Being a scent-addict with a penchant for organic, natural products is not always easy to indulge. These days, however, as companies jump on the anti-synthetics bandwagon, we are seeing more body products that are sustainably crafted. One of the lines I have come to love is Anjolie Ayurveda. Founded by the mother-daughter team, Meryl and Cary Gabeler, Anjolie truly uses all-natural ingredients. A lot of pseudo-natural brands are claiming to be holistic but are using synthetics for fragrance. Ethically sourced plant-based scents are harder to come by but Anjolie proudly protects our bodies and the environment in their cultivation of ecologically sound botanical ingredients that infuse their line of soaps and body oils.

The Gabelers applied a life-long passion for Ayurveda to their formulas when they decided to create their line of body products. Having suffered with eczema, allergies, and skin sensitivities as a child, Meryl applied her mother, Carey’s knowledge of Ayurveda and traditional healing modalities to create skin remedies for sensitive skin. Combining therapeutic herbs with cold-pressed essential oils provides healing body products that leaves skin feeling nourished.

Anjolie has a ten-acre garden and nursery in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains (yes, please!) where they are growing roses, herbs, and tropical plants for use in their products. They support local farmers in India, sourcing raw materials directly from them in order to increase the direct income for their suppliers. Anjolie provides education for their employees and their employee’s families as well as supporting female work initiatives and grants for women entrepreneurs. Anjolie was recently awarded the Eileen Fisher Women’s Business Grant for small businesses in 2011.

We were very honored and excited to win! We are actually selling the soaps in Green Eileen, a new Eileen Fisher concept store, selling recycled clothing, with 100% of the proceeds going to Eileen Fisher’s Community Foundation.

Our efforts bring a positive contribution by empowering local people, educating their children and giving them an instrument of income that imparts a feeling of self-respect, dignity, and purpose in their lives.

These folks are doing it right! Highly recommended – try the spice soap for a warm, musky winter treat. Also, the Saffron Body Oil is absolutely amazing, especially this time of year. A warm but light sandalwood fragrance penetrates, leaving you feeling soft and hydrated. It is one of my go-to body oils during these dry months.

A couple of weeks ago we trucked up to Wanderlust at Stratton, Vermont to help run the booth for Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. This incredibly wet weekend was a perfect opportunity to take the Jade yoga mat for a test run.

Jade yoga mats have surpassed most brands as the eco-mat to beat, and there is good reason. The origin story of the Jade, according to their website, tells of B.K.S. Iyengar instructing a class when he began to slip on an oriental rug. A pupil removed the rug, leaving the sticky rug pad behind which allowed Iyengar to find traction. Jade Industries had been making non-slip, natural rubber rug pads since the 1970s and after being approached by a yogi in 2000 to produce sticky mats for yoga, they started applying their knowledge so that practitioners could engage in their asana practices slip-free.

There are some simple facts about Jade mats that either draw or deter, depending on yogi’s choice.
-They are uber sticky. The mats have been known to pick up lint due to stickage power. However, if you are looking for a solid foundation with grip, this is it.
-The mats smell of rubber. I actually like the smell. Some, however, feel it is strong.
-The mat is heavier than some, depending on which model you choose. Jade does produce a lighter mat for portability.

Jade plants a tree for every mat sold. The mats are made in the U.S. and the company implements philanthropic efforts through partnerships servicing underprivileged populations, such as homeless shelters, children’s orphanages in Africa, and educational programs both domestically and abroad.

With sleeping bags, boxes of Kripalu catalogues, and two huge crates of Jade Yoga Mats to loan to Wanderlust participants, we arrived in the dark to a torrential downpour. We proceeded up the mountain to camp out* with our co-worker Brenda who shared a room for a night of much-needed rest before the festivities. *note: Jade yoga mats make decent sleeping pads too

Maddie, the yoga slacker!

Wanderlust: Day One
Misty mountain morning in the green peaks of Vermont. Our friend Maddie, who was assisting, brought me outside to a surprise stash of mountain bikes for our trek down the hill back to the village to pick flowers, set up our table, and plan our yoga sessions in between manning our booth. As we descended in the quiet fog, the mountain felt still. We tucked two Jade mats under our backpacks. They are crazy sticky so we knew they wouldn’t roll off our backs down the mountain. The calm quiet peak was subtly brimming with hundreds of avid yoga-folk from all over. We made our way to the Gaiam tent once our booth spot was set.

