Household and Personal Products – Hereby Warned!

There was a study titled Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products recently published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences that quantified chemicals in cosmetics; personal care items; and cleaning products.  The study analyzed chemical classes and the uses of these chemicals in products including preservatives, anti-microbial agents, additives, solvents, enhancers and fragrance.  Of course, industry groups took issue with conclusions of the study, citing concerns that the public would be alarmed unnecessarily by the presence of these chemicals.  Although studies have not absolutely linked these chemicals directly to ill health effects, there is reason for a certain amount of fear.

Many homes have dangerous cleaning products, polishes and outdoor products stored within the home.  Most people take care with the products that are labeled toxic, but many products contain damaging chemicals that are not included on labels and thus are dismissed as safe.  We just love sweet flowery scents and pretty colors.  We use personal care and cleaning products on a daily basis without considering the cumulative effects of chemical build-up in our dishes, clothes and bodies.  We are what we eat, touch, and inhale.  Everything that enters our bodies has an effect; beneficial or adverse.  Therefore, we need to be more careful about the products around us.

The risks of adverse effects from exposure is hard to guess because products contain many ingredients that are known and unknown and the variety of combinations is difficult to assess.  Household products can impact the immune systems of children and the elderly.  The products can cause behavioral and developmental problems as well as exacerbate health conditions associated with illness such as asthma, allergies and cancers.  When we dispose of leftover products by pouring down the drain; dumping in the street sewers; or putting out with trash, we pollute our environment and affect not only humans, but the ecosystems of plants and wildlife.

Every year, a range of products are found to be so dangerous that they are taken off the market.  Regulatory agencies carefully study products prior to making a decision and the entire time products undergo such study, consumers use the hazardous products without full understanding of the potential dangers.  We willingly consume unsafe manufactured items because of the influence that industry and the media have on our society.  We must stop.

Precaution can be taken during use of certain products, including implementation of safety equipment and proper ventilation.  However, for the majority of residential use products, there are safer alternatives that are less expensive and more environmentally friendly.  Black Organic strongly recommends you use them.

Thanks: publicdomainpictures.net

Seriously Ladies...

Black hair is a multi-million dollar industry thanks to some Black women.  Unfortunately, thanks to some Black women, the return to the Black community is less than 1% of the industry and we have no one to blame, but some Black women.  Black women support Korean families.  They use funds from Black families to send their kids to college; to assist their relatives in coming to America; and to take over Black-owned businesses.  It’s some Black women’s fault.  Some Black women are so accepting of the Eurocentric dynamic that some of them give extreme amounts of Black wealth away to Asians to show off their low Afro-esteem.  They swagger with the fakery, thinking they are making themselves more acceptable to those who don’t give a rat’s behind about them.  Some Black women are more comedic relief than anything.  How many times have you received those ‘Black Prom’ emails or the ‘Walmart Shopper’ pictures?  We laugh, shake our heads and keep it movin’.   There is no hatin’ on the Koreans.  They have taken advantage of the opportunity because we have allowed them and have shown support for their business acumen.

We feed the beast because we have not put a stop to it.  We complain so much about the loss of wealth, yet we are the ones watching some Black women throwing money straight to the pockets of Hell.  Tell them to stop it! The Koreans dominate the market and work tirelessly to push Black business out or keep Black businesses from entering the market; fair business practices be damned.   The blame lies on the shoulders of those Black women!  You will not be scolded to stop supporting Korean hair businesses; just know that your decision has dire consequences for your sisters and brothers.  One of those consequences is the jobless rate.  If you notice, Black folk don’t work in Korean owned shops.

It is ironic that some Black women buy weaves and wigs that are made from every other ethic type of hair but African.  They even purchase animal hair, you know, the tail that gets shat upon on a regular basis.  Those weaves and wigs that some think are cute are in fact, extremely dangerous.  The wigs and weaves permanently affect the hair follicles and the glues and other chemicals damage skin and internal organs.   We have seen those Black women with their hairlines back to their ears; the missing kitchen; the bald spots; the tortured ends; and thinned out manes.  The fact that these conditions were created by conscious decisions is disturbing. 

