Update: Recently, the FDA concluded that mercury filling have safety issues, see this news story.

Sweden, Denmark and Norway have banned them. Germany and Austria have discouraged use. Yet, in the United States, dental amalgams, the “silver” fillings that have been commonly used in dental practices for decades, are still used frequently as an inexpensive and popular treatment for cavities. Many consumers are unaware that the metal fillings in their teeth are comprised of 50% mercury, a known, proven neurotoxin.

Turn on the news or pick up a newspaper and you’re likely to see a report on the dangers of eating fish because of the levels of toxic mercury they contain. Many consumers are limiting the amount of fish they eat each week because of the danger the mercury level presents, yet have a mouth full of fillings that are damaging to their health. To make a comparison between fish and mercury fillings, an average amalgam contains 0.5 grams of mercury, according to Britain’s Daily Mail.  One half of a gram doesn’t seem like much, but if that amount of mercury was found in a 10-acre lake, a warning about eating the fish found in it would result. And, according to a World Health Organization study, the absorption of mercury from amalgams is four times higher than the absorption from fish consumption.

Even still, the FDA’s latest ruling, in 2009, found that amalgams were safe. FDA spokesperson Susan Runner, DDS, said, “The best available scientific evidence supports the conclusion that patients with dental amalgam fillings are not at risk for mercury-associated adverse health effects.” The American Dental Association agreed, despite the fact that it is proven that amalgams release mercury continuously from the time they are placed in the mouth. Simply chewing puts enough strain on the filling to cause a release of the mercury as vapor. Incidentally, it has been proven that there is no harmless level of mercury vapor exposure, as it is absorbed at a rate of 80% through the lungs into the arterial blood.

We worry about lead poisoning from our paint and arsenic poisoning from accidental ingestion of pesticides, but mercury is a more toxic substance than either one of those. Mercury from amalgams is stored principally in the kidneys, liver and brain and can cause severe problems from kidney damage to autoimmune diseases to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, mercury has been linked to depletion of the immune system, a number of severe allergies and impairment of the reproductive system. Ironically, mercury can have negative effects on the mouth, as well. Exposure to the substance may lead to soft and spongy gums, loose teeth and mouth sores.

Infants and Children

As with many toxins, the greatest danger is to children and infants, especially fetuses. During pregnancy, it seems that mercury from amalgams travels to the fetus and is stored there before the mother, according to a study by MJ Vimy, a member of the medical faculty of the University of Calgary. In fact, eight times more mercury is stored in the fetus, and, later on, breast milk, than in the mother’s own tissues. Therefore, both fetuses and infants are at greater risk of side effects from their pregnant mother’s amalgam fillings than she is herself.

What You Can Do

The good news is, it’s fairly easy to remove and replace amalgams by a dental professional that is trained in amalgam removal. If you are already pregnant, however, it’s generally better to wait until after the pregnancy to remove the fillings, as the fetus could get a large, one-time dose of mercury vapor exposure that could be harmful. Today, many dentists have discontinued use of amalgam fillings not only because they are potentially harmful but also because there are other options available. White composite and porcelain filling materials serve the same purpose and, as an added bonus, blend with the teeth, whereas silver amalgams tend to be noticeable. The only drawback? These alternatives are more costly than amalgams, but are generally considered as effective long term without the possible health consequences.

If you’re thinking of replacing your old amalgams, consider this: patients who had amalgams removed have been cured of health problems such as fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease. Multiple Sclerosis patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

The bottom line here is that there is no reason to put yourself at risk if you don’t have to.  Talk to your dentist about creating a sensible plan to replace amalgams and, moving forward, look for alternatives to maintain both your smile and your health.

