Most organic make up producers take special pride in providing you with organically-based cosmetics produced using the
highest possible standards. Cosmetics and skin care products labeled “organic” must pass certain certification standards.
Users of organic make up believe they are getting a healthier and higher quality product.
Makers of high quality organic cosmetics require that their ingredients are all-natural and come from unrefined,
preservative-free organic ingredients that are cold processed so as not to break down the delicate features of the product.
While every product needs some processing, manufacturers of organic make up do this in an environmentally-friendly way.
Organic make up avoids synthetic preservatives or those that release formaldehyde that can get into an individual’s skin.
This means that no parabens, urea derivatives or other formaldehyde-producing products are used in their cosmetics. In the
same way, no petrochemicals are used, which are those preservatives derived from petroleum. This includes petroleum jelly,
mineral oil, parabens, propylene glycol, acetones or benzene-like products are used.
Some cosmetics require extraction steps with solvents. Most chemical solvents are fairly toxic to humans and these are
avoided in organic make up production. Phthalates, found in plastics, have been known to mimic the hormone, estrogen, and
can cause female-related diseases. These, too, are avoided in the making and packaging of organic make up.
Commonly used detergents, like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and related compounds, are kept out of organic make up and skin care
products. These are irritating to the skin and other natural options are available. In addition, all ingredients in this
type of make up must be certified organic or be verified as being pesticide free.
Part of being good to the environment in the making of organic cosmetics, many manufacturers require that there be no animal
testing or other cruelty to animals in the making of their products. All fragrances are natural and all essential oils come
from natural sources. Special attention is made to make sure there are no pesticide residues in any of their organic products.
Essential oils are extracted from bark, roots, flowers, stems and leaves of organic plant sources. They are cold pressed or
steam distilled to keep the oil fresh and not degraded. Essential oils are used as organic make up preservatives, fragrances
and to create a certain texture. Only small amounts of essential oils are used to protect sensitive skin.
In some cases, organic make up can contain iron oxides and titanium dioxide that are processed synthetically but exist in
nature. In nature, these ores contain too many contaminants to be able to be used. In addition, fractionated oil is often
used that is derived from coconut oil and palm oil. This is considered a semi-synthetic part of organic make up.
Because some companies can call their product all-natural, consumers need to ask further and look at the ingredient list to
make sure the cosmetic product they are buying is, indeed, organic. Hopefully, the above information will help consumers
interested in purchasing the safest, healthiest and most environmentally-friendly organic products.
It’s a fact of life, unless you live in Antarctica, that pests will make themselves at home in your house or apartment. There are a variety of insect pests you need to think of and no two are alike. Rather than spraying toxic chemicals into your home environment, consider using organic, non-toxic pest control. It’s safe for your home’s human occupants and for your pets as well. Pests will show up in the air, your carpeting, your kitchen counter and other places you’d rather not find them.
Let’s take a look specifically at ant control for your home or recreational areas outside. Remember that organic pest control varies somewhat with the pest you’re dealing with and that just like with inorganic chemical pest control, you don’t always use the same thing for ants as you do for fleas. Here’s a look at your organic options for ant infestation in your home.
For the organic treatment of ants, a common summertime pest, you need to make sure your countertops are free of crumbs and anything sticky or sweet. Cover your food well and keep your honey wrapped in a plastic baggy. Leave water sources off during the night and don’t leave dirty dishes lying around. The same holds true for your deck or patio. Clean all food up after an outdoor meal and teach your children not to throw food into the yard, like watermelon pieces or other sweet foods.
Your organic pest control continues with a small spray bottle filled with soapy water that you can spray on the little beasts. Put cucumber peels or slices in your kitchen, especially where the ants come in. You can also put tea bags with mint tea in them or cloves around the places where the ants are very active. See if you can trace the column of ants back to their entry point and set out a line of cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds. Ants won’t cross those lines.
For serious organic pest control against ants, mix a small amount of honey with an equivalent amount of Borax and aspartame. Put about a teaspoon and a half of the mixture in a bottle and set the bottle (without a lid) on its side where ants are active. This acts as a kind of toxic bait that the ants bring back to their colony. Keep small animals and children away from this toxic bait.
Another organic pest control trick is to leave a low-wattage light bulb or nightlight around where the ants are. It disrupts their day and night pattern and can confuse their patterns of food hunting.
If ants are on your deck outside, use your organic pest control skills and put a few cloves of garlic, previously cut into pieces, between the cracks of the deck slats. Ants don’t like garlic and will steer clear of the strong odor. You can use some of the same indoor tricks outdoors, especially those involving the use of cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds. You can’t use the trick using the toxic bait outdoors as some small animals can get into it.
There’s no reason to resort to harsh and dangerous chemicals, indoors or out, when perfectly acceptable organic pest control for ants will keep your home ant-free in a much safer way. As long as you keep your kitchen and the rest of your home clean and follow the above methods to discourage or kill ants, your summertime experience will be more enjoyable and healthier for you and your family.
