#oxybenzone free but then on the package picture it will list that as an ingrediant?

[creakingsweetbaytree]

I just want to be environmentally concious but all the affordable sunscreen has coral reef killer in it :(

Edit: I learned it is a much more complicated issue than I thought! Generally you can use any sunscreen because so little makes it into the ocean, I recommend Lab Muffin Beauty Science's video on it

[howellrichard]

7 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Reduce your Environmental Impact

Hiya Gorgeous!

Here in our wonderful online community, we chat about lots of fun and fascinating topics related to taking impeccable care of our internal environments (aka our bodies and minds, baby!). But today I want to shift our focus to the beautiful environment around us.

Because guess what? Our internal environments are deeply (and forever) connected to the environment we live in. We can’t take care of one and neglect the other—our health and the health of our gorgeous planet depend on it. If cancer has taught me anything, it’s that.

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I’m passionate about protecting the environment. I try to live as consciously as I can and help others do the same. Now, I’m not perfect—who is?! But over the years I’ve learned simple ways to practice more sustainable living, and today I want to share some of those tips with you.

One more thing before we dive in, I know that articles like these aren’t always sexy page turners, but I gotta say, I’m concerned. Between the extreme weather patterns, rapid species decline, vanishing ecosystems and glaciers, life as we know it is undeniably changing and it has already begun affecting our health, jobs and futures.

Our home, this beautiful planet, needs each of us to step up and become responsible stewards—which includes using our vote. So let’s start by adopting a few simple habits (this is by no means a full list) that can make a big impact.

7 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Reduce your Environmental Impact

1. Say goodbye to disposable plastic straws (when possible).

This first tip has been big in the news lately. You’ve probably seen those awful pictures of our sweet sea turtle friends with plastic straws stuck in their noses.

The hard truth: By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish (here’s a great resource on this subject). All of that trash floating around pollutes the water and kills the marine life. Imagine if your home was filled with someone else’s garbage—yuck!

One super impactful change we can make is to stop using disposable plastic straws when possible. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re an essential tool for people with certain disabilities—something we can’t overlook as we work to reduce our impact on the planet. Here’s an article that covers this topic and offers easy solutions (win win!).

Sustainable living simplification tips:

Celebrate your favorite local businesses when they use alternatives like biodegradable paper straws or reusable stainless steel straws. Tell them how much you appreciate their commitment to the environment with a stellar Yelp review or post on social media!

When restaurants do offer you a straw, kindly refuse. This is your chance to spread the word! And remember—leading with compassion makes all the difference.

Get a reusable straw for when you’re out and about. I love the FinalStraw because it’s easy to keep clean (check out the video on their homepage, so fun and sassy!).

2. Ditch disposable plastic water bottles, too.

Even though most disposable plastic water bottles are recyclable, the vast majority end up in landfills. Plus, manufacturing those bottles creates a lot of toxic waste, too. We don’t need disposable plastic bottles to lead easy, mobile, happy lives. Not so sure? I’ve got your back!

Sustainable living simplification tips:

Get an eco-friendly, reusable bottle you love using. Klean Kanteen, Hydroflask and Yuhme are great options. Or, check out these sweet collapsible silicone bottles from que—great for travel! Plus, many of bottles are super versatile (they can hold both cold and hot liquids).

Here’s yet another way to get more use out of your mason jars: Turn them into your to-go watering hole with a Cuppow! They’re sustainably produced and free of nasties like BPA and PVC.

Now let’s talk about water filters. Just because you’re not using the packaged stuff anymore doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice safety. One purification and filtration system that many people swear by is the Berkey. I also put together a comprehensive guide to the best types of water filters so you can find one that’s right for you—check it out here!

3. Bring your reusable shopping/produce bags with you everywhere.

Whether you live in the city or the country, you probably see your fair share of plastic grocery bags on the street, stuck in tree branches, floating in the river and so on. They’re everywhere.

And the thing about those bags is that they’re not easy to recycle. Many grocery stores do have plastic bag recycling receptacles, but let’s be honest—we’ve already got plenty of errands on our to-do lists. Why not make things easier?

Sustainable living simplification tips:

Most of us have a stockpile of reusable totes we’ve collected over the years, so let’s put them to work! Using what you already have is the most eco-friendly choice, but if you do need some, these reusable bags from Baggu are a good option. They hold up to 50 lbs and take up very little space, making them easy to keep on-hand.

Don’t forget about produce bags. I like these purifyou bags for a reusable option. Or, consider just ditching the produce bag whenever possible. Think about it: Many fruits and veggies come with their own packaging—orange and banana peels, avocado and potato skins… You get the picture!

Keep your bags and other reusable containers easily accessible by the door so you never forget to grab them on your way out.

