Wellness Podcasts for You AND Your Environment

Wellness Podcasts for You AND Your Environment

The Birth of Podcasting

Did you know podcasting has roots dating all the way back to the 1980s?

Audio talk show programs distributed in digital format, formerly referred to as audio blogs, are considered the be the foundation of the present day podcast. Podcasting began to really take off early in the new century with the introduction of broadband internet and portable audio playback devices. In 2005, Apple added podcasting to its iTunes platform, and later that year in July, the first People’s Choice Podcast Awards were introduced during the Podcast Expo.

As more and more people began to podcast, Podcast Godfather, Gary Leland, in collaboration with Dan Franks and Jared Easley, launched the Podcast Movement in 2014. The Podcast Movement is a conference for new and experienced podcasters to learn and collaborate. This event is still being held and continues to grow by the thousands each year.

Since more than 50 million Americans over the age of 12 listen to podcasts on a weekly basis, it’s no surprise these days to find a podcast on just about any topic you could possibly have an interest in! In fact, according to podcasthosting.org, there are presently over 1 million active podcasts to choose from and over 30 million podcast episodes!

You may listen to podcasts for a variety of reasons, but comedy, education, and news podcasts seem to be among the most popular content.

I like to listen to my favorite podcasts while working, driving, folding laundry, or doing yard work.  Listening to podcasts not only helps keep my brain actively learning and growing but also helps me to stay focused and motivated!

I have compiled this list of my favorite podcasts for Total Wellness for You AND Your Environment touching on all things natural from around the world, some of my favorites, including clean beauty, wellness, self-improvement, motivation. sustainability, eco-friendliness, and ways to be less wasteful.

Clean and Green Beauty Podcasts

Clean and green beauty is one category that is near and dear to my heart since it is one of the main reasons I decided to start blogging. 

I was completely horrified when I starting reading and listening to podcasts about the toxins in our everyday beauty, hygiene and cleaning products! I also felt so guilty for exposing my children to all of these chemicals and toxins. I had always been more inclined to use holistic and alternative natural remedies so I chose to begin reducing our toxin exposure by purchasing greener, non-toxic products or making my own. 

This list of Clean and Green Beauty Podcasts include some of those who have been most influential in my journey!

The Toxin Terminator, Hosted by Aimee Carlson

I have to talk about this podcast first and foremost since it has majorly influenced my awakening on toxic beauty, health, and cleaning products. I think of Aimee as a mentor and have learned so much through her podcast. On The Toxin Terminator, Aimee and her esteemed guests explain hidden toxins in our everyday routines and explain how these toxins can affect your mind and body.

The Toxin Terminator is one of my most favorite podcasts so I am super excited to include Aimee in this post!

Aimee Carlson is THE TOXIN TERMINATOR. She is the host of The Toxin Terminator podcast, a best-selling author, and featured expert guest on numerous podcasts and summits. Aimee has spent the last 7 years removing hidden toxins from her own home to be free of chronic disease and has helped hundreds do the same. Through her podcast, she has had access to some of the top doctors, healers, experts, and industry leaders in the natural health and wellness field. Aimee’s passion is giving hope to those who are still suffering, getting no relief from traditional medicine, and ready to take control by detoxing and cleansing their health and environment.”

The Toxin Terminator is available on Spotify, Apple, Google, Castbox and Podflow.

Check out Aimee’s Blog and find her on Instagram, YouTube, or on Facebook at The Toxin Free Lifestyle.

Aimee has also recently released a book on Amazon! Find it here!

Clean It Up Podcast, Hosted by Jess and Julie

Jess and Julie are two twenty-something best friends who have obsessively researched, adopted, and adapted to clean beauty and sustainable living so much that they decided to start taking notes and share their experiences with others. They graduated college together with a Chemistry and Biology degree, respectively, and dove head-first into figuring out how to eliminate plastic and toxic chemicals from their routines and minimizing waste as much as possible along the way.

Each week on Clean It Up podcast, Jess and Julie explore a specific lifestyle topic – from non-toxic beauty to sustainability at home and on the go – and they dive deep into how it might be made better, cleaner, less toxic, more sustainable, even waste-free. They discuss product switches or newly-developed habits they’ve tried and hilarious fails they wouldn’t recommend to a friend. Jess and Julie are constantly learning and trying new things in this realm and want to continue to share their wealth of information with anyone who has a shared passion or budding interest in being more sustainable or non-toxic!

You can download or stream new episodes of the Clean It Up Podcast every Monday on Apple, Spotify and all other major podcasting platforms.

And don’t forget to follow the Clean It Up Podcast on Instagram and Twitter!

Clean Beauty Podcast, Hosted by Cassandra McClure

The Clean Beauty Podcast is hosted by clean beauty artist turned entrepreneur Cassandra McClure. Cassandra is also the created of Lash Binder and founder of Clean Beauty Con, Retreat and KIT.

