Products Archives

Sometimes, there's nothing better than staying in on a chilly night and pampering yourself with face mask, a pedicure and a glass of wine.

Thanks to "EcoBeauty," a book by mother and daughter duo Lauren and Janice Cox, you don't have to go out and buy expensive products. Instead, their book has tons of recipes for scrubs, masks and even shampoo.

Here's a super-easy way to make a mask:

Things that caught my eye recently:

>> One of my biggest pet peeves is picking up trash after a barbecue or party outdoors. Garbage bags strategically placed just don't cut it, and pulling the bin out of the kitchen doesn't make sense either. So here's a product we could all use: The Glam Can.

Burt's Bees is typically my to-go lip balm because of its eco-friendliness, as well as how well it works.

But there's another organic "lip conditioner" in town: Softlips PURE.

At RedEye, we we tend to get random stuff in the mail. Magazines, batteries, candy--even a  chocolate hand once.

So when I received a packaged of little boxes that said things like "Help I have a blister," I kind of ignored it for a while, despite its eco-friendly claims. It just looked like a different way of packaging meds.

At some point, my attention span was waning at work and I started scanning my desk to avoid the computer screen for a few minutes--and I ended up investigating the package from Help Remedies.

Long story short, they peaked my interest enough that I'm telling you about them now ...

Dear Tom,

I appreciate that you make products that are good for the Earth and for us. But your deodorant doesn't work.

Eco Friendly Cleaning Cloth

Forget paper towels, or any other cloth you've ever used to clean, because this thing is AMAZING.

How do you make a golf course more green? Just ask Justin Timberlake. The singer's Mirimichi golf course is the first project in the country to receive the Audubon International's Classic Sanctuary certification.

Green, fair-trade non-profit shop Greenheart is packing up and moving, but don't worry. It's not going too far. It's just moving to a new, bigger location at 1911 W. Division St.

Despite the economy, this shop is obviously doing well for itself, which shows Chicagoans' dedication to eco-products!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 -- 8:57 a.m.

I've heard lots of things about deodorants/antiperspirants: That the aluminum in antiperspirants can cause cancer; chemicals in the ingredients are bad for the environment and may have other heath effects; and can something that keeps your pores from releasing sweat really be good for you?

I don't have conclusive answers to most of those rumors. You can read what the National Cancer Institute has to say about the link to breast cancer here. Despite all the inconclusive results, I think staying away from anything that could potentially affect me or the environment is a good thing to do.

So, to start, I tested two different aluminum-free, natural deodorants--no antiperspirants because that's where a lot of the "bad" stuff comes in. I can't say my testing was very scientific, but I did try each brand several times in several situations, from sitting at my desk to light housework and my marathon training runs. I tried to compare the results from the testings to being deodorant-free, rather than typical antiperspirants like Dove or Secret--chemicals and aluminum give it an unfair advantage!

I also had a guy test them out to get a male perspective--though he would only try the Dr. Hauschka Fresh variety because the other ones smelled "too girly."

Here's what I found:

Product: Dr. Hauschka Skin Care--Deodorant Floral
Price: $22.95/1.7 fl. oz

This roll-on lays boasts the use of zinc ricinoleate, which the Web site says is a natural complex that  "grabs aromatic compounds and "extinguishes" smells before they become noticeable." The site also lists all the deodorant's ingredients, with a glossary defining the source and meaning of those ingredients I didn't know.

The product itself worked pretty well in all situations (I'm bound to be somewhat stinky after a long run)--and despite the lack of antiperspirant, I didn't feel all sticky/sweaty. My only issue with this stuff was the floral scent--the smell seemed to linger all day long. Which wouldn't have been a bad thing had I liked the smell of it.

Overall, I'd recommend this product if you like the smell--and don't mind shelling out $23 for deodorant.

Product: Dr. Hauschka Skin Care-Deodorant Fresh
Price: $22.95/1.7 fl. oz.

The ingredients are pretty much the same as the floral variety, with the exception of the scent. This one boasts witch hazel and sage extracts.

This one was my favorite of the three I tried, since I liked the fresh scent better than the floral, and it held up well to my daily activities. I had expected to dislike the roll-on quality of the Dr. Hauschka products, but I didn't mind them. They dried pretty quickly, not leaving my armpits wet and cold--ugh!

The fresh was also a winner for my male tester, who hadn't thought to switch to a natural deodorant before this. I'm not sure if he'll make the switch, but he certainly approved of this stuff. Even after biking to work, sitting at a desk all day and hitting the gym in the evenings, Dr. Hauschka kept him relatively stink-free.

