Did you know that most of the sunscreen you buy at the store are filled with potentially harmful chemicals that can leach into your skin and cause long last effects when used over time? This is a bad thing for any person but when you think about putting this sunscreen on babies and toddlers who tend to put their hands and feet in their mouth, we are essentially letting them lick the sunscreen. So not only is it leaching through their skin, they are ingesting it too.

The best way to protect your family from the sun and from harmful chemicals is to pick an all natural sun screen to use. Below are a few suggestions to help you find the best sunscreen for your needs.

Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen – Naturopathically based, using only all-natural and organic ingredients.

erbaviva – Completely natural sunscreen for children and adults. SPF 15. Lightly scented with organic lavender and chamomile essential oils.

Badger All-Natural Sunscreen – Highly rated for safety and effectiveness by the Environmental Working Group.

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun – Perfect for children and adults with sun-sensitive skin. With seven different kinds to choose from.

Marie Veronique Organics Creme Du Jour -  For sunscreen AND anti aging, their sunscreen formulas are non-comedogenic and are recommended for all skin types.

Purple Prairie Sun Stick – 100% Natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe.

Lavera Sun Block – Fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Certified all natural and contains organic ingredients.

California Baby Sunscreen – Unfragranced, PABA-free, non-chemical, perfect for any baby or child with skin sensitivities or fragrance allergies.

If you are concerned about the toxins in plastic and are looking for an alternative to the regular lunch box, check out LunchBots.

Packing a healthy lunch shouldn’t stop at the food. If you are going to take the time to be concerned about the food that your kids ingest, you should be concerned also about the toxins that they ingest when their food is packed in items like plastic lunch boxes and plastic juice containers.

LunchBots are manufactured from high-quality, food grade Type 304 stainless steel. Stainless steel has great resistance to stain or rust due to its chromium content, making it the material of choice for food processing, dairy and brewing. Stainless steel is easy to clean, durable, and sanitary.

LunchBots are a healthy alternative to plastic containers for packing lunch to go. Made from the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel, LunchBots do not leach chemicals like plastic does. Eco-friendly and reusable means saving money and the environment.

So when you are on the look out for lunch boxes for your kids or yourself, check out LunchBots, the safer alternative.

Ants seem to be running rampant in my house right now along with outside the house. Summer seems to be one of those times of year when pests are more prevalent, due to the warmer weather and less harsh conditions. We all look for ways to help us cope and a less toxic more green way is always a plus.

Alpha Ecological is just that, an effective green pest control. They work on educating clients in the ways of pest prevention. By identifying and eliminating conducive conditions which can attract pests before they arrive, you truly are getting the most natural pest control available!

Alpha Ecological tailor a pest removal plan to suit each individuals needs.

Methods, products and frequency programs all depend on factors such as the pest type, degree of infestation and surrounding environment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to smarter, more responsible pest control. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are great for schools, hospitals, day-cares, restaurants and other companies that are looking for a cleaner, less toxic way to eradicate pests.

Some of their other services include; bird control, air duct & dryer duct cleaning, crawl space restoration, and services for commercial clients.

Did you know that underarms can absorb applied substances directly into the bloodstream? Most conventional deodorants contain artificial fragrances, harsh chemical antiperspirants and preservatives. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, use herbs or salts found to be very effective at reducing odor-causing bacteria. What to you want to absorb?

Here are a few natural deodorants for you to try:

Toms – Natural Care of Maine

Toms secret ingredient on their natural aluminum-free deodorants is hops, the same kind used in beer. Hops inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Terra Naturals

These deodorants contain no synthetic chemicals, propylene glycol, parabens or aluminum. Their plant based formula results in odor control, performance and a natural feel.

JASON- Pure, Natural & Organic

JASON Aloe Vera Deodorant Stick is formulated without Aluminum Chlorohydrate. Formulated with certified organic Aloe Vera Gel and Corn Starch, Vitamin E, Lavender Oil,  and Clove, this deodorant delivers soothing freshness.

LAVANILA Laboratories – Home of the 100% Healthy Collection

These All-Natural, freshly scented deodorants provide superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense & nourishment. Clinically tested. Dermatologist Recommended. No Aluminum. No Paraben. No Propylene Glycol. No Harsh Chemicals.

If you haven’t given Seventh Generation home products a try, let me just say that right now would be a great time to start. Seventh Generation is committed to becoming the world’s most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home. With a wide range of products including, laundry, baby care, feminine care, dishwashing, paper, and household cleaners.

They insure that every product is toxic-free and environmentally friendly.

Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

They dedicate 10% of their products to non-profit community, health and responsible business organizations working for positive change.

7 Truths About Seventh Generation

• They believe in a Living Home
• Their products are a natural alternative that you can trust
• Their products are effective
• Their products are safe for people and the environment
• Nature is their inspiration
• They believe simple changes can make a big difference
• They are the nations leading brand of natural household products

Seventh Generation suggests you compare labels of your regular cleaning products with their cleaning products. You will see that they list all of their ingredients and what they do. They think you will find quite a difference and you will see how their products can help contribue to a healthy lifestyle.

Who doesn’t want to dry off with supple organic cotton towels or slip into a chemical-free linen clad bed? If you are like me, you probably slip into a bed that has been chemically treated with some of the worlds most hazardous chemicals. Some of your most precious parts touch those sheets and towels you use everyday. So why wouldn’t you want to buy the best for your naked body to indulge in?

Eco-friendly alternatives made from organic cotton now abound, and rapidly renewable fibers such as bamboo have expanded their reach with more colors and designs than ever before and they’re no longer thin or coarse.