The Clean Beauty Podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms!

And don’t forget to follow the Clean Beauty Podcast on Instagram!

Total Wellness, Self-Improvement, and Motivational Podcasts

Total Wellness comes from a combination of various aspects of your life. It’s difficult to maintain happiness in your home and work life if you are struggling with negativity, lack of motivation or inspiration, and unproductivity.  Here are a few podcasts to help you maintain a positive outlook, stop that negative self-talk, and be more productive to improve your overall happiness and total wellness.

Style Your Life, Hosted by Erin Moody and Michelle Arguello

Erin and Michelle are two best friends who know life can be overwhelming and sometimes the odds can seem stacked against you.

On Style Your Life, Erin and Michelle talk about ways to style your life by pursuing personal growth and maintaining a positive outlook and how this can make a HUGE impact on your life! They strive to encourage and enlighten while providing proof that you have the power to change and the ability to overcome anything! Small changes over time lead to BIG results!

Style Your Life Podcast is available on all major podcasting platforms including Apple, Stitcher, Spotify and Alexa.

Follow Style Your Life Podcast on Instagram too!

The Positive Side Podcast, Hosted by Jeremy Todd

Jeremy Todd delivers million-dollar motivation, inspiration, and success strategies for the entrepreneur, manager, business owner, and salesperson. Learn to overcome fear, failure, and adversity by developing a new and positive mindset.

I enjoy listening to The Positive Side Podcast quite frequently and not just because Jeremy is a childhood friend! Catch positivity and productivity tips and guest interviews, all with a comedic twist! 

The Positive Side Podcast is available on any of your favorite podcasting platforms including Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, and more!

And head over to The Positive Side’s website to check out Jeremy’s life-changing coaching programs, sign up for Monday motivation emails, and browse his amazing network of Mindset Change Makers.

Swing on over to The Positive Side Podcast on LinkedInFacebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter too!

Pursuing the Happy, Hosted by Hedy Zhou

Got that go-getter mindset and ambition within you? Love all things creative?

Pursuing the Happy, hosted by Hedy from Happily, Hedy is a lifestyle podcast that delves into self-care, mindset, living green, style, and more. Join Hedy every episode for simple and effective tips to pursue your best life and live happy, along with feature interviews of inspiring people pursuing their happiness.

You can find Pursing the Happy on Achor podcasts.

Check out Hedy’s blog and follow her on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Burned Out, Hosted by Nicole Viveiros

Nicole founded this podcast during quarantine in March 2020 to help others know they are not alone in feeling burned out. On Burned Out, you will not only find a supportive space of encouragement but also get tips and tricks on avoiding burn out and being more productive. Nicole hopes to grow her Burned Out movement to eventually include courses for self-improvement and time-management.

Burned Out is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to! 

Burned Out is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Follow Burned Out on Facebook and Instagram too!

Eco-friendly, Sustainable, and Zero-Waste Podcasts

The number of Eco-friendly, Sustainable, and Zero-Waste Podcasts is rapidly growing! A healthy environment is ESSENTIAL to the total wellness of your body and mind!

Whether you are looking for education, inspiration, or tips for being more sustainable and less wasteful, tune in for advice from people and companies making an environmental impact all across the world!

The Ethical Conversations Podcast, Hosted by Jess Rigg

Jess Rigg is a 19-year-old blogger, Instagrammer, and podcast host from England who focuses on ethical fashion, responsible travel, and low-impact living.

If you’re looking to live a more sustainable life, this is the podcast for you! The podcast was founded during the 2020 pandemic and focuses on everything sustainable, eco & ethical. Covering topics from slow fashion to affordable veganism to consumerism, it aims to be an accessible and non-judgemental space for people to learn about issues affecting our planet. It’s released weekly on Fridays and each episode features a new guest to chat too.

The Ethical Conversations Podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

You can also find both Jess and The Ethical Conversations Podcast on Instagram.

A Greener Me, Hosted by Lucy Warren

A Greener Me is a down-to-earth podcast documenting Lucy’s journey to becoming more environmentally friendly. Each week, Lucy set challenges, presents facts, and introduces some fantastic zero-waste and eco-friendly products she has discovered along her journey.

You can find A Greener Me podcast here and follow on Instagram.

The Environmental Podcast, Hosted by Aaron Chakraborty and Alicia Aikens

The Environmental Podcast is about the widespread cultural and environmental issues of modernity, explored through art, history, pop culture, and ideas for a better society.

Check out The Environmental Podcast on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Follow The Environmental on Instagram.

Sustainability 101 Podcast

The Sustainability 101 podcast brings you tips from around the world on being more sustainable. Sustainability 101 was started by a group of friends who are interested in taking initiatives for bringing about the sustainability revolution with information and insights from the world’s most inspiring eco-friendly change-makers. The vision behind this podcast is to encourage you to “Think Sustainably, and Act Responsibly!”

