by Wendy Roy
The Glam-Granola tag line is “Where Glamour & Wellness Unite” and regarding the latter, I’m referring to a state of wellness within us, and also around us, in our loved ones and animals, and ultimately for our home, Earth. Fortunately, you can live your fab life while easily tending to all three areas, including contributing to the current green “campaign.” Here’s how:

Am I polluting my body?

The main question that Glam-Granolas ask themselves each day before eating, cleaning house, or purchasing food or beauty products is, “Is this toxic to me?” If you are polluting your body, you are most likely polluting the planet as well, and vice versa. This is a useful rule of thumb to keep in mind when out shopping, or just living day to day. For now, let’s take a quick look at four basic areas.

1. Bath & Body

When we apply “toxic” cosmetic products (lines containing chemicals like propylene glycol and parabens, etc.), such as body lotion, it is absorbed through our skin and research shows, into our bloodstream. Yuck. Not healthy. Further, when we take a bath or shower, the lotion rinses off of us, and residue swirls down the drain and into our drinking water supply.

The same goes for deodorant, so opt for one that is free of aluminum. I mean, really… Do we want metal under our absorbing armpits every day anyway? One option that seems to work is Aubrey Organics Calendula Blossom Natural Deodorant Spray; simply pump four or five sprays and go. A bottle should last you around six months so it’s worth the money.

2. Household Cleaners

Of course, select all-natural cleaners for the most cherished location in your life; your Home. Read the ingredients and as many of you know, stay away from those that list any sulfates or “fragrance” unless it specifies the source of the fragrance as natural or “an essential oil.” We don’t need these volatile organic compounds in our air and lungs. There are prettily packaged, healthfully scented options available to us now, so no worries.

3. Your SHOWER Water

Most of us make certain to drink water that is properly filtered. But do you know that our bodies take in more chlorine through inhalation than through ingestion or absorption? So make sure your bathroom is well ventilated, and screw an affordable shower filter onto your shower head. This way you won’t be inhaling chlorine, and the chemical won’t go down the drain or into the air either. When searching online you’ll come upon models available in a variety of finishes and colors. G.G. bonus: Your hair and skin will feel softer!

4. Your Food

The connection between inner and outer wellness is clear when it comes to food and drink. Certified organic means no internal or external pesticides for us. And we deserve that! Locally grown is optimal as there are less mobile sources involved, meaning you aren’t largely contributing to the greenhouse gas effect. If you are not a vegetarian, for the health of all, make sure that no hormones or antibiotics were used in your meat. And please do at least choose free range for animal welfare’s sake. Lastly, don’t forget your fashionable reusable grocery tote!

In being mindful of our inner health and wellness, we also contribute to the well-being of that which is outside of us.