Pure Know How

Make sure you know what you're putting on your body.

2009-05-31T19:11:00.003-04:00

A recent report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and other top-selling children’s bath products contain some nasty ingredients, including: formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

Both chemicals are known to cause cancer in animals, and The International Agency for Cancer Research has classified formaldehyde as "carcinogenic to humans" and 1,4-dioxane as "possibly carcinogenic to humans". Formaldehyde has also been designated as "toxic" under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act because of its health effects.

Good enough for me both formaldehyd and 1,4-dioxane (not to mention parabens and phalates) stay out of my home.

Tamey
Pure Know How

Are all detergents equal?

2009-04-19T09:36:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago our washing machine broke, and with three kids I needed to keep the washings going. Luckily my mother lives around the corner, so before a new machine arrived I took a few loads over to her place.

She has a front-end loading machine and used a mainstream laundry soap - something I haven't used in 3 years. But I reasoned that it would be OK for just a few loads of wash.

Well I was wrong. On Monday the kids and I went up to Norway Bay to visit friends, the kids played outside all day and had a blast. When we got home later that evening, my oldest called me into the bathroom saying that Matt had a rash. Well did he ever, all areas that had been covered by his freshly washed underwear and t-shirt now had what appeared to be big ugly hives. It only took me a few minutes to realize that it was the laundry detergent most likely coupled with hot sweaty skin that caused the rash. A shower and a does a allergy medicine cleared it up - but it goes to show that not all detergents are created equal.

Tamey

Pure Know How

OK it works - New Natural Deodorant

2009-04-03T19:11:00.006-04:00

I've been buying from Rocky Mountain Soap Co. for over a year and love their products. In particular their cream for eczema works wonders for two of my children.

However when I received their February ( I think it was) newsletter saying they had a new line of deodorants that worked - I didn't bite. I've tried many deodorants (see our reviews) since Patti and I started Pure Know How with very limited success, even from some of our favourite companies. In one case I was so stinky I couldn't stand my own smell - really it was terrible.

Then in the March newsletters they said if you spend $35.00 or more you get a free deodorant - so I got one Blossom Fresh. To my very great surprise it works really well, really no stink!! I've even used it to work-out with no issues.

So Rocky Mountain congratulations you did it!!

Tamey

Great quilts made from reclaimed denim and corduroy

2009-04-01T13:25:00.003-04:00

Take a look at these great quilts. Whether you're looking for a unique gift for that someone who has everything, or simply love handmade items then these quilts are for you.

Made from reclaimed corduroy and denim - love them!

Take a look for yourself - blanketbox.etsy.com

Tamey

Eating Healthy

2009-02-09T15:51:00.003-05:00

Eating healthy means something different to different people. It could mean eating more fruits and veggies and less processed food. It could mean eating organic, buying locally or following the Raw food movement. Yikes...

For many of us it's a choice that becomes difficult as there are so many choices and what is good for me as a 30 something Mom with three kids who works full time may be different than yours.

Another factor that makes healthy food choices difficult is the cost of the food. A report produced by the Heart and Stroke foundation found that depending on where we live the cost of fresh fruits and veggies can be double or even six times more expensive. This is just fresh produce - never mind organic.

Take a look at CBC's article for more detail - it really is interesting and shows how making healthy choices is not always easy. But in the long run I would suggest it is essential. So keep trying Canada - baby steps!

Tamey
Pure Know How

Nail polish confession

2008-12-01T20:40:00.003-05:00

I might be one of the "Pure Know How Women", but I can't always live 100% "pure". I do try but really it's impossible to always do so.

Well this weekend was one of those times. My husband and I went to his work holiday party and I bought this sexy little purple dress and silver healed sandals (will I ever wear them again?). So of course I had to paint my toe nails. I did have my non-toxic polish in my hands but I just could not use it. The colour just didn't have enough punch and to get half the effect I wanted I would have had to put on 5 coats. So I went with the mainstream brand and damn did my toes look nice!

I just re-read our e-bulletin on nail polish and I think I'll just let this stuff wear off and not use nail polish remover-

Tamey
Pure Know How

New Advertising Guidelines on Greenwashing

2008-11-23T09:56:00.002-05:00

The Competition Bureau and the Canadian Standards Association have introduced Environmental Claims: A guide for Industry and Advertisers. Basically the thought is that all environmental claims must be verified and substantiated with supporting data. This data must be accurate and readily available to law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau, on request.