But, again, the price could be an issue.

Product: Weleda Citrus Deodorant
Price: $11/3.4 fl. oz or $7/1.02 fl. oz

This one is a spray-on deodorant with, as the name implies, a citrus scent. The product Web site also lists the ingredients, with links to details on each one. I appreciated that Weleda had fewer ingredients--most of them coming from essential oils.

The deodorant worked pretty well and passed the exercise stink test. However, I did feel the need to reapply more frequently than I did with Dr. Hauschka--and I cringed at the sting every time I sprayed it on post-shower.

I'd recommend Weleda, as long as you don't mind the sting and carrying it around for reapplication. Though with the lower price, it might be worthwhile.

Here are some other natural deodorants out there. If you've tried any of them, feel free to leave a comment about it!

>> Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant
>> Tom's of Maine
>> Crystal Body Deodorant
>> Or you can always make your own

Monday, December 29, 2008 -- 7:54 p.m.

Was it just me, or did everyone receive more homemade gifts this year? And it seems that more people reused materials for wrapping, as well as gifted more practical stuff. Or my friends and family actually read my blog and gave me what I asked for ... But I'd like to think it was more widespread.

The family of a friend of mine decided to exchange only homemade gifts among themselves. My friend made her own cheese (so cool!) and gave me a tin of lip balm she made herself--in an old Altoids container! Another friend made her own bookmarks with ribbon and beads--very clever and useful. And spices in glass jars, with recipe cards attached, we my gift of choice for a few friends.

Did anyone else see a trend?

Thursday, December 4, 2008 -- 6:22 p.m.

Thursday, November 6, 2008 -- 1:24 p.m.

Looking for an eco-friendly way to stay warm this winter? Then this jacket's for you!

A friend of mine tipped me off to the Merrell Gatherer Jacket, which comes as just a shell. You decide what you want to stuff it with.

The jacket has zippers everywhere that allow you to put in various forms of insulation, depending on what you have around. It's perfect for camping, or lugging it around, when you don't want to be weighed down.

Plastic bags, leaves, old pillows, shredded paper and old shirts make perfect stuffings--and you'd be making one heck of a fashion statement.

Thursday, October 2, 2008 -- 12:27 p.m.

I had a VERY productive morning that started with dishes and cleaning, and ended with a great run!

While cleaning, I tested out a few Method products to see how they compared to the Simple Green and other products I usually use. Here's what I found:

>> All surface cleaner (pink grapefruit) -- Not only does this stuff smell good, it cleans well too. I used it on my counters and stove, and it did a pretty good job at cutting through the griminess of the stove top. I think it works a bit better than my Simple Green--probably because the latter is diluted.

>> All surface wipes (cucumber) -- I'm automatically a sucker for anything that smells like cucumber. To me, it is a clean, wonderful scent. Usually, I'm not a fan of the wipes, opting instead for rags or (sometimes) paper towels. These did work pretty well on my bookshelf in my room as well as on the dashboard in my car. I might have to stash some of these in the car for quick cleanups, even. And they're made of compostable bamboo fibers, according to the packaging. My only question/issue is the packaging: There's a plastic section in the middle that opens and closes so they don't dry out, but that seems like more of a waste than necessary.

>> Hand wash (sea minerals) -- Again, smells wonderful. I don't necessarily feel a difference between this and other soaps, but the fact that their Web site is upfront about what it's composed of makes me feel better. And I, as a vegetarian, like knowing that the glycerin in the soap is vegetable-based, not animal-based. They also sell refill packs for their bottles, meaning at least a little less plastic is wasted.

So, after trying their products, I am naturally curious about some of their other items, such as their Le scrub bathroom cleaner. I might just have to check out their temporary store on Halsted this weekend ...

But I think I'll also continue to explore my other cleaning options, such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, to save a few bucks too.

Monday, August 11, 2008 -- 11:26 p.m.

I feel like I'm a fairly conscious shopper ... I read labels, ingredients, etc. But the word "eco" is quickly becoming one of my biggest downfalls.

I was shopping earlier today at Target, and everything that said "eco" immediately caught my eye. I saw doormats that were labeled eco-friendly ... A toothbrush holder was made of "recycled glass" ... a soap bottle label was covered in green-sounding descriptions. Recycled rubber is not that uncommon, nor is recycled glass. And your soap may have a few "natural" ingredients, but it may have a few chemicals in there too.