The Sustainability 101 Podcast can be found on most podcast platforms including Google, Spotify, Apple, and Anchor.

Climate Queens Podcast, Hosted by Kate and Clodagh

“Clodagh & Katie (aka the climate queens) met in 2017 while volunteering in the environmental sector in Dublin, Ireland, and became fast friends! They were constantly exchanging ideas on books to read, actions to take, and regularly brainstorming creative solutions for our planet. As both of them were avid podcast listeners, they soon realized that there was a gap in the podcast-sphere for an easy-listening, approachable and relatively short podcast on the environment, that they could easily consume on their commute. They were looking for the hard-hitting facts with positive solutions and decided to create the exact thing they are looking for. Climate Queens launched their first episode around fast fashion and the environment in April 2019 as part of fashion revolution week. 

CLIMATE QUEENS is a monthly podcast series aiming to raise awareness about the effect that we, as humans, are having on our shared planet and what we can do about it. The changing climate is a vast subject and can be very overwhelming at the best of times, but through sincere chats and numerous cups of tea & coffee, these two Irish gals are breaking down the facts and providing easy, everyday solutions for their listeners to take action for both people and the planet.

Join Katie & Clodagh on the last Friday of every month, where they will be covering everything from global warming, fast fashion, the minefield that is recycling, and everything in between!”

You can find the Climate Queens Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

And don’t forget to follow the Climate Queens on Instagram and say hello!

Positively Green Podcast, Hosted by Kelsey Jorissen Olesen and Becca Tetzlaff

Positively Green Podcast was started in 2018 by Kelsey and Becca, a couple of sustainable-living ladies who believe in the ethical treatment of the earth, the positive power of collaboration, and the impact we, as consumers, can make. With each episode, Kelsey and Becca hope to educate and empower others to live greener lives. They cover a wide range of eco-friendly topics including sustainability tips, holistic living, clean and natural beauty, eco-fashion and so much more!

Positively Green Podcast can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and Libsyn.

Head over to Instagram and follow the Positively Green Podcast too!

Plentiful Lands, Hosted by Naomi Bosch

Naomi Bosch is an agricultural sciences student and passionate nature-lover. She also truly enjoys writing and being able to combine her expertise in science & farming along with her personal experience of trying to live a balanced, fulfilled & eco-friendly life.
Naomi started her blog Plentiful Lands in 2019 and the podcast earlier this year. Through the blog & podcast, she hopes to spread ideas for regenerating farming, people & nature. Naomi envisions a future in which life in harmony and abundance is possible for everyone on our planet!
When she’s not busy with her studies or blog, she loves spending time in nature, chatting with friends over a good cup of coffee, reading, cooking, and listening to podcasts.

Plentiful Lands podcast can be found on Anchor and Spotify.

Plentiful Lands is also on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Sustainable Minimalists, Hosted by Stephanie Seferian

Stephanie started her podcast shortly after becoming a mom in 2017. She found herself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of STUFF her infant daughter “needed”. Stephanie began to question that “need” and face serious personal questions regarding consumerism too. She searched for a space online for mothers wanting to declutter in an eco-friendly way but was unable to find others speaking about sustainable minimalism so she created the space she was seeking for other mothers.

The Sustainable Minimalists podcast focuses on small, deliberate actions we can all take to improve the health of the planet. Through her podcast, Stephanie hopes to inspire greener living and show her audience that being more sustainable doesn’t have to be difficult!

When she’s not podcasting, Stephanie enjoys running, reading a good book, or spending time with her husband, two daughters and yellow Lab.

You can find Sustainable Minimalists on any of your favorite podcasting platforms as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

The Age of Plastic, Hosted by Andrea Fox

The Age of Plastic is an environmental podcast about how to try to live plastic-free, speaking to campaigners, filmmakers, authors, and plastic-free business owners who are doing things more sustainably.

The host of The Age of Plastic, Andrea Fox, is a broadcaster and voiceover artist. She started this podcast to learn what she can do to help halt climate change and to help others learn as well.

The Age of Plastic podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and Podflow.

Follow the Age of Plastic podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Confessions of an Eco-Worrier, Hosted by Mac and Becky

In 2019, Mac and Becky began their podcast, Confessions of an Eco-Worrier, after meeting through a mutual friend’s group challenge for women to reduce their consumption and discovering their similar backgrounds and like-minded, eco-friendly ideals. 

Confessions of an Eco-Worrier is a podcast exploring the possibilities, challenges, and contradictions of trying to reduce our impact on the planet. This podcast introduces tips for caring for the environment while acknowledging our eco-fails and eco-guilt in a fun way! Mac and Becky hope to inspire others to make their own environmentally-friendly changes.

Check out Confessions of an Eco-Worrier on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.

You can also follow Confessions of an Eco-Worrier on Instagram.

