Sierra Club Green Home

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — It may feel small, but I learned from reading the Laguna Beach Independent newspaper that “all of Laguna Beach’s hotel and lodging properties have agreed to recycle hygiene products to benefit children and families in need through the nonprofit Clean the World Global. When one looks at what the numbers could add up to and the impact, this recycling effort is not insignificant in the least, even for a little seaside town. (Photo by Casa Laguna Inn, courtesy of Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau)

This season, we have a choice as to where and how we spend our money, and it is a very important one! That’s why Sierra Club Green Home is showing you how to find products you can feel good about buying, whether you’re shopping in your town or on the Web.

Businesses that are completely conscious of the earth, creator, and consumer are not as hard to find as many think. A host of Web sites and boutiques offer vegan, organic, and fair-trade products. Where you spend your money can speak about what you support. (Photo courtesy of 31 Bits.com)

Leading health and parents’ groups have been asking Johnson & Johnson to reformulate its baby shampoo to remove a chemical that releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The company launched a “natural” baby shampoo but still sells the original baby shampoo with the formaldehyde-releasing ingredient in the United States, while making formaldehyde-free versions of the shampoo in several other countries, according to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. (Photo: Wikicommons)

Bed bugs have become a reality in such diverse places as luxury hotels, well-known department stores, and in many homes. There is a proven, natural remedy using cedar as a natural pest deterrent.

Online retailers generally are not known for great customer service. Instead, they build their reputation on offering quality products and prompt delivery, and many carry a variety of eco-friendly or sustainable products.

One online retailer has figured out how to put all this together. Bucking the norm, Greenfeet strives to offer online shopping that is easy, fun, and steeped in customer service. (Photo courtesy of Greenfeet)

By replacing your mass produced hygiene products and investing in eco-friendly ones, you can make a positive impact on the environment, your family, and your wallet. Make sure to read more than the price tag of your hygiene products, as most are not biodegradable or handmade.

Sierra Club Green Home’s tips for choosing the best natural skin care products for your health and the environment How many different skin care products do you use? Shampoo, conditioner, hair mousse, hair spray, body wash, bar soap, shaving cream, moisturizer, body lotion, facial toner, foundation, sunscreen, eye cream, eye shadow, blush, mascara, perfume, and [...]