I didn't end up buying any of these things--eco or not--but it certainly made me aware of the impact that little world has on us as consumers ... particularly consumers who care about that sort of thing. But that means the word also has the ability to get us to overlook the extra money we're paying--and the  possibility that it's not eco at all.

So, just a tip: Don't ignore the eco, but take a close look at anything you're buying. There are ways to be eco-friendly without buying the stuff that's labeled as such.

I left today with a small bottle of SoftSoap (def. not chemical-free), but also picked up a huge bottle with which to refill it. Not as responsible as buying a bar of natural soap, no, but significantly cheaper--and practically green!

Friday, July 25, 2008 -- 4:44 p.m.

I've been thinking about this for a long time, but I haven't been able to bring myself to do it yet: Switching to a chemical-free deodorant.

Every time I think of throwing away my stick of Dove, or even ditching it for a few days in exchange for an eco-friendly option, I dread the possible stink or pit stains that'll follow me.

Aluminum, especially, is a cause for concern in most antiperspirants because, absorbed into the body, it has been connected with Alzheimer’s disease. Triclosan, a chemical classified as a pesticide by the FDA, also is cause for concern.

While there is no solid proof behind the dangers associated with deodorant, the chemicals still pose a risk to our water supply.

Scary stuff, which should make it easy to banish the chemical-filled stuff from my life. But as someone who is regularly biking, running or somehow sweating, the fear remains.

But this time I'm determined. I read a few reviews of eco-friendly antiperspirants, including this one, which gives me more confidence in picking one out.

I'll let you know how it goes ... and if you have any suggestions, send 'em my way!

Friday, May 16, 2008 -- 12:08 p.m.

Ladies, there's a new way to "support" the environment--and yourself. A Japanese lingerie maker has unveiled its "Solar Power Bra," complete, of course, with a solar panel that you wear around your stomach, according to Reuters. It can generate enough electricity to power a cell phone or iPod.

You'd just have to be willing to go out in the sun without anything on over the bra, though. Scandalous! That's why they won't actually be selling them anytime soon.

So why sell them? Because it "send[s] the message of how lingerie could possibly save the planet," according to a spokesperson.

I suppose that's kind of true ... But also slightly pointless. Why should lingerie save the planet? You could stop wearing it altogether, I suppose, and save some--depending on your tastes--cotton or silk.

I understand the purpose of making a point, making the effort, spreading the word. But a solar-powered bra? Really?

How about we focus on things like recycling and reducing our dependence on oil and fossil fuels. 

Monday, April 28, 2008 -- 7:18 p.m.

You might remember this post, in which I talked about buying eco-friendly dishwasher detergent from Whole Foods' refillable machine. The results are in, and I'm sad to say it doesn't work nearly as well as the stuff that's full of chemicals.

But I'm not giving up on it quite yet.

To add to my new efforts to greenify my cleaning, I also picked up a bottle of ECOS laundry detergent from Jewel last night. I've heard of it before, and it seemed like a relative bargain at $7.99 even compared with the typical brands.

Why the switch? Most laundry detergents use lots of chemicals to fight stains and make clothes smell all pretty. They use ingredients like petroleum and fragrances, among other ingredients. And bleach and whiteners can react with groundwater after they go down the drain, affecting drinking water. Those chemicals can be hard on your skin and clothes too.

I haven't tried my new detergent yet, but if you're looking for advice on which ones work the best, check out grist.org's review of a few different brands. While the testing conditions were more severe than what you'd be putting your clothes though, it gives a good idea of what each brand can handle, as well as a rundown of their claims and ingredients.

A few more laundry tips:
>> Wash clothes in cold water to save energy
>> Use a clothes line--it's better for your clothes too!
>> Get an energy-efficient washer/dryer
>> Avoid small loads of laundry

Thursday, April 24, 2008 -- 7:11 p.m.

OK, so Barbie herself isn't going eco-friendly. After all, what would Blondie be without her plastic body and thousands of accessories. Rather, her fans are being given a chance to play green by buying stuff made out of the scraps of those thousands of accessories.

A few weeks ago, Mattel introduced Barbie BCause, a limited edition collection of eco-friendly accessories for girls. The company is using excess fabric and trimmings from Barbie products to patch together a line of purses, tote bags, pillows, hats and more. Prices range from $5.99 to $19.99.

Now, I'm all for teaching children the benefits of going green and caring for the environment, but I'm not completely convinced that this is the way to do it. Mattel's marketing department certainly came up with a winner in terms of making more money with having to spend much.

