Suntan Lotion and Safer Choices

Leave a comment June 26, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Sunscreen: A very talked about subject as it should be since the sun is baking these ingredients into your skin. Many of these ingredients are hormone and endocrine disruptors and are especially dangerous to young children whose bodies and brains are still developing. Some sunscreens have active ingredients such as: octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, phthalates, parabens, sodium laureate sulfate and fragrance and you should be on the lookout for these ingredients. Many of them are also known carcinogens.

This is very concerning to us at GLG and we want you healthy and safe and putting the best ingredients on your skin as possible. To help sort through this very complicated sunscreen road map The Environmental Working Group(EWG) puts out a sunscreen guide every year. There is great info here and we wanted to share it with you Check out their guide

The Green Living Gurus has a list of sunscreen that we recommend. Shop here for Sunscreen Have a safe and healthy summer!

** The Green Living Gurus earn a very small percentage from our Amazon store.

Dryer Sheets – Why You Need To Ditch Them!

2 Comments May 11, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

I get asked all the time, “what would be the first item you tell people they should stop using?” This is hard to answer but I immediately ask if they use Dryer Sheets. Personally, I can develop a headache immediately from the scent coming from the chemicals in dryer sheets. Walking the neighborhood, I am on high alert for toxic fumes coming from laundry vents. The smell has become ubiquitous. I am lucky because my immune system is strong and I can fight off these chemicals. Others with auto immune disorders are not so lucky and they can suffer from burning skin, respiratory irritation, anxiety attacks, nervous system disorders, and irritability.

What if I told you the dryer sheets you use are full of ingredients that you would never want bear your skin? You may see advertisements stating “Super Fresh Smell” or “Spring Burst” or ‘White Lavender & Sandalwood” depicted on the dryer sheet box. You’ll probably see images of flowers, or line-dried laundry and claims of wrinkle-free, static freshness, and fabric softening. What you don’t see is the list of chemicals listed on the box.

As ridiculous as it seems, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require dryer sheet manufacturers to list actual ingredients, including the chemicals used in their ‘fragrance’ blends. Acetaldehyde is a very common ingredient used in fake fragrance blends. It’s “potentially carcinogenic to humans” and adversely can impact the kidneys, nervous and respiratory systems including your lungs. Benzene is another chemical known to be on the lookout for even though it will never be on the label. Both of these chemicals are also pollutants that commonly come out of vehicle tailpipes. Most dryer sheetsare also coated with a chemical lubricant called Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QACS), which is known to exacerbate asthma symptoms and irritate skin, and has been linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

These chemicals adhere to your clothing, sheets and towels. They also release VOCs which are gases released into the air in your home and outside through the vents.

Could these chemicals such as acetaldehyde and benzene, which are considered carcinogenic, actually be making you sick? Potential Health related issues could be:

Asthma
Respiratory illness
Runny Nose
Skin allergies
Migraines
Breathing issues

From an Environmental standpoint: Dryer sheets aren’t needed to keep clothes clean or static free. As single-use products, they produce needless amounts of waste and emit potentially harmful chemicals into the air. It may be prudent — as well as environmentally responsible — to switch to an alternative. Most people have no idea they’re introducing such nasty pollutants into their neighborhoods. Some of these chemicals are also considered toxic to wildlife.

Alternatives: The good news is you can survive without dryer sheets even though t it may be tough to give up that smell at first. I often hear from clients that they are so grateful they stopped using dryer sheets and they can’t even stand the smell anymore. This is music to my ears whenever I hear that!

Static Cling: To help with static and softness for your laundry: Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to the Washing machine rinse cycle

Fresh Essential oil smell: Use Dryer Balls with Essential oils. They soften fabric by virtue of their woolen texture that helps fluff up the fibers in your laundry. Click here to view the the recommended dryer balls from our store.

Fresh Air: Try hanging your clothes outside on a clothes line. There is nothing better than fresh air smell! As I write this in May of 2020, everything old is becoming new again so give it a try! You may just see what it truly means to smell like “Spring Burst” or a “Super Fresh Smell” for real.

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Chemical Distancing… and How To Practice Safely!

