ISSUE #07
THE LUXURY OF CHOICE INTERDEPENDENCE INSIDE
LUXURY CRUELTY FREE BOY/GIRL LAUNDRY TIPS MICROBEADS
SOME PEOPLE THINK LUXURY IS THE OPPOSITE OF POVERTY. IT IS NOT. IT IS THE OPPOSITE OF VULGARITY. -COCO CHANEL
As our world evolves so do our perceptions and desires. We find ourselves in a society that has begun to appreciate sustainability over excess. As the idea of positive change becomes more noteworthy, words like luxury and beauty are being redefined. Luxury is more commonly defined by experience rather than possessions. Beauty is defined by vitality more than photoshopped ‘perfection’. In this issue we explore the idea of luxury and beauty through ethical choices. We are all able to make choices that can help alleviate suffering in this world, and that is a truly beautiful luxury.
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CHOOSE KINDNESS CHINA’S MANDATORY ANIMAL TESTING ON ALL IMPORTED BEAUTY PRODUCTS REVEALS THE DEVASTATING COST OF THEIR 32 BILLION DOLLAR COSMETICS INDUSTRY.
Did you know it’s legal to test cosmetics on animals in nearly every country in the world? This happens despite the many alternative methods to test cosmetics, some that have been around for over 70 years.
has announced that beginning in June 2014 some domestic products are no longer required to be tested on animals. This is a great step, but a small one.
While most countries simply allow animal testing, some countries have made the move towards banning all animal testing. Israel, Norway and the European Union have all banned animal testing for any products made, sold or marketed in their countries.
The best way to make a difference these days is to vote with your purchases. The reality is that no company will continue creating a product that doesn’t sell. If it’s tested on animals, don’t buy it. If the brand is sold in China then it has been tested on animals, don’t buy it. Choose products and companies that support the humane treatment of animals. Look for the ‘Leaping Bunny’ icon on products to ensure that the things you’re using to wash your hair or moisturize your skin don’t come to you at the cost of other sentient beings.
Then, there’s China. China currently requires animal testing on any imported cosmetic products. Since 1990, any product that will be applied to skin must be tested on animals. That means lotion, body wash, makeup and shampoos are all required to be tested on animals. With a 32 billion dollar cosmetics industry, some reports estimate that China is responsible for 300,000 mice, guinea pigs, rats and rabbits being tortured and killed each year. China recently responded to pressure from consumers and activists regarding domestic products. With the help of Humane Society International and supporters worldwide China
So, what can we do?
You can also start in your own backyard. The US still allows animal testing for cosmetics. You can urge your local representative to co-sponsor a bill before congress to ban animal testing in the US. The Humane Society has information on this bill and other ways to get involved on their website www.humanesociety.org. We’re all in this small world together, and that means all living things.
CHOOSE COLLABORATION A LOOK AT UNLIKELY COLLABORATORS AND THEIR LIKE-MINDED CREATIONS.
Collaboration with like-minded people is one of the most rewarding things we can do with our lives. There is a kind of synergetic creative energy that only happens when people are working together. EO is proud to announce our collaboration with Got A Girl, featuring Dan the Automator and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. They were brought together by an affinity for 60s French Pop, soulful girl groups and lush arrangements. Their new album, ‘I Love You, But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now’ released on July 22, 2014.
Dan and Mary’s shared love for essential oils brought them to EO® where Brad and Susan helped them to create two enticing, signature scents. When asked to describe the scents, Dan said, “Boy is like walking in a forest at the edge of a meadow, it’s very woodsy but there’s a hint of flowers at the edge. Girl is the meadow, flowery and sunny, but you can still smell the forest.” The perfumes will be available soon online. The scents are not named for who can wear them, they can both be worn by anyone. In fact, they can even be worn together.
www.eoproducts.com www.got-a-girl.com
CHOOSE VITALITY A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TRANSFORMATIVE EFFECTS OF THE EXOTIC PLANT OILS FEATURED IN OUR NEW BODY SERUMS SET TO HIT THE SHELVES THIS SEPTEMBER
After twenty years of making plant based personal care products we have finally begun making the blends that we have always dreamed of making. These elite and exotic blends of plants work together so beautifully that their effects seem magical. Our first product in the Evolution line are our organic body serums. These beautiful, transformative serums are made up of some incredible base oils. We’ve explored what each of these oils can do for your skin: Organic Jojoba Seed Oil Jojoba has been used for skin care for years because it quickly absorbs into skin and leaves no greasy residue. Jojoba is also known for its antiseptic qualities and has been known to assist with clogged pores and acne prone skin. Jojoba oil is one of the world’s best skin softeners and is very effective in treating dry skin and giving it a more youthful appearance. Organic Avocado Oil Avocado oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids (yes, the same ones found in fish), these essential fatty acids visibly reduce the signs of premature aging. This quick and deep absorbing oil is also high in something called sterolin which has been shown to soften skin and reduce age spots. Avocado oil is also high in antioxidants which help in the healing of skin, especially sun damaged skin. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) This vitamin has been used for happier, healthier and younger looking skin for ages. Vitamin E gets into the layers of skin and improves elasticity for smoother, more touchable skin.