4. Cut paper towels and napkins, not trees.

We’ve talked a lot about single-use plastic, but let’s not forget about paper. Many of us just grab a paper towel to clean up a mess or use several paper napkins when we’re out to eat without considering the consequences. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—we all have habits we’ve practiced for years.

Scaling back our use of disposable cleaning supplies is a simple, effective way to reduce our environmental footprints. And it’s a lot easier than you might think! Sustainable living simplification tips:

Give old t-shirts and towels new life by turning them into cleaning cloths. Simply cut them to a size that works best for you and toss ‘em in the wash when they’re dirty.

Get a set of cloth napkins made from sustainable materials. The Little Market has lots of pretty handmade options (plus, you’ll be supporting a company on a mission to empower women artisans around the world). Or, try making your own with recycled materials—look at you, gettin’ all crafty!

Keep a couple of reusable napkins in the glove box of your car so you’re not tempted to grab the disposable ones in a pinch.

5. Choose better personal care and cleaning products.

Most of us use many personal care and cleaning products every single day. These products can be harmful to the environment in a number of ways—the toxins they contain, the way they’re produced, how they’re tested (often on our furry pals—we can’t have that!) and so on.

And the environmental risks these products pose aren’t off in some distant future. They’re happening now. You’ve probably heard about the debate over problematic ingredients often found in sunscreen (oxybenzone and octinoxate). Growing scientific evidence indicates that these toxins can cause major damage to coral reefs—so much so that a city in Florida recently voted to ban the sale of sunscreens containing them!

Sustainable living simplification tips:

Get friendly with EWG’s Skin Deep Database. This incredible resource will help you keep your cabinets and drawers clear of stuff that’s bad for you and the environment.

Try DIY (check out some genius ideas for at-home beauty and skincare from Crazy Sexy Beauty Editor, Danielle Shine here and here)! We’re programmed buy, buy, buy, but one of the most sustainable things we can do is to take a more minimalist approach to cleaning and personal care products. If you do need to purchase something, consider supporting some of the badass companies doing their part to protect their environment. Juice Beauty, 100% Pure, breathe and puracy are just a few of my faves.

Be mindful of how you dispose of bath and beauty products. It’s usually not safe to dump them down the drain. Brands like Origins have programs that will responsibly dispose of your empties (from any brand!).

Saving the planet starts in your home! Download my free Healthy Home Checklist:

6. Practice conscious online shopping.

Online shopping is more convenient than ever, but it comes at a price. Excessive packaging is one obvious challenge, but it doesn’t stop there. We’ve been trained to expect lighting-fast shipping. This has led to increased demand on unsustainable modes of transportation.

There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to this subject, so while I’m not going into detail here, I suggest watching this quick video—it totally opened my eyes!

Sustainable living simplification tips:

When possible, choose the slower or no-rush shipping option. Doing this reduces the demand for fast, environmentally damaging transportation.

For orders that contain more than one item, services like Amazon often offer the option to package items together instead of shipping them out one at a time as soon as they’re available. Selecting this option cuts down on packaging and inefficient transportation.

Stay mindful! I’m not saying that we should stop online shopping altogether, but small adjustments can make a big impact. Try batching your purchases or picking something up from a local store when appropriate.

7. Make a difference with your plate.

You’ve heard me say this before, but I can’t overstate how damaging animal agriculture is to our planet. Raising beef and lamb for meat produces 250 times more greenhouse gas emissions than farming legumes (source). And according to the EPA, animal agriculture is the number one cause of water pollution.

Plus, more than 70 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. are used on animals to make them grow faster and to prevent disease in their unsanitary surroundings (source). This not only contributes to water pollution, but it also harms fish and other aquatic animals.

Simply put, plant foods have a much smaller environmental footprint than meat and dairy. We can feed more people all over the world AND protect our irreplaceable natural resources by including more delicious veggies, fruits, grains and legumes on our plates.

Sustainable living simplification tips:

You don’t have to cut all animal products to make a difference. Start by treating meat and dairy as condiments rather than main dishes. You might be surprised how satisfying plant-centric meals can be. (Need plant-based protein ideas? Check out my guide here.)

Try Meatless Mondays! This is an easy way reduce your consumption. Plus, it’s a chance to try out tasty new recipes like this Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta or this 1-Pot Lentil, Potato and Spinach Soup from my Test Kitchen Tuesday series!

Wanna go all in for a few days? My Crazy Sexy Reset is a great way to immerse yourself in a plant-based lifestyle without diving into a long term commitment right away.

Our internal environments are deeply (and forever) connected to the environment we live in. Check out these 7 easy tips for more sustainable living from @kris_carr

Before you go, I want to make one thing crystal clear. Pursuing sustainable living does NOT have to mean a 360 degree lifestyle makeover. But I won’t sugar coat it, we don’t have a lot of time to waste when it comes to taking better care of our environment.