Seane Corn brought us through some sun salutations as the rain grew louder. “We will probably have to stop at some point, especially if there is thunder and lightning. Being on a mic and wired up here on stage, with this big head of hair, I am first to go!” she quipped. Water dripped in spots from the roof of the tent and thunder grew louder. The plastic platform floor was wet when we entered but as the rain pounded down, it seemed to be getting worse. Wanderlust staff peppered the space as they used their walkies to monitor the skies.

Downward dog-Adho mukha svanasana-hands seem to stay. Head lifts, I look forward and there they are, soggy hands, staying put.

Lower down-Chaturanga-elbows in-slowly descend. Hands stay firm.

Small cobra-Bhujangasana-gently lift the head and draw the shoulders back.

Back to downward dog, and wet hands still seem wet, but they stay in their place.

Kripalu Yoga Space at Wanderlust Vermont

Wanderlust: Day Two
Heaven-sent warm chai, combined with wet tent, vendor village migrations, and comrades showing up for support at the booth. Classes ensue: John Friend, Elena Brower, Kia Miller, Tommy Rosen, Michael Franti, Devarshi Stephen Hartman, Majora Carter, Kerri Kelly, Suzanne Sterling, Amy Wren, Edward Jones, Gypsy Lane Burlesque, and heightened energy throughout the village. Krishna Cafe, Luna ladies, Adivasi textiles, and Bread & Puppet. Preschoolers doing acroyoga, Hauschka beauty bar, Kasey Luber shooting video, Yoganonymous ever-pervasive, Schuyler Grant, Jeff Krasno, Off the Mat, Omega Speakeasy, and more bike rides in the rain.

Class One, Two, Three, and Jade holds up. I bring a small towel, in case, but there is no slide.

Wanderlust: Day Three
Deep stretching for achy bones. First class, inside. Second class, outside in a tent. Raining again, but no one cares – too much bhakti bliss to notice as yogis squeeze into every last nook of the tent for a class by Elena Brower. Jade keeps me cush.

We were totally saturated for four days straight, but Jade held tough. Thank you, Jade.

I first met Susan Harris four years ago at her studio in Toronto, and I was like a kid in a candy store as I sorted through recycled sweaters, gorgeous-pieced sweater sleeves (one of my favorite accessories of all-time), cashmere/woolen wraps, and cozy leg warmers. Susan’s effortless style and chic cuts make her fashion accessible and appealing.

Everything Susan makes is one-of-a-kind, though she does repeat themes and embellishments in her work. Contrast stitching, silk-screened nature-inspired images or text, and rough-hewn seems punctuate the aesthetic of Susan Harris fashions.

Every time I wear anything Susan has made, I get stopped by someone. “Where did you find that???” I have a few pairs of her sweater sleeves that can be worn with a tee or long-sleeve shirt for added warmth in the winter chill. Since every item is comprised of repurposed fabrics, I know I am supporting true creativity, instead of some anonymous factory in the Philippenes.

This past year we trucked to Brooklyn for the Renegade Craft Fair (such an amazing event, filled with incredible artists!) and were thrilled to find Susan Harris in her booth. I bought a beautiful recycled cotton dress made from tee-shirts with a silk-screened tree, colorful sweater sleeves for myself and a few other friends, as well as some amazing kid’s clothing. I plan to go back this year, again. Susan’s work inspires me to utilize clothing we already have, to piece things together and create anew. The Susan Harris line is timeless.

One of my favorite new body beauty wellness routines is to practice an Ayurvedic massage called Abhyanga (“ahhhh-buy-anga,” because it feels so good!) Abhyanga is a practice of self-massage that entails, in simple terms, annointing one’s body with oil. Now, this might sound a bit much: “Won’t it get on my clothes???” “Am I going to slide all over the place?” “Can I do it and go to work??”

