It’s officially summertime and that means sticky, sweaty days and nights. (Not the best visual, I know…but it’s true!) Are you happy with your deodorant? Besides keeping you fresh and sweat-free, there are actually many factors to consider when purchasing and using deodorants. The astringent compounds in deodorants and antiperspirants, such as zinc and aluminum, reduce sweat and odor producing bacteria—but they can also cause skin irritation, and some products contain potential or known carcinogens and hormone disruptors. Scary.

Here are some tips for purchasing the best deodorants for your body, thanks to the Green Guide.**

Steer Clear of the Dirty Dozen:

Remember when I wrote about the Cosmetic Dirty Dozen?** If nothing else, avoid any deodorant that lists an ingredient included in the Green Guide’s Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics.** Of those 12, those most commonly found in deodorants and antiperspirants are antibacterials, diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, fragrance and parabens.

Avoid Aerosol Products:

Aerosols are typically made with petroleum based ingredients and can be respiratory irritants. Steer clear.

Don’t Rely on Undefined Claims:

Terms such as “hypoallergenic” or “natural” are not regulated by the FDA and therefore provide no guarantees of a product’s safety.

Look For The Leaping Bunny:

Leaping Bunny-certified products** ensure that the product hasn’t been tested on animals.

Make Your Own:

You can make your own deodorant from baking soda (which deodorizes) and cornstarch (which absorbs moisture and deodorizes). Dab them on with a powder puff after a shower, while you’re skin is still damp. (Does anyone actually do this? I’m not sure I believe it.)

Ignore the Breast Cancer Rumors:

I have to admit, this one even got to me. I was quite concerned that antiperspirants could lead to breast cancer, but no credible evidence exists to link the two. The American Cancer Society has compiled a convincing set of counter-arguments** to this widespread, Internet-disseminated rumor.

Brands such as Weleda** and Burt’s Bees** make effective “green”  deodorants and antiperspirants. What are some other green brands that work well for you?

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

I’ve been totally inspired by the book Grow Great Grub** to start a little garden of my own on our back patio. After reading about Siel’s adventures, as well as another blogger that I adore,** I decided it’s time to buck up and plant some herbs and vegetables. I mean, it’s the perfect time, right? I should be having my new baby any day now…I have PLENTY of time to grow a garden!

I just received the book in the mail yesterday, but I dove right in. Gayla Trail, the author, is the creator of the popular gardening project, You Grow Girl** (now in its 10th year) and the author of You Grow Girl: The Groundbreaking Guide to Gardening as well as an in-demand gardening personality and spokesperson with a focus on urban gardening, growing food, sustainable living, and community.

The book covers issues such as choosing a location and making the most of your soil (even if it’s less than perfect), building a raised bed, compost bin, and self-watering container using recycled materials, keeping pests and diseases away from your plants (the toxin-free way), growing bountiful crops in pots and selecting the best heirloom varieties, cultivating hundreds of plants, from blueberries to Thai basil, to the best tomatoes you’ll ever taste and and preserving to make the most of your garden’s harvest. Phew! That’s a lot of information, but Gayla makes it all super accessible and easy for the TOTAL garden novice to understand.

I think my first project is going to be planting multiple veggies in one pot – according to Homegrown LA,** a single tomato plant can be flanked by 2 pepper plants and 2 basil plants in an 18-inch deep pot. Sounds good to me! Wish me luck!

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

By 1996, “cruelty-free” shopping became quite the popular buzzword, but it was also confusing, sometimes misleading, and ultimately frustrating. Companies had begun designing their own logos, abiding by their own definition of ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘animal friendly’ without the participation of animal protection groups.

In response, eight national animal protection groups banded together to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized Leaping Bunny logo. What exactly is the Leaping Bunny, you ask? It is the gold standard for cruelty-free labeling for personal care and household products, and is the only one that requires companies (as well as their ingredient suppliers and manufacturers) to sign assurances that they are not testing on animals during any stage of product development. Leaping Bunny also commissions on-site compliance audits.

The Leaping Bunny Program publishes and distributes the Compassionate Shopping Guide,** which lists more than 300 Leaping Bunny certified companies including L’Occitane, Hard Candy, Mary Kay, Seventh Generation, and Yves Rocher. They have also developed an iPhone App** for cruelty-free shopping and they have more than 8,500 fans and counting on Facebook.**

Essentially, Leaping Bunncy is working with companies to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy for us.

Currently, the Leaping Bunny Program is working to obtain 100,000 pledges to go cruelty-free by November 2011, their 15th anniversary. If you want to help this great cause, check out what you can do here!**

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

I can’t believe it’s almost here, but my baby is due to arrive in two weeks! We’ve been in nesting mode over here – although for some reason, my instinct doesn’t kick in until around 11pm each night. (What’s up with that?) I can definitely vouch that the second baby doesn’t arouse quite the nesting/list-making impulses that I had for the first one, but we’ve been stocking up on our favorite necessities nonetheless. I thought I might share some of our very favorite tried-and-true products.

