Happy belated Indigenous Peoples Day!
I was on the fence about promoting this live FB chat that the Breast Cancer Fund is hosting with cosmetic company Beautycounter today at 1:00 pm EST. I think you can find it here. Not only am I not the end-all be-all expert on trusted sources for information, but it was a completely new company to me. Serious stranger danger.
But then I decided that there really aren't all that many opportunities for an open dialogue about toxic chemicals in consumer products. I think we can realistically expect a hard sell by Beautycounter, the heavy push to buy their products. But I also think we can gain something as consumers not to just listen but to have the chance to speak.
By that I mean speaking up about our concerns about chemical exposure in the products we use. Speaking out against manufacturers and retailers who put profit, and not their customers, first. After all, change doesn't occur in a vacuum of silence and complacence.
Beautycounter benefits greatly from their partnership with EWG and the Breast Cancer Fund. Street cred, if you will. I want to dig in a little and see what they're about. I'll admit, I am curious, not just for the purposes of the blog, but for the hopeful notion that someone out there gets it.
Me, I can't make the chat tomorrow. Can you make time for it? Maybe BCF will post highlights or something. If you do participate, let me know how it was! In the meantime, I will see what I can unearth about Beautycounter to share with you.
Cautiously yours,
Jazzy
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
Nothing is sacred
After months of nothing, I'm coming back with what's becoming an annual tradition: a righteously indignant rant on pinkwashing. Didn't you miss me?
Komen's in bed with some fracking company that's no doubt paid handsomely for the privilege of using that signature pink on its drill bits. You've seen it on going around the Internet, I know you have, so I'm not linking to it here, because I refuse to give either party more attention than they deserve.
Aside from a really horrible tagline (seriously, who writes this sh*t?), the whole thing is just completely busted. Fracking. A process that, when done successfully, creates and spreads carcinogenic chemicals and by-products. So yes, by all means, fork over some good cash money to get the blessing of the best-known breast cancer organization in North America.
For shame, Komen. FOR. SHAME. With the majority of breast cancers caused by environmental exposures, are you seriously getting involved with a company that profits from increasing the cancer risk of its employees and neighbors?
Since my own brush with cancer, I've not had a lot of respect for Komen. It's not really a popular view, given all the money they channel to the cause. But to whose benefit? How have survival rates increased? How are diagnoses decreasing? I'm not here to win any popularity contests. I'm here to call bullish*t, which is what this is, big time.
Happy Friday,
Jazzy
Komen's in bed with some fracking company that's no doubt paid handsomely for the privilege of using that signature pink on its drill bits. You've seen it on going around the Internet, I know you have, so I'm not linking to it here, because I refuse to give either party more attention than they deserve.
Aside from a really horrible tagline (seriously, who writes this sh*t?), the whole thing is just completely busted. Fracking. A process that, when done successfully, creates and spreads carcinogenic chemicals and by-products. So yes, by all means, fork over some good cash money to get the blessing of the best-known breast cancer organization in North America.
For shame, Komen. FOR. SHAME. With the majority of breast cancers caused by environmental exposures, are you seriously getting involved with a company that profits from increasing the cancer risk of its employees and neighbors?
Since my own brush with cancer, I've not had a lot of respect for Komen. It's not really a popular view, given all the money they channel to the cause. But to whose benefit? How have survival rates increased? How are diagnoses decreasing? I'm not here to win any popularity contests. I'm here to call bullish*t, which is what this is, big time.
Happy Friday,
Jazzy
Monday, August 18, 2014
This is your skin. This is your skin under UV light.
Summer's starting to wind down, but there is still a full month of potential sunburns before the season officially ends. Are you still using sunscreen?
This incredibly powerful video about UV light is making the rounds on the Internet right now, and I highly suggest spending the 3 minutes or so watching it. Go ahead, I'll wait.
How's that for crazy? I don't know what type of sunscreen is used in the video -- mineral or chemical -- but I think it's safe to say that any liberally-applied mineral sunscreen will give you similar protection to that seen here.
Don't become a wallet-face!!! I've got a couple posts on sunscreen in the queue and no, it's not too late to still be talking about it. Skin protection is a year-round gig!
Yours in healthier living,
Jazzy
This incredibly powerful video about UV light is making the rounds on the Internet right now, and I highly suggest spending the 3 minutes or so watching it. Go ahead, I'll wait.
How's that for crazy? I don't know what type of sunscreen is used in the video -- mineral or chemical -- but I think it's safe to say that any liberally-applied mineral sunscreen will give you similar protection to that seen here.
Don't become a wallet-face!!! I've got a couple posts on sunscreen in the queue and no, it's not too late to still be talking about it. Skin protection is a year-round gig!
Yours in healthier living,
Jazzy
Friday, August 8, 2014
SMACK! Reviews: everyone soap by EO
Product reviews are easily the most popular thing here at SMACK! so it seems like a natural way to break my summer hiatus. Today we're getting to know everyone soap by EO Products. This isn't the first EO Products review I've written. My post reviewing their cleansing wipes is here.