Organic Argan Oil Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, two key factors in healthy and more youthful skin. Argan oil’s ability to visibly reduce the signs of aging have made this lovely Moroccan oil one of the most sought after ingredients in skin and hair care. Organic Palm Oil This lovely antioxidants which help the skin to fight free radicals and visibly reduce the signs of aging. Organic Coconut Oil Coconut oil is great for skin, smoothing and improving texture. It also smells great and that’s never a bad thing. This lovely, rich oil lends a piece of the tropics to our organic body serums. Organic Olive Oil Olive oil is one incredible oil. High in antioxidants, it helps fight sun damage and free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which can help reduce puffiness and other inflammation.
CHOOSE CLEAN TINY, TOXIC PLASTIC ADDITIVES TO PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS ARE GATHERING IN OUR WATERS DESPITE NATURAL AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES
Everyone® Exfoliate uses pineapple enzymes insead of toxic microbeads. Microbeads are little balls of plastic found in face washes, soaps and toothpaste. These tiny, toxic pieces of plastic are designed to wash down the drain. Our current water treatment methods are not adapted to catch them. The result? Millions and millions of plastic pieces in our water supply, in the bellies of fish and wildlife and gathering in our lakes and oceans. June, 2014 was a landmark month for the banning of microbeads. Illinois banned the use of all microbeads by the end of 2017. New York, Minnesota, Ohio and California all have bills in the works to ban microbeads as well. And New Jersey congressman, Frank Pallone has proposed the Microbead Free Waters Act of 2014 which would ban all microbeads in the US. There is even an international app called “Beat The Microbead” that launched last year that
allows consumers to scan a product and see if it contains microbeads. Microbeads are harmful to our environment, our food supply and our water supply. So, why would companies make products with them? There seems to be no good answer. Every product that uses them could be using another (usually better) ingredient that would do the same job. Chemical exfoliants, like pineapple enzymes, are safer for your skin and the whole ecosystem. So, what can we do about microbeads? As always, vote with your purchases. Download the free Beat the Microbead app or just check the ingredients list, if it contains Polythylene, Polypropylene or Nylon then it contains plastic. Don’t buy products that contain microbeads, it’s an easy way to help our waters stay clean.
750X MAGNIFICATION OF MICROBEADS MICROBEADS RANGE FROM 1-100 MICRONS (.001-.01 MM) IN SIZE
CHOOSE AROMATHERAPY AN EASY, ECOLOGICAL AND MOOD CHANGING ALTERNATIVE TO THE WAY YOU USE TO DO LAUNDRY.
What we have come to know as “typical” laundry detergents are made with ingredients that are harmful to our environment and to our health. Ingredients that can cause cancer, asthma, allergies and long-term negative effects on our ecosystem are used and washed down the drain. There are alternative choices. The method described below has no negative impact on our environment. In addition, this method of using essential oils in the rinse can actually improve your life with aromatherapy. Items needed
Directions
⋅ Your favorite EO All Purpose Soap (lavender, peppermint or lemon)
1. Pretreat: Pretreat any stains by rubbing some All Purpose Soap (APS) directly into the stain before washing.
⋅ Baking Soda ⋅ Your favorite EO® or Everyone® Essential Oil ⋅ A washcloth
2. Wash: Use APS as your laundry detergent, ¼ cup (two squeezes) is enough for a medium load, adjust according to your washer’s capacity. 3. Rinse: On the rinse cycle add ¼ cup baking soda with 6-8 drops essential oil to the wash (just add the essential oils to the baking soda and gently mix). 4. Dry: Add 4-6 drops essential oil to a washcloth and add to the dryer.
Why it’s a good idea: The APS cleans your clothes and the baking soda softens them naturally. The essential oils bring the benefits of aromatherapy and can be chosen for their scents or for their effect. For instance, using a mixture of rosemary, eucalyptus and mint oils for pet bedding can help dissuade fleas and ticks. Plus the soap has none of the harsh chemicals found in mainstream detergents and won’t harm you or the environment.