Real Reform NOW!

Sustainable agriculture, organic, the "good guys"

Self-regulation of a billion dollar industry simply does not work. Given that caveat, I am upset that industry labels at large cannot be trusted, which is why I continue to shop with small businesses like organic South River Miso who have an eco-certified digital footprint (Twitter, YouTube Channel, Facebook, and website). For 3 decades I have watched their eco-footprint, applauded their wise land management and production, and continue to support them.

But unfortunately, billion dollar business cannot be trusted with self-regulation, as this most recent and shocking informations shows. Enter the bad guys--because they lie with their labels. From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics:

Did you hear the news? On Tuesday, California’s Department of Toxic Substances revealed that a variety of nail polishes contain high levels of hazardous chemicals despite product labels claiming otherwise. These chemicals, dibutyl phthalate and toluene, have been linked to birth defects, asthma and other chronic health conditions.

Labels shouldn’t lie, and whether you’re a nail salon worker or taking your daughter out for a mani-pedi, you should be able to trust that the products you’re using are safe.

This is yet another example of industry self-regulation gone wrong—tell Congress it’s time to fix our broken cosmetics laws now!

The good news: Congress is finally paying attention. Last month the House held the first hearing on cosmetics safety in 30 years and is considering updating our 70 year old cosmetics laws.

The bad news: The big cosmetics companies are pushing hard and spending big to keep the broken status quo in place—and we need your help to push back! Help us tell Congress, enough is enough! We need real reform now! Our message is simple: Any new laws must get rid of the worst chemicals in cosmetics that can cause cancer or reproductive harm. They must also require companies to be transparent and honest about what’s in their products and they must include a strong safety standard to make sure decisions about ingredient safety protect the most vulnerable populations – babies, children, pregnant women and workers. New laws must also ensure that states, like California, keep their right to regulate toxic chemicals to protect people’s health.

P.S. We’re a lean, mean, grassroots-powered machine but are in the midst of a David and Goliath battle in DC--can you chip in $10 today to help us push back against the cosmetics industry’s multi-million dollar campaign to stop real reform in its tracks?

Check out the video that began the campaign. AND check out their YouTube Channel. Game changer, I promise you. Not to overwhelm you, but your cleaning products are toxic too, likely. But that's another post.

ONE INGREDIENT--ARGON OIL! GET SMART!

So here's the skinny. Make safe choices. In a tight economy, it might be hard to send $10 to a watchdog organization that works to make cosmetics safe. But you can make wise choices and choose to use cosmetics that ARE safe. I recommend Josie Maron's 100% pure Argon Oil; been using it for half a year and look younger than ever. Get over the industry's hype about oil; whether you have oily skin or acne, the oil works to balance, smooth, and improve your skin's overall texture. Begin simply and start throwing out the toxins you spread on your largest organ--your skin.

Related articles

• Countdown to Chemo with South River Miso (beatingbackcancer.blogspot.com)
• The Prez's Cancer Panel Weighs in on Cosmetic Safety (bellasugar.com)
• Regulation Station: Are New FDA Cosmetics Laws on the Horizon? (bellasugar.com)
• New Study: "Nontoxic" Nail Polish Contains Toxic Chemicals (treehugger.com)
• Cosmetics Regulation: Which Side Are You On? (bellasugar.com)
• The Latest Cosmetics Scandal: Toxic Nail Polish (ecowatch.org)
• The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, news from the front lines (trilliumorganics.wordpress.com)
• Beauty Byte: Consumer Group Questions Carcinogenic Chemicals in Johnson & Johnson Products (bellasugar.com)
• Keep an eye on this... (greenviewplace.wordpress.com)
• Ask the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee to stand up for our health by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (socialactions.net)

White Light, Prayers, and Facebook

I believe in the power of prayer--and love, friendship, positive thinking--to heal. So when I faced several difficult days with my mother's unexpected hospitalization and impending surgeries for both of us, I turned to my social network on Facebook. And in an overwhelming and wonderful way, my friends gave me unlimited support. People I knew--from colleagues and friends who offered farm help to my DEN friends miles away at ISTE, BLC10, and DENLC10--all sent me prayers and words of hope that renewed my strength and resolution.

When times are tough, nothing motivates like your network letting you know they care. That's what makes Facebook such a powerful social networking tool. What was so especially gratifying to me was my newer network of llama and alpaca friends who helped me cope. I never imagined how many camelid owners there were, and I think they all exist on Facebook. When Tabbethia Haubold of Long Island Livestock friended me, the camelid community followed. All but a few of them I have met only virtually, but they were a force for the good. The combined efforts of all my Facebook friends helped hold me together.

In the midst of a powerhouse of prayers and well wishes, one person sent me something so surprising, I had to ask her what it was. From Teri Conroy, "the keeper of the farm" (and much more) on Wunsapana Farm and her Farmlife blog, I was sent white light and prayers, which led me to ponder white light. Why did I not know what it was. Where in my Catholic school upbringing of 12 years and my pursuit of things spiritual did I miss white light. So I asked Teri via Facebook what white light was. Her response fascinated me.

Teri Conroy
White light is just like prayer (without the religious tone, I guess). It's good! I bet you notice it more now that you've heard of it! I do prayer and white light....can never have enough of a good thing.

Yesterday, after surgery, I really rested my eye, as per my doctor's orders. My first cataract surgery left me without sight in that eye for 2+ days, and I was terrified during that time. This time I had hoped for--and received--such a better result. As the day waned, toward night, I became anxious. My eye had sight but felt different than it had before. Then I thought of Teri's white light, and reached out mentally and asked for that white light to help. Since I was new to white light, I wasn't sure just what to do with it or how it worked. And as strange as this may seem, I believe that the white light entered my life in that moment. My pain disappeared, and so did my fears. I felt an overwhelming calm. Now that I know it's there, I believe that I will notice its presence in my life much more. And like Teri said, it's a good thing.

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White Light
Prayers
Facebook
Teri Conroy
Wunsapana Farm
Farmlife

Laughter IS The Best Medicine!

I found this video from my good friend and DEN GURU Tim Childers on Facebook. It popped into my wall feed at a time when I really needed a good laugh. I love this video so much it remains on my bookmark toolbar, a close click away. Much of what he says we can all relate to, and in the doing, find that deep and continuous laugh we all need. Brian Regan's "Doctor" segment resonates, especially in the pressure segment. It was right after my bone marrow test that I found this clip, and as anyone who had a bone marrow procedure knows, I needed this laugh. You might want to check out his other videos as well. He's one funny guy. Food for laughs.

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Tim Childers
DEN GURU
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Brian Regan
YouTube
Humor

Giving Thanks

The outreach of affection, compassion, and genuine concern for my welfare has been almost overwhelming. From emails, Facebook, extraordinary care packages and flowers sent under equally extraordinary circumstances from the givers, I have been grateful for your support. From readers on Feedjit, Tweeters, Wall posters and blog commentators to the good old-fashioned and much loved cards with handwritten messages, you have taken such good care of me. You have responded and made me feel your "arms and strength," you have reminded me that I am "not alone," and you have told me "just keep living."

You have been my cheerleaders, and I wonder if you know just how important that is to me, to anyone dealing with a disease. A comment goes a long way; it may seem small to the giver, just a click that says "I like this," but it means so much. Please accept my very sincere thank you for being there for me, for continuing to help me, even when sometimes you might not know the good that you do. You matter, you count, you are the BEST!

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Cancer
NHL
Beating Back Cancer
Social Networks
Facebook
Feedjit