We brush, floss and rinse with mouthwash to keep our teeth healthy, strong and fresh. Unfortunately, some of the very things we are doing to protect ourselves from disease could be making us sick. The ingredients listed on the back of our toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles might be things we’ve never given too much consideration, but, as it turns out, maybe we should. There is growing concern among consumers, activists and medical professionals that the most basic parts of our daily routines could be a double-edged sword. While there are many chemicals in dental products that have come under attack in the past several years, one in particular that is on the chopping block is being taken seriously by dentists, consumers and even the FDA. Triclosan, a chemical that you might be familiar with, as it is included in many antibacterial products, is supposed to help prevent plaque formation and treat gingivitis. According to Dental Health Magazine, however, Triclosan is so strong that it has been reported to disrupt the endocrine system and can contribute to the formation of the “superbugs” currently plaguing the American medical system. The European Union and many other countries have already banned the use of Triclosan and, in response to pressure from researchers, the FDA is conducting further studies on the safety of the chemical, due to be completed in spring of 2011.

Another chemical to avoid when looking for dental products (or any products, really) is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This surfectant is toxic and irritating, according to Dental Health Magazine, and, according to Dr. Harold Katz, the founder of TheraBreath, has been proven to cause damage to oral tissue, lead to canker sore production and cause bad breath.

Saccharin is also commonly found in dental products, as it makes the products taste sweeter without contributing to the tooth decay that can be caused by sugar. If you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ve probably heard about the dangers of saccharin and might be trying to stay away from it in the food and drinks you and your family consume. In addition to causing allergic reactions, headaches, diarrhea, skin eruptions and, ironically, weight gain, this chemical is considered a possible carcinogen even by the FDA.

The good news is, staying away from dangerous chemicals in your toothpaste and mouthwash is a relatively easy task, thanks to a number of companies who have stepped up to make oral care products that are safe and effective. Some may be skeptical of finding natural or organic products that are as effective as their current, chemical-laden ones, but many of these brands contain essential oils, which are nature’s answer to killing viruses and bacteria, eliminating damaged cells and regenerating new ones. Here are a couple of options that we think are winners:

Toothpaste:

For those who are open to trying something that feels a little different than their traditional toothpaste, Tooth Soap is a great option. Made from organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, distilled water, Himalayan Crystal Salt, coral calcium and essential oils,  Tooth Soap was given a score of 0 on the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning that is considered very low hazard. It is also Kosher certified Star-K and claims to remove oils, residue and contaminants from teeth, creating a healthy oral environment. Reviewers love it and claim it healed a variety of dental problems from sensitivity to gum disease to frequent canker sores, but warn that, as it is a liquid, it feels a little different than average toothpaste. Tooth Soap is available at Amazon.

For those who prefer a product that feels a little more like their old toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine Natural Antiplaque Plus Whitening Gel is another great option. Formulated without artificial ingredients or abrasives, Tom’s uses purified hydrated silica to clean and remove stains and has no chemicals or animal ingredients. In addition, it was given a score of 1 from the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning it has a low risk of being hazardous to your health. This toothpaste is also available from Amazon.

Mouthwash:

Jason PowerSmile Mouthwash uses peppermint essential oil to freshen breath, Perilla Seed Extract, which is naturally anti-bacterial, to prevent tartar build-up and three natural whiteners to keep teeth bright. It received a score of 1 on the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, indicating it is low risk. This mouthwash is available at Amazon.

Tom’s of Maine also has a great Baking Soda Mouthwash that is alcohol-free, saccharin-free and has vitamin C, aloe vera, witch hazel and baking soda to nourish the mouth. Peppermint oil lends this mouthwash its refreshing flavor, and it was given a score of 2 by the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database, meaning it has a low risk of being hazardous. Tom’s Mouthwash is available from Amazon.

Has your best friend been offering you breath mints more than usual? Co-worker pushing gum on you? They might not just be trying to share. Between 46 million and 75 million Americans are plagued by chronic bad breath, and, the worst part? Some of them don’t even know it! If you’ve noticed a bad taste that won’t seem to go away or that people who care about you — or have to talk to you — have been offering friendly hints about your scent, there’s no need to stress out or run to your dentist to get a potentially chemical-laden prescription regiment for bad breath.

Often bad breath is caused by internal digestive problems. When your digestive system becomes imbalanced your digestive fire becomes weak and the food you eat is not digested properly, this becomes a breeding ground for toxins to form. These toxins get deposited in your mouth and digestive system. The toxins cause a stench to arise from your stomach and intestines out of your mouth. See the excellent book Ayurvedic Home Remedies for more information.