So let’s take small, sustainable steps that make us feel good and do good for the world. It all starts with making little tweaks to our existing habits and coming up with smart ways to use the stuff we already own. We’re in this together, sweetheart!

Your turn: Which one of these sustainable living tips will you try? Let me know in the comments below (or share your own favorite eco tip) so we can be each other’s accountability buddies!

Peace and eco-lovin’,

The post 7 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Reduce your Environmental Impact appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

[easyweight101]

AminoGenesis Review: Don’t Buy Before You Read This!

What is it?

AminoGenesis is a line of skin care products designed to reduce the visible signs of aging using amino acid-based formulations.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and all living tissue, and the AminoGenesis philosophy revolves around the idea that everything the skin needs for hydration, nourishment, and protection lies in the very same material it is made of.

The line includes a cleanser, several different serums, a day cream with SPF 30, an under-eye treatment, and an all-over body lotion.  All products are formulated with the 17 plant-based amino acids AminoGenesis is known for, along with many other vitamins and nutrients to enhance their effects.

Our review experts have researched and tested many different anti-aging skin treatments, and have named Kremotex as the best option.  All-natural and made with apple stem cells, shea butter, and other natural ingredients at the forefront of anti-aging science, users are praising its immediate and dramatic results.

Click here for before and after pictures, and learn how Kremotex can benefit you.

Do You Know the Best Anti-Aging Creams of 2017?

AminoGenesis Ingredients and Side Effects

Key ingredients in AminoGenesis:

Ubiquinone Matrixyl Matrixyl Synthe’6 Oxybenzone Octocrylene Witch Hazel Chamomile Extract Butylene Glycol Phenoxyethanol Cholecalciferol Selaginella Extract Tremella Extract Hydrogenated Castor Oil Glycerin Retinyl Palmitate Tocopheryl Acetate Caprylyl Glycol Triethanolamine

Ubiquinone: Also known as Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, cells use this naturally occurring enzyme to make energy.  It has antioxidative properties that can boost collagen and elastin production, and protect skin from harmful free radicals.

Matrixyl: Also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, this anti-aging ingredient promotes collagen production and skin healing.  Studies have shown it to provide more long-term results than many other commonly used anti-aging ingredients.

Matrixyl Synthe’6: Also known as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, this anti-aging peptide compound promotes collagen production and skin healing.  Studies have shown it to provide more long-term results than many other commonly used anti-aging ingredients.

Oxybenzone: Another sunscreen agent, it is also used as a photostabilizer (keeps products from degrading in the presence of sunlight).  It is considered a moderate to high bioaccumulation concern, as this ingredient is a known allergen, can cause endocrine disruption and cellular changes, and is absorbed into skin in significant amounts.

Octocrylene: Sunscreen agent that helps absorb and filter UVB rays.  Can cause biochemical or cellular level changes, as well as irritation and allergic reaction in individuals with sensitive skin.

Witch Hazel: A plant extract used in skin care for its potential antioxidant activity as well as its astringent properties.  Both the high tannin content of witch hazel and the alcohols used distil it can be very sensitizing.  The plant extract also contains Eugenol, another highly aromatic and sensitizing ingredient.

Chamomile Extract: This plant extract contains natural antioxidant properties, and is also known to soothe skin.

Butylene Glycol: Chemical compound derived from petroleum, used in skin care products as a solvent, thinner, and conditioning agent. Petroleum based ingredients can clog pores, suffocate the skin, and exacerbate acne symptoms.

Phenoxyethanol: A germicide and preservative used in cosmetics and skin care products.  This aromatic alcohol is sometimes used as a fragrance and can cause irritation.

Cholecalciferol: Commonly known as Vitamin D, this fat-soluble ingredient contains natural antioxidative properties and is known to condition the skin.

Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract: Known to thrive in the hot and dry desert climate and noted to survive near desiccation, this plant extract has superior hydrating ability and serves as an excellent emollient.

Tremella Extract: A fungi with exceptional water-retention properties and a rich source of Vitamin D, it also scavenges and helps neutralize free radicals.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Derived from the Castor Seed, this oil is used in skin care products to hydrate and soften skin, and it is also a natural germicide and disinfectant.  This ingredient is controversial because it was at one time used as a poison.  Castor Seed Oil can be fatal if ingested.

Glycerin: A natural humectant that can either be derived from plant oils or synthetically made.  Draws water from the air into the skin, and forms a protective layer over skin to lock in the moisture.

Retinyl Palmitate: A combination of retinol (Vitamin A) and the naturally occurring palmitic fatty acid, it is used in skin care as an antioxidant with restorative and healing properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate: This highly potent form of Vitamin E helps protect against free radicals.  It also helps replenish skin lipids, resulting in improved firmness.