I came across this 32-oz pump bottle of awesome in a search for a new shower gel. I'm not a huge fan of bar soap but don't feel so clean after using something that is full of chemicals, ya dig?
Here's where the love fest starts. everyone soap is good for everything -- hair, face, body -- so I not only have fewer chemicals in my body, I have less crap in my shower. And I am of a certain age where things like that make me happy.
So I don't mind the $9.99 regular retail price. Remember, this replaces your shampoo AND bar soap/shower gel. I'm nothing if not frugal.
How does it work? It's so nice. Like, really. Some soaps can be drying, others can leave a filmy residue (moisturizing?) but everyone soap just leaves you clean. Your skin feels fresh but not stripped. The lather is decent, both on hair and body. I've used it both home and away, and the amount of soapy foam does vary with different types of water (hard, soft, etc.) but not enough to matter.
EO offers a nice range of scents -- or fragrance free if that's your jam -- including Coconut and Lemon, Lavender and Aloe. There are simpler versions of the same scents in the kids' line, at the same price (and no age restrictions!), and a few additional scents in their mens' line. This is a good example of 'gendered marketing' since they are all very likely THE SAME PRODUCT. Take your pick.
You likely won't find this stuff at your local grocer. It's at Whole Foods, and online. If you do see it locally, good for you! If you don't, try asking for it. I'm always advocating for consumers to ask for what they want. Any store manager with half a brain knows keeping a customer is easier than gaining a new one. So speak up!
Have you used any EO products? Let me know what you think, and if you get a chance to try this great body wash.
Yours in cleaner living,
Jazzy
I came across this 32-oz pump bottle of awesome in a search for a new shower gel. I'm not a huge fan of bar soap but don't feel so clean after using something that is full of chemicals, ya dig?
Here's where the love fest starts. everyone soap is good for everything -- hair, face, body -- so I not only have fewer chemicals in my body, I have less crap in my shower. And I am of a certain age where things like that make me happy.
So I don't mind the $9.99 regular retail price. Remember, this replaces your shampoo AND bar soap/shower gel. I'm nothing if not frugal.
How does it work? It's so nice. Like, really. Some soaps can be drying, others can leave a filmy residue (moisturizing?) but everyone soap just leaves you clean. Your skin feels fresh but not stripped. The lather is decent, both on hair and body. I've used it both home and away, and the amount of soapy foam does vary with different types of water (hard, soft, etc.) but not enough to matter.
EO offers a nice range of scents -- or fragrance free if that's your jam -- including Coconut and Lemon, Lavender and Aloe. There are simpler versions of the same scents in the kids' line, at the same price (and no age restrictions!), and a few additional scents in their mens' line. This is a good example of 'gendered marketing' since they are all very likely THE SAME PRODUCT. Take your pick.
You likely won't find this stuff at your local grocer. It's at Whole Foods, and online. If you do see it locally, good for you! If you don't, try asking for it. I'm always advocating for consumers to ask for what they want. Any store manager with half a brain knows keeping a customer is easier than gaining a new one. So speak up!
Have you used any EO products? Let me know what you think, and if you get a chance to try this great body wash.
Yours in cleaner living,
Jazzy
Friday, August 1, 2014
Quick thanks
Hey there! Had to drop a quick thanks to all the great readers who made July the Best. Month. Ever! at SMACK! Yay!! And that's in the absence of really any regular content. Wow, I really suck.
Summer's winding down, which means in just a few weeks we'll resume some more frequent posting. Keep visiting!! It hasn't really been a slow season for any of the industries we cover -- cosmetics, housewares, chemicals and the such -- just a slow, lazy season for me. Actually a pretty busy one, just not busy here. I've taken up golfing!
I've got a bunch of new products that I've tried this summer, and can't wait to share them with you. Why wait, Jazzy? Get us some reviews, stat!! Got it. I'll see what I can put together for next week.
Happy August,
Jazzy
Summer's winding down, which means in just a few weeks we'll resume some more frequent posting. Keep visiting!! It hasn't really been a slow season for any of the industries we cover -- cosmetics, housewares, chemicals and the such -- just a slow, lazy season for me. Actually a pretty busy one, just not busy here. I've taken up golfing!
I've got a bunch of new products that I've tried this summer, and can't wait to share them with you. Why wait, Jazzy? Get us some reviews, stat!! Got it. I'll see what I can put together for next week.
Happy August,
Jazzy
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Newsday
Hiya!!! Happy Summer to all. I am neglecting SMACK! just a wee bit in an effort to be more present and enjoy whatever my summer days bring my way. Like sinus infections.
