Holiday Awareness Tips

Awareness plus creativity can go a long way toward a healthier holiday! Here are a few tips and suggestions for making your home both beautifully festive and safely toxic-free this holiday season.

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Poinsettias:

Poinsettias are officially a non-toxic plant, contrary to popular myth. They are, however, commonly sprayed with chemicals as part of the growers’ height control program. Organically grown poinsettias are the best option and worth a call to your local greenhouse. (New York City, for example, boasts this greenhouse offering poinsettias and many other indoor plants that are organically grown.)

In addition, poinsettia plants contain a latex protein. People with a latex allergy can quickly become ill, and often don’t know exactly what they are reacting to when walking into a room containing poinsettias.

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Christmas Trees:

Pesticides are used extensively in the growing of the traditional Christmas tree. While many of the chemicals will have been removed by exposure to rain and/or ultraviolet light, some will remain. Beyond Pesticides provides this list of pesticides commonly sprayed on Christmas trees.

When possible, purchase an organic tree. Green Promise has made available this list of organic growers, which spans 22 states and includes suppliers of organic trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and other greenery. Local Harvest offers organic mail order wreaths.

According to this December 2005 article in Natural Health Magazine by Janelle Brown:

"Don't feel guilty about buying a tree," says Deborah Gangloff, executive director of American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization. Holiday trees are grown as a sustainable crop; in fact, 1 acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support 18 people, and provides habitats for birds and wildlife. Buying an artificial tree isn't a better choice, since most faux foliage is made from earth-toxic PVC.

"The very best thing you can do is buy a live tree--not a cut tree, but a live tree, with a root ball," Gangloff advises.

Why not consider an alternative Christmas tree that's neither fake nor fir? Here are a few options:

• Driftwood. Make your own display out of driftwood or custom order from All Driftwood Furniture.
  
• Tumbleweed. This is an excellent possibility for those in the southwest. See this article for tips.
  
• Tree branches. Find your own branches or buy from Manzanita Burlworks. Secure the branch in a large ceramic pot. Add smaller branches to fill out. Add lights and ornaments, and enjoy!

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Fireplace Logs:

Consider using eco-friendly alternatives for indoor fire burning. Options include:

• CleanFlame firelogs
• Java-Logs
• Eco Wood Fuel

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Candles:

Most candles contain paraffin, a petroleum by-product. Consider using 100% pure beeswax candles, available from sources such as:

• Beeswax Candle Company
• Candle Bee Farm

Or try using other methods to create your own festive fragrance:

• Make your own evergreen scent by diffusing or simmering pine essential oil.
• Create your own Christmas fragrance using this recipe:
  
  3 cinnamon sticks
  3 bay leaves
  1/4 c. cloves
  1/2 sliced lemon
  1/2 sliced orange
  1 quart water
  Simmer on the back burner of your stove and replenish as needed!
  

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All-Natural Personal Care

More than 10,000 ingredients are used in personal care products. The United States cosmetic industry is valued at more than $50 billion and remains virtually unregulated. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and its partnering organization, the Environmental Working Group:

One in five personal care products contain chemicals linked to cancer, 80 percent contain ingredients that commonly contain hazardous impurities, and 56 percent contain penetration enhancers that help deliver ingredients deeper into the skin.

To find out what's in the products you use, take a tour of EWG's Skin Deep Database.

Even the products sold in health food stores aren't necessarily pure and natural. Examples of brands with strict integrity include Aubrey Organics, Waleda, Autumn Harp, and Organic Essence.

But the good news is that with a few supplies and a little creativity, you can make your own personal care products. The possibilities are endless!