Leave a comment April 30, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Chemical distancing is nothing new for us. My sister and I have been practicing this for a long time. We cannot come near anyone that uses dryer sheets and as soon as we detect them on their clothes we have to move away. We both will instantly get a headache. We cannot walk down the cleaning supply aisle of the super market. If we are in a bar or restaurant and someone has perfume or cologne on, we immediately have to move away. If we smell toxic laundry detergent coming out of a house vent or a laundry mat, we immediately cover our faces. We have to specifically ask an Uber/Lyft driver to remove any air freshener insert before we get in their car. When our neighbors do their laundry with fragrance or dryer sheets, we have to close our windows and go indoors. If we see a yellow “pesticides sprayed here” sign on a lawn, we walk a different route. We are so in tune to these toxic chemicals and the affect on our health.

I am lucky because my immune system is strong and I can fight off the chemicals. My sister is not so lucky. She has an autoimmune disorder called Mitocondrial Dysfunction. If she comes in any contact with these horrible toxic ingredients she can have multiple health reactions including a severe migraine for days, a burning sensation in her ears and skin, hives and rashes and potentially so severe that she has ended up in the hospital.

Products we use everyday may contain chemicals linked to health problems, like breast cancer, reproductive issues including infertility and birth defect, asthma, autoimmune disorders and other illnesses. Here are a few ways you can also practice safe Chemical Distancing.

Avoid Fragrance

Shop for laundry detergents, cleaning supplies and personal care products labeled “fragrance-free” Warning: “Unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free!
Don’t use air fresheners that have chemicals in them
Get rid of your perfume/cologne and replace it with a safe alternative
Get rid of dryer sheets
THE FACTS: Fragrance can be made up of hundreds of chemicals. Companies do not have to reveal these ingredients.

Give Your Personal Care Products a Makeover

Read the labels to avoid chemicals like parabens, phatlates, sodium laureth sulfate, and oxybenzone.
THE FACTS: Personal care products contain a wide variety of chemicals. These products are applied directly to your skin and absorbed into your bodies. Some are known to be of concern, and many lack research to prove safety for your health.

Ditch the Air Fresheners

Open a window – Ventilate your home with outdoor air, even in the middle of winter
Use essential oils
Simmer herbs or spices on the stove.
Use an Indoor Air purifier that uses a HEPA filter
Use Azuna Fresh – a natural tea tree oil product
THE FACTS: Air fresheners with chemicals add unnecessary toxins to your home including ones that may disrupt your hormones, harm your children and add unnecessary chemicals to your indoor air.

Indoor Air and HEPA Air Purifiers

Leave a comment April 28, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Breathing clean air has been in the news quite a bit and the affect it is having on ones health and lungs. As reported by The Atlantic,”The immune system is a function of the communities that brought us up and the environments with which we interact every day. Its foundation is laid by genetics and early-life exposure to the world around us–from the food we eat to the air we breathe”

Running an air purifier at home can be a good idea anytime, to help filter out indoor allergens and pollutants and that’s especially true now, when so many people are stuck indoors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In theory, if an air purifier removes viruses from the air, it reduces concentrations in the room and thus reduces the potential for exposure,” says Linsey Marr, an environmental engineer and professor at Virginia Tech who specializes in airborne disease transmission, air quality, and nanotechnology. “So there is a mechanistic reason to think that air purifiers could help reduce transmission.”HEPA filters are very effective. They are certified to capture 99.97 percent of particles that are precisely 0.3 micron in diameter. And they are even better at capturing particles that are either larger or smaller than that, Marr says, including viruses.The novel coronavirus itself is 0.125 microns, but Marr says the droplets it travels in—when people cough, talk, or breathe—initially are larger, around 1 micron. That’s a size easily captured by HEPA filters. (Consumer Reports Magazine 4-2020)

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air purifiers help eliminate free flowing particles in the air that are not visible to the human eye, but can cause great health risks. The percentage of particles removed from an air purifier is also dependent on the design and air flow construction of the air purifier itself.

If you cannot give up your “Clorox wipes” or your “Windex” and any other toxic product, than I highly suggest you have an HEPA air purifier to at least rid the room of these toxic chemicals. Whether you buy from us or not, make sure you do your due diligence. There are many models out there and they are not all created equal.

The air purifiers that we sell are Medical Grade HEPA which captures airborne particles. They are portable so you can target specific areas in your home. The air purifier unit can be placed in your bedroom at night where we spend over one-third of our lives and where most dust mite debris collects.

