by Joilene Rasmussen

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

A Green Birthday Suit
How big a bite out of your time does your daily bathroom routine take? How big a bite out of the environment, including that of your home? With a little forethought, and perhaps a change in attitude, you can be well on your way to a greener, healthier you.

First off, how does the water reach you? While you may not be able to do much about where it originally comes from, or what sorts of treatments it undergoes, you can control what it does after it enters your home. Besides installing a low-flow showerhead (usually a simple process), consider a shower filter. This will remove many chemicals that can drag down your energy levels, and fill your body (and the air, via steam) with toxins.

Next, what do you have in your soap rack? Check ingredients on shampoos and other personal hygiene products carefully, and if you are unsure what something listed does, look it up. Don't just believe labels, because there are many ways manufacturers can deceive consumers into believing they are buying something healthy, when really it may contain many poisons or otherwise harmful ingredients. For instance, did you know that a common shampoo ingredient actually promotes hair loss and slows growth? This chemical masquerades under a few different names, but nearly always includes "lauryl sulphate" or the like. If you cannot find a locally sold brand you like, try the Internet for sources, including recipes you can make yourself. Put anything you regularly rub on your skin to this scrutiny, and keep in mind that "natural" does not automatically translate to "helpful". (Both snake venom and shark bites are perfectly natural.)

Don't forget your shaving routine. Instead of shaving lotions and foams that can make you sick, try unprocessed honey, and exfoliate with baking soda. When finished, instead of a lotion with questionable ingredients tucked neatly between natural oils and fragrances, try extra-virgin, expeller-expressed coconut oil. If you use a little on your face, people may assume you've had a botox, and if you regularly use it on your legs, dry skin and razor nicks may be things of the past.

Finally, consider conserving water by showering with your honey (he'll appreciate it). Alternatively, if you have small children, and shower as part of a routine, not necessarily because you need it, consider putting the plug in when you begin, and after you're done, have your little ones jump in and use the same water. If you have chosen your shampoo and other products carefully, there should be nothing to harm them, or the environment.

Sources:
Shower filters
www.wellnessfilter.com
www.ewater.com

Personal Care Products
www.burtsbees.com
www.eminenceorganics.com

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