There are plenty of inexpensive, healthy remedies to alleviate bad breath:

Parsley

There’s a reason it’s always just lying there, fresh and green, on the edge of your plate. You’re supposed to chew it! Parsley contains chlorophyll, hence the green, which is a known bad-breath deodorizer. So, instead of just abandoning it on your plate, pick up that parsley and give it a couple of chews to cleanse your palate. You can also put a few handfuls in your juicer and take a couple of sips whenever you need to refresh your breath. Or, of course, carrying a few sprigs around in your pocket is an easy and efficient way to make sure your breath saver is always around.

Don’t want to tap into your 401k to keep yourself in parsley? Grow your own! Organic Parsley Seeds are readily available from Amazon and, this way, you can ensure that what you’re chewing hasn’t been doused with unhealthy pesticides.

Cardamom

Cardamom, which might be most notable these days for lending chai its distinctive flavor, is an age-old remedy to all sorts of health problems, including bad breath. The Egyptians chewed the herb to clean their teeth, and so can you. While you’re whisking away your bad breath, you’ll be happy to know that your also treating urinary problems and preventing colon cancer.

While cardamom is available in many forms, it stays freshest in the pod. So, purchase the pods from Mountain Rose Herbs or your local health food store and pop a seed out whenever your breath needs a little freshening.

Fenugreek Seed

This little herb is another super multi-tasker, so, while you’re drinking away your bad breath, you can also kiss indigestion, sluggish liver, anaemia, sore throat and diabetes goodbye. By washing away hardened mucus and other toxic substances that collect in the body, fenugreek tea, when drunk regularly, can help cure bad breath and body odor.

Fenugreed Seed Tea Bags make your daily dose of breath freshener easy to come by and can be purchased from Amazon.

Tongue Scraper

All sorts of bacteria, mucus and other bad breath paraphernalia can get trapped in the dark, deep recesses of the tongue. You can brush until you’re blue in the face, but if you aren’t reaching the very back of the tongue, where bad-breath bacteria fester, all that brushing isn’t going to do a thing to cure you’re bad breath. Fortunately, all sorts of tongue scrapers and cleaners are readily available and waiting to solve your problems. But you don’t just want any tongue scraper. If you’re going to shell out the cash, why not buy the best?

If you believe the trusty reviewers at Amazon, the very best comes in the form of Dr. Tung’s Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner. They all agree that it nixed their bad breath in no time. For five bucks, it’s worth a shot.

Worst Remedies:

While we’ve been trying to educate you on the best, chemical-free ways to rid yourself of bad breath, the American Academy of Periodontology wants us to know about the least effective ways, as well. Here is a rundown of home remedies floating around on the internet, that this dental organization warns to stay away from: excessive use of mouthwash, breath mints, chewing gum, mint chew tobacco, infomercial items, vodka martinis or sour mash whiskey, brushing with household cleanser, rinsing with kerosene, tongue piercing.

Now that you know your options, we hope you find something perfect to keep your breath fresh and clean!

Brush. Floss. See your dentist. We all know the basics of keeping our mouths healthy, but if you’re hitting the high points and still having trouble staying out of the dental chair, there could be a missing link in your overall dental health plan: nutrition. We all know that eating our fruits and veggies and cutting down on the sugar is good for our overall health, but, let’s face it, we don’t always do exactly what we know we should. If you are one of those people who could use a little brush-up (no pun intended) on the nutrition basics and run down on the nutritional keys to keeping your mouth fresh, healthy and clean, some of these tips might be for you.

The Vitamin Link

Your Diet and the Dentist: The Vitamin Link

Robert Dorsky, DMD, author of a nutritional study in General Dentistry, a peer-reviewed journal, said that, when there is a discrepancy between what your body needs and what your body gets, nutritional deficiencies result. The mouth is one of the most sensitive areas of the body and, as a result, shows signs of nutritional gaps more quickly than nearly any other area. It’s hard to imagine that, in the United States, anyone could be nutritionally deficient, but, as we know, there is a big difference between being well-fed and being healthy. If you’re trying to keep your mouth in tip-top shape, here are some key vitamins to make sure you’re getting:

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that protects the body and is linked to healthy formation of teeth. Carrots, liver and spinach are all great food sources of the vitamin.

