Conscious Cosmetics

BY BETH WEITZMAN

TThese eco-friendly, clean beauty brands are doing their part to produce sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly products that are gentle for both people and the planet.

Bringing forth a history of science and sustainability, Biossance prides itself on creating incredibly effective skincare without harm to the environment. Every Biossance product undergoes in-depth clinical testing and is EWG VERIFIED, meeting rigorous transparency requirements and stringent criteria for health safety, including being free of “chemicals of concern.” Exclusively using ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, the brand bans more than 2,000 ingredients from its line. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and crafted without any parabens, synthetic fragrance, PEG, sulfates, phthalates, or mineral oil. They are also dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types. Furthering its commitment to the planet, Biossance sources its cornerstone ingredient (squalane) from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane that is biofermented. The brand also partners with Oceana on its efforts to keep our oceans healthy, safe, and abundant, and utilizes conscious packaging (tubes and bottles are completely recyclable and the brand’s outer cartons are made from renewable sugarcane paper). For every order shipped, the company plants trees and funds reforestation efforts. Biossance’s newest product is the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer with fermented lemon peel. These powerhouse ingredients work together, providing skin with antioxidant support to fight free radicals and pollution, while providing weightless hydration, radiance, and brightness. $54, 1.69 fl. oz. at www.biossance.com, Sephora, and www.sephora.com. Founded more than 12 years ago, Babo Botanicals focusses on sustainably sourcing ingredients that are good for all—good for you, for local ecosystems, and for the farmers who grow the ingredients. As a mom on a mission to create clean, natural, effective, safe-for-the-entire-family products, Kate Solomon’s first formulations for her line were produced with ingredients she found in her garden. Combining knowledge of sustainable agriculture that she learned as a kid with her knowledge of product development learned while working at a major beauty company, Babo was born. The brand’s products are made in the U.S. and are certified Animal TestFree by PETA and cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. Babo is one of the first beauty brands to receive a B-Corp certification, with several of their products EWG VERIFIED. Babo incorporates ultra-nourishing ingredients such as organic aloe vera, oat, shea butter and chamomile into its products. Among popular offerings: Three-in-One Calming Lavender & Chamomile Bubble Bath, Wash, and Shampoo ($16); EWG Verified™ Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Wash ($16); Swim & Sport Citrus Mint Shampoo and Wash ($13); Sport Citrus Mint Conditioner ($12); Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Oatmilk & Calendula Lotion ($14); Daily Sheer Fluid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($20); and Plant-Based Hand Soap Collection (Lavender Dream, Eucalyptus Remedy and Sensitive Baby) ($9 - $13). For more information visit www.babobotanicals.com.

Making sustainable changes in life often results in small compromises of lifestyle, like implementing reusable water bottles, switching to chemical-free cleaning products or taking shorter showers. A lot of us tend to focus on these small changes, and although this is a great place to start, we often forget to consider the larger changes we can make for the environment — particularly through the creation of healthier homes in Arizona. Here, Phoenix-based green Realtor Ali AlAsady walks our editor through what it means to have a healthy home and the long-term positive impacts we can make for the planet.

Q: What is a healthy home?

Al-Asady: A healthy home is one that is designed, constructed, rehabbed, or maintained in a manner that prevents housing-related diseases or injuries. A healthy home can mean a variety of things — from choosing carpets that haven’t undergone chemical processes to buying a certified home that uses technology to improve air quality while also reducing energy consumption.

Q: What is the first step in making your own home healthy?

Al-Asady: Buyers generally select homes based on location, nearby schools or mortgage prices, but rarely consider how much our houses cost to operate through utilities. For example, a certified home could save $100,000 on utility costs over a 30-year mortgage. As a bonus, according to the Department of Energy, energyefficient homes can also improve occupant health outcomes related to asthma, hypertension, and allergies. Q: What are your proudest contributions to sustainability efforts in the real estate field?

Al-Asady: In 2021, I received the EverGreen Award from the National Association of Realtors and was named by RISMedia as a sustainability champion. I’m also honored to have been recognized by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC). In my spare time, I enjoy teaching classes and speaking nationally on sustainable practices.

Ali is a local realtor with HomeSmart with 20 years of experience. He can be reached at 623-332-4116 or via email at ali@alialasady.com.

Q: Can anyone have a healthy home?

Al-Asady: Absolutely. There are three primary things to focus on to make your home healthy. First, in the building process, it’s important to find a builder who cares about sustainable practices. In Arizona, there are six “green home” certifications that deal with home health. Finding a builder who adopts such certifications is a great step. For already existing homeowners, it’s a great idea to start with energy audits to identify any energy leaks in your home, whether it is a leak in ducts or doors. Finally, ventilation is key in Arizona. Making sure sources of air within the home vent to the outside is crucial. We also have a DIY checklist that we provide to our clients. Q: What are some sustainable technologies in the houses you show?

Al-Asady: One of my favorites is fresh air mechanical or fresh air intake, and the energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This tool helps air-tight buildings to breathe by distilling air out of the building in exchange for fresh air. Other technologies include one device that could track temperature, humidity, CO2, dust, and VOCs while reporting in real-time via the app. Another thing to consider is that gas appliances are known to create indoor air pollution even when not in use. By substituting electric appliances for gas models, your home could potentially eliminate up to 2.5 metric tons of carbon released into the atmosphere each year. It’s like taking a car off the road for an entire year.