Casually Green, Hosted By Shannon and Sammie

Casually Green is a podcast about all things health and wellness. Shannon and Sammie share their experiences and speak with professionals on complementary and alternative medicine, plant-based eating, mental health, and share tips for better environmental consciousness.

Shannon and Sammie, friends for 12 years, began Casually Green in early 2020 in hopes of starting a creative project with a positive impact on the world. Since Sammie is a pediatric registered nurse and Shannon is a board-certified music therapist, they also share song recommendations every week to incorporate their passion for music.  Their goal is to make environmentalism and a healthy lifestyle accessible and attainable for everyone.

Casually Green can be found on Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

Follow Casually Green on Instagram!

 

Zero-Waste Life Hacks Podcast, Hosted by Sofia Ratcovich and Michelle Sinclair

Sofia and Michelle describe ZERO-WASTE LIFE HACKS as a podcast “geared towards showing listeners simple solutions to some pretty big problems without all of the gloom and doom.” They want to show their listeners that there are many easy things we can all do to live more sustainability and feel good about our actions. It’s all about being practical and continuously inspiring each other.

Through their podcast, Sofia and Michelle hope to help you gain knowledge and an understanding of how our daily purchases and ultimately the stuff we throw out can become ZERO-WASTE opportunities instead. Each episode will tackle one item used daily, giving you facts about its global impact and how you, yes even you, can change your daily habits to become a ZERO-WASTE LIFE HACKER!

SOFIA RATCOVICH is a climate activist and founder of the boutique consulting company, Zero Waste Co. She works with her clients to develop and implement sustainability initiatives for special events with the goal of maximizing the efficiency of all operations and minimizing waste. Sofia has trained to be a Speaker for the Surfrider Foundation Rise Above Plastics Program, is an Ambassador with the 5 Gyres and recently completed training as a Climate Reality Leader with former VP Al Gore. Sofia is a mother of 3 and enjoys taking trips to the beach whenever possible.

Michelle Sinclair is a DJ and Music Blogger who is inspired by Sofia’s minimal daily habits towards zero waste living. “I am amazed that Sofia has a household of 4 people and throws away one tiny bag of trash. I want to know more about how she does that!.” Sofia is inspired by Michelle’s ability as a DJ to transform the vibe of a room through her music selection. Together, these longtime friends combined their knowledge and personal connections to create a fun and educational podcast for even the laziest of environmentalists.

This amazing podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google.

Find the Zero-Wate Life Hacks on Instagram too!

Sustainability School, Hosted by Kaisa Kangro and Kai Auger

Sustainability School is a podcast helping to amplify the voices of sustainability and climate change.

Kaisa and Kai began this podcast in 2019 to bring more attention to all of the amazing people and organizations implementing new and innovative solutions to become more sustainable. by producing zero-waste packaging, maintaining sustainable cities, and making reusable swaps for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

“Today, one in ten people on the planet live in a region that’s declared a climate emergency. Climate change is accelerating and we need to take urgent action. But where do we start? Why is it happening and what can we do today to make a difference?” Kaisa and Kai connect with sustainability experts and scientists to provide answers to these questions in their podcasts as well as provide some useful and researched sustainable lifestyle ideas and tips.

Sustainability School is on Apple Podcasts, Google, and Pocketcast.

Join their online, sustainability-focused community for Sustainability School and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Sustainability Champions, Hosted by Daniel Hartz

Daniel started Sustainability Champions in January 2019 when he realized we need to put more attention on sustainability champions who are working hard to save protect and heal the planet. The goal of Sustainability Champions is to give people optimism about the environment and the solutions currently being implemented around the globe.

You can find Daniel’s podcast, Sustainability Champions, on all major podcasting platforms including Apple and Spotify.

And don’t forget to head over and follow Sustainability Champions on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Eco-Fashion Frenzy For Kids, Hosted by Sienna Salcedo

 

Eco-Fashion Frenzy is an earth-friendly fashion podcast for kids. Sienna shares the latest fashion news, trends, history, and ideas as well as interviews with industry leaders. Save the earth fashionably!

Sienna has been an avid fashion-lover since the age of four! She is a podcaster and founder of her own brand, Sienna Styles, and is currently working on creating her own online store. 

My little fashionistas love listening to Sienna on Eco-Fashion Frenzy!

You can find Sienna's podcast on all major podcasting platforms.

Follow Eco-Fashion Frenzy for Kids on Instagram.

Sustainability Of: Podcast

Sustainability Of is a podcast with weekly episodes interviewing people who work for sustainable brands or just live a very environmentally conscious lifestyle. They have had a wide range of prestigious guests including the founder of Sylven NY, Co-Founder of by Humankind, Scéona from Scéona Jewelry, and different podcasters.

New episodes of Sustainability Of: are released every Wednesday at 12AM PST on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Catch up with Sustainability Of on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

This is just a short list of podcasts I have discovered…I am sure there are so many more out there!!!

Drop my a comment with your favorite podcasts (any genre)! I am always looking for new and interesting podcasts to try!

