What Deanna found …

During the “comb the home” sequence, Deanna found 1) non-recycled paper products, 2) cleaning chemicals including bleach and phosphates, 3) Triclosan in anti-bacterial soaps, and 4) standard feminine hygiene products.

Look for these items in your kitchen and bathroom and consider joining the Jones family in their mission to make-over their personal care product choices.

Are you ready for a personal care product make-over?

Non-recycled paper products: On average, a family of four uses the equivalent of 17 trees for their toilet paper alone. Much toilet paper is made from virgin forests which are among the most effective carbon sinks. By purchasing only 100% recycled paper products, The Jones family will help increase demand for recycled paper products and help prevent deforestation.

Cleaning chemicals and Triclosan: Deanna found numerous chemicals in the cleaning products present in the Jones’ bathroom and kitchen. Among them were bleach, phosphates, and Triclosan, all of which are harmful for our waterways and can be dangerous for the family and their pets. Luckily for the Jones family, “green” cleaning products are widely available and aren’t more expensive than their traditional counterparts. Deanna recommended that the family read the ingredient list for their personal care products as carefully to avoid bleach, phosphates, and Triclosan.

Standard feminine hygiene products:  Deanna wowed Shannon with the statistic that over the course of a woman’s lifetime, she’ll use a dump-truck’s worth of tampons and pads. With products that are single-use like pads, toilet paper, and paper-towels, it’s especially important to make sustainable choices because these products go directly into a landfill after their use. Deanna explained that alternative menstrual products like the DivaCup last for years and many woman claim that it decreases some of the uncomfortable symptoms and dangers associated with the menstrual cycle.

Water Use: While Deanna was “combing” the bathroom, she noticed that the showerhead did not have any water-saving components. Most people who install a low-flow showerhead or a pressure controller not only save significantly on their water-bill, but also get a better shower. In this case, going green is definitely a win-win.

To the salon! Finally, as a special organic treat, Deanna arranged for Shannon to take a breather from her hectic life and have an organic spa treatment at Mode Organic Salon. Shannon enjoyed a facial, a mineral makeup consultation, and a hair cut and color courtesy of our friends at Mode. Many folks don’t consider the environmental and personal hazards of many makeups and hair products. It’s important to be aware of everything you put on your body!