Though Summer is approaching its end, it’s definitely not over yet and for many, temps are well up into the hundreds and the sun is beating down while we all try to pack all our remaining to-dos into what’s last of the season.  While many suggest staying out of the sun between prime hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for those of us who enjoy all the outdoor activities that summer brings, that can be difficult - especially with all-day beach trips, fairs, vacation or just yard work.  It’s important to remember to stay protected both from potentially harmful rays and from toxic sunscreens.

Erbaviva recently sent me their SPF 15 to try out and I’ve been using it while on vacation these past few weeks.  It is hands-down one of my favorite sunscreens.  The scent is pleasant, doesn’t turn my skin a pasty white and rubs in nicely.  What’s nice is that this can be used by adults and kids alike so there’s no need to purchase separate products for different family members. Alike conventional sunscreens which use synthetic and toxic ingredients like oxybenzone, Erbaviva uses Titanium Dioxide to coat the sun and shields the suns rays.

What’s the big deal about oxybenzone you ask?  Last year The Center For Disease Control released a study citing the potentially harmful effects of this chemical.  Just check out a portion of the statement here:

CDC: Americans Carry ‘Body Burden’ of Toxic Sunscreen Chemical
CONTACT: EWG Public Affairs, (202) 667-6982
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 25, 2008

WASHINGTON, March 25 – The bodies of nearly all Americans are contaminated with a sunscreen chemical that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A companion study from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that the same chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy.  The chemical, oxybenzone, is widely used in sunscreens. Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) analysis of ingredient labels found that nearly 600 sunscreens sold in the U.S. contain oxybenzone, including products by Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, and Banana Boat. Although oxybenzone is most common in sunscreen, companies also use the toxic chemical in at least 567 other personal care products, including lip balm, lipstick, moisturizers and fragrance for women.
Oxybenzone was last reviewed for safety in the 1970’s but since then significant new evidence has been published on its toxicity and pervasive exposure. A recent review by the European Union found insufficient data to determine whether oxybenzone in sunscreen is safe for consumers.

“These studies are the latest in a long list of reasons the Food and Drug Administration must thoroughly review the safety of all chemicals used in sunscreens Americans use every day,” said Rebecca Sutton, a scientist with EWG. “FDA must do what it promised 30 years ago: Enact permanent, enforceable federal safety standards for sunscreens so consumers can get the best and safest sun protection.”

EWG research shows that 84 percent of 910 name-brand sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients, like oxybenzone, with significant safety concerns. These products are on the market because FDA has failed to finalize sunscreen safety standards that have been under development since 1979, but has instead issued a series of delays and revisions at the request of the personal care product industry. FDA issued a new draft of the standards last October under pressure from EWG, but continues to delay finalizing the standards at the behest of the regulated industry.

EWG is a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment. The group’s research on oxybenzone is available online at http://www.ewg.org/node/26212.

I just saw this trailer yesterday and I have to see this!  This looks to be sort of an eco-version of the Super Size Me documentary, yet more funny and entertaining.  (I was mostly just grossed out and horrified by the latter).  “No Impact Man” is an extreme one year project by Colin Beavan and his family, in research of his book.  I love his wife in this trailer - so real and honest and how I’m sure the majority of us would feel if our man came to us and asked us to do such a thing.  It seems a little unbelievable that anyone could have absolutely “no impact” (on the planet) in one year, but I’m sure willing to watch and find out how this family tries to do so.

Colin can be found on his blog, or at Crazy Sexy Life (founded by Kris Carr, subject of the medical journey documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer). 

I’ve been traveling for the past couple weeks and recently checked-out of the the newly renovated Elan Hotel located near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.  This boutique hotel is conveniently located near The Beverly Center and The Grove, is comparably affordable, modern, yet comfortable.  i stay green, a site that allows travels to rate and review “green hotels” gives Elan Hotel 3 stars and as a certified member of the California Green Lodging Association, they engage in best practices for energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

My stay lasted three nights which was a good amount of time to experience the amenities.  The zen-like lobby is an oasis in a sea of hustle and bustle that awaits outside and since it is a small hotel, my room was only a short walk from the lobby.  I was pleased to find a comfy bed (wish the sheets were organic cotton) and bathroom amenities housed in recycled paper packaging (wish they used organic products sans artificial fragrance), but the stay was more or just as comfortable as my past stays in mega-hotel chains.  A note card on the bathroom counter encourages guests to leave paper and plastic out of the trash cans, indicating the cleaning crew would recycle them and as many hotels do these days, they encouraged guests to only have sheets changed and bath linens exchanged when necessary.

I enjoyed my time at Elan Hotel, happy with my room (and the cozy bed!) and the accommodating staff, pleased about the price and location, but if you’re looking for a “dark green” or 5-leaf green hotel, this may not be entirely green enough for you.  On the other hand, if you’re in search of a property that is making changing towards reducing their environmental impact, then Elan Hotel definitely fits that bill.