If you want complete peace of mind to know your home and office air are clean and mostly free of toxins and chemicals, The Austin Air Healthmate Plus® Air Purifier is the right choice for you. With its broad-spectrum adsorption, the HealthMate Plus will remove the widest range of chemicals and VOC’s, as well as allergens, pet dander, dust, mold, viruses and bacteria. There are other models but this one removes a wide range of gases, chemicals, VOC’s and formaldehyde.

For more information on air purifiers and to learn about our discounts and special packages please contact us at 716-868-8868 or email us at Greenlivinggurus@gmail.com

Here is a link to all of the Austin Air Purifier products that we offer: https://austinair.com/shop/ Green Living Gurus are an ‘Authorized Dealer’ for Austin Air Products®, made in Buffalo, NY, USA.

Too see the specs and certified buyer testimonials: https://austinair.com/shop/healthmate-plus/#

Other ways to make sure you have clean air in your home:

Clean Ceiling Fans regularly
Air out Dry Cleaning before you bring it inside your home
Use plants around you home
Clean filters in window air conditioners and change filters in whole house units yearly
Open your windows even in mid winter if only for a few minutes
Have your ducts and vents cleaned but ask about the chemicals and have them use only water in their cleaning system

Making every effort to help purify the air in your home is important to the health and wellbeing of your family. These are all ways that you can naturally increase the air quality of your home as well as know that you are reducing the amount of chemicals that your family is exposed to on a regular basis. Happy Home Sweet Green Home!

Do You Think You Are Healthy? Do You Think Your Home Is Healthy?

Leave a comment April 17, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

What does the word ‘Healthy’ really mean? I keep hearing of ‘healthy’ people dying from Covid19. If someone gets Covid19 and are considered ‘healthy’ but yet they clean with toxic chemicals, sleep in chemicals from toxic laundry detergent, use dryer sheets, use antiperspirant etc.. and their lungs are compromised from inhaling all these chemicals all day long……then are they really that healthy?

I write a lot about how to get toxic chemicals out of your home. You can eat all the organic food in the world but your body can only handle so much from toxic chemicals entering your system through lotions, deodorants, hair products, plastic containers, makeup, cleaning supplies, candles, water, carpeting, beds, adhesives, building materials, insecticides, paints, stains, air fresheners, dryer sheets. The list goes on. Your lungs are breathing in these scentless chemicals. Could you imagine if they all had a smell to them? Would we then allow them in our homes? Would we still smother them into our skin? Would you still clean your house with them?

Mother Nature is still at work keeping the outdoor air as clean as possible with thunder storms, lightning, and ultraviolet energy from the sun. Our indoor air is often overlooked and not tested. Over 80,000 chemicals are registered in the USA. The list of chemicals entering our homes through products are endless. Dioxane, Galaxolide, Monothanolamine, Ammonia, Formadelhyde, etc and most are not visible to the naked eye or can be detected by smell, which makes it even worse.

Then to compound matters, to conserve energy, we seal up our homes; locking in these pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that our indoor air environment can be up to 5-100 times worse than the worst outside air. Our body’s immune systems are designed to handle outside air that has been cleansed by natural processes, but they can’t keep up with the levels of indoor air pollution that we create.

The American Lung Association states on their website “Cleaning is essential to protecting our health in our homes, schools and workplaces. However, household and cleaning products—including soaps, polishes and grooming supplies—often include harmful chemicals. Even products advertised as “green” or “natural” may contain ingredients that can cause health problems. Some cleaning supplies can even be flammable or corrosive. Fortunately, you can limit your exposure to those risks. Read all labels and follow instructions when using cleaning products. It could save your life.”

Asthma and allergies are on the rise along with other ailments caused by polluted indoor air; such as headaches, dizziness, depression, respiratory infections, autoimmune disorders, throat and ear infections, colds and flu. There are many studies performed on indoor air environments due to the concerns over the effects of rising levels of chemicals and pollutants. The National Center for Health Statistics reported an alarming increase of people suffering from severe allergies and asthma due to our poor indoor air quality. Even as far back as 2003, Harvard School of Public Health reported that out of 120 homes tested for toxic gases and compounds 100% of homes had levels that exceeded safe standards and that this is a nationwide problem but little has been done to change this so far.