When I started drafting this piece a couple of months ago, I had reached out to quite a few podcasters.

I originally wanted to have a huge, all-encompassing list of all wellness and eco-friendly podcasts in one place, but as the post developed, I made the decision to switch gears and solely focus on those podcasters who took the time to respond to my messages and submit their information.

I spent a painstaking amount of time putting this post together, adding and checking links, and adding photos to help show my appreciation for these podcasters and their time!

I am happy to highlight these podcasts, especially since I personally listen to quite a few of the ones included on this list!

 

Sending MUCH LOVE to all of you who participated!

To learn more about how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, Check out 10 BOOKS & PODCASTS TO HELP YOU LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY.

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Guest Blog: Jessica from Sweet and Spicy Essentials Enlightens Us on Oily Lover’s Simple Remedy Swaps for Common Ailments

Guest Blog: Jessica from Sweet and Spicy Essentials Enlightens Us on Oily Lover’s Simple Remedy Swaps for Common Ailments

 

Hello, I’m Jessica, blogger at sweetandspicyessentials.com. I enjoy learning about essential oils and how I can replace products in my medicine cabinet with natural alternatives. I’m really excited to be a guest here at Donna Naturale. I hope that by the end of this post you will be intrigued by essential oils and all of the ways you can use them in your home, health, and beauty routines.

 

 

 

 

Healthy Swaps

 

 

Have you ever read healthy swap lists for dining out? You know, the ones that are usually called Eat This, Not That? Then they go on to tell you, choose the Chicken Noodle Soup instead of the Clam Chowder and save xx number of calories? Well, that is what you will find in this article only my focus will be on choices you can make in the drugstore for everyday remedies. 

 

 

Advice from Grandma

 

 

When I was a kid, I thought my Grandma was a little weird for always telling me to eat garlic so I wouldn’t get sick. She also loved to remind me to wash my hands, gargle with warm salt water, take a spoonful of honey for a sore throat, and eat some chicken soup whenever I was feeling sick. But then again, this is the same woman who would eat a tomato like an apple and would salt her raw potato, yuck, so I didn’t always heed her advice. Turns out she was pretty smart and I think this came from growing up in a time when there weren’t options from the drugstore to treat every little thing. 

We’ve made a great deal of progress since my Grandma was a little girl growing up in the south in 1918.  She used to slather cold cream on her face later in life and I’m pretty sure cold cream was mineral oil or petroleum. Hopefully, they aren’t still producing that special recipe. Yes, selection and medical science have improved, and with those new chemicals that treat every problem. 

 

 

 

 

Healthy Oils

 

 

First off, one good investment in making your own natural products is purchasing some good healthy oils. Avocado, Coconut, Olive, Neem, Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond, Jojoba. All of these oils are wonderful alone and even better when used as a carrier oil with essential oils. You don’t need to buy all of these, of course, but each has its own benefit. For example, Jojoba is the oil closest to the type of oil we produce naturally in our skin. Apricot is healing and less greasy than most oils, so it is good for use on your face. Neem is great for your hair, bugs dislike it, it can thicken your eyebrows and it’s good for eczema. As you can see, it is an excellent oil to add to your toolkit.

 

 

Quality Essential Oils

 

 

Next, a good selection of quality pure essential oils to be used with the above oils is a priority. To get started I would recommend Lemon, Lavender, and Tea Tree (Melaleuca). Then add to your oil collection as needed. Before you know it you will have collected an awesome essential oil toolkit that you can use for hundreds of recipes. 

 

 

Ok, are you ready? Let’s start swapping!

 

 

Menstrual Pain

Ugh, period pain is the worst. Instead of period relief products like Pamprin or Midol, try any of these essential oils rubbed onto the abdomen with a carrier oil: Clary Sage, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Copaiba.

Clary Calm is a doTERRA blend of Clary Sage Flower, Lavender Flower, FCF Bergamot Peel, Roman Chamomile Flower, Ylang Ylang Flower, Cedarwood Wood, Geranium Plant, Fennel Seed, Carrot Seed, Palmarosa Herb, and Vitex Leaf/Berry essential oils. Not for use in pregnant women. The roller bottle blends are great and easy to apply, especially if you are new to oils and don’t have a large collection of oils. 

 

 

Bloating

Ginger, Fennel, Peppermint, Rosemary, or Lemon rubbed onto the abdomen with a carrier oil will help with digestion and bloat. doTERRA’s premade blend is called DigestZen. It is made from Anise Seed, Peppermint Plant, Ginger Rhizome/Root, Caraway Seed, Coriander Seed, Tarragon Plant Fennel Seed. 

 

 

Athlete’s Foot and Stinky Feet

Ok, those sprays you can buy are expensive and all chemicals. Try this instead: Mix the essential oils of Tea Tree and Eucalyptus with neem oil and rub into your feet and toenails morning and night. Neem oil is an effective antifungal, especially when paired with Tea Tree (anti-bacterial) and Eucalyptus (cooling and healing).