There are various ways to perform Abhyanga, and depending on one’s dosha (constitution in Ayurveda) one might use different oils, but the most universal oil is cold-pressed organic sesame oil. Sesame oil is naturally soothing and slightly warming. I pour about a quarter size drop into my palm and rub my hands together to warm the oil and then I rub my joints: the shoulders in circular patterns, elbows, wrists, clavical bone, hip/butt joint, knees, and ankles. Then I focus on my feet and hands, pulling at the digits, getting in between, and generally vigorously massaging my entire body. I don’t massage my face with the sesame oil, since I am very sensitive about what I apply to my face. Here is a little more how-to from the Chopra Center.

Some people perform this massage and then gently rinse in the shower. I choose to massage after my shower in the morning, especially in the winter on these dry days. It takes only a few minutes if you are in a hurry, or you can devote more time to your body and really rub those muscles, joints, and even your scalp (pre-shower for that one is most likely best, unless you can sleep with the soothing oil.) Your skin will be glowing and grateful. This nourishing self-touch is truly healing.

Here are some of the benefits of self-care through Abhynga:
-Produces softness, strength and color to the body
-Decreases the effects of aging
-Bestows good vision
-Nourishes the body
-Increases longevity
-Benefits sleep patterns
-Benefits skin
-Strengthens the body’s tolerance
-Imparts a firmness to the limbs
-Imparts tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
-Stimulates the internal organs of the body, including circulation

Happy New Year!

Sun and swim leaves skin parched on these uber hot days. Recently a friend turned me onto an organic line of shea butters that leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Using organic raw shea butter, essential oils, vitamin E, and organic nutritive botanicals, Yamerra has created a homemade line of body products that provide moisture and lightly fragranced skin.

In flavours such as honey vanilla, tangerine grape, mango, and jasmine sage, these unique body butters are unlike any naturally scented creams or butters I’ve tried in the past. The honey vanilla is my favorite. There is nothing reminiscent of synthetic vanilla in this mildly woodsy blend of honey, vanilla, and jojoba.

I love to support local, small-batch production that avoids preservatives, parabens, phthalates, and artifical fragrances. Yamerra manages to avoid all the bad stuff, and you come out smelling like a jasmine sage or vanilla honey dream. Yamerra is super yum.

Zorica Denton, former European model, moved to Malibu and worked in the beauty industry for some time before becoming disillusioned with the copious amount of products women were being told they “must have.” Choosing simpler methods that utilized natural ingredients, Zorica researched products for two years and then developed her own line for those with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities. The line is made in small batches and a portion of all the proceeds are donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The subtle scent of vanilla is smoothly blended with the citrus effervescence of grapefruit in this tantalizing organic fragrance that uses aromatherapy to lift your spirit. Gratitude pure perfume by Zorica of Malibu is a refreshing natural perfume that uses no alcohol, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. The top notes sing of summer fruit, but a woodsy, sweet finish of vanilla combines to create a clean, but warm scent. It is perfect in warm weather but it wears nicely on these frigid days as well, when our noses need to be reminded of sunshine and tropical fruits.

Gratitude truly reflects Zorica’s attitude toward beauty; “When you feel good inside, your beauty will radiate outside on your face.” Zorica reminds us to take care of the inner self in order to truly accept aging and reflect inner radiance. Exercising, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking water, and getting plenty of rest are all part of the beauty regimen for Zorica. It is simple, but perfect.

Avid surfer Brook Havey-Taylor founded Pacifica in 1996 to put her training in aromatherapy to work and share the scents from her travels. Now, the company boasts a line of over twenty fragrances that can be found in candle form, perfume solid, body creams, soaps and sprays. Pacifica is based in Portland, Oregon and practices carbon neutrality and cruelty-free production. The products are vegan and do not contain any animal ingredients, including beeswax.

I had the opportunity to speak with Brook and discuss natural fragrances. I have long enjoyed scents and as far as senses go, smell is one of my most adored, but these days I am hesitant to use any scents or oils that are not necessarily safe. What does it really mean to be safe or natural? Is there such a thing as truly organic perfume? How are natural ingredients such as patchouli and sandalwood being affected by the vast cosmetics and beauty industry? Brook thinks about these things and was happy to share some thoughts.

KJA: How natural is Pacifica and what does this mean to you?