The purpose of the guide is to "provides businesses making environmental claims with guidance on how to comply with the laws under the Bureau’s jurisdiction by outlining best practices and guiding principles based on international standards. It will serve as the reference used by the Bureau when evaluating whether a claim is false or misleading under the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, or the Textile Labelling Act."

Certainly a step in the right direction, take a look at Pure Know How's e-bulletin on Greenwashing. But our best defence is still to get educated on ingredients to avoid and always read labels.

Tamey
Pure Know How

One Million Acts of Green community

2008-11-01T08:38:00.002-04:00

The One Million Acts of Green was created by cbc.ca, along with with George Stroumboulopoulos as a place where you can record your Acts of Green by selecting an act of green from a category.

This is what the organizers have to say, "This season, CBC and The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos want to mobilize Canadians to do One Million Acts of Green. In partnership with Cisco, the idea behind the campaign is that one small act can make a big difference."

The site is sponsored by several well know environmental groups including the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defense. So why not take a look and sign-up and add your act of green to make a difference!

Tamey
Pure Know How

Bisphenol A Regulations

2008-10-20T13:31:00.003-04:00

According to a news release from Health Canada the regulations surrounding Bisphenol A will centre around infants (those under 18 months).

'The Government of Canada today announced it will immediately proceed with drafting regulations to prohibit the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A (BPA). The Government will also take action to limit the amount of bisphenol A that is being released into the environment."

I think this is wonderful news but it's really too bad that the rest of us weren't taken into consideration. I for one am very carefully about keeping BPA away from all in my family.

The government also announced that it will spend 1.7 million on research projects. Hopefully after that amount of money a clear and decisive answer will be had. I wonder if other governments around the world are also working on similar studies and if we could not all work together. The we could use some of that money to clean up the environment. Just a thought!

"The Government has allocated an additional $1.7 million over the next three years to fund research projects on bisphenol A. This research, in addition to major studies currently underway at Health Canada and Environment Canada, will help to address key knowledge gaps in both the Canadian and international scientific community, and inform Government decision-making should further actions be required."

Tamey
Pure Know How

Bisphenol A (BPA) a toxic substance

2008-10-18T08:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday the federal government put forth a proposal to declare BPA a toxic substance. At this point it doesn't seem clear what the outcome of this proposal will be but officials did say,

"It is concluded that bisphenol A be considered as a substance that may be entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health..."

So let's all keep our fingers crossed and see what the outcome is, we should here more later today and we'll blog again.

If you are interested in this subject take a look at our ebulletins on Plastic Water Bottles and Plastics - BPA

Tamey

Pure Know How

Cold weather and our skin

2008-10-08T13:00:00.003-04:00

Fall is here and with the colder weather comes for many of us dryer skin. For me the second the humidity ends (even before the furnace is on) my skin becomes dry - that lovely stretched itchy feeling - love it!

If you also have dry skin and need to purchase new lotion and want to try something more natural take a look at our skin care product reviews.

You may also want to read over our ebulletin on face lotions (same really goes for any lotion).

Tamey
Pure Know How

Baby carrots and chlorine

2008-09-24T12:31:00.002-04:00

The below comes from one of our readers - Thanks Jennifer.

Subject: Here is a link to information about baby carrots and chlorine.

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc.
The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots . most people probably know this already.

What you may not know and should know is the following: once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them (this is the same chlorine used your pool) since they do not have their skin or
natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine.
You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots, this is the chlorine which resurfaces. At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables which are practically plastic?

We do hope that this information can be passed on to as many people as possible in the hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed.

Chlorine is a very well known carcinogen.

Please let us make this information available to as many people as possible.

If you care about your family and friends, pass it on.

Hair Styling Products and your Hair

2008-09-09T12:42:00.002-04:00

I came across this great article written by someone who has been in the hair care business for thirty-seven years. The article in large part discusses the damage these products have on your hair, the hair you are trying to make look nicer. Here is a small excerpt from the article:

"I have been in the hair care business for over thirty-seven years and have seen everything that could possibly go wrong with a head of hair. Without question, the most damaging commercial hair styling preparations on the market today are gels, mousses and sprays. "

If that didn't get you thinking this one may:

"It is almost guaranteed that with continued use, these products will result in hair loss."

