During that first Whole Foods visit, I became acquainted with two cosmetics lines, Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe.  They got my attention simply because both had elaborate displays and “testers” in the cosmetics aisle.  Zuzu, as it turns out, is owned by Gabriel.  Since my first cruelty-free cosmetics shopping venture, I’ve learned about so many other brands that don’t test on animals and don’t use animal ingredients, but today I put Gabriel and Zuzu in the spotlight, as the ones who started me out. Although I’ve incorporated other make-up brands into my “pretty up” collection, some of their products remain true cruelty-free favorites:

• Gabriel
  Lip Gloss: The “Mocha” and the “Venus” by Gabriel were the first lip glosses I bought.  They’re a little bit heavier than the lip balm or gloss I wear during the day, perfect for evening events. Not only are they cruelty-free, their also gluten and lead free.
• Zuzu Luxe
  Mascara: Natural mascaras are sometimes a little tricky… well, actually messy.  Many people I know complain that ones they’ve tried get flaky on them or smear easily.  I’ve also suffered the smudged-look as I’ve tried some other brands.  However, the Zuzu Luxe mascara in Onyx was the first cruelty-free mascara I bought, and I think I got pretty lucky that day.
• Powder blush: I still use the same “Bella Donna” shade by Zuzu that I purchased during my first cruelty-free cosmetics outing.  It matches my natural complexion and works really well whenever I’m going with earthier, neutral shades on my face… or I’m wearing dark or neutral-colored clothes.
• Lip Gloss/Lipstick: Lately, I’ve been using the “Crystal” (as in clear) lip gloss.  It’s lighter than the Gabriel glosses, perfect for everyday.  Another great option for the lips, for daytime or nighttime — I recently purchased a lipstick (“Obsession”) from Zuzu, also very light on the lips and moisturizing.

Bonus Tip!
If either of these product lines is new to you, try the “tester” at the market if one is available.  And buy one product item at a time.  My biggest mistake when I first started using cruelty-free products was buying everything new all at once: I spent the next couple of years (!) trying to figure out what I was allergic to that was making my face break out.  As a matter of fact, I haven’t quite ruled out the “Rose” powder blush by Gabriel, but I love it so much that I can’t quite bring myself to hand it over to my mom (inheritor of any products that my sensitive skin gets cranky about).

• Garbage bags
  Plastic bags are catastrophic to the environment and animals.  Miles of plastic bags are floating in our oceans and devastating marine life.  See my blog entry on plastic bags from last spring (Plastic Bags – so passé!) to read in more detail.  Bottom line: we need to use biodegradable when we can, and reduce our plastic use overall.  SG’s Kitchen Trash Bags are made from 55% recycled plastic.  Tip: the bottom of these bags tends to open up along the perforation; I just take the two ends and tie them together in a knot before placing in the trash bin
• “Free & Clear” Natural Dish Liquid & Automatic Dishwasher Powder
  Non-toxic & biodegradable, hypoallergenic, free of phosphates — and the dish liquid’s bottle contains 90% post-consumer recycled plastic.
• “Free & Clear” Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
  I can’t tell you how many times people’s comment to me about eco-friendly laundry products is that they just don’t do as good a job.  I think SG works well…  I’ve used the both the powder and the liquid detergent. I’m a huge fan of the “Free & Clear” line: I want my laundry really clean, which to me doesn’t mean ridding my clothes of dirt and then infusing the items with a bunch of chemicals and fragrances!  Ugh.  The chlorine-free, unbleached dryer sheets use plant-based softening agents and are compostable after use.  And the sheets are good for a couple of loads… something to weigh into your shopping decision-making when you see a less expensive box with same number of sheets by another (animal-unfriendly) brand.
• Chlorine-Free Bleach
  This is the cruelty-free bleach that I found works the best on whites.  Since I have a penchant for white bed sheets and white towels, there’s a lot to keep looking white ‘n bright in my home.  Best part: the bleach is non-toxic, free of phosphates and optical brighteners, and — like all SG products, not tested on animals.