 

 

Muscle Aches

Instead of reaching for the Icy Hot, try this: Mix Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Lavender essential oils with coconut oil and beeswax. Peppermint is the mentholated cooling ingredient in this recipe. Eucalyptus is known for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, and antiseptic properties. Lavender is soothing, relieves pain and inflammation. These three oils together create an effective muscular rub.

Get this recipe and many more on my website: 15 Essential Oil Remedies.

Thanks for reading! I hope you are inspired to try these recipes and start building your essential oil toolkit. 

 

 

Peace, Love & Oils, 

Jessica

 

 

About Jessica, blogger at www.sweetandspicyessentials.com

Sweet & Spicy Essentials is a blog about all the things I’m doing to make myself a happier, healthier more focused Mom. Let’s face it, Motherhood refocuses your priorities. Reaching out and grabbing time for yourself is not always easy, but it is so important! I’m sharing my passion for more natural products and other topics like home, crafts, recipes, and other stuff that helps moms be their best. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to read more about essential oils? Get MORE recipes and recommendations HERE!

Guest Blog: Greensplained Educates Us on Sustainable Oral Care

Guest Blog: Greensplained Educates Us on Sustainable Oral Care

 

You might already be taking steps to reduce the waste your household produces… But there are those few areas where waste just seems to be unavoidable. The truth is, you probably just haven’t been exposed to the alternatives. Dental care can be one of those high waste areas, so let’s tackle it right now!

Consider all the toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and containers of floss that a single person throws out every year – including the plastic packaging that these products come in. Then scale it up to the amount of people living in your country and you quickly realize that dental care is a significant contributor to our global waste problem.

The good news is: the solutions are here, and they are readily available! Below are easy to implement alternatives that will drastically reduce the waste footprint of your oral care routine.

The Problem With Conventional Toothpaste

 

 

Regular toothpaste tubes contain a mix of plastics and aluminum, which makes them unsuitable for recycling. Thankfully, dental care companies are starting to feel the push from consumers asking for more sustainable alternatives. In response, Colgate rolled out a new recyclable toothpaste tube in early 2020. The tube has been under development for years and is available through Colgate’s new Smile For Good toothpaste. The paste itself contains fewer ingredients than most conventional toothpastes and is certified vegan.

Problem solved? Not completely… Current recycling technologies generally depend on a stream of relatively clean plastic. So for the empty tube to actually stay out of a landfill, you will have to cut it open and clean out any residual toothpaste. Even so, the tube can get pulled out from the recycling stream by unknowing workers who mistake it for a regular, unrecyclable tube.

Crushing It Sustainably

 

 

A low-waste alternative is toothpaste tablets. These are dry pills that are crushed in between your teeth and turn into a foamy toothpaste in your mouth. Several different brands of toothpaste tablets are available on the market, including Crush & Brush which come in glass containers, disclose all their ingredients and are cruelty-free. The tablets are particularly useful for traveling: Conventional travel-sized toothpaste tubes are extremely wasteful and their regular-sized equivalents are usually not allowed in carry-on luggage on flights. The solid tablets, on the other hand, do not raise issues with airport security.

 

 

Make Your Own!

 

 

If you prefer to get creative and want to be in charge of selecting your toothpaste ingredients yourself, you can also mix your own toothpaste at home. However, be sure to run the ingredients by your dentist and use care to avoid harsh or overly abrasive materials.

Since the beneficial effects of brushing your teeth depend much more on your toothbrush and on proper brushing technique rather than on your toothpaste composition, you can get away with very simplistic toothpaste recipes. Here are a few ingredients to consider:

  • Coconut oil naturally has antimicrobial properties and can form a great base for your toothpaste
  • Baking soda combats the acidity in cavities and can act as a mild abrasive for removing scale
  • Spices are an easy and safe way to add flavor to your toothpaste

Do not add fluoride to your homemade toothpaste since it has to be very carefully dosed to avoid adverse effects.

Zero Waste Floss

 

 

Floss is a frustrating item based on the ratio of packaging to the amount of actual product. Luckily, there are some zero waste floss brands commercially available. Be aware though, that most of them are based on silk – which is produced by boiling silkworms alive. Among the few silk-free options are FLOSSPOT Gold (available in Canada and the US) as well as the bamboo floss by Earth’s Tribe (available in Australia).

Some people also recommend using an oral irrigator such as a WaterPik as a way to reduce your need for synthetic floss. However, I would advise to use caution. While oral irrigators have other beneficial effects for dental health, they do not serve as a full replacement for regular flossing.

 

Biodegradable Toothbrushes

 

 

Toothbrushes are another source of plastic commonly accepted as a necessary evil. That is far from correct since there is a large variety of biodegradable, safe and hygienic toothbrushes commercially available. I personally use and can recommend Lavish Essential’s bamboo & charcoal toothbrushes.