The name of the article is Mousse Abuse: Getting Educated to the Dangers of Styling Aids take a read.

Also please let us know what styling products work for you.

Tamey
Pure Know How

Other Blogs

2008-07-12T07:24:00.001-04:00

A Pure Know How subscriber shared her blog on natural and environmentally friendly options called Our Health. If you have your own blog or know of a "go to" resources, please share it.
Thanks
Patti
Pure Know How
www.pureknowhow.com

Natural Bug Repellants

2008-06-30T15:11:00.003-04:00

I just sent my son off to summer camp - with both a natural bug spray and a DEET-based bug spray. The idea is to use the natural spray for time-limited activities such as evening campfire and dusk time activites and the more chemial based products for the overnights - when he is outdoors 24/7. See our e-bulletin Bug Off and a full list of several natural bug sprays as rated by The Daily Green.

Patti
www.pureknowhow.com

Formaldehyde Found in Baby Furniture

2008-06-19T16:44:00.003-04:00

For those of you that receive the dailygreen you may have read the article that references a report produced by Environment California - Toxic Baby Furniture: The Latest Case for Making Products Safe from the Start . If you haven't read it and have a baby or young child at home read on.

"Furnishings containing formaldehyde – a toxic chemical linked with allergies, asthma, and cancer – can contaminate indoor air within California homes. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to harm.

To evaluate the potential dangers children face, EnvironmentCalifornia Research & Policy Center purchased 21 products intended for use in a baby’s nursery and hired a professional laboratory to test them. We found that six of the products produced high levels of formaldehyde vapor. In particular, several brands of cribs and changing tables emit formaldehyde at levels linked with increased risk of developing allergies or asthma."

For those that are pregnant and have young children take a look at the brand of furniture you have.

Tamey
Pure Know How

Tamey's rant - cleaning products

2008-05-14T12:03:00.002-04:00

Just after I finished writing this months e-bulletin on bathroom cleaning I sat down to watch a bit of TV. The first commercial was about a very toxic cleaning product that has teamed up with another company who that is in the scent business - a toxic soup.

This commercial was all bright and sunny with the whole family cleaning with this product. What makes me crazy is that this company is so big and so wealthy that they can spend tones of money on an advertisement that aired at 9:00 pm. They are bamboozling people - What they failed to show is one of the kids having an asthma attach from the artificial scents.

Imagine if they invested the same amount of money in creating products that were not harmful to us and the environment. You never know. Right?

Tamey
Pure Know How

Welcome!

2008-04-18T11:54:00.002-04:00

We just wanted to say a quick welcome to our new subscribers. We were on the A-Channel Morning show and have had great response from its viewers.

Thanks Kurt and A Channel.

Tamey and Patti
Pure Know How

Dangerous "organic" products

2008-03-28T16:09:00.003-04:00

As reported in the last issue of Organic Bytes, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found carcinogens in various products misleadingly labeled as "organic" and "natural". Several brand name "natural manufacturers" like Jason’s, Nature's Gate, and Kiss My Face, among others, labelled their products as “organic,” despite the fact that a number of their products tested positive for the cancer-causing synthetic ingredient 1,4-Dioxane, including . The OCA is demanding that these companies reformulate their products to remove petrochemicals and 1,4 -Dioxane or else remove "organic" label claims from their packaging. Offending

To avoid tainted products, OCA recommends that consumers look for the “USDA Organic” seal on body care products and cosmetics. If you don't see the seal, it may not be truly organic.

To see a list of body care and home cleaning products tainted with 1,4-Dioxane, as well as a consumer guide for finding safe personal care products, go here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm

Pure Know How
www.pureknowhow.com

_______________________________

Painkillers, other drugs found in drinking water

2008-03-26T12:53:00.002-04:00

Drink up! Six to eight glasses of pure water daily - don't wait until you are thirsty as you are already dehydrated by then.

The above is one of the points mentioned in our "Drink Up" e-bulletin back in November. In that e-bulletin we discussed tap water vs bottled vs filtering. We received many emails from subscribers who were confused and wondering what direction to take.

It's really a personal choice, and I'm sure you'll still be as confused as before once you read the CBC article.

