Going Organic

This is a baby-steps challenge of sorts. After reading this post by Vanessa at Green Ness, I’m determined to switch to organic personal care products. Over the past few decades, I’ve tried to buy products that don’t test on animals and that practice fair trade and are good for the environment, but it seems I’ve put my health at the end of the list of these purchasing considerations. Because of a few changes in my overall health picture as I get older, I’m more determined than ever not to buy products that have been linked to cancer.

So this is a baby steps challenge, but I’m giving myself the rest of the year instead of one month. To be honest, I simply can’t afford to replace everything all at once. So I’ll be replacing products as they run out. And let me tell you, some of them are going to be hard to give up. I’m very attached to a few. It’s taken me years to find things that work for me, and I hate the trial-and-error process that’s ahead. It’s bound to yield some waste. But it must be done, so ONWARD!

Here’s the list of what I need to replace:

Shampoo– I use Paul Mitchell, and have for over 20 years. I don’t think it’s easy to find organic shampoo, because the ingredient that makes it suds up is the toxic one.

Sunscreen– I found one I love about fifteen years ago, and it’s going to be tough to give up because it works so well, is non-greasy, and doesn’t show. It’s called Peter Thomas Roth and unfortunately it contains some of the dreaded parabens.

Moisturizer– I use Jergen’s body lotion, Bioelements facial moisturizer, and Clarins hand cream. I’m pretty sure they all have to go.

Makeup– I don’t wear much makeup, just lipstick and sometimes eye shadow and eyeliner. I’ve been using Clinique for decades, but I don’t think they’re organic.

Soap– We use Yardley for every day.

Deodorant– I switched to Tom’s of Maine years ago and it works fine for me. I know it doesn’t for a lot of people, so I guess I’m lucky. This is one item I don’t need to replace.

I used to buy more products from Origins, and I still use some of their facial cleansers and a few other items. I think I’ll see what else I can find there, their prices are pretty reasonable. I’m also going to investigate Aveda, which I’ve flirted with a bit in the past. And I’m really excited about a brand that’s new to me called Weleda. They’ve got a great all-natural philosophy and their products don’t seem to be exorbitantly expensive. But I can’t recommend it until I try it. I’ve also just checked online and learned that L’Occitane is organic, and I’ve always loved their hand cream as a splurge. I especially adore it when it’s a gift, because it’s hardly a frugal purchase.

Do you use organic personal care products? PLEASE share your favorites with us in the Comments section. I could use recommmendations in any of the above areas, and I’m sure we’ll all benefit from each other’s research and experience. I’m particularly interested in finding a good facial sunscreen that’s not greasy, at least 30 SPF. And I’ll report on my progress as I slowly replace my bathroom drawers and cabinets.