Being in insolation can be a new beginning. Take steps to live in a healthier home and office environment. It can be a reminder that the Earth needs to heal and we also may need to make our homes more healthy.

Risks Of Having Formaldehyde In Your Home

Gallery Leave a comment April 16, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Are you worried about chemical vapors in your home and in your household products? Maybe you have just installed new flooring or furnishings and are concerned about the smell. Formaldehyde is just one of these ingredients that could be lurking

Americans may be inhaling enough formaldehyde vapors every day to cause leukemia and other cancers. Formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and can increase the risk of allergies and asthma.

Formaldehyde, is a colorless strong smelling gas, and is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the United States. It is often used in household products, building materials, glues and adhesives, some insulation and pressed wood products such as particleboard and plywood. It can also be found in glues and adhesives, certain paint, paper products and some insulation materials. It is also used in personal care products.

Formaldehyde is also used to make other chemicals such as formalin. When the formaldehyde gas is dissolved in water it is known as formalin, a preservative, which can be found in some foods. Formalin is also used in personal care products such as cosmetics and antiseptics.

Formaldehyde is everywhere. According to critics, this is just another example of the EPA working to protect big business, rather than the health of the American people.

The European Union has banned the use of formaldehyde due to its carcinogenic properties. Formaldehyde was declared a toxic substance by Canadians in 1999, and some uses have been banned in Europe. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has called it a known carcinogen.

We will help you to reduce the exposure of formaldehyde through our indoor analysis of your home and or office. Please reach out to us if interested in learning more.

Juicing Recipe And The Benefits Of Juicing

Gallery Leave a comment April 6, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

The Benefits of Juicing

The benefits are amazing. Juice has to be fresh in order to optimize the nutritional value. Optimum Nutrition = Optimum Health. Also, fresh pressed juice is made in a “juicer” not a blender. When selecting a juicer choose a model that is easy to clean, has a quality motor that extracts juice from fruits, vegetables, leafy greens and wheatgrass. The one I recommend is the Omega J800C. I have had a few other juicers and this one I feel is the best and their customer service is amazing.

The advantage of juicing is you can consume large quantities of nutrient-rich juice without taxing your digestive systems with all of that fiber. Once consumed, the juice is absorbed into your system in about 15 minutes.

Pressed pressed juice is rich in nutrients, phytochemicals (naturally occurring compounds that have disease-fighting and cell-protective properties) and enzymes.

Unless it is freshly made, most store bought juice is likely to have been depleted of many of its nutrients and lacking in enzymes as a result of storage. Even the organic versions may have been pasteurized to preserve their shelf-life, resulting in the destruction of much of their nutritional value.

Although all juices have many benefits, in my opinion the ‘green’ juices are the best as their high chlorophyll content helps to oxygenate the blood. Green leafy vegetables are also high in minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium, which are great for ones health. Click here to see other juicers and books on juicing recipes in our Guru Store.

My favorite Juicing Ingredients

Kale
English Cucumber
Lemon
Celery
Carrots
Apple
Turmeric
Ginger
Beet and Beet Greens
Romaine lettuce

How to Boost Your Immune System

Gallery Leave a comment March 30, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Our immune system is our defense mechanism against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. There are effective ways to boost your immune system and with a strong immune system, your body has the power to cure itself.

Boost Your Immune System

We are hearing more and more about the importance of boosting our immune systems. The immune system helps to provide resistance to infections and toxicity. The key players include the thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes—and leukocytes(white blood cells), along with a complex network of cells and proteins that make up your immune system. Without going into the scientific description, it is very well known that it is important to do some things regularly that help to keep your immune system healthy.

Hand Washing:

Although hand washing is important, I would try to avoid antibacterial soaps or agents of any kind. Antibacterial properties kill not only harmful bacteria but also the good. Your skin microbiome is a line of defense against infections, and keeping it intact is very important to immune resilience. Also, triclosan, which is found in many antibacterial soaps, resembles human hormones and can fool your systems that rely on the thyroid. This can lead to infertility, advanced puberty, obesity or cancer. The human body has a hard time processing triclosan.

6 Immune Boosters we recommend:

Get adequate sleep
Exercise
A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables(preferably organic)
Don’t smoke and avoid second hand smoke
Moderate Alcohol
Avoid chemicals when possible: There is increased awareness and concern within the scientific communities that chemical pollutants can suppress immune processes and thus cause increased development of neoplastic and infections diseases.