 

 

Be Resourceful

 

 

From interdental brushes with bamboo handles to recipes for homemade mouthwash, the internet is full of low waste alternatives to commonly used products. Most of them are very easy to implement in your daily routine – others may require a little bit of adjustment. But with the amount of options available, there are no excuses not to make waste-smart choices when it comes to dental care. The cumulative effect over a lifetime is well worth the switch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Ellie!

Ellie Auras is a sustainability coach and waste reduction, advocate. She writes about all topics related to the sustainable lifestyle and businesses on her blog Greensplained.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on everything Green.

 

 

 

Protect Yourself Against the Sun AND Toxins

Protect Yourself Against the Sun AND Toxins

 

Beach vacations and travel may not be an option with social distancing, but we can still get outside and get some fresh air and vitamin D. Regular sun exposure is the simplest and most natural way to get vitamin D. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for an adult is 800-1000 IU. Doctors recommend a diet rich in vitamin D foods along with 5-15 minutes of unprotected midday sun several times per week; more if you have darker skin or live further from the equator where the sun’s rays are not as strong. Forty percent of people are deficient in vitamin D.

 

Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen

 

Chemical Sunscreen

 

Chemical UV filter sunscreens contain toxins such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene to aid in absorbing the sun’s rays safely but are then absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. These chemicals can also be inadvertently passed to babies through the breastmilk of nursing mothers. Potential side effects of these toxins in chemical sunscreens include neurological, hormonal and reproductive problems or inflammation in the brain causing cognitive impairment.

Mineral Sunscreen

 

Mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreen. The active ingredient in mineral sunscreen is usually titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens are considered safer than the toxin-filled chemical sunscreens but can leave a residue on the skin, making it feel sticky.

 

 

 

BEWARE of products advertised as “pure” and “natural”!

 

 

 

The terminology and symbols on the ingredient panel of sunscreen and other health and beauty products can be difficult to translate. Some products may be advertised as “Natural” or “Pure” but can still contain toxic ingredients. There is little to no regulation on the labeling of products this way. Learn ways to decode these labels by educating yourself on labeling terms and symbols or using an app like EWG‘s Healthy Living app.

 

 

 

My Top 4 Mineral Sunscreen Picks:

 

*Kiss My Face Kids Defense Continuous Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

*Supergoop 100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist, SPF 30

*ATTITUDE Mineral Baby and Kids Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance-free, SPF 30

*Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance-free, SPF 50

 

 

For other safe, toxin-free sunscreens, check out EWG’s 2019 Guide to Sunscreens. And watch for the 2020 Edition coming soon!

 

 

 

Choose wisely!

 

 

Just because we are practicing social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t get out in the fresh air! But don’t forget to protect yourself and your little ones from the sun AND from harsh toxins and chemicals by choosing a clean, mineral-based sunscreen. I have filled you in on my favorites and I would love to hear what your favorites are too! Share your favorites in the comments!

 

 

 

 

Guest Blog: C6 Beauty shares a Zero-Waste Face Mask

Guest Blog: C6 Beauty shares a Zero-Waste Face Mask

 

Zero-Waste Face Mask

 

Hands up those who have thrown away food because it’s become too ripe or about to expire. (Actually, I raise my hand.) Unfortunately, this is a common habit. Every day tons of food is thrown in the trash. To avoid this, just buy smart. Maybe buying food only when the fridge or pantry is almost empty, or keeping leftovers for dinner or lunch the next day. Even storing food in the freezer can be an excellent remedy if we cannot eat them in a short time. But what if we follow these suggestions and still have food expiring before we can eat it?

My personal tip is to use this food for DIY recipe, or better, in this case, a ZERO-WASTE face Mask!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zero-Waste Face Mask: Benefits

 

Banana

Banana is a valid ingredient for DIY face masks. It is full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins A and C. It reduces inflammations such as acne and eczema and helps to hydrate the skin.

Honey

Honey represents also another MUST in face masks! It is a natural antibacterial. For this reason, it’s great for acne treatment and prevention. It is also moisturizing and soothing, so let’s add a teaspoon of honey in your recipe, your skin will thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you will need

  1. a half-ripe banana (the one that has been lying in your fruit bowl for days and you’re thinking of throwing it away because now it has turned black! hehe…)
  2. 1 teaspoon honey
  3. If you want to create a face mask with a scrubbing action as well, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of oatmeal. It’s a gentle exfoliator also suitable for sensitive skin.

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure and application

 

The procedure is really easy! Mix half banana and honey until you get a homogenous mixture. If necessary, use a hand blender to avoid annoying big pieces of banana. If you want to add an exfoliating effect, also add a teaspoon of oatmeal.

After cleaning the face, apply the mixture and leave on for 5 minutes. Remove with warm water, pat face dry, and apply a moisturizing cream to start your day!