Supplies include:

• Glass or plastic spray bottles (available online or previously used, emptied, and cleaned well)
• Mason jars in all sizes (if using plastic tops, have a grease pencil on hand to label)
• Liquid Castile soap
• Glycerin
• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Herbs such as nettles, birch, comfrey, lavender
• Essential oils such as lavender, plumeria, tea tree, lemongrass
• Rhassoul clay

Recipes

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Shampoo:

1. Rhassoul clay is known historically to cleanse the hair and body. The clay binds with toxins, oils, and dirt and washes them away. Rhassoul clay is best used as a paste. Apply paste to wet hair, comb through, and rinse. Comb through again. Follow with a vinegar rinse. Rhassoul clay can be purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs. For other specific ideas on incorporating rhassoul clay into your hair and skin routine, see this website.
2. Soap nuts may be purchased and decocted to form a liquid soap suitable for shampoo. NaturOli is one source for purchasing soap nuts. To decoct, place a heaping handful of soap nuts in 4 c. water. Bring to boil and simmer for one hour. Place in mason jar or plastic bottle. Shake well before using. Store in refrigerator. Replace once a week.
3. Basic shampoo:
   
   • 10 oz. water or herbal water *
   • 1-2 oz. liquid Castile soap
   • 1 tsp. glycerin
   • 20-35 drops essential oil (tea tree oil can be effective for itchy scalp)
   If using plain water, place all ingredients in a mason jar and shake to blend. Shampoo as usual.
   
   * To make herbal water:
   
   
   Choose an herb such as birch, nettles, comfrey, or lavender. Place a handful of herbs in a mason jar. Cover with 2-4 cups boiling water. Cover and let steep for a minimum of 4 hours. Strain.
   
   
   Add 3-6 drops grapefruit seed extract to preserve for several weeks, or store in refrigerator.

The key to soft, clean hair is to restore the hair to its normal pH of 5.5 after washing. This can be done by exfoliating with coffee grounds, using Queen of Hungary water (see below) or plain raw apple cider vinegar as a rinse. Lemon juice can also be used. If using rhassoul clay, nothing else may be needed.

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Skin Care:

The key to healthy, vibrant skin is a healthy diet full of nutritious whole foods and essential fatty acids. (EFAs are of particular importance when eczema and hair loss are involved.)

To treat the skin externally, three steps are required: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. As with our hair, it is important to restore our skin to its natural pH of 5.5 after cleansing.

Cleansers:

1. Decocted soap nuts (see above). Best stored in refrigerator. Replace weekly.
2. Cleansing water. Mix 1/2 tsp. liquid Castile soap with 1 c. water in a mason jar. Shake before using. Stores indefinitely.
3. Gentled soap:
   
   • 1 oz. grated Castile soap
   • 3/4 c. distilled water
   • 1/4 tsp. honey
   • 1/2 tsp. glycerin
   • 5-10 drops essential oil such as rosemary or lavender
   For dry skin, add 2 tsp. avocado oil.
   
   Place Castile soap in water overnight to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Dab with washcloth and wash as usual. Rinse with warm water.

Toners:

1. Witch hazel extract. This can be made by infusing witch hazel leaves (see above directions for herbal water).
2. Raw apple cider vinegar is an excellent toner.
3. Herbal astringent formula. Combine 1 c. herbal water (see above) with 2 tbsp. glycerin (or less) and 1/3 tsp. grapefruit seed extract. Shake and apply. Can be stored safely for several weeks or refrigerated longer.
4. Queen of Hungary water. This is a more elaborate toner, easy to make and full of medicinal qualities. This recipe is adapted from the book Better Basics for the Home:
   
   • 6 small handfuls lemon balm
   • 5 small handfuls calendula flowers
   • 4 small handfuls rose petals
   • 3 small handfuls comfrey
   • 1 small handful rosemary, lemon peel, and sage
   (Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these herbs; feel free to use what you have.)
   
   Place herbs in a gallon glass jar. (You can halve this recipe for a 1/2 gallon jar.) Cover the herbs completely in raw organic apple cider vinegar. Screw on lid tightly. Let sit for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar several times a week.
   
   Strain the mixture. Combine remaining liquid with equal parts witch hazel extract. Rose water may also be used.
   
