BY AMY ZIFF
Before my kids went to school, I found it easy to control how we celebrated (or not) each holiday. I had more control over the kinds of products we purchased, from toys to personal care – making each one a meaningful reflection of our values. Then, we were able to live in a more minimalist, sugar-free way. It seems abstemious now, but back then, it was just how we rolled. But once my kids hit school, everything changed.
MADE SAFE Advisor Shanna Swan’s new book, Count Down, reflects decades of research and tells the story of “how our modern world is threatening sperm counts, altering male and female reproductive development, and imperiling the future of the human race.” This timely work shares how pervasive endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our modern society, such as phthalates, BPA, flame retardants, and more, bind to receptor sites where “real” hormones should land, resulting in the mix up of the body’s hormone-driven signals.
When Larry Weiss told us about his new start-up beauty brand, how it was going to source ingredients from an organic farm in Brazil and work to conserve the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, protecting the culture, land and indigenous people there while also pledging 1% to environmental nonprofits annually – we were more than intrigued. We were also excited!
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love of all kinds. While our kids are writing notes and sending chocolates, we can’t help but think about the different forms of intimacy. And thinking about intimacy leads us to the concerning ingredients found in many sexual health products.
This blog is filled with tips for avoiding yucky ingredients that have no place in your intimacy plans. Products that are used in sensitive areas of your body are especially important to consider, as the tissue in these areas is more permeable than the rest of your skin. That’s why sexual health products should not be made with or contaminated by potentially harmful or harsh ingredients. Read on to learn about some common ingredients better left outside of the bedroom. (more…)
We spend a lot of time thinking about the ingredients in our facial products and hair care, but what about our shower routine? What are we cleansing our bodies with every day – and what’s washing down the drain? (more…)
2021: A brand new year to live a less toxic lifestyle. To start, we are kicking off the year with 10 ideas to begin this commitment right now. In your own home. We recommend starting this new year by picking one or two items that you can work toward immediately and then pace yourself in working toward the others.
Living a healthier lifestyle is not a quick fix. What matters most is taking consistent steps where you can and as you are able.
Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the United States from crop production to at-home lawn care. The most well-known source of glyphosate is Roundup, a common trade name herbicide formulation by Bayer/Monsanto. Residues of this chemical have been found in consumer foods such as bagels, honey, flour, and infant formula.
A Note to Those Who Have Come Along for the Whole Year
It’s hard to believe that we are here—a whole year of taking concrete steps towards cultivating a healthier home environment through our New Year’s Revolution Challenge. We are so glad you joined us for this journey. It is our hope that the twelve swaps we suggested, however small, are helping to reduce the number of harmful substances in your living space. Our intention is to do the best we can right now, while striving to continue to do better when it is possible. Every seemingly small decision gives you the opportunity to align yourself with your commitment to healthy living!
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What would you give to protect your family, future generations, our water, our aquatic life, our planet?
At MADE SAFE we think about the ecosystem all-day, every day. Our rigorous 360-degree approach to vetting ingredients and materials takes into consideration the impact of a product’s components – not only on the humans who use the products, but also the impact on the environment and other creatures on this planet.
Let’s talk cookware. With chillier months and the holiday season ahead, you may be spending a little more time in the kitchen. You probably invest time, energy and money seeking out the best ingredients for the foods you’re preparing. But have you ever considered what the best options are for nontoxic cookware? Join us in learning about what to look for and how to find safer cookware options.
With love, from our kitchen to yours.
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