Click here to see recommended immune boosting products from our Guru Store

recommendations for staying healthy:

Drink cold pressed juice
Take a teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar every morning
Drink warm lemon first thing in the am
Eat a lot of garlic
Oil pull
Use ginger in juices
Get outside and take in the sunshine
Drink organic wine(just kidding but it does make me happy so maybe that is a booster)

Actions to take when you start to feel sick:

Take elderberry extract(or make your own)
Drink organic orange juice
Take zinc
Drink bone broth
Take echinacea
Drink a shot of fire cider
Gargle with salt water

These are our suggestions for keeping your Immune System Strong and ready to fight anything that comes its way and we hope you are staying healthy and safe during these times of uncertainty in the world.

The Benefits Of Washing Your Pillows

Gallery 2 Comments March 16, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Pillows can double in weight over time from absorbing dust, mold, bacteria, sweat, body oils, allergens, dust mites, and dead skin. I know, a tad gross! Washing pillows may not be glamorous, but it’s something we probably should all be doing more often. Now that we are home during the Covid-19 pandemic, this is a good time to start.

Unless your pillow says ‘dry clean only’, your pillows can be washed. Washing will also help prolong the life of your pillow and as my husband Tom says, “I sleep much better on a clean pillow!” It is a good idea to wash your pillows 2-3 times a year. I wash ours every spring and fall. I also make sure all of our pillows have covers on them and we change the pillow cases often. Check to make sure they are not marked ‘dry clean’ only.

How to wash your pillows:

Detergent: Buy a good laundry detergent without toxic chemicals. Molly Suds, Seventh Generation or Meliora.
Washing: Wash 2 pillows at once to help with the balance of the load. If you have a top load washer, put the setting on ‘gentle’ cycle as the agitator can be hard on the pillows. Front load machines are good on any setting.
Down or Feather stuffing: Use only powder detergent on a warm gentle/delicate cycle. Again only non toxic detergents without abrasive chemicals.
Latex pillows or Memory Foam: These cannot be washed. You can vacuum them and also put them in the dryer on ‘no heat’ for 20 minutes. I also don’t recommend memory foam ever as I feel they are not healthy. We have had family members use them with bad reactions.(More on this another time)
Polyester: These can be washed with warm water on the gentle cycle.
Drying: It is crucial to get the pillow completely dry. Do not use the auto dry setting because the sensors will not be able to detect inside moisture. I usually dry them for 2 hours on a medium setting. Use the low setting for feather pillows. Tip: Place dryer balls and/or dry towels in with them to keep them from forming clumps. In warm weather you can also put your pillows out in the sun and let them air out.
Pillow Covers: Always use pillow covers to protect the pillows from bodily substances, face cream, makeup, oils etc..
Replace your pillow?: A good quality pillow can make a world of difference in your quality of sleep. It will offer ample support to your joints and neck, while a pillow that has seen better days might give you a crick in the neck, a bad back, or poor posture. Consider it as a good investment.

Click here to see Guru recommended pillows, pillow covers and other ‘sleep’ related items in our store.

Hand Sanitizer 101

Gallery Leave a comment March 12, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Do it yourself hand sanitizer ingredients

Here are some tips when looking for a hand sanitizer:

If your hand sanitizer has a fragrance in it, then it’s likely loaded with toxic chemicals. Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients that make up their scents, and therefore generally are made from dozens of chemicals.
Watch for Phthalates which are endocrine disruptors, can mimic hormones and alter genital development.
Triclosan was one of 28 ingredients banned in April 2019 in hand sanitizers but does not go into effect until April 2020. Studies have shown it is a hormonal disrupter and can actually harm the immune system.

There are many other ingredients in question that the FDA is looking at and still reviewing many of them. My suggestion is to read your labels!

With all of the news lately regarding viruses and the shortage of hand sanitizers in stores, below is a recipe if you care to make your own. It is very simple to make in your kitchen.

Also, washing your hands with soap and water is in addition to keeping your immune system happy by eating fruits and vegetables, exercising and limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals. Get your sleep and manage your stress level. If you have a sensitivity to rubbing alcohol there are also other options that use botanicals and are offered in our store.

