliminating and neutralizing stubborn odors wherever they occur.  A mainstay of the line has been its

effective Crystal Gel formulation that lasts up to ninety days, helping to deodorize any room where the container is placed.  Addressing the requests of their loyal customer base, Fresh Wave is now offering a decorative accented container that fits in with any décor.  The decorative container is frosted with a patterned silver cutout lid, which allows for the Crystal Gel contents to circulate and neutralize any unpleasant odors; refillable.  The effective and powerful active ingredients include natural extracts of lime, pine needle, aniseed, clove and cedarwood, and provide continuous odor elimination; the aroma is also pleasant and non-irritating.  http://www.freshwaveworks.com/ 

GRABGREEN*

3-in-1 Laundry Detergent, Lavender and Vanilla ~GrabGreen is another company offering safe and effective products for around the home

chores.  All products are formulated with naturally-derived ingredients, are non-toxic and free of dyes, synthetic additives, NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates), phosphates and chlorine; they’re also not tested on animals and are biodegradable.  The 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent comes in pre-measured concentrated pods that clean, remove stains, while maintaining softness and pliability of fabric.  The Lavender and Vanilla variety I tried left a fresh and clean aroma to my clothes and wasn’t at all irritating.  No matter which products I’ve tried over the years, I’ve never been disappointed with the results. http://www.grabgreenhome.com/

These products are ideal for your daily “green” routine.  If you’re not familiar with them, make sure to visit the websites to familiarize yourself with all of their offerings; products will be available either online, at spas and salons, or at select retail stores.

N.B. * Exhibitor at the 2013 International Home+Housewares Show in Chicago, which is the world’s largest trade show of its type.  http://www.housewares.org

N.B.** Exhibitor at the 2012 International Spa Association Conference (ISPA).  ISPA is the world’s pre-eminent and largest global organization for spa professionals.  http://www.experienceispa.com

~ MORE ECO FRIENDLY RESOURCES ~

Here’s a take on some of the eco-friendly member companies of the International Spa Association (ISPA) that walk the talk all year long.  According to Lynne McNees, President of ISPA, “The spa industry in general has a very sustainable focus already. Many ISPA members are growing their green product offerings as consumers demand more environmentally friendly products.”  A sampling of ISPA members offering earth-friendly products and practices include these following top brands: Sothys, Naturopathica, Melle Beauty, Dr. Spiller Pure Skincare Solutions, Clarins, jane iredale, Dermastart, Africology USA, Spa Revolutions, Mama Mio, One Love Organics, Teatulia Organic Teas, Kerstin Florian, OSEA, Ambre Blends and Spa Impressions.

~ GREEN REMINDERS ~

• Don’t consume more than you plan on using.  
• Donate excess goods to charitable organizations.
• Plan your around-town travels to efficiently consume gas.
• Don’t waste natural resources, whether it’s inside or outside of your home.
• Recycle, repurpose and reuse.
• Stop using disposable diapers and switch to cotton diapers.
• Stop using all disposable containers and switch to ones made with natural or reusable material.
• Use cloth or reusable bags for your shopping needs.
• Support local small businesses, whatever the commodity.
• Avoid using toxic cleaning products for your household chores.
• Become informed about eco-issues, choices and options by consulting multiple sources.
• Research and familiarize yourself with
• §  companies that have a commitment to sustainability related issues. 
• §  companies that are allied with non-profit groups engaged in environmental related projects. 
• §  charitable organizations that are committed to sustainability related issues.
• §  local restaurants, or hotels and resorts that have a commitment to sustainability related issues.

Taking small steps leads to bigger ones ~

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love. And, remember to take care of your home, the earth!

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Red Room and Cision Seek or Shout.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Introductory photo credit from spaceedge.com.  All other photo credits as represented from the specific brand.)

N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to embed images, the sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.