Chapstick (and Other Products) For the Greater Good

Hello readers,

I'd first like to offer a little confession: I've been on hiatus from this blog for quite some time now. The end of last semester and my leg surgery over the holiday definitely took me down a few notches in terms of blogging availability... but I'm back!

I trust that everyone had a restful and relaxing new year and are back in the swing of things like I am here. I've settled back into my routine and have been thinking about green initiatives to keep me occupied during the wintertime here in Ohio. One recent change that I made had to do with my choice of shampoo. Even though this seems somewhat mundane, I think some of the most trivial choices can be some of our best and worthwhile.

I was using Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint

but have recently switched to Nature's Gate Chamomile & Lemon Verbena

... for the simple reason that (for about the same price) I am assured that it is ecologically safe, environmentally friendly, cruelty-free... and better for my hair and scalp (I have VERY sensitive skin.)

Anyway, thinking about this minor change also spurred me to question some of the other things in my posession that I rely on daily during the winter months. Case in point: a chapstick that I use religiously that boasts it is "earth-friendly personal care for the greater good." That's a pretty weighty claim to make about a chapstick!

So yes, I use the classic Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm:...and after doing some detective work of the ingredients list I'm still happy to note that it is ALL NATURAL! Looking over the website, I'm also reassured of a few of the company's other initiatives concerning green living, sustainability, etc. Maybe this chapstick is for the greater good! I know that it has had an impact on me (I hate products that add alcohol so that they make your lips more dry, thereby resulting you needing more of the same stuff. It's like an addiction.)

Anyway, peruse a few of the products you rely on once and a while and do some research to find out if they really do measure up to the words that they place on their labels. Kids can also do the same and they might begin to learn new things about the true meanings of "organic", "green", and "natural." I'm going to put on a fresh coat of lip balm right now... my lips are feeling pretty dry =)

Hope your February is unfolding nicely! Until next week! -BA