Green Loves: Bath & Body

my own time by quadratiges

For this week, the second installment of Green Loves, I've compiled a short list of eco-friendly(ish) bath & body products I use on a daily basis and highly recommend.
For me, the shift from using the standard commercial products I grew up with (Colgate toothpaste, Pantene shampoo, etc.) happened when I moved to Japan. When I came back to the states, I found that my nose had grown so accustomed to the gentler, milder scents used there, that the strong American fragrances completely bowled me over.
Around the same time, I discovered Etsy, and a world of handcrafted, artisan soaps and body products opened up for me. Through the vendors there, I learned to pay attention to the ingredients in my soap; for example, someone with crazy-sensitive and dry skin like me should use an olive oil-based soap, and avoid those heavy on coconut oil.
I also found, upon my return stateside, that a chain of stores called Whole Foods had sprung up in my absence, and lo, the organic/natural products* were plentiful and varied.
There are a lot of great reasons to make the switch to greener body care -- it seems strange to me now that in an effort to maintain good hygiene I was dumping seriously icky chemicals all over myself and down the drain -- but frankly I like my new choices for the simple fact that they smell/taste nicer and feel better on my skin.
I still have a ways to go before I can claim that everything I use on my body is completely green, but after a lot of trial and error, these are the products that are now a permanent fixture in my bathroom.

• Toothpaste: Weleda, in Calendula (the Ratanhia is also nice, but turns your toothbrush bristles purple)
  
• Deodorant: FlameWorks, vegan, aluminum-free, comes in dozens of great scents (I like Apothecary Vanilla)
  
• Body Wash: Dr. Bronner's, natural and fair trade liquid soap in Almond, I also use it as a make-up remover and shampoo (in a pinch)
• Bar Soap: Savor, handmade soaps in the yummiest scents (my favorite so far is Snow Cat)
• Cotton Rounds: 365 Organic, made with organic cotton (available at Whole Foods)

What are your favorites?

*not everything that claims to be 'organic' or 'natural' genuinely lives up to the name -- always check the ingredients.

Green Loves: Eco Fashion

"Green Loves" is a new feature I'm introducing here to highlight something I'm digging from the world of eco. I am always looking for yummy organics and healthier alternatives to the things we surround ourselves with, so if you know a fabulous all-natural shampoo or a to-die-for vegetarian recipe or a habit I can incorporate into my daily life that will totally save the planet, please, please share!

Tree hugger by So Graphic

Two books I've recently fallen for in a big way are The Kind Diet and Ecoholic.
I've eaten a fairly healthy diet since I was little; a Japanese mom + a vegetarian dad = a fondness for fish and rice and veggies and absolutely no rainbow-colored cereals whatsoever no matter what (yes, I totally made up for my deprived childhood by overdosing on Lucky Charms in college).
In future posts I hope to share some great Kind Diet-inspired recipes and foods I have tried, but my kitchen is being renovated as we speak, and I am utterly without stove, sink, or even a counter-top.

So, Ecoholic. I picked up my copy at my library, but I think it is too good a resource not to have on hand whenever I need it, so I'll be buying my own soon.
It covers everything from diet to cleaning products to furniture to appliances and everything in between. It's best read in small doses, as the information can become overwhelming -- thankfully the 'grim' parts are dealt with clearly and swiftly in each section, and the book lets you get on to the fun bits with heaps of recommendations for all the neat things you could be buying/doing/eating instead.
I finished the chapter on clothing last night, and all today I have been dreaming about a new spring/summer wardrobe of soft bamboo fabric tops and cool hemp skirts and organic cotton underthings.

After a quick perusal online, this is the first eco-kind ensemble I came up with. I can't wait to delve deeper into this world of beautiful clothing with a conscience.

1. Fair Trade Sapphire, Moissanite, and Recycled 14k Gold Ring by McFarland Designs
2. Organic Cotton T-shirt by maryink
3. Multi Functional Dress by bird apparel
4. Silver Glitters by TOMS (for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need)