Here are some naked body worthy Eco Linens to consider:

Anna Sova Luxury Organic Linens: Milled in Switzerland with 100% US organic Pima cotton; our linens are finished in Italy with eco safe cotton bleaching, dyeing and finishing processes. As some of the world’s first high thread count organic cotton sheets, these linens help to reduce the amount of pesticides used in the US, and processing chemicals used in Italy.

Amenity Modern Organic bedding: All of their dyes are eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based dyes and our organic bedding is made from 300 thread count cotton that’s been organically grown and organically processed.

Gaiam Thick and Thirsty Organic Cotton Towels: Tightly woven with premium long-staple 100% organic cotton, these 800-gram weight towels make every shower and bath a spa experience. Rich colors are created with low eco-impact dyes. Chlorine- and softener-free finishing preserves the purity and softness of the cotton.

The Company Stores Organic Cotton Jersey Bedding: Luxuriously soft and comfortable, their jersey knit bedding is safe for even sensitive, allergy-prone sleepers because it’s 100% certified organic cotton. The solid colors have been dyed and finished according to strict Oeko-Tex standards.

While cruising through a magazine, I was looking at articles on clothing and kept reading about designers who were making strides to become more Eco-friendly or completely sustainable. These are 3 that stuck out to me:

1. Hessnatur – A German Eco-ethical clothing company. Their goal is to be 100% organic in everything they make. All of their pure cotton is 100% organic. The availability of the other luxurious, natural fibers they use in organic quality is still limited. 20-55% of their range in these fabrics is organic. However, everything they make is pure and natural. Made by people whose human rights are respected.

Hessnatur offers eco-friendly clothes for the whole family. Make a statement and change your tee and help change the world. A simple tee shirt can change the world.

2. Zoe & Zac – Created to democratize green fashion by making it affordable and accessible, and enabling more people to participate in sustainable living. Zoe & Zac products are made from Eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and linen, natural hemp, jute, recycled rubber, and water-based glues. The packaging is Eco-smart too, with 100 percent recycled shoe boxes printed with soy-based inks.

Zoe & Zac have shoes for women and girls and the entire collection is under $30.

3. Bodkin – A collection designed in accordance with principles of sustainability in materials and production methods. Manufactured in New York City using organic cotton and organic wool and artisanal vegetable dyes along with innovative fibers such as recycled-PET nylon, cellulosic fibers, and kapok, Bodkin consists of understatedly classic yet forward-thinking pieces that reconcile style with utility and transparency, supporting and encouraging both traditional craft and environmentally beneficial technologies of the future.

Bodkin offers wonderfully sustainable clothing for women.

If you’re looking for food containers that are safe and convenient for your family, Glass Lock has just what you are looking for. Made with tempered glass that prevents breakage and transferring of food colors to the containers. You can take these straight from the freezer to the microwave with no problems at all. These are also oven and dishwasher safe.

Glass Lock™ containers are made from all natural stain-proof, shatter-resistant, tempered glass, and are manufactured to withstand repetitive usage in the refrigerator, freezer and microwave. They are ideal for consumers who appreciate being able to store, microwave and serve in the same glass container.

Glass Lock Food Storage Containers come in 3 shapes, round, square and rectangle with an assortment of sizes to choose from. Snapware guarantees there products shall be free from defects or they will replace the defective item at no cost.

Look for Glass Lock the next time you are at the store, most major department/grocery stores carry them. Prices starting at about $8 for one small and around $28 for small, medium and large.

Eco-Me specializes in 100% natural do-it-yourself kits that are good for you and the environment, too.

We created a line of cleaning kits to help people make their own natural, non-toxic, chemical-free products. In March of 2005 my 36-year-old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. How does a healthy, athletic, spiritual and nutritionally organic young woman face the challenges of breast cancer? With no family history of this disease nor a lifestyle to promote it, could my sister’s breast cancer be linked to the pollutants in our environment or toxic chemicals in our homes? Is it possible that by simply cleaning your home you are creating a toxic environment? Could the chemicals in products that line our shelves lead to life threatening health risks? The need to remove unnecessary chemicals from our homes led our search for completely natural and chemical-free products. The only problem was finding the products. Most natural cleaners still use synthetic chemicals for colorants and add trace amounts of ammonia and harsh additives to their products. So we decided that if we wanted a truly natural product we would have to make it ourselves and a few months later Eco-Me was born.

How this works: Eco-Me‘s kits include easy to follow instructions and a 100% natural essential oil, different ones for each kit. You combine the oil with items you already have in your kitchen, such as, Vinegar, Water, Olive Oil & aluminum-free Baking Soda. Depending on if you are mixing it for body, home or pet, the ingredients you use will be different.

Go to Eco-Me‘s website and check out all the natural products they have.

Who would have thought to combine an aromatherapy candle with massage oil? The Scandle Body Massage Candle is a fragrant hand-poured body massage candle that, when burned, melts to create a healthy body massage oil that can be used to enhance the health of your skin. Not only, is The Scandle Body Massage Candle healthy for your skin, but it is also healthy for the environment, emitting less soot and toxins into the environment than paraffin candles.

Last year in October at Scandle they announced new sustainable packaging, designed to coincide with the company’s already eco-friendly product line.

The 7.5oz Scandle® Body Candle packaging will feature a re-usable ceramic canister with pour spout.  After using their massage candle, customers can either choose to re-use the canister for other purposes or purchase Scandle® Body Candle refills from their favorite retailer, spa, or online at www.abodycandle.com. In addition to the redesign of the 7.5oz Scandle Body Candle packaging, Scandle’s 4oz massage candle will feature canisters made from recycled materials and a heat resistant band for easier application.

With a wide variety of fragrances to choose from, you are bound to find a smell you like and now that they offer refill candles the price seems much more reasonable. Starting at $21.99 for the Scandle and $9.99-$11.99 for refills.