Tamey
Pure Know How

Subscriber Review

2008-03-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

The following is a review from one of Pure Know How's subscribers.

brand: Green Beaver

product: Lavender Volumizing Conditioner

cost: $8.95

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The conditioner has a lovely thick texture, but still rinses out
easily. I have straight, fine to medium thick hair, and it leaves my
hair feeling very soft - not weighed down and greasy, or dried out.
This is as good as expensive salon products I've used in the past, but
doesn't have all harsh chemicals/perfumes/dyes, and it's locally made.
I love it!

Warning: Toddler pear juices may contain arsenic

2008-03-12T10:12:00.002-04:00

Just read a CBC story that is warning parents that there child’s pear juice my contain arsenic.

"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Loblaws Inc. are warning the public not to consume certain pear juices for toddlers as they may be contaminated with arsenic."

So please check you pear juice at home.

For story can be found on CBC

Pure Know How

Wow - Mineral Make-up

2008-02-29T14:15:00.003-05:00

We wrote an article on mineral make-up several months ago and at the time I had not tried mineral make-up as I was a long user of liquid foundation.

Well I finally decided to give it a try and the verdict is in...I love it!!
I now use mineral foundation (powder) and apply it with a Kabuki brush (big fat brush). With a few strokes my skin is transformed. It becomes virtually flawless!

Take a look at Powder Your Nose.

Tamey

Your reviews bath and dish soaps

2008-02-13T11:59:00.001-05:00

Please let us know about the bath and dish soap products that you like.

Beauty Eco-preneur on Bath products

2008-02-12T21:36:00.000-05:00

This month's Pure Know How Beauty Expert is Melissa Shabinsky, a self-proclaimed beauty junkie who, 2 years ago, ditched most of her family's commercial bath products in favour of organic alternatives. She has become a beauty eco-preneur on a personal quest - launching Revolution Organics this spring. She shares her go-to bath products and her learning’s about what is put into a product is as important as what you leave out.

www.pureknowhow.com

In the news - Lotions, powders may pose risks to infants

2008-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Globe and Mail reported on February 4 that new research funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, found phthalates, a hormone-disrupting chemical used in many plastics and personal care products, in every one of a group of 163 babies they tested.

This ingredient is used in fragrance compounds in everyday products like lotions, shampoos, powders. It is also a plastic softener and found in many toys.
One of the researchers who conducted the new study recommended that parents, as a precaution, try to reduce exposures by cutting down on the use of lotions and shampoos on babies.

Research results will be published today in the journal Pediatrics.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080204.wplastic04/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

www.pureknowhow.com

Boiling water spikes bisphenol A levels

2008-01-30T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Globe and Mail reports on a new study on the effects boiling water have on the leaching of BPA. They specifically mention baby bottles.

"The finding suggests that parents sterilizing polycarbonate baby bottles by heating them in water or in a microwave may be inadvertently increasing the amount of the estrogen-mimicking chemical leaching from the containers. It also indicates hikers who use the bottles as a thermos to store hot tea or liquids may be doing the same."

- And weren’t we all told to make sure you boil those bottles to ensure there are no germs. I’m glad they are discovering these things now, but boy to I feel terrible – after expressing milk I then added it to sterilized baby bottles.

Follow this link to read the full article.

Pure Know How

Lotions and Creams

2008-01-16T19:13:00.000-05:00

Tips from Pure Know How'ers

- Make your own - Planet Botanix, an local Ottawa shop,has evening workshops on how to make salve, balm and lotion, personalized with essential oils, and recipes, to take home. Call 613)230-0222 to register.

- Recommended: Avene Cold Cream Hand Cream. The best hand cream out there and this Know How subscriber has tried many. It is the only cream that keeps her hands hydrated all day. It has a very light fragrance and is based with healing AveneThermal Spring Water. Cost: $17.00.
p.s. from Patti - check the label for any ingredients to avoid!

Your Product Reviews

2008-01-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

Share your product reviews with the rest of the Pure Know How subscribers. Let us know what works and what doesn't.

Patti and Tamey

2007-12-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

Effective January 1 Minnesota becomes the first state to ban mercury from use in mascara, eyeliners and skin-lightening creams. Minnesota will have tougher standards than the Federal Government. Seems odd that mercury would need to be banned - as who would add mercury to cosmetics? Well some manufactures still use mercury as a preservative.

We applaud the new law in Minnesota. Hopefully this idea will spread across the USA and Canada.