Green Living Gurus recipe: Mix all the ingredients together with a whisker until smooth. Put in a glass spray jar. (Very important to use a glass jar as the essential oils could possibly erode a plastic bottle)

2/3 rubbing alcohol (60% or higher)
1/3 organic 100% aloe vera gel (very important it is the gel)
5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice
I like to use doTerra OnGuard essential oil: wild orange peel, clove bud, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus leaf, and rosemary leaf. It has an energizing and uplifting aroma.

Here is my finished product!

Legal Disclaimer :

Statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor for any health condition you may have.

Simple Tips On Reading Food Labels

Gallery Leave a comment March 4, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

How Do You Know If The Food You Buy Is Healthy?

Get out those readers (or magnifying glass) and read your food labels.
It may be hard to identify ingredients that you want to reduce in your diet to keep healthy. What do all those words mean? How do you know if something has a lot of sugar? How do you know if it’s healthy or not? Here are some basic tips.

1. Do not be fooled by the front label as they will try to lure you into purchasing products by making health claims. Research shows that adding health claims to front labels makes people believe a product is healthier thus affecting consumer choices. I know I have been fooled before and always have to keep reminding myself to get out those readers!(or magnifying glass 😀) Or – take a picture and zoom in. I do this when I forget my glasses.

2. Lookout for these words and be careful and question any product that uses them:

Natural
Healthy
Light
Multigrain
Made with whole grains
Low fat – the fat has been reduced at the cost of adding more sugar and sodium to enhance the flavor. Low fat is not always good.
Fruit flavored – The product may not contain any fruit — only chemicals designed to taste like fruit.

Many marketing terms are associated with improving your health and are often used to mislead consumers into thinking that processed foods are good for them.

3. Be weary if the list is quite long and loaded with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Most likely these are highly processed foods and more unhealthy ingredients or highly processed ingredients that remove natural components.

If the first ingredients include a type of sugar, refined grains or hydrogenated oils, you can almost assume that the product is not very healthy.

4. Know your sugars: There are so many other words used for sugar. Here are some to be on the lookout for: high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, honey, molasses and words ending in “ose” (think glucose, fructose, maltose and galactose).

In summary, many healthy foods are ‘organic’, ‘whole grain’, or ‘natural’, but just because a label makes certain claims, doesn’t guarantee that it’s healthy for you. Read your labels! 🔎❤️👓

5 Tips To Keep Our Pets Safe From Toxic Chemicals

Leave a comment February 29, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Our pets largest organ on their body is their skin. It absorbs chemicals that are in products and the environment. Our pets also can ingest chemicals from their food, from inhaling toxins from paints, from the outgassing of plastics and flea/tick medicine. Their little bodies can only handle so much. Some chemicals can possibly cause cancer, diarrhea, nausea, breathing problems and a long list of other issues. Here are five things that you can do to limit their exposure to toxic chemicals:

1. Rethink using pesticides on your lawn. After lawns are chemically treated it takes 48 hours for them to be absorbed in the grass and soil. Meanwhile your pets are breathing, walking, eating and playing in the chemically treated grass. The chemicals get on their bodies and they can easily be ingesting them into their system.

2. Look at the ingredients in the food that you are feeding them. There is very little regulation on pet food. Look at the ingredients and see if they have MSG, ethoxyquin, corn syrup, by-products, propylene glycol, BHA/BHT, artificial flavors and colorings. Here is a book I highly recommend you read. It really opened up my eyes to the health concerns of pet food.

3. Get a blood titer. This will show the level of vaccinations in your dog so you are not over vaccinating them. We had a yellow lab that was over vaccinated and went into a seizure which opened up my eyes to the world of vaccinations.

4. Stop using air fresheners that are made with synthetic chemicals. They produce pollutants that can affect pets and some are known carcinogens.

5. Use nontoxic laundry detergent and dog shampoo. Look for ones with no dyes, fragrances, chemical preservatives, artificial brighteners or synthetic fragrances.

Click here to see what dog food brands and products we recommend from our Guru Store

“They too, are created by the same hand of God which created us. It is our duty to protect them and to promote their well-being” Mother Teresa

Are Lipsticks And Lip Balm Safe?

