Comments on: Consumerism and its discontents: The Eco-shopper’s Dilemma

By: nina george

nina george — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:02:26 +0000

I have been a supplier of handmade soaps to the Canadian health food industry for 16 years. And finally I have decided to make a video on the deceptive ingredients in many name brand bath and products.

I read the Omnivore’s Dilemma and started to look at how pervasive corn is in our ‘natural’ bath and body products.

My company makes castile soap and I have created a video called ” Are You Washing With Corn”- view http://mountainskysoap.com/corn.php

People have to make choices as to what they buy, as that will drive the market, their health and the planet’s overall sustainability.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:32:24 +0000

You should definitely give our Weleda products a try! They’re available in Whole Foods, Target, and CVS stores in Southern California, natural health and grocery stores, as well as on our website: http://www.usa.weleda.com. We’re launching a new line on October 5th that we’re really excited about! It’s called Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care. If you’re interested in reviewing, let me know.
Thanks!

By: Siel

Siel — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:00:47 +0000

Thanks for the transparency — Carrie :) I’ve heard good things about Weleda, though I’ve never tried the brand myself — I’ll look into the toothpastes :)

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:52:34 +0000

I agree with “balancing convenience and practicality with ethics and environmentalism.”

While I feel better buying green products locally and would prefer to support the little guy, I don’t think you should beat yourself up for purchasing products that you can’t find locally at more conventional businesses.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:34:52 +0000

In the name of complete transparency, I have to let you know up front that I work for Weleda, the organic skincare company, but I wanted to chime in. Our brand is owned by a family trust in Germany so we’re not corporate owned, and in the grand scheme of things, we’re pretty small compared with some other natural brands. We have a wonderful line of toothpastes that are all-natural and made with plant ingredients. My favorite, and many long-time users swear by this one, is the Salt Toothpaste. I know it sounds weird, but you should give it try. It’s very unique and it really works. You can find our products at Whole Foods, on our website and at natural health stores. :)

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:45:30 +0000

thanks for the link, and now i notice your locally-based point (skimmed right over that the first time! ;)

hmmm…maybe it’s time for DIY toothpaste? :) hehe

http://www.vegthreads.org/how-to-make-green-toothpaste

By: Siel

Siel — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:38:15 +0000

Melissa — Interesting question — I have never tried Jason! Here’s a Grist roundup of eco-toothpastes for people who’re looking for other options. Jason is owned by Hain Celestial Group — which specializes in eco brands with varying shades of greenness…. My bigger point was that it’s tough to find locally-made toothpaste :)

By: Jedi Wright

Jedi Wright — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:34:03 +0000

Hmm, looks like an opportunity for someone to start up a great news delivery service notifying its users of the latest change in corporate ownership with their favorite eco-brands.

The issue of big, corporate ownership is definitely a tricky one. You want to buy green to support the industry but do you continue to do so with these umbrella corps, thereby supporting their non-sustainable practices?

Seems like a question our communities should really be engaging in right now.

Thanks for the post!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:21:39 +0000

Re: toothpaste – what about the brand JASON? That’s what we buy – I don’t think they’re owned by a big corp. (Are they?)

My feeling is that I try to buy green products from green companies first and foremost – that way I’m getting a green product AND I’m supporting a company whose mission is to promote sustainability and/or social justice.

With the big corps who have green lines – I perceive it as a less of a commitment to green values and more of a market to exploit for profit until it’s not “trendy” (in their eyes) anymore. If Clorox were truly concerned about the environment, they would shift all of their products to being green, not just make a special line.

But if I don’t have access to a green company’s products, then I choose the green product made by a conventional company.