Here's my question: Will the products come with any sort of child-friendly information as to why buying Barbie's scraps is good for planet Earth? Will the parents buying this stuff be able to explain to their kids the meaning behind the repurposed goods?

As a company that reaches so many children, it would be nice to see Barbie take the extra step to educate their little customers with information they can use and learn from, instead of marketing toward their parents or the kids' desire to have more Barbie stuff. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

I love this part of my job--the part where I get to test various eco-friendly products and tell you all about them. First up: Beauty products.

>> Juice Beauty's Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer, $43 at juicebeauty.com
What they say: It's nutrient-rich with a combination of apple, grape and lemon juices. It's part of Juice Beauty's Green Apple Skincare Collection, which focuses on "age-defying results." The company also touts a no animal testing policy and 100 percent vegetarian ingredients.

What I say: It was love at first sniff. The aroma of apples wasn't overpowering and it seemed luxurious to put something that smelled so good on my face. The moisturizer went on smoothly and didn't feel greasy. My face felt soft all day long! It's the perfect spring/summer moisturizer, but I probably would need something stronger for the cold months. And though I believe in investing in a good product for my face, $43 seems a bit expensive for me.

>> Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel, $26 at juicebeauty.com
What they say: Brightening cleanser with juices and botanicals that "exfoliate and refine complexion for radiant, ageless beauty."

What I say: This one smelled good too. But it seemed a little oily in my hand and went on the same way. The cleanser didn't seem like it was a deep-cleaner, but it probably would work well for those who have a fairly normal and clear complexion, and for people like me who don't wear a lot of makeup. It did leave my skin a little dry, though. But I did have noticeably clearer pores, which is always a huge plus! I'm more inclined toward their Cleansing Milk (see below), but this is a good option for those looking for a light cleanser. And at $26, it won't break the bank--especially since a little goes a long way.

>> Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk, $22 at juicebeauty.com
What they say: It's soap-free! The formula includes raspberry and white grape juices, along with aloe vera and grapeseed oil.

What I say: I loved this stuff. It went on smoothly and my face felt super-clean and soft afterwards. For such a light cleanser--and being soap-free--it did a great job of giving me a deep-clean feel. I feel like this is something that would especially be useful in the winter when my skin gets dry from Chicago's windy, icy air.

>> Cargo PlantLove Lipstick, $20 at sephora.com
What they say: The lipstick was originally launched by celebrities including Lindsay Lohan and Courteney Cox, and later expanded upon by celeb moms. The lipstick itself contains no petroleum or mineral oils, and it's made from jojoba, vitamin E and shea butter.

What I say: The lipstick itself is nice, and it goes on smoothly. I can't say for sure whether it reduces the appearance of fine lines, as the company claims, but the color lasts. I also loved that the tube is made from a corn-based polymer that is compostable. The box it comes in is made with biodegradable paper that's infused with flower seeds. You can plant the box! For a very reasonable $20 ($2 of which goes to St. Jude Children's Hospital), you get an eco-friendly lipstick AND a pot of flowers.

>> Pangea Organics Facial Mask, $35 at pangeaorganics.com
What they say: Looking for something that exfoliates, deep cleans, tones, hydrates, prevents wrinkles ...? This mask, which is made up of goji and acai berries and matcha tea, among other things, apparently does it all. And it's good for all skin types.

What I say: I'm not a face-product kind of girl, so the mask thing was a little new to me. It looks exactly what I'd picture a mask looking like--green and gooey. But it smelled so good, and felt so good, that I could forgive my green monster look. I put on a thin layer and let it sit for 10 minutes, as the instructions suggested. At first the strength of the mask's oils stung my eyes, but that disappeared within a minute. The mask stiffens a bit over the 10 minutes, but not to the point where I couldn't move my face. It felt cool and relaxing on my face while I waited for it to do its thing. The mask is fairly easy to wash off, and I can honestly say that my face looked brighter when I was finished, and it felt softer and moisturized. This is the type of product that feels a little like a spa treatment at home, making it worth the money. And, as an added bonus, this box also can be planted--basil to add to your flowers.

>> Physician's Formula 100% Natural Origin Organic Wear makeup, prices vary at most drugstores
What they say: Their products are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic colors and GMOs, among other things.