But seriously, instead of putting those Black women down, let us uplift them and encourage them to show off their natural beauty.  Tired and lame excuses are no longer acceptable.  Lead by example.  Every single day, I feel joy when I encounter a natural beauty.  Natural is a daily event because more career women are going natural every day.   I always make a point to compliment them on their hair and I sincerely mean the tribute.  I love hearing about the stories of going natural and the search for the right product to resolve the hair concern of the day.  I am simply satisfied with olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil or various combinations of two or three.  Yes, I realize that Black owned businesses are not the suppliers of the oils; however, I certainly see Black folks working in the markets or grocery stores where the items are purchased.  I always purchase shea butter from a one who looks like me… a natural wonder. 

Black Organic will always support natural hair and the next generation in the Black Organic family will never know the pain and poverty associated with the hair industrial complex.  Choose pay nature forward. Go natural for our mental, physical and financial health.  Go natural because it is the right thing to do.

Thanks: publicdomainpictures.net

Good Looks – Green Beauty Trends

There is an array of basic ingredients that you can create innovative beauty products.  These ingredients are inexpensive and they work.   No need to run to the store to purchase the latest costly skincare products that promise miracles.  Natural products work just as well and you can take comfort in knowing the ingredients.  Here are a few ideas:

THIS	4	THAT
Paste of baking soda, salt and water		Lip scrub
Baking soda, water and peroxide		Tooth scrub and whitener
Coffee scrub made at home		Facial or body scrub
Apple cider vinegar		Clarifying hair rinse
Olive oil or coconut oil		Facial moisturizer
Shea butter mixed with coconut oil		Hand cream
Shea butter mixed with coconut oil or plain olive oil		Hair lotion
Coconut oil		Dandruff control
Shea butter mixed with coconut oil		Lip balm
Olive oil		Hair frizz control
Apple cider vinegar		Acne control
Baking soda, salt and water		Mouthwash
Cornstarch, baking soda, coconut oil		Deodorant

The recipes can be found here.  As you can see, quite a few natural products have double duty utility.  Make either small quantities or just enough for one use.  You’ll save money and our environment. 

Spotlight – Darien Essentials

Black Organic introduces Darien Essentials of Chesterfield, Virginia. Ms. Ellice Darien is a beautiful woman who considers our environment in making glamorous products using high quality natural ingredients.  Her use of food grade ingredients demonstrates care for our health and our environment.  Black Organic has used these products and attests to the pleasure of applying the warm colors with pleasing textures.  The greatest benefit was the absence of an allergic reaction.  Ms. Darien creates scented and unscented products suitable for users ranging from average Junes to Fabulous Fredas.  Although Black Organic is a strong advocate of making products at home, some things are best left to the professionals … who make their stuff at home.  In support of small businesses that consider the environment in all aspects of creating and marketing products as well as recycling and reducing waste, Black Organic is pleased to share Darien Essentials.

Provide a brief description of Darien Essentials.

Our business creates handcrafted spa and beauty products.

Please tell us the story about the beginnings of your company and why you decided to focus on natural products.

I can start with my father loving this book Back to Eden; me creating my potions as a teen for my friends’ acne, which by the way, some did work; me having a son, taking him to the library and seeing a book on soap-making; everyone loving my products; and watching a cosmetic company on television advertise four different complexions and thinking they are missing a whole lot of colors, let me learn this and customize foundation for my friends.

As a nurse, I would go into stores and think we don't need all that junk in our products, so I would create a friendlier version.  I know that the skin is our largest organ and can absorb medications, so why would I need to absorb junk that we just didn't need. 

Why should we purchase your products?

We strive to be as natural as we can and continue to keep finding ways to add products that are manufactured with the earth and the person in mind.

Please explain your statement, “being natural and being glamorous are not mutually exclusive”.

