Fun in the Sun without the Chemicals and Burn!

Spring is in the air and in no time summer will be here! So ‘tis the season of swimsuits, sandy beaches, picnics, daytime walks, Vitamin D, and…sun protection! Below are some tips on how to have fun in the sun while fighting the burn and avoiding hazardous chemicals. 

One of the most obvious forms of sun protection (besides simply staying in the shade) is sunscreen, but there are a few things to keep in mind when buying and using sunscreen.

1. Read the label. Not all sunscreens are made up of the same ingredients.  Some sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals that are best avoided.  As noted by the Environmental Working Group, it is a safer bet to steer clear of any sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, or insect repellent, as these chemicals have been linked to an increased rate of cancer based on some laboratory studies.
2. SPF 30. You will get much better UV protection from sunscreens with SPF 30 or above.  SPF 15 just is not strong enough.
3. Repeat. Sunscreen should be reapplied every hour or two.  Don’t be fooled by “waterproof” or “water resistant” claims.  Sunscreen will wear off and leave you with a painful surprise, so reapplying frequently can help avoid burning.
4. 30 minute rule. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
5. Avoid sprays and powders when possible. Due to inhalation, try avoiding spray and powder sunscreens. If this is all you have, spray the sunscreen on your hands first, then apply to your face!

Sunscreen is a necessary first step to protecting your skin from the sun, but there are several other practices we can adopt for a safer sunny days.

1. Shade. Consider taking a picnic break in the shade while the sun is at its peak.  It is at this point in the day that UV rays are strongest, so it is the perfect time to sit in the shade of a tree and eat!
2. BPA free bottles. Keeping our good health in mind, be sure to bring water bottles that are BPA free.  A Lifefactory glass bottle is a safer choice to help will keep you hydrated and safe.
3. Clothes. Clothing will go a long way to help keep the sun at bay.  While outdoors, try to wear a long-sleeve lightweight shirt, hat, and sunglasses.

~ Jessica

Resources:

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/#your_skin

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/faqs-your-sunscreen-questions-our-answers/

Make Every Day Earth Day!

With Earth Day just around the corner, we thought we'd share some  ways to make Earth Day every day instead of just one day a year. Below are some easy and useful ideas on how to add more “green” into your daily routine while also avoiding toxic chemicals!
Reusable snack bags ~ Because only about 1-3% of plastic bags end up getting recycled and since plastic is not biodegradable, using a reusable snack bag is a great eco-friendly alternative to help reduce the amount of waste you produce. Take a look at the type of reusable bag you use and check to make sure it is free from harmful chemicals like phthalates.

Reusable straws ~ Many people like to use straws to help keep their teeth clean but with plastic straws being thrown away, we end up getting the environment "dirty" at the expense of "clean" teeth. Instead of using a new straw every time you sip on a colored drink, try using reusable straws made from glass or stainless steel.

Reusable bamboo utensils ~ Plastic utensils are everywhere: when you order food to-go, at the office, and in schools. They often end up in the trash, so to help avoid this, use reusable utensils made from certified organic bamboo, a sustainable resource that does not jeopardize the environment when it’s grown.

Reusable food containers ~ Ever thought about bringing your own container for leftovers when you go out to eat? Instead of packing leftovers in containers provided by restaurants, try packing them in a glass or stainless steel food container—an eco-friendly and safe way to store your food.

Reusable water bottles ~ Buying a new plastic water bottle every day is neither cost effective nor good for the environment, since bottles are often tossed into trash bins. Switch to reusable water bottles made from BPA free glass or stainless steel as a safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic way to enjoy water and stay hydrated.

100% certified organic lunch bags ~ Replace brown paper bags and plastic bags with a reusable lunch bag made from 100% certified organic cotton. Methods used to grow organic cotton do not use toxic pesticides or fertilizers and have a lower environmental impact than conventional growing methods.

Lifefactory Bottles ~ Why I Can't Go Anywhere without Mine!

When they first started using Lifefactory water bottles at home, my mom and sister, Hannah, knew they had to share this safe and innovative product with others!  I soon started using Lifefactory bottles as well and easily saw why my mom and sister were so excited about letting others know about these bottles.  So I thought I’d also give my little “hoorah” and help spread the Lifefactory love myself….here’s my take on the Lifefactory bottles and why I can’t go anywhere without mine!

Lifefactory bottles are made of non-toxic materials giving them both personal and environmental health benefits.  The main component of the bottles is, well, the bottle itself, which is made from glass. When it comes to taste, I’ve noticed a much fresher and more pure flavor when drinking water from a glass bottle over one made from plastic (a bland…toxic…flavor) or stainless steel (more of a metallic taste that bothers some). In terms of non-toxic characteristics, glass is a great choice because it is free from chemicals—in particular BPA—which helps me keep my body healthy and chemical free.  As for the environment, glass is 100% recyclable and reusable, which helps me eliminate the amount of waste I create.  The second component of the glass bottle is the food-grade and non-toxic silicone sleeve used to help minimize the chance for breakage that can occur when glass is involved.  Finally, the Lifefactory bottle is sealed with a BPA-free plastic lid to help prevent leaking.

The Lifefactory bottles also have an aesthetic appeal that I love! The silicone sleeves and BPA free plastic caps come in a variety of playful colors—my favorite being sky blue.  I actually have a few of these water bottles in different colors and sizes at home, so I often like to switch around the caps to the bottles!  And in case you are wondering, yes, the caps for the 16oz and 22oz bottles are the same size, so switching around caps for a colorful bottle combination is super easy.

The only downside I can think to bring up about the Lifefactory bottle is the obvious chance for breakage (which I mentioned previously). But being the good company that they are, Lifefactory has a solution in addition to the silicone sleeve to help increase the warranty of your bottle: they will replace a broken bottle…for free!  

Lifefactory bottles, in my opinion, are worth getting.  I’m proud to carry them around because I know they are representing my non-toxic lifestyle.  They’re great conversation starters too!  Whenever I’m complimented on the bottle’s design, I mention that it’s made of glass.  Often times, I get a confused and surprised look which is the perfect opportunity for me to educate other and help spread the word about choosing non-toxic products for on-the-go!

I leave you with the thought that if you’re ready to make the switch to a more toxin-free lifestyle, try Lifefactory Glass Bottles when hydrating on-the-go! I honestly think you’ll love the fresh taste of your beverage, they style, and, of course, its warranty J. Show your body and the earth some love…switch to glass!

~ Ivana