Would like Advice on Going "Green"

Mannatech just introduced a skin care line that is completely paraben-free, preservative-free and water-based. It does not have to be refrigerated because the water used to make the products is specially filtered so that it's "bacteriostatic" which means it's so pure that bacteria are unable to grow in it. The filtration system also reduces the surface tension of the water, so these products hydrate your skin like none other.
See www.hydratedskin.com and go through the information flip chart.

I can get you a sample that is about a week's worth of the products.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_ti...

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_ti...

The mineral make-up has less chemicals in them as well:
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_ti...

Etsy has great sellers that specializes in organic and vegan products. You can read the feedback on their sales to see how everyone else likes them as well. Every now and then, I have found dish and laundary deterngent on Etsy.

I am a hairstylist, and I cannot for the life of me think of any organic hair color that works. Of course, you can always go with henna, but it's not very predictable or have a good range of colors, and can damage your hair significantly.

A great alternitive to organic haircolor are Sebastion Colorshines. They are glazes that are wonderful for some coverage, blending gray and they really add conditon, shine and color to the hair. They have very little chemicals as well.

Salon Cheveux in Bedford off of 121 does them, as well as any Sebastion salon. Click here to find one near you:

http://www.sebastian-intl.com/search/index.php

You can also get hemp clothing, much softer and more durable than cotton, a little more expensive, but worth it.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hemp+clothing

I also like some of Meleluca's products, and I really like Orange TKO.

http://www.tkoorange.com/

I set up online accounts for Melaleuca(a wellness company with 400 safer products to convert your home) to get you a preferred customer 30-40% off pricing.
Their products are fully refundable on an empty bottle for 60 days so you are at no risk if you try them and don't like them(although I can tell you that I have used them for almost 3 years and they are very high quality) The kids sunscreen works very well, my children both have red hair! LOL The skin care line of moisturizers is comparible to Lancome but at a fraction of the cost. My whole home is converted over to the shampoos, soaps, cleaners, laundry etc. and I love it.
Just email me if you want more info.
PS I do not sell, stock, or deliver the products, just set up online accounts, you order directly from Melaleuca either online or through the 800 number. The are with the BBB and have a 22 year track record.
M.
www.behometoo.biz

once again, Melaluca! Love the items!

have you ever heard of cafemom?

www.cafemom.com

It's basically like myspace except for moms.

Anyway, there are tons of groups on green, natural, and organic living.

I'm with you on the spending money on products that don't work!!! I don't have time or $$ for the trial & error treck on organics. After some research, I heartily recommend the products at www.evansgarden.com Can't get any more organic & natural than them and their stuff is concentrated & just works! I 've had bad luck w/ natural hair colors though- very drying- Henna is just torture on hair. So, I choose my toxins carefully. I'm only 36 & my naturally red hair has turned a mousy brown & i'm about 40% grey. I'll rethink going natural at 50, but for now- I'm staying with commercial colors! ;)

D.

I do the same thing as Michelle, Melaleuca is the way to go.

I have an overall recommendation and some specifics. :) For home cleaning products, LOC - Liquid Organic Cleaner. It is amazing. For washing clothes, SA8 - completely biodegradable, environmentally friendly and it gets clothes sooo much cleaner than Tide because all the fillers don't build up on your clothes. For vitamins and supplements, Nutrilite - the company has its own certified organic fields that they take the product from seed to supplement.
All amazing product lines. There are more but why don't you check out this website so you can look at what is available that you are interested in. www.truebalance.mychoices.biz
Hope this helps.

T.