Vitamin D: We all grew up hearing that calcium is essential for strong bones, but, without Vitamin D to help it absorb, the calcium is of little use to our bodies — or teeth. The best way to get Vitamin D is to spend a few, sunscreen-free minutes a day in the sun.

Calcium: Calcium is the chief supportive component of teeth and bones, so, obviously, if you don’t have enough calcium, your teeth are going to suffer. Milk is a good source of calcium, but if you’re not a dairy person, getting calcium from soy, collards, spinach, and turnip greens is also a good option. If you’re still worried about your overall, daily calcium intake, supplements (with your health care professional’s okay) might be a good choice. NOW makes a great Calcium supplement fortified with Vitamin D, Magnesium and Zinc for maximum absorption. It’s available at Amazon.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is another crucial antioxidant that is a key component in good oral health. Not only is Vitamin C required for the production of collagen, which, in turn, gives gum tissue its integrity, it also is required for the support of our immune system. Since our mouths are constantly barraged by bacteria and viruses, Vitamin C is a key component in the health of the mouth and the entire body.

If you’re looking for an “insurance policy” to support your healthy food choices, a multi-vitamin might not be a bad idea. Vitamins made from whole food sources are a great choice and can help ensure that your body is getting the nutrition it needs. A comprehensive multi-vitamin that is great for most people is Life’s Fortune. It is available from Amazon and many consumers swear it gives them more energy. Another great whole food, multi-vitamin choice for women is New Chapter Organics Every Woman, which is made with organic ingredients. New Chapter also makes a great Prenatal Vitamin, available from Amazon.

Vegetarians and Oral Health

While attention to oral health is crucial for everyone, vegetarians might be especially at risk for nutritional deficiencies. The Academy of General Dentistry acknowledges that adult vegetarians tend to be more aware of their nutritional needs than non-vegetarian adults, but, regardless, vegetarians have to be extremely careful that they are getting the vitamins they need to maintain proper oral health. According to Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Ludwig Leibsohn, DDS, “An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period can be at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium.”

In addition, Vitamins B12 and B2, also known as Riboflavin, are difficult for vegetarians to obtain since they come from liver, pork, fish, red meat and chicken. A lack of these essential vitamins can lead to mouth sores. Almonds, spinach and pasta are other, non-animal sources of B2, while dairy products are good sources of B12.

For vegans and vegetarians who avoid dairy, B-vitamin supplements can be important for maintaining oral health. New Chapter Organics Coenzyme B Food Complex is helpful for those trying to get more B vitamins and is said to nourish metabolic function and calm frazzled nerves. Vegetarian or not, we might all be able to benefit from a little of that! It is available from Amazon.

Obesity and Gum Disease

The Centers for Disease Control report that more than two-thirds of adults over age 20 in the United States are overweight or obese. The weight crisis in the United States has reached epic proportions and, with the rise of our weight, not only does our health care cost increase but also our dental cost. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found, in a 2003 study, that the prevalence of periodontal disease in obese individuals aged 18-34 was 76% higher than individuals in that group of normal weight. This is extremely significant because periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that causes teeth to separate from gums and become loose or fall out, is generally considered a disease that strikes older people. Not surprisingly, periodontists recommend consuming the recommended daily allowance for both vitamin C and Calcium to help counteract this problem.

Foods to Avoid

No matter what your weight, the Academy of General Dentistry has recommendations about foods that should be avoided to promote optimal dental health:

• Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away.
• Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
• Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.
• Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.

Sticking to grains, fruits, vegetables, milk and meats is recommended for preserving both dental and overall health. And remember, when in doubt, ask your dentist!

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens

With Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner, it’s time to start looking forward to a little fun in the sun. But if you’ve ever woken up with burning, itchy skin after that sun-filled weekend, you know how important the right SPF can be to prevent skin cancer, premature aging and skin damage that can come along with too many rays.

Sometimes, though, this seems like a bit of a trade-off. Sure, too much sun can be bad. But are the parabens and chemicals laced in your favorite sunscreen better than overexposure from the sun?