Full story available on Canadian Business Online.

Pure Know How

Plastics Primer

2007-12-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

Toxic Nation E-News
Selecting your Plastics: A Break-down

Over the past month Toxic Nation has received a slew of phone calls and emails requesting information on the different plastics we use daily and their relative safety. The following is a description of each recycling number, its use and some potential hazards.
#1 PETE: Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene, used for soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleaner and peanut butter containers. Scientists advise against the repeated use of plastic water bottles made from plastic type #1 PETE as there is evidence to suggest that such bottles leach a compound known as DEHA, which is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen, as well as acetaldehyde, which has received the same designation from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
#2 HDPE: High density polyethylene, used in opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles and some plastic bags.
#3 PVC or V: Polyvinyl chloride, used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles.
#4 LDPE: Low density polyethylene, used in grocery store bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.
#5 PP: Polypropylene, used in most Rubbermaid, deli soup, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers, including some baby bottles.
#6 PS: Polystyrene, used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carryout containers and opaque plastic cutlery.
#7 Other: Usually polycarbonate plastic, used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, some metal food can liners, clear plastic “sippy” cups and some clear plastic cutlery. New bio-based and bio-degradable plastics may also be labeled as #7.
Plastic with bisphenol A is labeled in the #7 category, which also includes a wide variety of plastics and plastic mixtures that fall into the 'other' category. Unless this #7 is followed by the letters 'PC' (polycarbonate) there's no sure way to tell if the container contains bisphenol A or not.
Avoid using #7 plastics altogether and opt for safer choices for food and beverage storage. These better options include polypropylene (#5 PP), high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), and low density polyethylene (#4 LDPE).
(Information provided from various sources, including the Smart Plastics Guide of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in the U.S.).

www.environmentaldefence.ca
www.pureknowhow.com

New Study: Common Air Fresheners Contain Chemicals That May Affect Human Reproductive Development

2007-12-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) analyzed 14 different air fresheners and found that 12 contained phthalates, hormone-disrupting chemicals. The phthalates in the air fresheners can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The NRDC said that while consumers should be concerned about the chemicals, they stressed that there is no cause for panic. The chemicals pose their greatest risk over long term repeated exposure. But of course many who use air fresheners use them day in and day out.

You can read the original Press release at the NDRC site.

Pure Know How

The Story of Stuff

2007-12-10T18:36:00.000-05:00

A faithful subscriber pointed this engaging "story" out to us ... thanks Erin. It connects the dots on how we "get our stuff" from product inception to buying in the shops to the impact on our earth upon disposal. Did you know that of all the "stuff" we buy, we only have 1% remaining at the end of a six month period.

To view: www.storyofstuff.com

www.pureknowhow.com

Yea for a "precautionary" MEC

2007-12-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

We congratulate Mountain Equipment Coop, a retailer across Canada for all things to get you "moving out-of-doors" on its decision to discontinue selling most food and beverage containers made of polycarbonate plastic from its shelves, citing concern over possible health risks. The plastic in question is made mostly from bisphenol A (BPA), which mimics estrogen and is derived from petrochemicals.

This company is following the Precautionary Principle which we, at Pure Know How, believe is a prudent approach to the chemical soup we now live in.

For more info on Plastics see our Plastic Water Bottles e-bulletins.

Patti & Tamey
Pure Know How

Globe & Mail Article

Breakout Busters

2007-11-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

I found this nifty product by
Rocky Mountain Soap Company. It comes in a tube - like you would have for a lip balm but contains sweet almond oil, beeswax, cocoa butter and essential oils of tea tree, lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, lavender and chamomile. Each of these oils has either anti-septic and antibacterial properties or soothing and skin calming properties. So when you feel a bump about to break out - just dab a bit on. A similar type product is Heal by Essential Botanicals which has a roll-on applicator and uses essential oils to treat acne, infections, scrapes and cuts.

www.pureknowhow.com

The Natural Toy Guide

2007-11-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

This Toy Guide by Natural Moms details 4 tips to help you choose safe and timeless toys. It provides an interesting perspective on toy quality - both in long lasting and in play value. If you are a parent just getting into the "toy arena" or a parent already immersed in "toyland", it provides some points to ponder about children’s playthings.

Pure Know How

No rubber duck in the bath?

