the conscious decision blog
Can Adults Wear Baby Sunscreen?
Curious about whether adults can use baby sunscreen? Our blog answers this question and explores the benefits of using baby sunscreen for adults.
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Healthy Living 2021 by Amie Valpone
The New Year is a time for all of us to reflect on the energy we want to bring into our lives. For most people this consists of cleaning up the inflammatory foods we're eating, understanding the process of natural detoxification of toxins and supporting our immune system. I've spent the last twelve years struggling with severe toxicity in my body that led to over a dozen chronic health issues, all of which elicited an inflammatory response from my immune system and left me with no other choice but to start questioning what I was putting into and onto my body. While my situation was the extreme, we're all dealing with some level of a toxic burden in our bodies these days. I like to think of detoxification as minimizing our exposure to toxins from the most common ways they enter our bodies: the personal care products we use, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat. While most people think of the term "detox" as a fad diet or a juice fast- it's anything but that. The goal of detoxification is to support your body's natural ability to detoxify so you're able to flush toxins out of your system on a daily basis. What happens when we don't flush the toxins out? Health issues and chronic symptoms start to set in and that's exactly what we're all trying to avoid. So, what are a few ways you can start to detox today? For starters, Erbaviva sells the most incredibly clean products I've been using everyday for years- their deodorant, lip & cheek balm and body oil are my favorite, which make me feel luxurious. I also recommend getting a water filter that removes heavy metals, mold and all other chemicals from tap water. And lastly, if you're looking to start a new clean eating plan for the New Year, check out my best-selling book, Eating Clean, for over 200 anti-inflammatory, tasty detox recipes. These recommendations for your health and wellbeing are a great way to start 2021 healthy and clean. Happy New Year!Amie Valpone
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Shop sustainably this holiday season
This holiday gifting season, we invite you to forgo fast consumerism and join us in pledging to shop consciously for sustainable Christmas gifts. Take part in the #GreenFridayChallenge, a movement to inspire thoughtful consumption and advocate for sustainable living in everyday life. What is sustainable shopping? It’s recognizing that every purchase has a social, environmental and ethical impact. What and from whom you purchase presents an opportunity to make your voice heard and support brands that align with your beliefs. Here are some of our favorite makers, who align with our own B-corp values of reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose. Christy Dawn This fellow LA brand, founded by Christy Dawn Baskauskas and her husband Aras Baskauskas , retails vintage-inspired dresses made by local artisans (paid a fair wage) in downtown LA with sustainable deadstock fabrics. In 2020 Christy Dawn will be launching their farm to closet dream. Coyuchi Coyuchi retails sustainably sourced, ethically-made goods, including luxury linens made with organically grown fiber and using GOTS-certified manufacturing, the latest water-recycling methods and circular business practices. East Fork Pottery Ashville, North Carolina’s East Fork hand makes a full range of timeless, handmade ceramic dinnerware with regionally sourced stoneware clay and food-safe glazes made in-house. Girlfriend Collective This of-the-moment activewear brand’s signature leggings and bras are cut from fabric made out of post-consumer water bottles sourced in Taiwan, by factory workers treated with respect and paid a fair living wage. Mabo Mabo’s timeless children's garments are designed in Utah for little ones’ comfort and simple style and manufactured in the USA with natural fabrics. Nui Organics Nui designs fashion-forward clothing for parents and children, for extended wear and from quality materials that respect both people and planet. As much as possible, the brand uses certified organic materials and production methods. Oeuf Eco-friendly Oeuf, founded by a husband and wife team, retails high-quality and beautifully designed children’s furniture, decor and apparel that is sustainably sourced and responsibly created. Pons avarcas The traditionally-inspired, 100% handmade Spanish sandals from men, women and children are handcrafted in Menorca, Spain from ethically-sourced leather and regional materials. Willaby Athens, Georgia based-Willaby makes timeless, sustainable children's and home goods form 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton gauze. The gauze is woven abroad by Fair Trade textile companies, paying a fair wage, providing safe working conditions, and treating our environment with care, and ethically sewn in the U.S. and India.