Fortunately, a number of responsible companies have taken the time to create sunscreens that don’t make you choose. These companies have taken the harsh chemicals out of their sunblock and replaced them with good-for-your-skin ingredients. Better yet, the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database provides an incredible resource in the form of a rating system that tells you what’s best and what’s worst when it comes to all the products you use every day.

If your favorite sunscreen is rated a 0, there’s little concern about its ingredients being harmful. If it’s a 10, it’s best to stay away. All of these picks fall on the 0-2 scale, so you can slather up without stressing out!

Best All Around: Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen

This certified organic, vegan, cruelty free Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen is made of 100% natural ingredients and is water resistant and non-greasy. The creators of this product started a company out of the desire to keep their children safe from ingredients they couldn’t pronounce. They research everything that goes into their products, so you can feel safe using them. And the Environmental Working Group would agree. They give this sunblock a big, fat 0!

This sunscreen is available from Amazon for $23.74.

Best for Baby: Heiko 40 SPF Kids

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Heiko 40 SPF Kids

Offering UVA and UVB protection and 100% natural ingredients, Heiko 40 SPF Kids sunscreen contains 63% organic ingredients. Its water resistance comes from natural oils, and it is ranked the number one sunscreen out of 527 rated by the Environmental Working Group.

This sunblock is available for $37.00 for seven ounces on Amazon.

Best for Faces: Goddess Garden Natural Facial Sunscreen

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Goddess Garden Natural Facial Sunscreen

Another 0 on the Environmental Working Group’s List, Goddess Garden Natural Facial Sunscreen is made of 79% organic ingredients and contains essential oils shown to repair skin damage.

This sunblock is available from Goddess Garden for $15.99 for 3.5 ounces.

Best from the Drugstore: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick

Let’s face it, sometimes we’re at the beach and get caught sans organic sunscreen without a Whole Foods in sight. For those times, when we have to run to Walgreen’s and do the best we can, there’s Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick. It is SPF 60, uses naturally-sourced sunscreen ingredients and is waterproof, sweat proof and fragrance free, giving it a respectable score of 2 from the Environmental Working Group. Plus, even though it’s meant for baby, you can use it too!

If you’re planning ahead, this stick is available from Amazon for $8.75.

Best on a Budget: Caribbean Solutions Sol Guard

The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens: Caribbean Solutions Sol Guard

If you want great, natural skincare without breaking the bank, this Caribbean Solutions Sol Guard it a perfect option. Made with natural essential oils and titanium dioxide for sun protection, this SPF 25 received a score of 2 from the Environmental Working Group.

It is available in a two pack, six ounces per bottle, for $26.24 at Amazon.

I’ve tested many products over the past year. Here are three that have particularly impressed me with their efficiency:

A Neti Pot

Recently, I’ve been won over by a simple device: the neti pot. This ceramic pot can be used to cleanse your nasal passages. The practice of Neti comes from the ancient tradition of Yoga and Ayurveda. So how does it work? Basically, you put warm water and salt in a Neti pot. You then pour the solution in one nostril, and it comes out the other one. The flowing liquid clears your sinuses of  dirt, allergens and pollutants.

Does it string? Well, I don’t like getting water up my nose. But neti is non-irritating if you use warm water and the correct amount of salt. This saline solution matches the composition of your nasal mucus quite well. It took me a few days to get the solution and technique right.

You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Neti in the book Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda by David Fawley. The author really knows his stuff — I’ve read many books by him. Besides giving basic instructions on using the Neti pot correctly, the book goes into the more advanced uses of the Neti pot, including using it to administer herbal remedies.

Sennheiser PX 100 Folding Headphones

Sennheiser PX 100 Portable Headphones

These $35 headphones from Sennheiser (PX 100s) are probably the best portable headphones available.  I’ve tried all kinds of earbuds and lightweight headphones, but in terms of sound quality and comfort, the Sennheisers are the most efficient. The PX 100s have excellent sound quality, and they are comfortable to wear. They also fold up, so that you can put them in your pocket. I’m rough on my gadgets, and the PX 100s have survived a couple of years with me. They’ve been crushed, yanked, and have endured general rough treatment. By contrast, I had a pair of portable Grado Heaphone. They sounded great but of one of the ear pieces broke after a few months.

