Celebrate Green Blog

Americans spend billions of dollars a year on gifts to pamper moms on Mother’s Day.

But according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), many of the ingredients in personal care, body and cosmetic products are thought to cause cancer, disrupt hormones and/or are known neurotoxins. Not what mom needs.

And that’s just the ingredients we know about. According to EWG’s website, “Nearly 90 percent of the 10,500 ingredients [the] FDA has determined are in use in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA or any other publicly accountable institution.”

Mama Earth may not fare any better. EWG states, “…as people apply an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily, these chemicals, whether they seep through the skin, rinse down the drain, or flush down the toilet in human excretions, are causing concerns for human health, and for the impacts they may have to wildlife, rivers and streams.”

So this Mother’s Day, make both of your moms proud by being conscious about the gifts you choose.

Here are a few of our favorite pampering possibilities, from the utterly luxurious to the fabulously DIY:

Dr. Alkaitis

As the Dr. Alkaitis tag-line says, “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.” But Dr. Alkaitis products are so yummy, you may just need to taste them. Good thing their products are made with organically grown and wild-crafted plants. We’ve tried their goods and love them so much it was hard to choose which to recommend for Mom. But here are our faves.

Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser, Organic Herbal Toner & Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil (try all three in an upcycled gift-basket)

Organic Universal Mask. It’s feels as good on the face as drinking a green smoothie does for the body. Moms with a variety of complexions will glow.

Can’t choose? Get Mom a Dr. Alkaitis travel kit and let Mom experience the whole, eco-fabulous line.

Om Aroma

Om Aroma’s product line is inspired by new-mama and founder Angela Jia Kim’s passion for “Living life beautifully, inside and out.”

But we bet Mom has never experienced eco-beauty like this before.

Made from luxe ingredients such as pearls, champagne grapes, and caviar, Om Aroma’s age-defying products are created to purify, hydrate and repair without the use of parabens or other toxic (but sadly common) no-no’s.

We also love Angela’s passion for supporting other moms via her business. Om Aroma’s “Dollars and Scents” program helps women re-transitioning into the workforce after taking time off to raise their children.

That puts even more purpose in your Mom’s pampering!

Try:

Elixir de Perle. Pearl micro-particles and gently exfoliate while rose water purifies and balances. One bottle lasts three months (we’ve tried it, it’s true).

Delices Sucres exfoliating body polish. Made with organic sugar, Manuka Honey and essential oils, this gift gives good [guilt-free] glow.

Can’t choose? Try Om to Go travel kit featuring five of Om Aroma’s fabulous, award-winning products.

Listen to a podcast of our radio-show interview with Angela here (01/14/10).

The Grapeseed Company

Is Mom a wine connoisseur? If so, how about pairing a bottle of local, biodynamic wine with a bottle of handmade, organic vinotherapy lotion from The Grapeseed Company?

What is vinotherapy? It’s the process of incorporating the byproducts of wine into body products. “Botanical beauty from wine.” Used by spas in Europe, The Grapeseed Company brings vinotherapy to the U.S. with it’s array of product that utilize the grape seed’s ability to fight free radical damage, decrease the signs of aging, and heal skin exposed to natural elements. According to Kristin Fraser Cotte, the company’s founder, “Grape seeds are [also] rich in polyphenols, which have been linked to cancer prevention and anti-aging treatments in medical research. Applied topically, grape seed oil is known for its light, nutrient rich composition; an ideal choice for all skin types.”

Mom will love:

Coco Cabernet (vinotherapy mask for face & body). Comes with instructions for how Mom can customize for her skin type. With certified organic, age-defying, replenishing ingredients. If Mom loves chocolate and wine, this mask is for her.

Rose & Grape Serum. In addition to, or in lieu of Mother’s Day flowers. This serum lasts longer than fresh flowers and utilizes the beautiful benefits of roses (in addition to the benefits of the grapes) without the toxins and ethical concerns associated with conventionally grown Mother’s Day flowers. It’s a bouquet in a bottle! Rejuvenates, hydrates and promotes cellular renewal.

Can’t choose? Give Mom one or more of The Grapeseed Company’s many sample sizes or travel kits.

Hear Kristin’s inspiring story of how (and why) she started The Grapeseed Company here (04/07/10).

Handmade (by you!) for Mom

Like to get crafty? Want to save some green? Mom will love your DIY creations (even more than the coffee-bean pencil holder you made her in kindergarten). Promise.

Give these simple recipes a try:

• Salt-scrub
• Massage oil
• Rose Potion Facial

Be sure to use all natural and organic ingredients and pure essential oils. To be sure your choices are safe for Mom and Mother Earth, check out EWG’s Skin Deep site.

For extra eco-points, present your handmade products in reused bottles or jars. To customize, clean thoroughly after the original use, soak to remove labels and re-create your own cut from sticky printer paper. Add your Mom’s name and perhaps an inspiring or uplifting quote. Include the ingredients used and add “love” and “gratitude” to the list.

Looking for more low or no-cost, meaningfully green and crafty ideas for Mother’s Day? Check out Lynn & Corey’s segment on AM Northwest and get inspired.

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Want more tips on how to choose personal care products that protect people and planet? EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics can be found here.

Have a great recipe for body scrubs, foot soaks or face masks? Do share! Just add to the comment section, below…