Going Green Tag

Going Green Tag

Tags, tags, tags: they’re a way for bloggers to pose questions to one another & get to know each other. And this is our first!

This “Going Green” tag was started by Rachel of All Natural Aspirations: it came our way via Ashley Rose of Damedrose (thanks for tagging us!) and we are finally getting around to writing it up. I mean…I’d talk about all-natural products & lifestyle choices all day if I could…so this is going to be fun.

1. What started it all off for you?
It started with buildings, for me: I work in the green building industry, and that opened my eyes to the myriad connections between the materials that we use to build our homes/offices/furniture and human health. From the paints we use to color our walls (you know that “new paint” smell? Yeah, that ain’t good for you!) to the glue that holds our cheap particle board bookcase together, there are unwanted nasties all over our homes that we’re bringing in, breathing in, and that may be causing some adverse health effects.

It’s scary stuff, but luckily there are healthy/greener alternatives available. I eventually began applying the same type of thinking to my beauty and skincare regime. And…here we are!

2. What was the first thing to go, ingredient or product?
Reading up on the ingredients in my traditional anti-perspirant deodorant caused a chain reaction for me – it was my first blog post on Unsullied! But I was a little ambitious…once I get my mind set on something, I’m ALL in. So, naturally, I combed through my entire medicine cabinet, shower and product stash and discarded every toxin-riddled product. That left me in a bit of a “product desert” for a while. I’d recommend a more gradual approach for anyone else considering switching to all-natural skincare and beauty!

3. What did you struggle to let go of?
I’m still having trouble with my (not so clean) mineral makeup. I’ve used the same mineral foundation since HIGH SCHOOL! It’d probably be fairly easy to switch to a cleaner mineral product, but I got stuck on the fact that many mineral makeups contain nanoparticles AND can be inhaled/damaging to lungs. I can’t imagine living without my mineral foundations and powders.

So…that’s where I’m stuck: breaking off a long-term relationship with mineral makeup. Bring me some ice cream. Suggestions welcome.

4. What has been your best find or change?
Ohhhh myyyy stars. So much. I discovered the WONDER of facial oils after “goin’ green” and opting for all-natural products. They’re amazing! Why was I loading up my face with thick moisturizing lotions for all those years? I love how sheer, potent and powerful natural facial oils are, and I’ll never go back! In terms of pure facial oils, I love Acure’s Argan Oil. My favorite blend right now is Natural E’s serum. Just magic.

5. What was the worst thing about going green?
Um, CHEMOPHOBIA. Haha. I have to remind myself that “the dose makes the poison!” …a basic principle of toxicology. I LOVE all-natural products and have a tendency to think that any non-natural or synthetic chemical ingredients are BAD. Of course, things are not so black and white. Small amounts of somewhat scary ingredients may not be all that harmful. But all in all, it makes me feel better and happier to avoid them all together, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Still, I’m trying to avoid “chemophobia” territory!

6. Anything else to add? Tips or tricks to pass on?
I’ve always loved Etsy, but since moving to all-natural products, I’ve discovered so many handmade, small-batch skincare, beauty and product lines. I love “shopping small” and not to sound too hippy dippy, but I feel such good energy when I use products that were made by hand and received a lot of love. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Etsy is a GOLDMINE for natural skincare products. Check out my “green beauty” picks.

And above all: going all-natural should be FUN! You’ll learn and discover so much. You’ll feel happier and healthier in your choices. And you’ll discover some serious gems that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

That’s all, folks! I tag the following lovely ladies: Mayah & Sabrina from Call it Vanity and Jade from Nephriticus. Happy weekend!

  • http://www.ambersbeautytalk.com Amber

    I love Etsy too! They always seem to have really cool packaged products on there! Facial oils are my favourite green find too, there are so many wonderful green products, everybody should go green!

    • Jennifer

      Can I get a hellllll yeah? But seriously! What’s been interesting is that after starting our blog, I discovered lots of friends/family/coworkers were exploring similar things or were making their own skincare at home, etc. It’s a green skincare generation, bay-bee.

  • http://www.shortsmallsweet.net Ru

    Haha I like that you went all out and changed everything at once! I love looking around Etsy too, so many brands to explore!

    • Jennifer

      It keeps me up nights. In the best way possible. :)

  • http://www.callitvanity.com Call It Vanity

    1. I want your job and I don’t even really know what it is. 2. Yep, been to that product desert, it ain’t pretty, but I’m one of those people who just finds it easier to go cold turkey! 5. Hell yes! Gawd it gets boring sometimes. I think one of the main reasons I stick to using green beauty now is because I’ve realised it actually works a hell of a lot better and it’s just generally more fun.

    Aaand thanks for the tag! This is on our list to do already at some point…you know, when we feel like it ;)

    Mayah x

    • Jennifer

      YES. Sometimes I go so far down the rabbit hole researching ingredients and rationale…then I remember that choosing natural products is a personal preference & I probably don’t even need all that justification. Plus, holy crap, there are SO MANY beauty and skincare products out there. How could you ever choose? At least refining to “all-natural” products narrows down the playing field a bit!

      Looking forward to your responses :)

  • http://sugarpuffish.blogspot.co.uk Sarah (Sugarpuffish)

    Great answers :-) I love the smaller companies for natural products, there are some very talented people out their making beautiful products.

    • Jennifer

      I can’t get enough! I love the unique ingredients, handmade quality and packaging that comes from small brands. Plus, I’ve been so impressed with their attention to sustainable sourcing – S.W. Basics sticks out to me as an example.