   Dab on face and massage into skin. Queen of Hungary water also makes an excellent rinse for hair. Can be stored indefinitely.

Moisturizers:

1. Homemade cream kefir mixed with lavender makes an excellent moisturizer. Kefir, as with any soured milk product, is loaded with lactic acid, which is one of the alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs stimulate collagen production, which makes the skin more elastic and appear more youthful.
   
   Cream kefir can be made by blending 1/4 c. homemade kefir and 2 c. raw or store-bought cream (avoid ultra-pasteurized). Allow to ferment for 24-48 hours, stirring several times. To learn more about kefir, see these previous posts on the Health Benefits of Kefir and How to Make Dairy Kefir.
2. Basic moisturizer. Combine 1/2 c. aloe vera gel with 1/8 c. glycerin. Stir to blend. Dampen face and massage onto skin. Stores for several months.
3. Flora De Mayo Cream (from the book Better Basics for the Home):
   
   • 1/2 c. aloe vera gel
   • 1/8 c. glycerin
   • 1/2-1 tsp. royal jelly
   • 1 tsp. plumeria flower essence (can use lavender essential oil)
   Combine in bowl, stir vigorously to blend. Dab on fingers and massage into face. Keeps for 6 months refrigerated.

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Deodorant:

1. Baking soda is an excellent odor neutralizer. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp washcloth and pat on the body. Make a baking soda spray by blending 3 tsp. baking soda with 1 c. water in a spray bottle. Add tea tree oil for added protection.
2. Queen of Hungary water (see above) can be applied with a cotton ball or spray bottle.

For recipes including a liquid deodorant spray using zinc oxide and an herbal stick deodorant, see this website.

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Tooth Care:

There are a myriad of ways to clean our teeth. Baking soda, coconut oil, bentonite clay, and peelu are a few of the ingredients used in natural toothpaste.

Author Stephanie Tourles offers this simple recipe in her book Organic Body Care Recipes:

• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt, finely ground
• 1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark essential oil
• A few drops tap water

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. The paste shouldn't be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush. Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.

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Lip Balm:

Lip balm is simple to make with a double boiler or fondue maker. A standard recipe uses carrier oil and beeswax. A few examples can be found at this website.

momsAWARE offers a specially formulated lip balm with natural, healing ingredients. Visit our Online Store to find out more.

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Transitioning to all-natural personal care products is a process. Allow yourself to make changes slowly. As you try one recipe, or choose a healthier product, you’ll enjoy a new sense of empowerment. You may just find a new glow on your skin and shine in your hair!

Below: A look at some of the ingredients and recipes outlined above, including a demonstration on making Queen of Hungary water.

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How to Create a Healthy, Non-Toxic Lawn

With the controversy surrounding the use of Roundup and other weed killers, getting back to nature may be the best bet for keeping our lawns healthy.

Beyond Pesticides offers an excellent factsheet titled Read Your Weeds – A Simple Guide to Creating a Healthy Lawn, which states the following:

Weeds can tell you a lot about the condition of your lawn and indicate what you need to do to grow healthy grass that is naturally resistant to weeds and pest problems. Learn to read your “weeds” for what they indicate about your lawn care practices and soil conditions, and you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy lawn that will be less work in the long run.

Remember, many plants that are considered weeds have beneficial qualities. Try to develop a tolerance for some weeds. For instance, clover - considered a typical turf weed - thrives in soil with low nitrogen levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. However, clover takes free nitrogen from the atmosphere and distributes it to the grass, which helps it grow. Clover roots are extensive and extremely drought-resistant, providing significant resources to soil organisms, and clover will stay green long after turf goes naturally dormant. Crabgrass provides erosion control, dandelions’ deep roots return nutrients to the surface, and plantains are edible!

The factsheet offers the following suggestions for getting to the "root" of the weed problem.