2007-11-14T09:32:00.000-05:00

The concern about hormone disrupting bisphenol A leaching from plastics is real. A recent study by Environment California Research & Policy Centre reported the 5 most popular baby bottles brands - Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex - leached BPA at levels found to cause harm in numerous animal studies. The report recommends using glass or safer non-polycarbonate plastics.

What about the rubber ducky?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic is used to make many kids products. PVC contains phthalates, a plastiziser additives which leach out of the toys. Look for PVC-free on the labels of soft plastic toys and teeters.

Anyone found PVC-free toys or non-polycarbonate plastic bottles and cups? Blog it.

Useful tip sheet from Environment California.

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

Water Jugs

2007-11-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

A Pure Know How subscriber sent us an email asking about the large water jugs that are used on top of water cooler. They typically are composed of #7 plastics which have shown to leach bisphenol A (BPA). See our e-bulletin on Plastics Water Bottles.

Are there glass water jugs available? Do they come with spring/treated water? Do you have to be a superhero to lift them up to the water cooler?
We have not heard or seen glass water jugs - have you?
Let us know … blog it.
Patti
www.pureknowhow.com

Bottles Bottles Everywhere!

2007-11-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

These photos, taken by Seattle-based Chris Jordan, depict two million plastic beverage bottles, the number used in the US every five minutes. Make sure you look at all 3 pictures – it’s cool art and freaks you out at the same time.
Patti
http://www.pureknowhow.com/

Pure Know How in the big city!

2007-11-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

Well we were part of Toronto's first ethical and ecologically responsible holiday tradeshow for moms - The Mom 2 Mom Holiday Show.

We meet some great women who have environmentally friendly and non-toxic products. From cleaning, body care to couture clothing!

As we try their products we will let you know here, so that you can visit our site for our reviews.

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

My Bus Ride

2007-10-30T22:03:00.000-04:00

I was on the bus today for the first time in years...all was going well (I had yet to touch anything) when a woman came out of nowhere and attacked me.

OK that's an exaggeration, but her perfume was enough to knock me out. Coupled with a 40-minute stop and go bus ride the perfume was making me feel sick to my stomach. I was happy for the fresh air by the time I arrived at my destination.

While your here, fill out the poll (right top corner) on how scents affect you.

Tamey

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

Are you my Mom?

2007-10-24T20:51:00.000-04:00

Are you my Mom? That's what my seven-year-old daughter asked me when I got in from having my hair done at Pure Joy Natural Hair Studio today. She really thought I looked good, and let me tell you that's not something that happens everyday!

I had my hair both coloured and cut...but will focus on the colour as that is what makes Joy's salon so different. But quickly the cut is fabulous...I am really pleased with it and I think I can make it look the same tomorrow.

Now the colour. My first realization as Joy was applying the colour was that there was no chemical scent, and the reason for that is there are NO chemicals in the hair colourants she uses. It is truly amazing. I sat there for 40 minutes and my nose wasn’t wiggling from the scents and more importantly my scalp wasn't burning. What a concept!

The end result was that I have beautifully coloured hair that looks really healthy. I’m back to see Joy in December as it will take a few visits to get all the old damaged hair cut off and leave me nothing but shinny health hair – I can’t wait.
One great piece of advice form Joy was if you’re colouring your hair with a chemical free product make sure all the products you use on your hair are chemical free – as the chemicals will strip the colour form the hair.

Interested in a chemical free experience? Give Joy Parker a call - 613-728-4069

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

Here's to the Indoors

2007-10-16T22:05:00.001-04:00

Now that its fall and we are spending more time indoor's, we have been "nosing" around looking at our everyday items with an inquiring mind. Do they have potential for toxic off-gas (not including family members and dogs!), are they really necessary and is there an viable alternative. Our candles e-bulletin shows that a simple pleasure may have ill effects but that there are many alternatives. So ask yourself some questions - what about the pot you make your soup in or the air freshener used to combat wet boot smell?

www.pureknowhow.com

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics finds LEAD in lipsticks

2007-10-11T19:23:00.000-04:00

A leading advocacy group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, new research found lipstick manufactured in the United States and used daily by millions of American women contain surprisingly high levels of lead. The lead tests were conducted by an independent laboratory over the month of September on red lipsticks bought in Boston, Hartford, Conn., San Francisco and Minneapolis. Top findings include:

More than half of 33 brand-name lipsticks tested (61 percent) contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). None of these lipsticks listed lead as an ingredient.
One-third of the tested lipsticks exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy – a standard established to protect children from directly ingesting lead. Lipstick products, like candy, are directly ingested into the body.
Full report - A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

What goes into a natural product?