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Is Cocoa Butter Safe For Babies' Skin?
One of the most common concerns that new parents face with their babies is taking care of their sensitive skin, and with the daily changes that newborns experience, it is tough to know exactly what baby body butters to use and when they are safe. Newborn skin can be a conundrum of mysterious rashes and unpredictable dry spots, so it’s important to know what is safe to apply on your baby. There are many different moisturizing options out there and cocoa butter is quickly becoming an industry favorite. From butters to chap sticks, cocoa butter is making its way into a wide variety of skincare products. But is cocoa butter safe for babies’ skin? What is cocoa butter? Cocoa butter is a fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean. Like coconut oil, it is a healthy fat that is edible and can also be used topically. It’s used in foods such as chocolate and used in skin care products. Because it’s high in fatty aids, has a creamy texture and is easily absorbed (it melts at body temperature), cocoa butter can be good to use for baby’s dry skin. Cocoa butter can have a very thick consistency and it is often used as a thickener for other cosmetic products. If your baby has oily skin, cocoa butter may not be a great option for them, as it will be too heavy and oily for their skin type. In this case, you can choose a lighter option such as a lotion or cream. Benefits In addition to providing deep moisture, cocoa butter has many benefits for skin and body. Good for sensitive skin Cocoa butter is a natural ingredient and can therefore be a good option for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid any additives. Good for hair Cocoa butter has healing properties not only for skin but for hair! You can use it as a deep conditioner or hair mask and it’s great to help tame flyaways. Rich in antioxidants Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants which help fight free-radicals that can cause aging. It helps protect your skin and keeps it healthy. Ingredients to avoid We always recommend using organic products and cocoa butter is no exception. If you’re unsure if the cocoa butter in your product is organic, check the product label to confirm. Be aware that even though something is labeled as natural, companies can sneak toxic ingredients into their products. Erbaviva’s organic baby butter cream is usda certified and is scented with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender. Here is a list of ingredients to look out for and avoid: Parabens, which can include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butlyparaben and benzylparaben are toxic for the body and should be avoided. Propylene glycol is another ingredient that will show up in moisturizing products and to give you an idea of its toxicity level, it is also included in anti-freeze, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid. According to the MSDS, this chemical causes irritation and should not come in contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Synthetic fragrances are chemicals that are easily absorbed into the skin and may build up in the fat cells of the body and become harmful to health. There are literally thousands of different chemicals that qualify as fragrances and are toxic to the body. If you see the word fragrance anywhere in your product, know that this product is not safe for your baby. If you are considering using cocoa butter on your baby, here are a couple of things to think about first. We always recommend trying the baby body butter on a small area of the skin first, to make sure your child doesn’t have a reaction to it. Babies should have a limited exposure to products before six months but if you are experiencing skin issues, it’s always best to check with your primary care provider about the products you intend to use on young children. If you and/or your babe have dry or sensitive skin, using all-natural cocoa butter skincare can be an organic solution for the family.
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Can You Wash Baby Bottles with Dish Soap?