ELIMINATE THE CONDITIONS THAT PROMOTE WEEDS

1. Compaction – Compaction is an invitation for weeds. If your lawn is hard, compacted, and full of weeds, aerate to help air, water and fertilizer to enter. If you can’t stick a screwdriver easily into your soil, it is too compacted. Get together with your neighbors and rent an aerator. Once you have an established, healthy lawn, worms and birds pecking at your soil will aerate it for free!



2. Mowing Height – Bad mowing practices cause many lawn problems. Mowing lower than 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches can kill the root system by preventing photosynthesis, and mowing with a dull blade makes the turf susceptible to disease. A low mowing height also invites sunlight in for weeds to sprout.
   
   While grass species vary across the country, most lawns are a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. Generally, you should keep a lawn at 3- 3 ½ inches. Mowing high allows the grass to develop deeper, drought-resistant root systems. For the first and last cut of the season, mow to 2 inches. Do not mow more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Keep your mower blades sharp to prevent the development and spread of fungal disease, or ask your service provider to sharpen their blades frequently.



3. Soil pH and Soil Testing – Low pH means acidic conditions and high pH indicates alkaline conditions. If the pH is too high, your grass cannot properly absorb nutrients. Ideal pH should be between 6.5-7.0, slightly acidic.
   
   Generally, lime is added to raise the pH and sulfur is added to lower the pH, and adding compost can naturally correct your pH. A soil test is highly recommended to determine the soil pH and specific nutrient needs. Contact your extension service to find out how to take a soil sample. In addition to nutrients and pH analysis, ask for organic content analysis, and request organic care recommendations. Organic content should be 5% or higher.



4. Fertility - Soil testing is the best way to determine your soil’s specific nutrient needs. Fertilizing in early fall ensures good growth and root development for your grass. Nitrogen, the most abundant nutrient in lawn fertilizers, promotes color and growth. Adding too much nitrogen, or quick-release synthetic fertilizers, can weaken the grass, alter the pH, and promote disease, insect, and thatch build-up.
   
   Your grass clippings contain 58% of the nitrogen added from fertilizers, improve soil conditions, suppress disease, and reduce thatch and crabgrass. So, leave the clippings on your lawn. You can use a mulching mower and leave the leaves too.
   
   Compost is an ideal soil conditioner, adding the much-needed organic content to your soil, and suppressing many turf pathogens. In the fall and spring, preferably after aerating, spread ¼ inch layer of organic or naturally-based compost over your lawn. Compost tea and worm castings are also great additions.
   
   Look for compost or organic slow-release fertilizers at your local nursery or order online. Some fertilizers, such as Ringer® Lawn Restore®, are certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute. Other makers include North Country Organics, Harmony Farm, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, and Down To Earth's Bio-Turf.
   
   Thatch is a dense layer of grass stems and roots on the surface of the soil. Thatch is a symptom of shallow watering and chemical fertilizer usage. When thatch layers become ½” or more, the roots will grow up within the thatch instead of in the soil, making grass susceptible to insects, disease, and weather stress. If your lawn feels spongy, you may have thatch buildup.
   
   Thatch is reduced by aeration, topdressing with organic matter, or power raking. In healthy lawns, earthworms and soil microorganisms break down the thatch.



5. Watering and Poor Drainage – Drought conditions, excessive watering or poor drainage due to soil type are all invitations for weeds. Watering needs are very site-specific, but generally speaking, a deep watering of about one inch once a week in the early morning is best.
   
   Your type of soil affects your drainage and is also site-specific. Once you establish a deep root system from mowing high, you will need less water. Check with your local nursery for more specific recommendations and your soil type.



6. Grass Seed and Seeding – Grass varieties differ enormously in their quality, resistance to certain pests, tolerance to climatic conditions, growth habit and appearance. Some weeds are the result of using poor quality grass seed.
   
   Overseed with the proper grass seed for your region to promote a dense turf that out-competes weeds. Consult your extension service website to learn the best grass variety for your region and site conditions (sun or shade).

The factsheet also offers a chart to help identify the weeds in your lawn and correct the conditions that are promoting them. To view the factsheet, click here.

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