Leave a comment February 27, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Many lipsticks and lip balms sold in the US contain cadmium, chromium (carcinogen), lead (neurotoxin), aluminum & at least five other toxic metal ingredients. Some are at levels that can cause potential health hazards. It’s especially important to consider switching because we absorb lipstick directly into our mouths. Manganese is one of the other metals found in many glosses, balms & lipsticks. It’s directly associated with toxicity in the nervous system. Recent studies show that more than 400 brands contain twice as much lead as previously thought.

There are NO standards for safe cosmetics in the U.S. whereas Europe has banned lead in cosmetics & limited the use of many other metals. What makes it even more dangerous is that we not only absorb these ingredients, we also are ingesting them when we eat or drink. Even though the FDA may report that these levels of chemicals are ‘safe’ do you want to be a guinea pig? Also, what about all the other toxic chemicals you may be ingesting or breathing in every day and what level is that adding up to? It is hard to avoid all toxic ingredients; try your best and read the labels. It’s safe to say, that switching to an eco-conscious lipstick is a great first step to cleaning up your cosmetic shelf. Click here to see some recommended brands from our Guru Store!

On a side note and as I write this, I realize that I need to get rid of some of my lipsticks. Typically they are good for 1-2 years and I know a few of these are older than that! If they smell, changed texture or are dried out, toss them.

10 Ways To Detox Your Home For Beginners

Leave a comment February 22, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Food of course is important for good health and your surrounding environment is just as crucial. You already know that eating the wrong foods can make you ill, but did you know that a toxic home can too? Our homes can be filled with hundreds of toxic chemicals. These chemicals get trapped in our homes especially in colder weather climates where windows are shut for many months. It has been reported that indoor air is 3-5 times more polluted than outdoor air and there is actually a sickness called “Toxic Home Syndrome” when your home can make you sick. Diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, reproductive conditions, birth defects and others have been linked to environmental toxins. They can seep into your bloodstream and damage your health.

Be proactive and detox your home!! Below is a list to start in detoxing your home. We have links to all kinds of products that you can buy in our store or go online and search for some yourself. Thankfully, awareness of the chemicals in our environment is growing and the public is demanding changes. The ideas of “nontoxic” and “natural”, are moving to the mainstream. But be VERY careful – these words are also used by companies wanting to fool you so read and know your ingredients!

Get as much fresh air in your house as possible. Open your windows when you can to get the air moving in your home. Even if it is cold, do it for 10 minutes. This is my favorite time to open up windows and doors!!!
Get rid of artificial air fresheners that bring toxic chemicals in your home. We list alternatives in our store or use essential oil diffusers like DoTerra.
Look at your laundry detergent ingredients and think about switching over to a few less toxic laundry detergent. Stop using dryer sheets and purchase wool dryer balls that are a great natural alternative.
Look at the ingredients on your personal care products and slowly replace one item at a time with more nontoxic options. This can be overwhelming so take it slowly. Take baby steps because it can be overwhelming.
Make sure you change or clean the filters in your furnace and in your air conditioner. Also, don’t forget to clean the tops of ceiling fans as well. These get covered in dust and you don’t want to circulate this throughout your room.
Buy organic food as much as possible.
Avoid processed foods which often contain unhealthy fats, refined oil’s, unhealthy levels of added sugar and sodium, which are sometimes very hard for our body to digest.
Assess your pans and make sure any nonstick pans are not scratched, which could be leaking chemicals into your food and air . We prefer stainless steel or cast iron pans.
Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn’s which could be getting into your house and look for more organic options and alternatives.
Do not store your food in plastic containers and switch over to glass containers that you can find at target Walmart or anywhere else and in our store of course too!

Is Your Laundry Detergent Toxic?

Gallery Leave a comment February 8, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Changing from conventional laundry detergents in favor of greener, cleaner choices should be a #1 priority for getting toxic chemicals out of your home and life!! This is for your health & well-being! The simple truth is most of the main stream and big-name detergents are loaded with dangerous ingredients. That includes Method, Tide, Arm and Hammer and many others. Some of the ingredients vary from each product, so always check your labels!

Just think about this: the idea of saturating your beautiful clothing, sheets & towels in chemicals, is not the same as cleaning them. You are actually dirtying them. You are soaking chemicals into your clothing, they are then ‘baked’ into your clothing in the dryer, along with breathing them in as you sleep, and on your clothes that you wear all day. Also, pregnant mothers can pass these chemicals on to their babies through their breast milk.

