THE SLOW REMEDY IS A FRAGRANCE FREE SAFE ZONE.

PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE WEARING SYNTHETIC PERFUME PRODUCTS.
THIS MAY INCLUDE AFTERSHAVE, VARIOUS SPRAYS, LOTION, OR DEODORANT. 

Some perfumes sneak their way in to soaps (think axe body wash). While it is very rare that this happens, i reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who comes in wearing fragrance that I cannot tolerate!

Continue reading below for more details on why fragrance triggers illness or why 1 in 2 people get cancer. 

The chemical contamination of our environment resonates with me on a more personal level because I am environmentally ill and have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). I am the "canary in the coal mine." It's time for us to collectively understand that we all share the air. My air is your air and your air is my air. I am here to remind you to re-evaluate the common household chemicals and personal care products that have been heavily marketed to you for your entire life. According to a 2015 study, "37 widely-used products (air fresheners, laundry products, cleaners, and personal care products), identified 156 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), with an average of 15 VOC's per products. Of these 156 VOC's, 42 are toxic or hazardous under federal laws, and each product emitted one or more of these chemicals." Surprising, isn't it? Your perfume, cologne, and fabric softener may be leading you down the path to illness. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic, cause brain and nervous system inflammation, and are classified as "xeno-estrogens," meaning that they mimic hormones in your body, causing endocrine hormone disruption. These chemicals are linked to chronic health conditions including but not limited to obesity, diabetes, eczema, thyroid disorders, anxiety and depression. Not to mention, many of these chemicals are known to be mass murderers of the bee population. Of the 80,000 different chemicals in use today, hardly any are evaluated for safety before being brought to the market. The billion dollar fragrance industry is completely unregulated.

It's unfortunate that the corporations do not have our best interests at heart when it comes to our health. Fortunately, we have the power as consumers to put them out of business and find cheaper, healthier, and even do-it-yourself alternatives. Feel free to contact me or ask me anything related to environmental illness or household chemicals you may be using. In the meantime, check out the information below!

Media coverage LInks on widespread chemical contamination

Contaminating Our Bodies With Everyday Products (NY Times)

Impact of Cleaning Products on Women's Lungs as Damaging as 20-a-Day Cigarette Habit: Study (Newsweek)

Wall Paint, Perfumes and Cleaning Agents Are Polluting Our Air (NPR)

link: Documentary on the Toxic Fragrance Industry

Suspicious of any of your cleaning or body care products?

Virtually search your products and find their toxicity rating on Environmental Working Group's cosmetic database.

Brand Recommendations

Thankfully we live in Portland, where are there a number of options of where to buy products free of fragrances and petrochemicals. Please visit the various natural food stores in town to find the brands that I recommend below. There are many others!

Body Care/Hair Care

• Alaffia

• Desert Essence

• Oregon Soap Company,

• Dr. Bronners

• Aubrey Organics

• John Master's Organics

• Uncle Harry's
  
   

I have found Jane Iredale and Honey Bee Gardens to have among some of the best mascara. It is also worth noting that the less products you use on your face, the better. A lot of ladies get caught up in needing "face wash" and lotions, but the reality is you're making your skin condition worse by using these products. The more simple your skin care regime, the better your skin will look. Similarly, the more clean your diet and lifestyle is, the better your skin will look. So, if you're struggling with acne, don't go rushing for the Clean and Clear. Change your life. This is a great blog on how to achieve clear skin: https://thelovevitamin.com/

Deodorant

• Lafes

• Crystal

• Herban Cowboy (unscented)

• Schmidts
  

There are other acceptable brands, but I have found these to be the most pure. Always read labels. This applies to any body care product. If you can't pronounce an ingredient, question it. Anything you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream. Would you eat your deodorant?
 

Do-it-Yourself (DIY)

We often forget that there once was a time when we didn't need to depend on corporations to provide us with convenience products. Often we can do away with plastic bottles and save a lot of money if we make some of the products that we use, if we have the time. If this is something you are interested in, google homemade recipes. Or better yet, check out this handy book, "Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills" by Raleigh Briggs.