Navigating all of baby’s firsts — from first swaddle, to first diaper change, to that first night of sleep — can be a daunting endeavor, and feeding baby his first bottle is no exception. Whether you are serving your little one breast milk or formula, it’s wise to follow a strict cleaning regime in order to keep bacterial contamination at bay. Follow our step by-step-guide for safely cleaning baby’s bottle, from the very first use and beyond. Choosing A Baby-Safe Dishwashing Soap With so many products on the market aimed at parents and caregivers, it can sometimes feel like a full time job just navigating the grocery store shelves, especially when it comes to products that come in close contact with your children. You can get overwhelmed and ask yourself how to clean baby bottles and if you can wash them with regular dish soap. In fact, you will want to avoid many of the ingredients found standard in dish soaps, including surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance. Here are a few ingredients to avoid: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A detergent/surfactant used to break down surfaces so cleansers can work more effectively. Linked to Nitrosamines, a strong carcinogen that allows your body to absorb nitrates, another known carcinogen. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Can become contaminated with Dioxane, a possible carcinogen, which the liver has a difficult time metabolizing and so it remains in the body for an extended period of time. Artificial Fragrance: A major cause of allergic reactions, fragrances can contain thousands of chemicals, including phthalates. Phthalates are man-made chemicals that can have a negative effect on hormone levels. Because fragrances are protected as a “trade secret”, their ingredients are not required to be listed on the label. Many of these potentially harmful ingredients are found in conventional dish soaps and other cleaning liquids. Knowing this, it may not be safe to wash baby bottles with dish soap. While many products are targeted at caring for baby, this doesn’t at all guarantee a mild, baby-safe solution can be found inside that pastel package. Rather than opting for products marketed as “baby-safe,” a better bet is to use The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, as a tool to select a dishwashing soap that has been awarded an A-rating. First Use: Sterilize Bottles In Boiling Water While it’s not necessary to sterilize bottles after each use, it’s highly recommended to do so before the first use. It’s easy: simply boil all bottle parts in water for five minutes. There is one exception to this rule, however: if you have well water, you may want to consider sterilizing more frequently. Manual Cleaning: Soap, Hot Water, And A Bottle Brush Separate all parts. To wash baby bottles, dismantle nipples, caps, rings, bottles, and attachments to rinse and clean. Prepare water. Rinse all parts, then fill a large, clean bowl in the sink with hot water and add mild dishwashing liquid, allowing all pieces to soak for a minute or two. Clean thoroughly with a bottle brush. Invest in a bottle brush that will be used exclusively for washing baby’s bottles — no contaminating sponges here. Spin the baby bottle brush inside each bottle and nipple, then run the soapy water through the nipple hole to flush out any lingering residue. Rinse and dry. Rinse all parts under running water and place them on a bottle rack to drain and dry. Dishwasher Cleaning Check the manufacturer’s labels on all of your bottle parts to make sure each item is dishwasher safe. If so, washing and drying in a dishwasher is safe as long as you use a heated wash cycle and heated drying cycle. Is there a safe dish soap, bottle brush, or drying rack you swear by? Sound off in the comments below!
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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Baby
When warmer weather comes around, many of us start planning barbeques, trips to the lake, camp outs and hikes to find swimming holes. But with all that sunshine and adventure comes some challenges, one of those being avoiding pesky bugs. One of the most dreaded bugs we want to avoid are mosquitoes. Most of us are familiar with the perils of mosquitoes and we are sure that there have been countless conversations amongst the more vulnerable discussing theories about why they have become the target of these pests. While studies are typically inconclusive, one thing is for certain, mosquito bites are awful. More importantly, mosquitoes are sometimes dangerous as they can be carriers to diseases such as the Zika virus, Malaria, West Nile virus and Dengue fever. With this information, we definitely want to take precautions for all our loved ones and ourselves! Since young ones can’t fend for themselves, you have to figure out how to keep mosquitoes away from your baby. Doctors have yet to find a cure for mosquito bites, so it is best to try and avoid exposure altogether. Here are some ways to stay safe: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so keep your baby indoors during these times. Mosquitoes are unable to fly against strong winds, so being near a fan is an effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, dress your baby in light colors and avoid exposing any skin. Stay away from any standing water where mosquitoes are more likely to breed. If you find yourself in a situation where you know you and your family may be more susceptible to mosquitoes, you should use an insect repellent. Chemically synthetic insect repellents contain potentially harmful ingredients that are highly controversial. DEET or diethyltoluamide, is the most common ingredient in most insect repellents and while effective, high amounts of DEET can be harmful, so opting for a natural, effective solution is always more advisable. The American Academy of Pediatrics firmly states that all bug repellents, even DEET-free ones, should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old. What is the best insect repellent for babies? Erbaviva Children’s Buzz Spray is a great alternative to ordinary repellents. It is made with a medley of organic and biodynamic ingredients that specialize in repelling bugs. With catnip, lemongrass oil and citronella as its most active ingredients, this spray is a wonderful and an all-natural bug remedy. The product also contains 95% certified organic ingredients. We love the fun packaging of the Children’s Buzz Spray bottle but Erbaviva also offers the Buzz Spray in a more simple and clean bottle. No differences in ingredients or efficiency, just a different look. According to Science Daily, catnip is approximately ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the chemical DEET. And while studies sometimes conflict regarding the efficacy of citronella, the oil has stood the test of time and is still widely used in many cultures. Citronella has been used in the united states as a plant-based insect repellent for nearly 70 years and has been registered by the environmental protection agency as a non-toxic biopesticide. To ensure that repellents work properly, we recommend reapplying every 30 minutes especially during sun down, sun up and early evenings, when mosquitoes are the most active. The frequent application of repellent is why we strongly recommend that you opt for a natural, plant-based option for the body's largest organ, the skin.