Caprylyl Glycol: A humectant and skin conditioner that can be found naturally or synthesized, this ingredient is used in skin care products for its moisturizing properties.

Triethanolamine: An amine produced by reacting ethylene oxide with ammonia, both known toxins.  It is used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and fragrance in some skin care products.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this product with a proven anti-aging cream such as Kremotex for better results.

AminoGenesis Quality of Ingredients

AminoGenesis lists all their ingredients on their website, which is helpful for those with sensitive skin or allergies, or those who simply take an interest in the products they apply to their skin.

The plant-based amino acids included in all product formulations are:

Histidine

Isoleucine

Leucine

Lysine

Methionine

Phenylalanine

Threonine

Valine

Alanine

Asparagine

Aspartic Acid

Arginine

Glutamine

Glycine

Proline

Serine

Tyrosine

Many of the other active ingredients are known antioxidants, emollients, and humectants that can help protect the skin from sun damage, as well as provide deep hydration to the dermal layers.

There are, however, some concerning ingredients for those with sensitive skin.  The cream is mainly formulated with naturally occurring ingredients, but there are also many fragrances, preservatives, and other additives that can cause irritation and allergic reaction.

AminoGenesis claims it is ideal for all skin types, but not all skin types react the same way to certain ingredients.  Before using this or any skin care product, one should always check with a specialist to discuss the possible risks.

Visit link to see which all-natural, age-defying skin cream tops the 10-best list.

The Price and Quality of AminoGenesis

AminoGenesis is fairly affordable, with products starting at around $20 and the most expensive around $90. This may still seem outside of many budgets, but many consumers would be willing to spend a little extra for products known to produce results.

There is no shortage of information about the amino-acid science behind the products and how each ingredient fits into the formula.  This indicates that the developers care about what goes into their products and are dedicated to providing consumers with their research to help them make the most informed decisions.

More information about clinical studies, however, would be a welcome addition, as these are the things consumers want to read before committing to purchase.

Considering the above along with the positive reviews for many AminoGenesis products, it seems like they could be a great value.  A big drawback, however, is there is no money-back guarantee on the products.

Check out which products made the list of top-rated anti-aging skin creams for the best value.

Business of AminoGenesis

The manufacturer of AminoGenesis is AminoGenesis, headquartered in Newport Beach, CA.  Their contact info is:

Phone: (877) 523-4455

Address: AminoGenesis

3419 Via Lido, #219

Newport Beach, CA. 92663

Email: customerservice@aminogenesis.com

There are very few complaints about the company, and most customer reviews for the product are positive.

The main website is professional, easy-to-navigate, and offers detailed information about the science behind their products.  The ingredients are listed along with descriptions and how they function in the formula.

Customers are not required to enroll into a confusing replenishment service or sign up for a trial, which should come as a relief to anyone who has ever had experience with those types of online purchases.

A replenishment service is available for convenience, but customers must consciously select the option at checkout.

There are different purchasing options and packages available, though it should be noted the company does not offer a money-back guarantee.  They will replace defective items and correct shipping errors, but there is no refund policy.

Click here for a comprehensive list of the best age-defying creams compiled by review experts.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using anti-aging creams for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of AminoGenesis

Not all skin care products perform the same for all skin, so until you try AminoGenesis for yourself, you won’t know how the products work with your individual skin type.  Fortunately, there are some online reviews available, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.

The customer reviews are generally positive for the products.

“I appreciate the high quality ingredients.  Lots of other brands load up the formula with stuff that just feels good, not actual nutrients for skin.”

“It’s more expensive that what I’m used to, but after comparing prices on similar products, I’ve found these to be the best quality for the best value.”

The effectiveness of any skin care product depends on individual skin type, allergies, proper application, and many other contributing factors. It is important to be aware of this when researching skin care products based on customer reviews.

To find out which anti-aging cream our review experts have named the best, click here.

Conclusion – Does AminoGenesis Work?

AminoGenesis claims its amino acid-based formulations will provide all the nourishment skin needs to repair and maintain beautiful, healthy skin.  Many of the vitamins and nutrients have been proven to address the underlying causes of premature aging, so most likely this product would produce positive results.

Consumers with sensitive skin or allergies, however, should use caution, as some of the ingredients are known irritants, allergens, and toxins.  The products are competitively priced compared to other luxury brands, but there is also no money-back guarantee.

Our expert reviewers researched and compared many proven age-defying products and agree: Kremotex is the best overall.

Its fast-acting ingredients boost collagen production, and essential antioxidants and vitamins promote cell regeneration, reversing the effects of aging and skin damage.  Many positive testimonials on their website, along with amazing before and after transformation photos show why Kremotex was voted the best anti-aging cream of 2016.

Learn more about the science of Kremotex, and see before and after results by visiting this link.

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