also:
Diapers
Though I don’t have any little ones of my own to buy for, the SG diapers still make my fave list.  “Dark green” mamas have made the choice to use cloth diapers.  But if you’re more of a light- or medium-green kind of mom, choosing SG’s disposable diapers is a good option: they are wood-pulp processed without chemicals, chlorine-free, fragrance free, and latex free.  I know many of you think eco-friendly diapers are just too expensive: “You know how many diapers I go through in just one week?” To which I say: exactly.  I know it’s a lot of freakin’ diapers.  Which means making a better choice when it comes to which diapers you’re loading into the shopping cart can make a pretty significant difference.  SG makes chlorine-free baby wipes and training pants, too.

Seven Acts of Seventh Generation
A good way for a company to gain almost instant loyalty from me is to practice corporate responsibility by supporting efforts that go alongside its mission statement and quality products.  SG supports the following efforts by working with other organizations; you can read more about each of them on the Seventh Generation web site page.

1. Toxic Chemical Policy Reform (Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition)
2. Women’s Action To Gain Economic Security (WAGES)
3. Sustainable Palm Oil (Rainforest Action Network)
4. Rethinking Laundry (Project Laundry List)
5. Sustainability Education (Sustainability Institute)
6. Household Care Product Ingredient Disclosure (Breast Cancer Fund)
7. Save the Poles (Save the Poles for Global Climate Change)

Community & Coupons
Join the Nation for semi-monthly e-newsletters and specials, and printable coupons.  Also, the Seventh Generation Blog is a great resource for tips and news. Nice!

elephant-dung pages!

It was back in July 2009, when I first looked into cruelty-free alternatives for the home office, that I came across this idea of making paper out of elephant dung.  Sounds crazy, huh?  It sounded intriguing to me but, admittedly, a little “out there.”  Well, my second great discovery at the TAFA conference last month was, more than a year after my initial office-supplies search, finally getting to meet Mr. Ellie Pooh, maker of elephant dung paper: I got to actually see the paper up close, hold it, feel it.  And I have to say… it really is the shizzle.  The sheets have a wonderful texture — an all-natural feel, with visible fibers running though it.  A soft, papyrus-like paper.  Does it look like something that came from poop?  Not at all!  It looks like something I picked up from a high-end stationery store on the Upper West Side.

So what’s the story with this paper?  It originates from Sri Lanka, home to a tenth of the total population (40,000) of Asian elephants.  In Sri Lanka, the elephants have been in peril because they wreak havoc on farmers’ lands: elephants roam… and they also eat a lot!  So a creative approach to helping these animals has been to find a way to make them contribute something to the farmers’ lives, rather than being solely a detriment.  Now, the elephants are living, breathing paper mills — a resource for money (and jobs) for many of the people in Sri Lanka.  Now, if someone looks like he’s about to shoot an elephant, it’s more likely a neighbor will say, “hey, wait a second… that elephant produces up to 500 pounds of dung each day for us…”

So how exactly does dung become paper? Because elephants are vegetarians, their waste is essentially raw cellulose.  The farmers dry the dung in the sunshine for a full day, then boil it to remove any bacteria.  Afterwards, they create a pulp and press the pulp into sheets. It’s acid-free and — I promise you — stinky-free!  Another great thing about this paper: Did you notice there weren’t any trees cut down and added into the process?  The paper consists of 75% elephant dung and 25% post-consumer paper.  The web site informs: “Compared to using virgin wood, paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions… 50% less wastewater.”  Mother Nature is very happy about this “pachyderm paper” idea, too!

So whether you’re looking for some new stationery or you have some invitations to order, why not be on the cutting edge of cruelty-free cool by using elephant-dung paper?  If this were a Facebook post, I wouldn’t just “like” it – I’d LOVE it!

In Vegas, with my Beijo bag. I never met Stephanie before, but she wanted to be in the picture with me!