1. Seventh Generation Diapers** – Sure, they are probably not as environmentally-friendly as cloth diapers, but I AM LAZY. These chlorine-free diapers work well for days and nights and are much easier on your little ones bums.

2. California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash** – We definitely have a theme over here and it revolves around no scent. If the product is scented, it’s a deal breaker for me. This bodywash has no scent whatsoever and is super gentle for babies’ skin.

3. Method Go Naked Hand Wash** – Once again, no scent and no dyes means no irritation. And if you are new to this baby gig, trust me, you’ll be washing your hands A LOT.

4. Seventh Generation Baby Wipes** – This product is not only for babies, but for all ages. We use these wipes every day for our preschoolers’ hands, wiping his bum and pretty much everything that calls for a wipe. I LOVE these wipes and buy them in bulk!

5. The Miracle Blanket** – The day we started using this with our son was the day he started sleeping hours and hours at a time at night. Our favorite version is the 100% cotton knit with no dyes.** Don’t be afraid to buy several of these – we have three.

What about you? Any favorites for newborns?

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

Have you heard of Dr. Emmanuel Bronner and his legacy in organic personal care products? I do believe his story is even more interesting than his great products. Dr. Bronner was a third generational soap maker who spent his life renouncing hate and war on a personal mission to unite mankind by giving public lectures on the message of world peace and the dangers of communism and fascism, following the death of his family in the Holocaust.

His strong views landed him in a mental asylum in Chicago, but eight months later in 1948 Bronner escaped and continued giving lectures in California. He also began making peppermint liquid soap under the Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps brand. He gave away soap during his talks and when he realized people were taking it without listening to him speak, he started writing his philosophy on the bottle in tiny script, which is still used on Bronner’s packaging today. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps are currently the USA’s #1 selling natural soap brand.

Despite Bronner’s death in 1997 his products continue to flourish under his son Ralph, daughter in-law Trudy and grandsons David and Michael, with an ever growing fan base including Drew Barrymore, Eminem, Sandra Bullock and Bobbi Brown.

Besides all sorts of liquid and bar soaps, hair products and lip balms, I am currently loving Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Fair Trade Shaving Gel Soap.** It comes in a variety of sensational scents including Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon Grass Lime and Baby Unscented. Scented using only Fair Trade organic essential oils and containing no synthetic ingredients or preservatives these make a perfect natural skin treat. Available nationwide in leading health shops including Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic and Whole Foods.

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

Little kids are like sponges, right? Then why not start reading to them early on about our responsibility to protect the earth? With summer approaching, now’s the perfect time to bust out some fun environmental books to enjoy together. You can’t possibly be at the pool 24 hours a day, now can you?

Think Green!

This colorful kids’ book shows boys and girls taking action around the house to save energy (turning the lights off) and prevent waste (giving birthday cards made from post-consumer waste). Author Jeanine Behr Getz has left room for readers to jot down their own ideas too. $20.95, Amazon**

The Young Birder’s Guide

This Peterson Field Guide is written for kids ages eight to twelve, and covers 200 of the most common birds in eastern North America. Fun facts, color photographs, and line drawings accompany detailed information. $10.17, Amazon**

Eco Babies Wear Green

Michelle Sinclair Colman’s adorable baby book shows environmentally conscious tots in all forms of green action, and is part of her series, Urban Babies Wear Black. $6.95, Amazon**

Loony Little: An Environmental Tale

It’s like Chicken Little with an environmental theme. Darling! $6.99, Amazon**

I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

This colorful book is made from recycled materials and the storyline covers subjects such as improving the environment, learning about endangered animals, recycling, and much more. $3.99, Amazon**

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

My preschooler and I had such a fun adventure last week! We were invited to take a tractor tour at a local farm, mainly to pick and eat our own strawberries, but I ended up learning so much more. First off, I had no idea until I was on the tour that this specific farm was certified organic! I nearly jumped out of my seat when I found out.

Why? Well, I try to buy all organic fruits and vegetables from our local grocery store, but sometimes the products are shipped in from extremely far distances, even other countries! To me, eating organic isn’t the only issue. It’s eating locally. I’ve written in the past about the other environmental and monetary costs involved with not eating locally,** so when I realized that I could drive 10 minutes to buy all sorts of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as support a local farm, I was thrilled.

As we took our tractor ride around the farm, I tasted carrots, celery, lettuce, bok choy, radishes, onions and of course, strawberries. The difference in flavor was huge! The celery had a saltiness from the soil, the carrots were undeniably flavorful and I wanted to smack myself in the head from denying my preschooler these wonderfully fresh and local fruits and veggies. When we finally stopped at the strawberry patch and hopped out to pick our own, I think my son ate at least forty strawberries within 10 minutes. He was in heaven. (I think the photo says it all.)