Merino Wool Underwear

You may have heard me chant the praises of merino wool clothing previously. But merino wool is particularly excellent as an underwear material. It has all the right properties: it regulates temperature, breathes and it doesn’t trap odors. It also doesn’t itch — and believe me I don’t like clothing that itches. You can also put them in with your regular laundry.

Icebreaker and Smartwool both make merino wool underwear for and women. Smartwool boxers are slightly less expensive ($35 each).

Sunscreens that pollute the water are not efficient. This is especially true in the ocean, where it’s estimated that 4000-6000 tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers every year. A company called Caribbean Solutions is introducing a biodegradable sunscreen nationwide.

This sunscreen is free of petroleum derivatives — instead, the active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These minerals scatter and reflect UVA and UVB rays, while petrochemicals absorb them. Moreover, conventional sunscreens contain four questionable chemicals: octinoxate, oxybenzone and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, and the preservative butylparaben.

Dr. Celia Ferreira formulated Caribbean Solutions SolGuard (in SPF 4, 8, 15 and 25) with botanical ingredients, including wild pansy, green coffee bean extract and hibiscus. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect from both UVA and UVB rays, while sunflower and cucumber oils soothe and hydrate the skin. The sunscreen is available from Amazon.

The Peelu Tree has been used for centuries by people in Asia, Africa and the Middle East to clean their teeth. A frayed branch of the tree is traditionally used. Now the Peelu USA company has incorporated Peelu fibers into a range of dental products, including toothpaste, toothpowder and a dental gum. Peelu is said to be less abrasive than regular toothpaste. I’ve been using the Peelu dental powder for a while now, and it seems to work quite well. I have to say that the taste of Peelu is not enticing: it has a dry barky taste. But I am impressed by its cleaning action.

Researchers have discovered a number of naturally occurring qualities in the Peelu tree, including: (1) a natural chlorine which whitens and removes tartar and stains, (2) tannic acid and Vitamin C, making it beneficial for healthy gums, (3) sulfur, which helps keep the mouth clean.

The botanical name of Peelu is Salvadora Persica: it is also regionally called Siwak, Miswak and Neem. Here is a link to the Wikipedia article on this tree.

It’s available from Whole Foods and Amazon.

Conventional sunscreens have a number of ingredients that have been linked to hormone disruption in animal tests and are readily absorbed by skin. Some these ingredients include: parabens, benzophenone, homosalate and octyl-methoxycinnamate. Also, sunscreens containing nanoparticles have come under scrutiny because they may be harmful to human tissue. Nanoparticles are added because they make titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreens more transparent.

There, however, some sunscreens that do not contain nanoparticles or toxic ingredients. Here are some of the safest ones:

Solar Sense Clear Zinc with Green Tea, for Face, SPF 45 received the highest rating from the definitive EWG safety database (Environmental Working Group).

Avalon sunscreens also received some of the highest marks for safety from the EWG, and are all nano- and chemical-free.

EcoLani SPF 15 is free of toxic chemicals, and it contains only titanium dioxide. It’s creator, Dr. Lani Simpson, is outspokenly opposed to the use of nanoparticles in sunscreens ($15/4 oz. bottle).

For more information see the Green Guide’s “Sunscreens: No-No Nano” and “Nano-Sunscreens Part Two“.

You can make household and personal care products at home. The mixtures you create will be healthier and of a higher quality than those found in stores. Once you have the right ingredients, mixing them up is quite straightforward. The book, Better Basics for the Home, offers more than 800 simple alternatives to toxic household products, covering everything from skin care to gardening.

The author, Annie Berthold-Bond, says: “Mixing up face creams or wood stain isn’t much different than cleaning the windows with vinegar, soap, and water instead of using Brand Name X, or making a cake with flour, eggs and milk instead of buying a mix. With a few simple staples we can clean our houses, wash our hair, rid the dog’s bed of fleas, and do many other things as well.”

Available from Amazon for $12.24.