Green Options

Recent reports that the international demand for crocodile skin is leading to the Nile crocodile being in danger of extinction in Nigeria need some evaluation and would in any case be easily solved through the farming of crocodiles.

There have been a number of news stories (Agence France Presse, Red Orbit) about Ismail Dauda, the crocodile and python skin tanner of Kano in northern Nigeria. He is reportedly processing up to 20,000 skins (crocodile & python) a month. His comment that crocodiles are now harder to source than ten years ago and discussions with conservationists lead to the conclusion that crocodiles “might soon face extinction in Nigeria” if the authorities do start to control this mainly illegal trade.

Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”

The New York Times recently reported that a  study was just published in the Journal of Pediatrics showing the children who took a bath in a half a cup of bleach per full standard tub were relieved of their eczema related itching. The bleach apparently had very little odor and the children were relieved of the itching. One article totes the solution of using bleach in the bath with children as “safe, simple and inexpensive…” and I’m trying to figure out how the hell this is safe.  Something is seriously messed up about this and I’m feeling very sick over the idea of a child breathing the toxic fumes, having their body exposed to the toxic substance when bath time should be a safe place to play. Do the children drink the water? How does it not get in their eyes? How is this legal and okay? Time Magazine explains that using the bleach bath might sound harsh but it’s safer than exposing children to the antibiotics…

“The bottom line is that the more antibiotics we use, the higher the risk for something becoming resistant to them,” says Dr. Amy Paller, a study author, specialist in pediatric dermatology and chair of the dermatology department at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “The beauty of something like dilute bleach is that one doesn’t get resistance to it.”

Ready for a skin smoothing, luxuriously scented treat for warm weather skin?  Then it must be Suzanne aux bains Nourishing Body Millk ($30).  Lightly scented with Chamomile, Lavender and Incense essential oils, this creamy-dreamy body lotion is a sweet little indulgence for the skin.

The first time I used Suzanne aux bains Nourishing Body Milk I really didn’t put much thought into it, until later that is.  I  received a sample sachet and quickly applied some of the lotion to my arms and shoulders on the way out the door.  Later, as I was getting ready for bed, I couldn’t help but notice how soft and smooth my arms were, and had to think back to even remember what I had put on them.  Well, needless to say, I purchased a tube the very next day.

In drier winter months a body cream or butter provides us with a thicker, richer form of hydration for the skin.  In warmer seasons we need to switch to something lighter and more regenerative.  Suzanne aux bains uses Jojoba oil for deeply penetrating hydration and Lavender honey to gently exfoliate the skin.

Facial treatments, unless part of our daily beauty routine, are often overlooked.  Most of us barely have time to floss let alone apply a mask and put our feet up for the suggested 10-15 minutes.  Even if we do have the time, the thought of a putting on a facial mask is not what comes to mind.

Last night, as I was digging through my basket of samples and forgotten purchases I stumbled across a clay mask I was sent a few months ago, and figured “why not?”.  After rinsing the mask off and peering at my fresh, glowing skin in the mirror, I remembered why I used to make time for these things.

We are thinking about our skin now more than ever, with sleeveless tops, shorts and (shudder) bathing suits on the horizon.  There are many things you can do to get the bod summer-ready.  Starting with, of course, a healthier diet and picking up where we left that exercise program last fall.  As for the skin, a little self tanner goes a long way, evening out skin tone and giving you a nice glow.

To have truly healthy skin from the inside out you absolutely have to think about what you are feeding it.   Be sure you are using skin care and cosmetic products that are safe (free from harmful ingredients) and right for your skin type.  But don’t stop there, your diet definitely shows up in your complexion.

Malie Mango Nectar Luxe Cream Soap instantly transports you to that first step off of the tarmac once you hit Hawaii.  This luxury cleansing bar (isn’t there just something about a bar?) is creamy, dreamy, smooth and leaves you and your shower smelling of sweet mango-y goodness.  Skin is left soft and lightly scented.

Enriched with the hydrating properties of Kukui Nut, Macadama Nut and Coconut Oils, this easy to grip bar moisturizes and nourishes skin.  Malie fruit and flower hydrosols add exquisite, pure scent and aromatherapeutic power  to this luscious hand and body cleanser.  Also comes in koke’e (a crisp, green scent), coconut vanilla, plumeria, and pikake (Hawaiian Jasmine).

Tired of being tired?  It tends to go with the season.  Everyone is still catching up from the holidays and getting ready for spring.  With work, school and social lives who has time for sleep?

With a little help, you can still look your best even if you are running on less than a full night.

Lately, in an attempt to conjure any notion of warmer days, I have tried several fruit scented body lotions and butters and all smell good enough to eat.  And with all of their fruity goodness ingredients you practically could, but it’s probably not recommended.

Let’s start off with the new Bubble & Bee Body Butta - that’s right, it has ‘tude.  The subtle Raspberry and Vanilla scent is warm and fruity, evocative of a chocolate raspberry torte.  And the luscious creamy texture (think buttercream frosting) goes on smooth and keeps skin soft all day.  Comes in 4 or 8 oz jars and is made with shea butter and lots of oils, like coconut, sweet almond and macadamia.

When Alison Rothwell’s youngest daughter developed severe baby eczema, she searched for eczema-friendly baby clothing.

Rothwell observed when she wore organic cotton baby clothing, it helped relieve her eczema.  After she outgrew her organic babywear, Rothwell shopped for funky organic kids clothing and couldn’t find any she fancied.  So the UK-based Rothwell decided to create her own and Arabella Miller was born.

Are you pleased with your baby bodycare products?  One excellent source for natural bodycare and greener baby products is UK-based Ethical Superstore.

Says Ethical Superstore: “Grow up green with products that are ethically better for your baby and better for the planet, too…We’ve also got great books for green parents, organic baby food, natural bodycare, organic cotton clothing, soft toys and games.”

With green living, homeopathy and natural alternatives growing in popularity, soap makers are springing up around the world, concocting magical creations of coconut and lime in gleaming, glycerin-infused goodness that cleanse the body, mind and soul. 

Oh, and your hands too!

Growing up in my house, ‘handmade’ soap consisted of my mother gathering up all the remaining bits of bar soap from the shower and bathtubs, tossing them into a container with some water and shaking it up.  “Voila, hand soap!” she would state proudly.  But her objectives were to save money, not create a luxurious lather to soothe and soften the skin.  And, trust me, an acrid amalgum of Dial and Irish Spring was anything but soothing! 

But today’s handmade soaps are a beneficial blend of nourishing nutrients, rich with essential oils and alleviating aromatherapy that care for the skin and calm the senses.  And because they’re chemical-free, they’re an eco-friendly alternative to their caustic counterparts, making them a great way to indulge yourself and the earth.