All in all, it was a lovely day full of good fun and great produce. I’ve made it my personal goal to buy most of our weekly fruits and veggies from the farm’s produce stand from here on out. Not only will I be feeding my family the best, but I will be supporting a local business. Plus, I hope my son will have memories of visiting the produce stand regularly and instilling the same values within him. It’s a win-win!

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

Did you know that hair can help clean up spills like the one threatening the Gulf Coast right now? Oh yes, I’m not pulling your leg. Or hair, for that matter. (I’ll be here all night, folks!)

Seriously, Matter of Trust** is an ecological charity established in 1998 which essentially turns hair clippings into mats that help soak up oil on our beaches. Salon owners from all over the world support this Hair Mat Oil Spill Program by sending hair clippings in recycled shampoo boxes lined with large plastic garbage bags. The swept-up hair is then shipped to specific US manufacturers who weave them into mats that help to clean our beaches and harbors. Pretty ingenious, right?

Besides the mats, recycled hair clippings are also made into hair “booms” which are sausage shaped and are then tied together and used to encircle and contain oil spills. These “booms” could be an integral part of helping the Gulf Coast right now.

Here’s the deal, though. There are over 370,000 hair salons in the US that collect an average of 1 pound of hair a day. Right now, most of the hair goes into the waste stream, but it could ALL be made into hair mats if we could spread the word about this fantastic program!

How can you help? Well, first off, watch this video** to see how you can get involved. Let your salon know about this program and direct them to Matter of Trust’s website,** which has detailed instructions on how they can ship their hair clippings. All donations are being used for the Gulf Coast situation, and they could use as many donations as possible.

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

What are your plans for Mother’s Day weekend? Mine should be glorious…date night with my husband on Friday night, hanging with the family on Saturday and a whole lot of reading while curled up in bed on my brand new Kindle on Sunday. (Which is more than perfect, considering I’m 8 months pregnant!) I am hoping it will be truly lovely.

One thing this holiday reminds me of is that moms need to take care of themselves first and foremost in order to be the best caregivers we can be. Eating well, exercising and taking care of our bodies and skin should be paramount. So why not treat moms to a spa experience…at home? Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Susan Evans has some great ideas on how you can whip up all-natural beauty concoctions right from the fridge! Budget, time AND eco-friendly, these head to toe at-home spa recipes require no hot stoves so its great for little ones to participate in the process.

Papaya Rehydrating Mask
1 cup papaya( remove seeds)
4 tablespoons honey
2 egg whites
3 tablespoons lemon or orange juice

Puree ingredients in a blender. Place in refrigerator until chilled and apply mask over entire face. Relax and leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse

Natural Papaya Sweet and Salty Exfoliating Body Scrub
1/4 cup natural sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup papaya puree
4 tablespoons olive oil

Whisk all the ingredients in mixing bowel until thick. Gently massage over skin in a circular motion. Can be used over entire body or to target dry patches. Step into shower and rinse off.

Deep Conditioning Coconut Hair Mask
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of olive oil

Combine oil mixture and place in microwave until warm (about 15 seconds) and massage into scalp. Leave mixture on with a cap to protect clothing and sheets for 1 hour, then rinse. Works great on dry, curly or damaged hair!

Coffee Break for Your Feet
Freshly ground coffee
1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup papaya puree
6 tablespoons of olive oil

Reduce swelling and soften skin for spring sandal-ready feet! In a large mixing bowl, combine ingredients. Warm mixture in microwave for 20 seconds. Mixture should be warm, not hot. Place feet in bowl and let soak. Rub mixture over dry heels for extra exfoliation.

I am definitely trying the coffee soak for my feet! Sounds amazing…now, go forth and pamper!

Did you know that switching from liquid to bar soap is one of the simplest ways to go green and actually spend less? I recently switched from a liquid wash back to a plain ol’ bar of soap and not only am I saving money, but using a product that is better for my skin. (If you are in the market for a simple and moisturizing bar soap, might I recommend Trader Joe’s Oatmeal and Honey Soap? It’s wonderful.)

So how do bar soaps help the environment? Well, bar soaps use less packaging – most are usually packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes – and weigh less than their liquid soap counterparts. Meaning they need less fuel to transport and take up less room in landfills. According to Country Living Magazine,** “Substituting one bottle with a bar in each U.S. home would keep 2.5 million pounds of plastic out of landfills.” Also, less of the product goes down the drain during use, so you get more bang for your buck.

Another great brand of bar soap is Yardley of London.** Their all-natural and botanical soap are available at your local supermarket or drugstore and are all less than $3 a bar. Score!

I feel like a whole new world of lathering has just opened up. What’s your soap protocol? Any eco-friendly brands that you just love?

**You are leaving the FilterForGood Web site. The Brita Products® Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.