What I say: This a great line of products for anyone looking for an affordable way to go green with their beauty products. The difference is not so much in how the makeup feels, but what you know isn't in it. It's comforting to know that they products you use every day also are good for you and the environment. I especially enjoyed the packaging, most of which was recyclable and made of paper. In fact, my favorite product probably was the compact, which was made with 93% less plastic than typical compacts. It included a goat hair brush and mirror. The unique packaging and reasonable prices emphasized the fact that green products are an attainable thing for most companies.

If you have any thoughts on these products, let me know!

Friday, April 4, 2008 -- 4:57 p.m.

If you've been craving more organic chocolate, your minty savior is here. Macy's recently announced that it will launch an organic line of the popular Frango mints in honor of Earth Day.

From the 95 percent-certified ingredients to the boxes, which will be made out of 100 percent recycled paperboard and printed with vegetable-based ink, the line will be deliciously eco-friendly.

The green theme is apparently carrying through to the entire store. According to a press release, Macy's is partnering with the National Park Foundation to "educate, raise awareness and raise funds for parks across the country."

Their Turn Over A New Leaf campaign runs April 20-April 27, during which Macy's will have lots of giveaways, shopping events and activities.

April 20: First 150 customers in each store gets a free cotton tote--it'll also be sold for $3.95, with $1 going to the Park Foundation.

April 22: Earth Day! Free saplings to first 100 at each store. The first 100 kids get a free eco-friendly activity and coloring book. 

April 26-27: Macy's charity-shopping event. A $5 donation gets you a ticket, which in gives you a discount both online and in the store on these days.

There's just one more place I'd like to see you go green, Macy's--your name! Switch it back to Marshall Fields! It's much better being green.

Monday, March 24, 2008 -- 9:59 a.m.

Crate & Barrel is jumping on the green bandwagon, according to a Chicago Tribune story that talks about the store's new eco-friendly initiatives. Check it out.

Do you think it's positive that many stores are producing more environmentally friendly products?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 -- 10 p.m.

When I was at Whole Foods the other day, I noticed a machine by the cash registers that seemingly lets you buy refills for cleaning products and laundry detergent. I was in a hurry, so I didn't get a chance to investigate more closely.

Thanks to the wonders of Google, though, I managed to track down the Web site of the company that runs the refill stations: Restore the Earth. After reading about the products they offer, I might have to make a trip back to Whole Foods sooner rather than later.

The whole green cleaning product thing is somewhere I have yet to venture my efforts to be more eco-friendly. For whatever reason, it didn't enter my field of awareness until I saw that dispensing gizmo.

I do own a bottle of Simple Green, which has lasted me for almost a year now--the cost-saving claims there are true! I use it for everyday purposes like wiping down counters and cleaning up after my puppy. But I admittedly also have a bottle of the chemically stuff for hard-to-clean spots. Those red wine spots on the counter are no challenge for chemicals, though it creeps me out to put any sort of food directly on the counter after I use that stuff.

I bought a bottle of Arm & Hammer laundry detergent a few months ago that claimed to use 100% plant-based soaps and was "concentrated" in a smaller, eco-friendly bottle. But it definitely didn't do as many loads as it claimed. Now I'm back to the stuff I found for cheap at Target that comes in a big, plastic container.

As for the bathroom? I haven't even tried going green. It seems cleaner to me that chemicals are eating away at all that disgusting bacteria ...

But, being the eco-friendly gal that I am, I'm willing to try.

Clorox has released new line of environmentally friendly cleaning products called Green Works. They say each product contains 99% natural, biodegradable ingredients that are plant- and mineral-based--and the packaging is recyclable. The line includes all-purpose cleaners, as well as bathroom and glass cleaners.

According to treehugger.com, though, there's still plenty wrong with Clorox. Their other products are still tested on animals, the natural line doesn't disinfect (eww) and they won't release the active ingredients in their traditional products.

There are lots of other options out there too. This post from treehugger.com goes into into how to make your cleaning more green in more detail--and it lists a bunch of companies producing environmentally friendly products.

I'll keep you posted about how the stuff from Whole Foods works. This might start a green cleaning revolution for me!

As for what happens to those chemicals when they go down the drain or into landfills? More on that later.

Oh, almost forgot! Here's an event posting from Whole Foods' Web site for April 12 at the Lincoln Park location:

Toxic Trade in Morning with Naturally Clean
Morning – Time to be determined
Free while supplies last
Whole Foods Market is teaming up with Naturally Clean to help shoppers reduce their environmental impact in honor of Earth Month. Shoppers can bring in any new or used household cleaner and exchange it for a new full sized greener cleaner made with natural enzymes. Please be advised that it will be one toxic trade in per family.