Pack a lunch - save your wallet, your health and your planet! Now you can do just that with LunchBots reusable, stainless steel lunch containers.

Made from the highest quality stainless steel - these rugged yet eye-catching lunch systems take the waste out of packing a lunch. Just think about how many bags it takes to pack a lunch. Now you can eliminate the need for bags while guaranteeing that the food you eat is kept safe. Using this type of lunch system is a great way to manage portion control while keeping everything tidy and away from plastic - which can leach onto your food while it’s waiting to be consumed. Stainless steel keeps food insulated as well, so you can keep things at room temp a little longer than using just a paper bag and since it is so tough, you never have to worry about things getting crushed in your lunch bag.

The LunchBots Uno is designed for a main course and the Duo is partitioned off for snacks or sides - both of them together make one sensible lunch portion. Reviewers are raving about the ease of use and the huge perk of feeding yourself and your family in a non-toxic and eco-friendly way. Another serious perk to owning LunchBots is the conversations you can have with fellow co-workers or other parents about your food storage choice. You can start a mini-revolution in your very own lunchroom! (OK, well at least you can get some people thinking.)

In between San Diego and L.A., you’ll find San Clemente, California ~ a surfer’s town with no lack of board shorts, flip flops and sun~kissed bods.  Locals take surfing seriously.  For some it’s a ritual, for some it’s a religion and others find it is both; and with that comes a deep reverence for the ocean. 

Based in San Clemente, footwear brand Ocean Minded can be found one block from the Pacific Ocean and wants everyone to be just that…mindful of the ocean.  Most of their staff are avid surfers and they strive to protect the Earth’s most precious resources, the oceans, lakes and streams and they coordinate frequent beach clean~up days.  In fact, just two weeks ago they cleaned up 115 pounds of trash from a local beach. 

They look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and make more sustainable footwear, including currently working on a completely glue~free shoe.  (FYI…shoe glue can be one of the most toxic elements in your footwear).  They’ve already taken steps in the right direction by using the following eco~friendly materials and/or processes: 

~Metal free leather and/or suede

 ~Hemp

~Water based glue

~Recycled car tire or recycled rubber outsoles

~Organic cotton lining and/or laces

~Made with recycled Croslite Eco material

When you buy a pair of Ocean Minded sandals or shoes, they’ll donate a portion of the purchase price to the Surfrider Foundation, a non~profit grassroots organization that’s dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, beaches and waves through conservation, activism, research and education. 

This futurist high elevation retreat resembles a drop of mercury and distinctively reminds me of what locals call “The Bean” in Chicago’s Millenium Park (aka Cloud Gate).  Tourists stare into the mysterious art piece, take fun photos and throw their hats up into the hollow center.  No doubt Ross Lovegrove’s new project will be a work of modern art, but may also serve as a high elevation getaway.   Scheduled to begin construction in Italy in 2010, this pod will be solar & wind-turbine powered and is designed with a double glass exterior covered with a special reflective coating, completed transparent from the inside allowing guests a 360 degree view of their natural surroundings while cozy and warm, including enjoying a starlit sky in the comfort of bed. 

Do you think this distracts from the natural beauty of the landscape or do you think its a great idea to be able to enjoy it more fully whilst keeping warm?  

 {Via Inhabitat}

8). Stock the bathroom:

With fluffy spa towels (like these ones from Ralph Lauren), organic soaps (like Pangea Organics Canadian Pine With White Sage liquid soap), shampoo/conditioner, bath oil, extra toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash (think hotel amenities and then some). 

9). Give them a house key:

Tie it with a ribbon and a tag and leave on the nightstand so they can come and go as they please. 

10). Put a coffee maker in the room:

Whether their internal clock is in a different time zone or they just prefer to sip some caffeine in their pajamas (or underwear), take another cue from hoteliers and put a coffee maker in their room.  Just don’t forget the coffee, water, cream, sugar & stir sticks! 

11). Bake cookies right before they arrive:

Who doesn’t love entering a home and smelling something baking in the oven…especially a sweet treat!  Whether you make them from scratch or use a cookie mix it’s the thought that counts. 

4). Fill a ‘Welcome Basket’ for your guests:

Find out what their favorite snacks are and add those things to the basket so they don’t feel ackward scrounging through your cupboards when the late night munchies hit.  Add water bottles (or a bedside carafe) and fruit so they don’t have to stumble into the kitchen in the middle of the night.  If they’re bringing small children, add a small toy to the basket.  Some guests prefer not to keep track of time when on vacation, so including a small alarm clock in the basket is a good way to give them the option.  For those who like to get an early start, they’ll appreciate it.  For those who want to sleep in, they may just leave it in the basket during their stay.  Top it off with a handmade card with a personal note from you. 