Our fans love that we customize their body butters and their makeup.  We are all different and some have allergy conditions that might mean that traditional products can’t be used; however, they want to feel and look good, so we help them.

When people think hand crafted they think hemp bag, craft paper, hippie which is cool, too; however, I see the glamour.  I think vibrant colors:  lavender and roses, and I want them to understand you can look and feel great without going into toxic shock.

What are you doing around your home to reduce your family’s impact on the environment?

The first thing we did was get rid of any hair spray. I started creating our household cleaning products and even when we painted we used a low VOC.  We go to our local growers for food and it is a growing journey for this family, especially with pre-teen and teens that think pizza is a vegetable.

Can you tell us some good news about Darien Essentials?

We are opening a shop and I will create from there, ship and retail.

Black Organic is grateful for your efforts to enhance beauty with consideration of our environment.  Thank you.

Picture credit:  Darien Essentials

Baking Soda

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is the proper chemical name for sodium bicarbonate which we know as baking soda.  It is a non-toxic chemical white powder compound.   Baking soda is a versatile product that is inexpensive and effective for uses for the home and body.   This one product will cover personal care, cooking, cleaning and laundry.  In our home, we use it to clean all over the house and we use it for body products and first aid.  Here are 20 of my favorite ways to incorporate baking soda into health, beauty and cleaning routines.  Baking soda can be used dry or as a paste by mixing with water.  It can also be used with other ingredients to create laundry detergent and deodorant.  This versatile substance can be purchased by the 13 pound bag for a little over $5.00.  The baking soda will keep for a long time if kept dry.  I usually pour some into a large glass canning jar and leave it next to the kitchen sink.   The bag gets stored away.  With multiple uses, we manage to go through about two or three bags a year.  Let’s reject commercial chemical and petroleum based products.  We should be responsible for our own impact on Earth and help our communities send a message to industrial polluters:  “We are not going to buy your garbage anymore!”

Powder Power List:

1.       Gentle facial scrub
2.       Clean stains from coffee mugs
3.       Clean food and oils from stovetop
4.       Soothe insect bites
5.       Sprinkle on floor around toilet (absorbs wayward sprays from little boys)
6.       Deodorize shoes
7.       Deodorize trashcans
8.       Clean tub and bathroom sink
9.       Add to warm water and soak feet
10.   Soak combs and brushes
11.   Mouthwash
12.   Deodorize sink drains
13.   Clean burned cooking pots
14.   Deodorize carpets
15.   Clean and deodorize the refrigerator
16.   Extinguish fire
17.   Sprinkle on dirty clothes awaiting laundry day
18.   Deodorize vacuum cleaner bag or canister
19.   Ant deterrent
20.   Clean stains in cooking pots and glassware

2012 – Look Forward

The start of the year signifies new beginnings, trends and solutions.  How about starting this year on the good green foot?  The Green Game Plan will help you sort out simple and easy ways to make a change to improve your home environment, health and vitality.

Review

Think about some of your old habits and how you can change things for the better.  Ask yourself a few questions:  Do I let the water run while brushing your teeth?  Do I toss cans and bottles in the trash?  Do I use hairspray?  Do I use strong chemicals to clean the sink?  Do I buy something just because it’s trendy?

Reassess

Consider easy things you could do to change some of your old habits into green routines.  Some of these things can help you save money, too.  Organize and reduce the chaos of clutter.  Start small with a small box of stuff at a time and move towards larger tasks as you realize success with small chores.

Do

Research alternatives to everyday household items and body products and use them.  This blog is a start, so thank you. 

Set aside time to schedule your errands and map out your trip to save vehicle use and your precious time. 

Start recycling paper and work your way towards cans, bottles and other items.  That stack of mail is begging to join the rest of the piles of advertisements and magazines on the trip to the recycling center.

Donate rarely worn clothes, shoes and household items; they are already not one of your favorites, so let them go.