Part of the fun at conferences is browsing around the Exhibit Hall and checking out all the vendors: I always walk away with at least a few favorite finds.  At the Humane Society’s Taking Action for Animals conference in July, a cute little handbag caught my eye, Beijo’s “Over the Moon” by designer Susan Handley.  I’d never heard of Beijo before and was excited to check out their full collection on the Beijo web site once the conference-weekend frenzy was over.  The handbags are made with all synthetic materials, come in classic as well as more contemporary styles, and are available in a variety of colors.  Whether you need a new black handbag, or want to have a little fun with a primary color or pastel — or maybe even a floral pattern — Beijo has quite some nice options for you.   I was able to purchase “The Girlfriend” handbag (in red) with the help of a representative out of Phoenix.  Up until now, purchases have been available via local representatives around the country and through Beijo parties in people’s homes.  Currently, the web site lets you browse the different collections and then gives you a way to connect with someone locally.  However, the online store, I’m told, should be up and running by the fall so that shoppers will be able to purchase directly on the web. Or, maybe you’ll want to host a party of your own.

Just a couple of weekends ago, I spied a Beijo bag in the Vegas airport — the “First Date” in red.  While we waited for our luggage, Rachel from Wisconsin told me that she loved her Beijo bags — she has four of them!  Rachel, I hope your Beijo was filled with winnings on your trip back home!

The same is true when it comes to cruelty-free alternatives.  I realize not everyone has a Whole Foods Market nearby, or a handful of vegetarian/vegan restaurants to choose from on a Saturday night.  So maybe some of you out there are reading my posts and thinking, if only I lived in a location that made this possible… Take heart, there are a couple of online sources for you that will bring cruelty-free alternatives to your doorstep!

VeganEssentials.com
In business since early 1998, Vegan Essentials is one of the US’s oldest cruelty-free retailers, based in Wisconsin. The online store is truly a one-stop shopping destination.  Just check out the sale categories that really run the gamut:

• Babies & Children
• Hair Care
• Candles Book & More
• Companion Animal Supplies
• Cosmetics
• Facial & Skin Care
• Bath & Body
• Food & Sweets
• Footwear
• Fragrances & Oil
• Outdoor Wear
• Home Products
• Personal Care
• Accessories
• Shirts & Message Items
• Vitamins & Therapeutics

VeganStore.com
Like Vegan Essentials, Pangea’s Vegan Store has a range of products to meet your day-to-day needs, as well as items for special occasions.  I also like that Pangea’s products are made only in countries where there are labor laws and unions to ensure workers are protected.  There’s a storefront in Maryland, open only on weekends; however, the web site makes online shopping easy and fun.  Free shipping for orders more than $175, so stock up monthly!  Again, a range of offerings that include vegan food items, body care, vegan vitamins, cosmetics, non-leather wallets and belts, men’s dresswear and winterwear, and dog & cat products.

Other cyber-hubs worth checking out: Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe, which also has everything from food to fashion; and my newest mega-fave, Humanitaire.  The web site is home to the online store for the Los Angeles vegan-fashion haven. I love that Humanitaire features local Orange County designers.  And my personal pick from the online shopping selection is the Scent of Scandal soy candles, with names like “Back Seat of My Car” (vanilla), “Get Lei’d” (Hawaiian plumeria), “Hot Mama” (sugar and spice), and “Walk of Shame” (morning dew).  More chic designers and brands are available at the Santa Monica storefront — you know I’ll be stopping by the next time I’m in town!

These sites aren’t just for people living outside of metropolitan areas. My friend Lisa, who lives in DC and close enough to shop at Pangea’s storefront in Maryland, still uses the online shop-op; with a law student’s hectic schedule, she takes advantage of the free shipping and convenience of shopping online… which frees up more time to spend in the library!  And, as a full-time law student and business owner, wife and mom of two canine kids, I certainly can relate to that

Last night, we had “taco night” at home, and I’ve gotten a little creative by adding a hint of italiano to our Mexican fiesta.  Really, when it comes to fixins’ for a taco, you can get as imaginative as you want.  Here’s the basic recipe, including my personal touches.  But the real fun will be coming up with your own ideas about what to add — go wild!