BH-T: For Pacifica, I never claim that we are 100% natural. I use as many natural materials as I possibly can. My goal is always to create a safe and sustainable product, an ethical product, and an affordable product. At our company we provide a 401k and viable health and dental insurance plans to insure our workers are treated well. Our factory in Oregon is virtually waste free. Everything is recycled into candle production or donated to local women’s shelters. We use local box manufacturers for packaging the products and local printers which is quite rare. The only component of our products that is made overseas are the tins for our perfumes and some of our glass, though we are trying to find local suppliers. We are really focused on keeping the business viable and local. As a company we try to look at everything we do as whole.

KJA: So, are your ingredients organic?

BH-T: When it comes to the issue of natural or organic fragrance you have to be really careful in your language. Even essential oils contain synthetics at times. There are arguments against 100% natural – you are using water, land, affecting cash crops – and social issues come into play hugely. It’s coming more to the fore now, especially with palm and sandalwood (clk here for more info on this topic.) Our western craving for all things natural can be extreme.

As a perfumer and fragrance designer I try to maintain the balance by being aware of what is potentially dangerous and what is not. I use naturals wherever I can. When naturals are not viable I will use some non-natural materials to make the best product we can make. We do not use phthalates, petrochemicals, triclosan, nitro-musks, benzene or DEP. All of our packaging is recyclable and comprised of recycled content. We are committed to applying our vision in every way possible to make Pacifica a company that holds true to its values.

Within the Pacifica line, Tibetan Mountain Temple, my favorite, is an earthy, citrus, patchouli perfume that is mild. The citrus, woodsy smells are my favorite. The new solid perfumes are especially unobtrusive, and light on the skin, containing organic soy and coconut wax. The other favorites are Sandalwood, Blood Orange, Bali Lime Papaya and Waikiki Pikake. The solids are reasonably priced and fun to layer. Thank you, Brook!

Crude is the story of a community of 30,000 tribal members in the Amazonian jungle of Ecuador who hold a corporation to bear for its crimes against their land, their livelihood, and most importantly, their lives. The film follows the intricacies of what has been called the “Amazon Chernobyl.”

The indigenous population claims that Chevron, the parent company to the former Texaco, spent thirty years contaminating the air, land, and water of an area the size of Rhode Island which is now called the “death zone.” Cancer, leukemia, and birth defects are among some of the effects of Big Oil. The film was shot and edited over a period of three years, with Berlinger and the crew sacrificing their own safety by facing both environmental (toxic fumes, disease, searing equatorial heat) and man-made dangers (shooting near the Colombian border where drug runners and FARC rebels are very active) to capture a story they felt must be shared with the rest of the world.

Berlinger’s cinematic sensibility paints a picture that captures the lush vitality of the Amazon, the horrendous atrocities endured by the tribespeople, and the complicated path that social justice must traverse, all the while avoiding cliche and stereotypes. Amazon Watch and the Rainforest Foundation have both been instrumental in bringing the Ecuadorian devastation to the public eye.

Trudie Styler, Sting’s wife, and noted activist, appears in the film to lend celebrity to the cause. Repeatedly referring to the Amazon as “the lungs of the earth,” Styler and others point to the far more serious nature of the toxicity than mere dollars can assuage. If Ecuador is in trouble, we are ALL in trouble. If tribe members cannot fish or swim, that affects us directly. Transnationals can no longer act in a vacuum of backyard antics.

Vanity Fair featured an article in the 2007 Green Issue on the case in Ecuador, and attorney Pablo Fajardo, who passionately represents the plaintiffs. In one scene in the film, Fajardo notes that he is not intimidated by the high powered legal team because he has truth on his side, which makes his work that much easier. He doesn’t have to work diligently to create lies about what is happening.

Without sensationalizing the health effects of the toxic swamp left in the Ecuadorian jungle, Berlinger simply allows the water to tell the tale. The water, the rivers, the streams, and pools appear fresh from a distance as children play, women wash, and people drink. Once approached, the rainbow sheen of petrol catches the light and the scent of gasoline sends heads reeling. The ground is soft sludge as the pollutants work their way through the soil and into the Earth. One of the Texaco/Chevron representatives claims: “this is not contamination, this is industrial exploitation that your government permitted.” Amazing. This film must be seen.