Anyhoo, pretty big article in today's Washington Post about phthalates in the American diet. It's an interesting read b/c it notes how alarmed parents and politicians were a few years back when the chemicals were found in toddler toys made overseas (isn't EVERYTHING made overseas?!?!?!) so swift action was taken and everyone promptly went on with their lives.
Some researchers have since found crazy too-high levels of phthalates in poultry and high fat dairy products. So much for that chicken alfredo I had last night for dinner.
The recommendations, of course, are to avoid eating too much of these offensive food stuffs in your diet. But don't toddlers need high fat dairy for brain development? Full fat yogurt and whole milk for the under-2 set were a real thing a while back, as were omega-3s in pregnancy, because all that fat would make you pop out a genius.
But oops, the pollutants are hormone disruptors and our oceans are nothing but a toxic soup so no more eating because there really is no such thing as a healthy diet.
Hope you are all having a GREAT summer!! Anyone try a new mineral sunscreen that they love??? Do tell! I will try to get some posts going, so if you need a break from all that grilling and drinking and swimming and FUN, come visit!!
Later gator,
Jazzy
Anyhoo, pretty big article in today's Washington Post about phthalates in the American diet. It's an interesting read b/c it notes how alarmed parents and politicians were a few years back when the chemicals were found in toddler toys made overseas (isn't EVERYTHING made overseas?!?!?!) so swift action was taken and everyone promptly went on with their lives.
Some researchers have since found crazy too-high levels of phthalates in poultry and high fat dairy products. So much for that chicken alfredo I had last night for dinner.
The recommendations, of course, are to avoid eating too much of these offensive food stuffs in your diet. But don't toddlers need high fat dairy for brain development? Full fat yogurt and whole milk for the under-2 set were a real thing a while back, as were omega-3s in pregnancy, because all that fat would make you pop out a genius.
But oops, the pollutants are hormone disruptors and our oceans are nothing but a toxic soup so no more eating because there really is no such thing as a healthy diet.
Hope you are all having a GREAT summer!! Anyone try a new mineral sunscreen that they love??? Do tell! I will try to get some posts going, so if you need a break from all that grilling and drinking and swimming and FUN, come visit!!
Later gator,
Jazzy
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Playing catch up
Another unexplained absence, another post spent groveling...I'm realizing that I just may not be that blogger who can churn out content in a smooth, seemingly effortless frequency. That's not me. At least not right now. And that's ok. Summer's bearing down, and I am fighting the urge to just completely check out. It's a condition of growing up in a place where summer is THE season. Long days, warm nights, freedom to go and do and spend as you please. Right, I'm not a teenager anymore. But I am a person, doing the best she can with this wonderfully imperfect thing called a blog, and that other wonderfully imperfect thing called life. Thanks for understanding.
Back to it...Panera has been making big headlines -- and lots of them -- this week with its announcement to dump all food additives from its menu by 2016. That includes artificial colorants, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. And that yoga mat stuff that, months later, still has Subway eating sh*t.
The news was picked up nationally by CBS Moneywatch, "Good Morning America", USA TODAY and even across the pond by The Guardian. More than one piece highlighted the announcement as part of the company's larger 'Food Policy' or vision for menu transparency and responsible corporate citizenship.
From a PR perspective, the whole thing is pretty win-win for Panera. The company gets a lot of good press and positions itself proactively, instead of waiting for some Internet whistle-blower to point out the junky ingredients in its menu items. The company avoids befalling the same public opinion fate as Subway while simultaneously being aligned with the consumer movement to improve the quality of faster-food chain restaurant menus.
It's good play, and I commend whichever big agency is in charge of Panera's PR game. That being said, what are we missing? What ISN'T Panera telling us? I'm too jaded and cynical a person to take any corporate messaging on its face anymore. So what gives, Panera, huh? What are you trying to clean up with this little campaign here?
Always reading between the lines,
Jazzy
Back to it...Panera has been making big headlines -- and lots of them -- this week with its announcement to dump all food additives from its menu by 2016. That includes artificial colorants, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. And that yoga mat stuff that, months later, still has Subway eating sh*t.
The news was picked up nationally by CBS Moneywatch, "Good Morning America", USA TODAY and even across the pond by The Guardian. More than one piece highlighted the announcement as part of the company's larger 'Food Policy' or vision for menu transparency and responsible corporate citizenship.
From a PR perspective, the whole thing is pretty win-win for Panera. The company gets a lot of good press and positions itself proactively, instead of waiting for some Internet whistle-blower to point out the junky ingredients in its menu items. The company avoids befalling the same public opinion fate as Subway while simultaneously being aligned with the consumer movement to improve the quality of faster-food chain restaurant menus.
It's good play, and I commend whichever big agency is in charge of Panera's PR game. That being said, what are we missing? What ISN'T Panera telling us? I'm too jaded and cynical a person to take any corporate messaging on its face anymore. So what gives, Panera, huh? What are you trying to clean up with this little campaign here?
Always reading between the lines,
Jazzy
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