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Peace and Quiet Gift Guide
The holidays are one of the most hectic times of the year and we think you should treat yourself to some Peace and Quiet, so we rounded up some of our favorite cozy holiday gift ideas that bring mellow vibes. We love these goods so much that in coordination with our gift guide, we are also having a giveaway for products listed! Pop over to our Instagram to learn about how you can win all of these goods! Morrow Soft Goods - $100 gift card. If you aren’t already familiar with the stunning linen sheets and alpaca wool pieces offered at Morrow Soft Goods, get ready to fall in love. From their unique color options to the decorative pillows, this company nails it and we are happy to include them in our guide. Lucy Michel - Peace Piece Vase. We can’t get enough of local artist Lucy Michel’s line and we are especially drawn to her Peace Piece. Everyone can use a little more peace during the holidays. Morning Light Gift Studio - The Bliss Box. Gift Boxes are suddenly popping up all over the place and we are especially drawn to the offerings from Morning Light Gift Studio who has a knack for perfectly curating her products. Their Bliss Out Blox is packed with goods to chill you out and we think it would be ideal for the holidays. Erbaviva - Relax Essentials Trio. Making time for self care around the holidays is essential for your wellbeing and what better way to take care of you than with organic personal care that offers bonus benefits via aromatherapy? The relax line by Erbaviva is just what the doctor ordered. Chilote - One pair of adult slippers. Because nothing says comfy and cozy like a pair of wool slippers and these are the dreamiest. Treat your feet well this holiday season. Moon Deli - Calm Dust. Taking care of your mood is super important during this time of year and the Calm Dust from Moon Deli is a potent adaptogen that will calm you down when tensions are high during the holidays. We like to think of this as the ultimate chill pill. As an added bonus, we've connected with 100% vegan and fair labour trade women's activewear label Miss Runner to give you 15% off your order on their website! Enter code ERBAVIVA at checkout to receive your discount. Offer ends January 30, 2018. About Miss Runner Miss Runner is a women’s activewear label based in Hong Kong, uniting performance activewear with original art creations. We focus on quality construction for optimal athletic performance, each item integrated with activewear technology and smart garment features while coming together with select creatives from around the world to co-create our unique print designs. A creative process we’re proud of as we drive attention to emerging talents while keeping energetic women fit and active. Our founder is a former ballet dancer, active yogi & avid muay thai boxer who founded Miss Runner to offer women dynamic activewear that combines functionality with feminine design - easily taking your look from gym to street. We train, we achieve, we do good, we feel good. SHOP MISS RUNNER
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Conscious Grooming Gift Guide
As a company that prides itself in creating sustainable cosmetics that are good for the mind, body, and planet, we are always inspired by other companies that share a similar approach. We are living in a time when old remedies are resurfacing and 'simple is chic'. We want to celebrate the resurgence of holistic beauty with a sustainable beauty gift guide for you and your organic-loving friends. Here are our favorite eco-friendly grooming products: 1. One item that most people would love to have is organic textiles for the bathroom. We especially love these by Coyuchi. 2. If you are not already body brushing, get one of these by Iris Hantverk for yourself and once you do, grab one for your best friend. 3. We love these Gua Shas from Poppy and Someday and think they would be a sweet gift for any wellness lover. 4. Use the Gua Sha with Erbaviva's Shaping and Skin Firming Essential Oil to stimulate your lymphatic system. 