5). If you won’t be with your guests at all times:

Provide a map of your town, list of nearby & recommended restaurants, grocery stores and shops with driving directions so they can get around on their own (take-out menus would be an extra bonus).  If you and your family will be busy when your guests are visiting, leave them a schedule with the times & days that you’ll be gone and suggestions for when you’d like to meet up so you don’t keep anyone guessing and waiting. 

 6). Make the bed extra comfy:  

If anyone’s bed and linens should be the best, its the guest’s.  And if you’re making the kids room into the guest room, be sure to change out the cartoon sheets for those suitable for an adult like this neutral and inviting Organic Cotton bedding from Pottery Barn.  Follow the lead from hotels and stock the room with extra blankets like this one from Gaiam:

 7). Make the room smell delish:

About an hour before your guests arrive, burn a purely scented candle like the Cinnamon Spice Essential Oil Aromatherapy Candle from PlantLife in the room and leave on the nightstand for your guests to light at their leisure.  If you won’t be home when they arrive or your concerned about a fire hazard, consider an electric essential oil diffuser like this one from Aura Cacia.  Add drops of Cinnamon essential oil to the cartridge pad and the room will be subtly scented.   

Guests may already feel as though they are imposing on your space and your family so anything you can do to help squash those pre-conceived notions is best.  Here are some tried and true methods of making your guests feel comfortable in your home:

1). Declutter the Guest Room:

Begin clearing out the room that may have accumulated all the “stuff” you didn’t know what to do with or where to put.  Tackle the space with a “cozy hotel room” end result in mind.  Keep the essential elements and the things that make it homey, but move everything else out.  If you don’t have a guest room per se and you’re transforming your home office or child’s room for this purpose, be sure to at least hide the piles of paper and tidy up the desk and/or toy areas.  If you have a lot of things in the room, practice this exercise: get three large garbage bags, set a kitchen timer for 15 minutes and toss as many things into the bags that fit into these categories: ”Trash”, “Donate” and “Put Away”.   When the timer goes off, tie up the bags and take the “trash” bag outside to the trash can, put the ”donate” bag into the car so you can drop it off at your nearest thrift store and place the “put away” bag outside of the room (to be dealt with when you have more time).  If you have more items to tackle, set the timer again and repeat.  Setting a timer helps you move faster.  Reward yourself with a break every 30 minutes and enjoy a refreshing beverage that will give you a burst of energy so you can finish the task quickly. 

2). Clean room from the top down:  

Start with the ceiling.  Be sure to rid the corners of cobwebs and the fan blades of dust.  You may not think of it when you’re in the room, but your guests will notice when they are lying in bed.  Dust the furniture and vacuum (don’t forget the dust bunnies under the bed).  Use non-toxic cleaners like Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear All Purpose Cleaner.   

 3). Continue the holiday decor into the Guest Room:

No need to go crazy, simple touches go a long way in making your guests feel comfy.  Hanging a wreath like the Organic Pussy Willow Wreath (shown above) on the guest room door is a great way to welcome your guests.  Use orange color ribbon for Thanksgiving guests and red color ribbon for your Christmas guests.  

Dr. Schulze’s line of wellness products are those that I truly believe in & use.  They have not only helped me but have assisted my own family & friends alike.  From eliminating issues that have plagued a family member for 30 years, to causing grey hair to turn brown again and helping save a marriage…when taken consistently and properly Dr. Schulze’s formulas are truly powerful and effective.  The ingredients are organically grown and/or wild-harvested and one of the biggest differences between them and other supplements is that they are very, very concentrated. 

I just returned from a two-week long business trip out of state and a couple days after my arrival I felt a sore throat coming on.  Good thing I packed my Echinacea Plus because I immediately began a regiment of 60 drops (2 full droppers), three times a daily in 2 ounces of water.  Although I did have watery eyes & nose for about 4 days, that is what my body needed to do to purge itself and most people I know who have come down with it recently, have had it for a good 1-2+ weeks.  The usual accompanying suspects like an achy body, total exhausion, headache and sore throat were no where to be found. 

Over the years, Dr. Schulze treated thousands of patients in his clinics all over the world.  Today, he focuses on and prides himself on offering the best wellness products on the market. He’s a no-nosense man and doesn’t beat around the bush.  He would argue that his Echinacea Plus is the most potent echinacea formula on the market.  In his words “it will stop the flu or cold dead in it’s tracks.  It works in two ways.  First it builds up your immune system by stimulating your body to produce more immune cells and chemicals.  Secondly, it also builds these cells into heightened action and activity levels.  These actions will help you combat any disease or illness more effectively and also protect you from future envasion and illness.”

Take control of your health!  Start by warding off flu bugs & colds as the season changes and back-to-school is in full swing.  

 “Tomorrow is what you believe and do today!”  ~ Dr. Schulze