In order for this film to have a chance of being seen by the rest of the country, it must nearly sell-out in NY, LA and SF, so tell your friends, blog about it, spread the word…go see this film. Because the film doesn’t have huge marketing dollars, it’s up to people like you and me to spread the word online.

Here are some important screening dates: for locations click here
-NYC: September 9-22
-L.A.: September 18-24
-S.F.: September 25-October 1
-D.C.: October 23-29

A few months back I had the pleasure of attending a workshop led by Crispina Ffrench. Crispina began her career with soft sculpture comprised of recycled fabrics which eventually led to the creation of stuffed toys and wool sweaters that represented her unique art. Before graduating with a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Crispina had 40 employees and was selling her product line internationally. The distinctive aesthetic helped her to generate a style that is obviously refurbished materials, but infused with new life and color.

Having retired from her large company, Crispina now runs workshops out of her studio in Pittsfield, MA and teaches at Kripalu in Lenox, MA. People travel from all over to learn the simple practice that allows one to imbue old duds with new life. The workshop I attended was sweater recycling.

I had seen Crispina at the Berkshire Co-op from time to time wearing muted tones of wool contrasted with bright piping and wondered where these creations originated. When I found out she actually taught the method I jumped at the chance.

We learned, in one day, how to chop up different garments to make our own one-of-a-kind piece. The style is deconstructed with visible seams of thick, colored yarn, if so desired, but the pattern is easily adapted and modified to create whatever look one wants to achieve. Crispina provided treats throughout the day, including yummy vegan fare – hot tea, scones, and fresh-baked oatmeal cookies.

Crispina has just released her book: The Sweater Chop Shop: Sewing One-of-a-Kind Creations from Recycled Sweaters. The launch party is being held in late August at Crispina’s studio in Pittsfield. There are also many events throughout the year, including workshops such as blanket and scarf making, pot holder rug classes, and fabric flower instruction.

And if you want your own original piece, but don’t want to make a mess in your own home, there are open hours every week when people can go into the warehouse where Crispina works and create their own pieces for a modest materials fee. Crispina’s instruction is clear, concise and being around her inspires.

Healthy Child, Healthy World is an organization founded by Nancy and Jim Chuda. After losing their daughter, Collette, to a non-hereditary form of cancer, the Chuda’s decided to dedicate their lives to environmental safety and children’s health. Healthy Child, Healthy World, (formally the CHEC, the Children’s Environmental Health Coalition,) serves to inform, educate and promote environmentally conscious practices in all aspects of our lives. Healthy Child’s new paperback book Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safter Home, has just been released in paperback and is receiving high praise.

Healthy Child has always been friendly and responsive whenever I contacted them. As a new mom and a writer I tend to do a lot of research and Healthy Child and its affiliates have come through every time. On a few occasions I received responses from the CEO himself. Even in his busy day managing a large organization, being a new father, and writing a book he took the time to answer questions and be available. Healthy Child is truly passionate about what they do. They have worked to initiate legislative change, they have lobbied politicians, and they have become one of the leading resources for eco-friendly families. So, I may be a bit biased about this new book, but I really enjoyed it and found it useful. This is resource you can come back to again and again.

Chistopher Gavigan, the CEO/Executive Director of Healthy Child, has written a guide for families that is more important today than ever. Gavigan addresses issues that need to be discussed, such as: what to do with the harmful products in our homes while we “go green”; why antibacterials are a no-no; why bright blue yogurt is bad; avoiding the word “fragrance” at all costs; how hair dyes contain lead; whether to binky or not to binky; which toys to freecycle; how to avoid electromagnetic overload; which are the best veggies for a kid’s garden (one of my favorite sections!;) and generally, how to do it all in a cool, calm and collected way.

Another item worthy of note: the back of the book features a lengthy summary of organizations and companies specializing in everything environmentally friendly. From sunscreen to biodegradeable dishware; to home water testing and non-toxic art supplies, there is a book, website, or phone number listed in reference to just about everything.

The tone of Healthy Child Healthy World is not alarmist or negative, but full of tips, guides (many that can be photocopied and put into one’s wallet,) and resources for all things eco-savvy. These days, before running out to acquire things they don’t need, many parents are thinking about health, the environment, and creating a minimal footprint. Healthy Child offers an excellent how-to manual for creating a healthy, toxin-free home.