5. These Swissco Natural Sea Sponges are a great sustainable beauty gift to offer with your favorite organic personal care products. 6. All of us can use a way to release tension and calm the mind this holiday season so gifting a chic Bodha Eye Pillow is for sure a win. 7. After stuffing ourselves with holiday food, there’s nothing better than a good detox and face scrub with this eco-friendly KARMAMEJU face brush. 8. Pair the face brush with this amazing organic Ojas face serum. 9. Want to help your friends create less waste? Grab them this chic hair pin from Individual Medley for a zero waste hair solution. 10. Everyone loves a nice long bath as a way to rejuvenate during the holidays and what better way to encourage this ritual than this new wood bath tray we found at Urban Outfitters. 11. Looking for an eco-friendly grooming product for the organic-loving men in your life? We think this Natural Cologne sample kit by Juniper Ridge is perfect. 12. Everyone has a minimalist and conscious friend who wants wood everything - this toothbrush by Bogo is for them. We hope this gift guide has inspired you to shop consciously. We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday. Cheers!
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3 Natural Ways to Detox Skin
At Erbaviva we constantly seek ways to benefit body, soul and skin with organic botanicals and natural essentials. We believe that the human body has an amazing ability to heal and thrive without the use of harsh products and chemicals. In fact, by eliminating toxins from our daily beauty rituals we allow our body to naturally beautify itself. Here are three ways to detox skin and uplift the spirit using easy to find natural elements. 1. Skin Soothing Bath Soak - A warm bath is incredibly relaxing and soaking in the benefits of sea salt can do wonders for the skin. You can create your own beauty detox soak with 1/4 cup of sea salt, 3 tables 1/8 cup of sunflower oil and 6 drops of grapefruit essential oil, 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Blend ingredient in a small cup and pore into the warm bath. Sea salt draws our toxins and gently opens the pores preparing the skin to receive the benefits of nutrient, antioxidant-rich oils and essential oils. Erbaviva offers a ready-to-use highly detoxifying bath salt crafted with grapefruit, rosemary and frankincense. check out firming body scrub salt. 2. Skin Rejuvenating Body Scrub - Natural body’s scrubs have been shown to cleanse pores, remove dead skin cells and decrease inflammation of the skin. Using a scrub regularly will help skin look more vibrant, youthful and glowing. Exfoliating dead skin cells also enables the skin to recieve nutrients and moisture. We recommend using sea salt infused with organic carrier oil and essential oils to allow rejuvenation and hydration at the same time. We recommend creating a fresh body scrub with organic firming salts and firming oil. Frankincense, avocado oil and sea salt enables this effective anti-inflammatory blend rejuvenate skin while boosting hydration. 3. Stimulating Dry Brushing - Another natural way to rejuvenate skin is through dry body brushing. Dry brushing benefits include helping to unclog pores and removing toxins from the body. Simply purchase a natural, non-synthetic brush (such as tampico or cactus fiber) with a long handle and firm bristles. Dry brush in a bath tub or shower to limit the mess. Brush in circular motions all over the body. Brush sensitive areas with care. Dry brushing takes less than 10 minutes per day. It stimulates the lymphatic system and leaves skin refreshed and beautified. Becoming mindful about your beauty rituals has a effect that can carry through to daily life. By taking a little time to feel uplifted physically the emotional and spiritual elements of this naturally follow. tell us a few of your favorite natural skin detox beauty rituals and how they effect both the body and mind!
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