Re-purpose some of the items in your home to create a new look.  That old desk hidden in a back bedroom could make a great work space next to a window in the living room.

Stay out of the middle of the grocery stores.  Increase your intake of fresh produce; healthy meats; and lower fat dairy items placed along the perimeter of the store.

Go for a walk.  If you don’t want to walk by yourself, grab a friend and go.  Race to the local fitness center and try a new activity.    Karate is wonderful for stamina, flexibility and balance.

Take a nap.  Rest is great for the body and soul.  A tired person is more likely to make poor decisions at work and play.   If you have a half hour after work, lie down and close your eyes.  Go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up early enough to reduce the morning stress of getting out the door on time.

Resolve to commit to your own well-being.  Make a choice to move in positive direction and away from harmful decisions.  Strengthen your relationships with family and friends.  Do something for yourself.

Live well; laugh a lot; and enjoy life in 2012.  Happy New Year!

Soul Spice Tea

A few weeks ago, my sister felt under the weather with a sore throat.  She shared a home remedy for a sore throat posted on the most popular social media site.   The recipe follows:  mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar; a small pinch of cayenne pepper; 1/4 cup of lemon juice; and one teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot water. Drink the tea three times a day or until the infection clears up. 

When I told my sister that I was miserable from allergies, she suggested the recipe and recommended I pick up a bottle of liquid cayenne.   I left work early and headed for the organic market on the way home.  I grabbed the cayenne and honey.  I was exhausted from sneezing hard all day long; I had a headache; tears constantly welled in my eyes; and the skin around my eyes was red, swollen and dry.  I looked like a 3 am drunken mug shot.  My plan was to get home eat some serious carbs and jump under the covers.  I was a draggin’ and moanin’ slug.  I was also dehydrated.  I needed fluids and my favorite drink is a monster sized mug of hot green tea.  Instead of making the sore throat recipe, I just added the ingredients to my tea. 

The recipe in a large mug:

About 14 to 16 ounces hot water

1 organic green tea bag

1 teaspoon of orange blossom honey

1 teaspoon of organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar 

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

2 to 4 drops of liquid cayenne pepper

I admit that I was not scared to try the tea.  I was desperate and hopeful.  After I drank the huge cup of tea, the itchy burning dry eyes stop bothering me within 15 minutes.  My eyes stopped watering and it was the first time I could see straight in the last four days.  The aching at my left temple subsided and the pressure in my head was relieved.   I felt like I could breathe normal again.  As things improved, I had to blow my nose a few times and I felt much better.  The sneezing was much less frequent and when I did, it was a normal run of the mill sneeze versus the loud and wrong kind of sneeze.   The sneezing helped get all the mucus out of my system, so I did not mind.  I had to keep tissues nearby to catch the unexpected drips.  This recipe works!

Next thing I knew, I felt a little pep in my step.  I started my wifely cleaning chores and never got around to eating the carbs that I wished I had in the house.  The nap went by the wayside.  I felt so much better.

The tea tastes good.  I could taste the lemon and a hint of the apple cider vinegar.  The honey muted the citrus and spice.  The cayenne was not too spicy, but I did taste it a bit after I finished the tea.  The tea was different; an enjoyable experience.  I imagined sitting in a room surrounded by deep red walls; large pillows; and silky vibrant fabrics blissed out listening to Jill Scott circa 2000.  I was a cool neo soul child chillin’ by myself. 

This beverage is so much better than the chemicals on the pharmacy shelves.  In fact, each ingredient is celebrated for its functions to support health and vitality.   Cayenne pepper is important in circulatory system and heart health.  Green tea is an antioxidant and aids immunity.  Honey is an energy booster and has antimicrobial properties.  Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps remove toxins from the body.  Lemon juice resolves digestive problems and helps calm anxiety.  I’ll be drinking this tea on the regular.  I don’t need to be ill to reap the benefits of Jill Scott’s vocal expressions and a little soul spice tea.

Thanks: publicdomainpictures.net