Here is a quick list of the some of the culprit chemicals in some detergents that we researched. Thanks to many of you that shared the detergents that you were using and here are some of the ingredients that are red flags

1. Dioxane – a carcinogenic and a solvent used in paints & varnishes. It can be absorbed through your skin. Tide was banned in Europe because of this ingredient.

2. Phosphates – are commonly linked to cardiovascular disease.

3. Formaldehyde – which is another known carcinogen

4. Ammonium Sulphate– this laundry additive is so toxic, some of it’s manufacturers recommend not using it indoors

5. Synthetic Fragrances – which trigger chemical sensitivities, allergies & are endocrine disrupters

6. Fragrance – always be weary of this word as it most likely is a chemical

7. Natural, Free and Clear – always doubt these words in ingredients. Products use these words to get you to think they are good for you. It is all about marketing.

This is just a handful of the culprits!

Hopefully you have heard enough to make the switch in your life today. We mainly use either Seventh Generation, Zum Clean, Molly’s Suds or Biokleen and our clothes are just as clean without the nasty chemicals and cancer causing ingredients. Remember, your skin is your largest organ and can absorb these chemicals. We have a number of laundry detergent options approved by the Gurus in our store and other various options to make sure your clothes are clean without using toxic chemicals! Click here to view the list.

The Real Story About Cosmetics And Toxic Chemicals

Gallery 2 Comments February 7, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

This video will tell you all you need to know about the story of toxic chemicals in cosmetics. More info is coming out about toxic chemicals and cancer causing chemicals in cosmetics every day and we want you to know the truth..

To understand why there are so many chemicals in cosmetics, one needs to look at the history. It is quite fascinating. So, as we have mentioned before, all the cosmetics in our store have been researched by the Gurus and we feel they are the least toxic to our beautiful bodies and we encourage you to shop them. Thank you to story of cosmetics.org for all of this fine research. We couldn’t have said it better!

Elevating Your Feet: Why 20 Minutes Is Equivalent to 2 Hours Of Sleep!

Gallery Leave a comment January 28, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

My Mother always had a ‘slant board’ in her bedroom that we often would lay on. She would tell us that elevating your feet for 20 minutes had so many benefits including being equal to about 2 hours of sleep. Well this came in handy in college when sleep was at a premium! This theory started back in the 1950’s and was known as the Hollywood Slant. Thanks to Kartina Holte of Edelweiss Patterns for the attached article on the subject.

I have been preaching this for years and have so many friends still doing it. I practice this almost everyday. As you elevate your feet(and hopefully doze off) the blood flows through your body to your brain and up to your head. I consider this a Re-Charge if you are tired and need a boost. Also, think about how your legs get tired and swollen towards the end of the day. Elevating your feet will rejuvenate your organs and body. You can buy a pillow wedge as we have listed in our “sleeping aides” section of our store, or you can use pillows or sometimes I even lay on the floor with my feet on the bed. We hope you enjoy this great Guru tip!

I wish I still had my Moms slant board that looked like this!!

A trip with friends and elevating our feet for some much needed recharging!

Ithaca College 1981 – my freshman year elevating my feet!

The Green Living Gurus Store

10 Comments January 25, 2020 The Green Living Gurus

Helping to guide people to a green living, chemical and toxic-free lifestyle is my true passion. I have had a dream of pursuing this for over 40 years. If I can help one person eliminate or reduce toxic chemicals from their life, I will be happy but my dream is to help thousands learn about how chemicals can be causing a multitude of damage including causing cancer. While growing up, my mother always instilled a healthy diet and lifestyle. While all the fast food chains starting to “pop” up all over, she was always against fast food and processed foods. Everything was made from scratch, and mostly organic. With this as a base, I graduated from Ithaca College in 1985 with a BS in Business and a minor in Health with dreams and plans to start a Health Food supermarket (aka Whole Foods). I had always had plans of owning a health food store, but once out of college, I found another true love of work and have been planning events in Buffalo for over 35 years. Even though event planning is in my blood, creating awareness of home toxins is in my heart. After college and going on to educating myself further on healthy living for the past thirty years, I am now trying to help others learn from my knowledge and experience. Shop our store to learn more about items that we recommend. See the link below.

Author: The Green Living Gurus

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Avoid Fragrance

Give Your Personal Care Products a Makeover

Ditch the Air Fresheners

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Boost Your Immune System

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