2007-10-09T11:30:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Ottawa area, you can learn how to make your own personal care products or just become more informed about the ingredients used to make products by participating in a workshop at Planet Botanix. Heather is an enthusiastic instructor and very knowledgeable. Checkout the courses and dates at www.planetbotanix.com/events.htm. Let us know what you learn.

Pollution Killing up to 25,000 Canadians Annually, Says First Environmental Burden of Disease Study in Canada

2007-10-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Here's the introductory paragraph from a news release by the University of British Columbia:

"Canadians are awash in toxic chemicals -- and it is costing our health care system up to $9.1 billion and 1.5 million hospital days annually, according to a new study led by University of British Columbia Trudeau Scholar David Boyd."

David Boyd identified more than 50 chemicals, a few of which are ones that we will be discussing in the next few months. Of particular note are phthalates that are found in fragrances.

This is another reminder that we need to pay attention to what we are putting in and on our bodies.

Take a look at the Full News Release at: http://www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/media/releases/2007/mr-07-089.html

http://www.pureknowhow.com/

Pure Prevention

2007-10-04T21:56:00.000-04:00

A new campaign from the Breast Cancer Fund aims to raise awareness about the environmental causes of breast cancer and empower us to live actively, healthy and well. Not only is their name inspired (just to note – we had it first!) but they have collated research and strategies for breast cancer prevention into one website. Check it out at http://www.pureprevention.org/.

Tamey

I run for me.

2007-10-03T08:35:00.000-04:00

This month started off with a bang of a run ... the Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer. In our hometown of Ottawa, Ontario over 13,000 people raise funds by running for someone affected by this disease. This was my first large scale event for breast cancer and I felt a bit shy about it. I did not get a group together and call us a cheeky name like “Breast Friends", I did not wear the pink t-shirt that identifies me a survivor and I did not write a name on the race bibs that stated "I am running for ... my mom, my nanny, Susie, etc." I was a bit overwhelmed but shared laughs and a good run/walk with some friends and I realized that I am at this event for me … just me.
Patti
Pure Know How

Still the Mind.

2007-09-25T20:50:00.000-04:00

It's true my mind is rarely stilled. At the moment my most relaxing event is a nice hot bath with a mug of hot chocolate. Ah!

We all have our ways to still the mind - share yours and inspire someone to be still.

Pre-washed lettuce and chlorine. What's the link?

2007-09-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

An interesting article appeared in the Globe and Mail (written by Heidi Sopinka) today letting “us” know that pre-washed lettuce means presoaked in chlorine. “Byproducts of chlorine have been found to be toxic; they accumulate in the body and have been linked to cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders.”

We just did an e-bulletin on bleach (solution of chlorine) so take a look for more info.

Caffeinated Soap?

2007-09-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

There are those who've said to us why worry about what you put on your skin - How will it hurt you?

Well there's a new product on the market that puts caffeine into your system simply by washing with its soap. Its absorbed into the skin and wakes you up.

Can’t say I need to be woken up that drastically.

Mascara

2007-09-11T18:59:00.000-04:00

Despite the fact that my lashes are long and Patti's are short we both include mascara as one of the two most essential cosmetics to wear when leaving our homes. (The other is lipstick!)

We have listed our product reviews on our site. Are there any you have tried? What did you think?

Thanks for sharing.

Soap

2007-09-04T19:31:00.000-04:00

We've shared a few of our favorite soaps with you, so now it’s your turn. Let your fellow Pure Know Howers know what’s out there, where to get it and how it rates on the cost side.

Thanks for sharing!

2007-08-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

We did it! We have a blog!

Today's posting is dedicated to you, subscribers of Pure Know How. We want to say thank you for reading our weekly e-bulletins and thank you in advance for becoming part of our community via this blog.

Pure Blog is a place for you to share your tips, resources, ideas for e-bulletin topics or to provide commentary on all things related to the toxins in our everyday personal care, cosmetic and household products. We also want to hear about Products you use - what did you think, how did they perform, where did you get them, what are the ingredients?

Patti and Tamey
Pure Know How