If you enjoy this content, you can check out my blog for more recipes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click HERE to get a mini-guide from C6 Beauty with DIY beauty recipes using items from your pantry!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST GUEST BLOGGER!!! ***


I am proud to introduce Gabi, the owner of C6 Beauty, a Düsseldorf based blog dedicated to the art of zero waste and natural beauty. 
Before dedicating herself to being a blogger, she spent many years studying chemistry and also obtained a doctorate. It was through this education and scientific knowledge that she became passionate about creating her own homemade products. She loves to study what’s behind every single ingredient and discover its benefits, and is always happy to share what she’s learned!

Welcome, Gabi! Thanks for the wonderful, natural face mask recipe!

 

Sacred Chocolate is certified organic, certified vegan, certified kosher, carbon balanced and produced in a 100% renewable energy factory in California.
Label Confusion

Label Confusion

 

Confusing Labels

 

When I started to transition products in our home to more natural options, I found all of the logos and terms on the back of cleaning and personal care products to be extremely confusing! I had purchased a “natural” deodorant online that was advertised as aluminum-free. Much to my surprise, when I scanned the barcode on the new deodorant before using, I discovered this “natural” deodorant contains triclosan. Triclosan is a harmful toxin added to many deodorants, soaps, detergents, and toothpastes. It is used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Triclosan has been linked to endocrine and thyroid malfunction, reproductive toxicity, weakening of the immune system, and can cause allergies, asthma, and eczema in young children when exposed at an early age.  Needless to say, I chucked this “natural” deodorant and opted for a cleaner one. But I learned an important lesson, just because something says 100% organic does NOT mean it is 100% non-toxic. 

 

Natural, Organic, Vegan, and Clean Products: Definitions

 

Familiarizing yourself with the proper terminology can help you avoid mistakes like I made above when purchasing your own non-toxic replacement products. These terms have different meanings and are not interchangeable…a product that is 100% vegan is not necessarily clean and toxin-free.

When a product is labeled as organic, this means the plant or animal was grown or raised without the use of chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics. Organic beauty products and cleaners are only required to have a very small percentage of an organic ingredient to be “organic”.

The vegan logo certifies products do not contain animal extracts or by-products in both the ingredients and the manufacturing process, but there are no legal regulations on products labeled as vegan. These products may still contain toxins such as artificial fragrances.

 

Products labeled as “natural” follow along the same lines as organic in the sense that there is only a marginal amount of naturally-sourced, plant-based, or mineral ingredients. Natural products could also have a shorter shelf life since they do not contain toxic synthetic preservatives.

Finally, there are “clean” products. Clean products will generally be free of sulfates, silicone, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, petroleum and petroleum derivatives, and artificial dyes and fragrances. In my opinion, clean products are the best choices to make when replacing toxic beauty and hygiene products.

 

Deciphering Product Labels

 

Labels can be deceiving with tons of logos and symbols. It can be difficult to know what the meanings of all of these are. Ingredients are typically listed from highest concentration to lowest. Translating some of the names of these ingredients can be mind-boggling. Luckily we live in the age of Google. If you are questioning a product or its ingredients, look it up! There is so much information literally at your fingertips.

Logos to Look For

The Soil Association Organic Logo – This logo certifies a product is sourced and manufactured using sustainable and organically-farmed ingredients. It also means the product is not tested on animals and is free from harsh chemicals, as well as, artificial dyes and fragrances. You will see this label on products produced and sold in the UK.

 

The Public Health and Safety Organization founded NSF International in the 1960s. NSF is an independent organization and has developed rigorous product standards including 140 currently active public health statutes. The NSF symbol, which is internationally recognized, can be found on all kinds of products from small appliances and personal care products to food and drink and so much more.

Takeaways

 

Labels can be confusing. Be wary of products marked as “natural” or “organic” because, again, there are no real regulations regarding the labeling of these products. Products labeled as organic or natural may still contain toxins like triclosan and artificial fragrances. Also, pay close attention when purchasing products online unless it is a product you have used and trust. Research your products before buying if you are unsure to avoid wasting money on products you will not use.

I also recommend using an app [yes, again] to help scan products to easily decode beauty and cleaning product labels. I cannot stress enough how easy an app like EWG‘s Healthy Living or INCI‘s Think Dirty will make your product choices and your life!

 

Puracy - Natural, Safe, Effective Care.

 

 

***SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST GUEST BLOGGER!!! ***


I am proud to introduce Gabi, the owner of C6 Beauty, a Düsseldorf based blog dedicated to the art of zero waste and natural beauty. 
Before dedicating herself to being a blogger, she spent many years studying chemistry and also obtained a doctorate. It was through this education and scientific knowledge that she became passionate about creating her own homemade products. She loves to study what’s behind every single ingredient and discover its benefits, and is always happy to share what she’s learned!

Welcome Gabi and watch for her post later this week!

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