• Trader Joe’s (Trader Jose’s) Taco Shells
  TJ’s hard taco shells are made with organic stoneground yellow corn, which gives the taco a nice crunch.  Similar taco shells from other stores or other brands are fine, or maybe you prefer a soft taco.
• Smart Ground by Lifeline
  “Mexican Style” seasoned veggie protein crumbles.  These take just 5 minutes to heat up in a skillet.  Low-cal and non-fat and delicious.  My Italian touch, a very generous sprinkling of garlic powder.  Note to my Texas friends: Smart ground also is available in “Tex Mex” style.
• Tomatoes-on-the-vine, diced
• Arugula (any lettuce works, shredded)
• Jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
• Organic Black Beans (I use Trader Joe’s)
• Tofutti Sour Supreme
  Non-dairy imitation sour cream.  You must try this — you’ll never look back at regular sour cream again! Lactose-free, butterfat free. A tablespoon has only 2.5 grams of fat!
• Salsa
  So many possibilities! I like the fruity versions especially during the summer months.  One of my Facebook friends recently posted that she’d made mango-pineapple-tomato salsa.  I may have to try whipping up some of that myself…

This is an inexpensive meal and super-quick to get on the table.  Besides heating up the Smart Ground and the black beans, the only preparation is chopping or shredding your “extras.”  In a matter of minutes you can put together your own taco night, whether you’re dining solo or feeding a family.  Enjoy!

What’s to like about Kiss My Face:

• They do not test on animals and do not use animal ingredients
• They use sustainable, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on us and on the planet
• They use post-consumer recycled materials for packaging, as well as for any displays and brochures
• They’re not only eco-friendly — they’re also economically friendly.  Great products and prices that will fit the budget.

Kiss My Face makes soaps, shower gels, toothpaste, lip balm and lip gloss, shave cream, deodorants, moisturizers, hair shampoos and conditioners, organic facial care and sun care.  They also have Kiss My Face for Kids – a line of soaps, shampoos, suncare, and toothpaste especially for the little ones — I’ll be stocking up for the next time my almost 4 year-old nephew comes to visit!  So cute (the products… and my nephew Nicholas)!

My personal faves:

• Liquid Moisture Soaps
  I use these pump-soaps for the bathroom at my yoga studio and also have used them in my home.  The pear scent is really nice, and I’m happy to report that KMF is also making their soaps paraben-free now.  In my DC apartment, I bought the “fragrance-free” for both the bathroom and kitchen sink areas.  (about $6.00 each).  For those of you who like bar soaps, try the Olive Oil Bar Soap ($2.99).
• Organic Moisturizers (for the body)
  “Almost Butter”– A combination of certified organic jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
  “C’s the Day”– Ester C has anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties and stimulates collagen production; almond oil and jojoba oil make your skin super-soft!
  *both moisturizers are just $10.95 each!
• Tinted Facial Moisturizer
  Tinted moisturizers are awesome! Light enough not to feel greasy or heavy.  Perfect for daytime, when I just need to hydrate my skin and even out my color a bit.  KMF’s tinted moisturizers are inexpensive ($9.99) and the “Sisal” shade matches my complexion perfectly.
• Trial Sizes
  I LOVE that KMF makes so many trial sizes of their products! First of all, it makes it so much easier for shoppers who are just starting to make the switch to cruelty-free alternatives.  There are so many products out there — buying trial sizes is a good way to figure out what works best for you (especially if, like me, you have sensitive skin or allergies); and, at a little over a dollar each, trial sizes also are an inexpensive way to try new things.  Second, the trial sizes are perfect for traveling, whether it’s a weekend conference trip, a family vacation, or a quick overnight to Vegas to catch a show.