LILL's LIST

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Back in the late 60’s , when being green usually meant that you had sneaked a cigarette, I argued unsuccessfully with my mother over wearing makeup. I was for it; she was against it until I reached the magic age of fifteen. For some reason I never did fathom, in those days, that was apparently the age all parents had agreed upon as being appropriate for female cosmetic use. True, some of my more daring schoolmates snuck cocoa colored lipstick into their pockets and applied it on the bus, but most didn’t. However, like me, they couldn’t wait to apply the potions and polishes that their older sisters and cousins wore.

Now, I have a tween, an 11 year old daughter who is already begging me for nail polish, lipstick and anything else that will make her look like Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana. She and I are having some of the same discussions I had with my mother, but because I’m NOT my mother, we hold them a little differently.

Rather than forbidding her to “make herself up like a hussy”, which is what my mother did with me, we talk about why it’s not such a hot idea to paint, polish and perfect herself with the stuff that comes out of those little tubes, bottles and pots. For instance, we talk about what’s in all the glamourous potions that make you look better. We also talk about why it’s good to realize that it’s not necessary to enhance your looks on a daily basis and how looking like yourself is the best thing most of the time.

Recently, she found some water-based, “non-toxic” nail polish at a health food store and you might have thought she’d found the holy grail. Excitedly, she showed me the beautiful colors it came in and assured me that there was nothing harmful in it. Then I got her to look at the label and we saw that there was polyurethane in it.  She pouted. I went to look at organic honey. She came over to me and asked if she could get it and only wear it once in a long while for special occasions.

I thought about it and said she could. Her face lit up like the sun and she floated out to the car and then to our hotel where she applied two coats of the magic elixir to her fingernails and toenails. That was two days ago and most of it has worn off, but she hasn’t asked me if she can reapply it and the bottle is still in her backpack. If she does ask, I’ll remind her that it’s only for special occasions and has an ingredient that isn’t good to put on her skin more than once in a long while.

I’m sure I’m not the only one facing the cosmetic clash with a daughter. Now, however, girls start wearing makeup and nail polish when they’re toddlers and no one seems to think anything of it. I even know Green mamas who let their tots smear their lips with bright lip gloss that has artificial flavors, colors and petroleum products in it. These are the same mothers who won’t let their kids have anything with corn syrup in it. I don’t get it.

It seems to me that, along with issues about self-esteem, body image and feminism, girls need to know what kind of chemicals they’re putting on their skin. Educating them about carcinogens and endocrine disruptors like parabens, phthalates and BPA is just the start of it. What about the animal products in some cosmetics and the animal testing?  What about petroleum products, hormones, nano particles and all the other things that are on the label?

And it isn’t just girls. Boys use cosmetics too, even if the products have “manly” names and black, chunky bottles to make them more acceptable to boys. Even harmless-seeming things like hair gel, shave cream and deodorants have things in them that they need to know about and think about before using.

A bright spot in all of this is that most teens and tweens are eco-conscious and can be reached on that level. So, that’s where I’m trying to make a connection with my daughter. She cares about the planet and the animals and plants on it. She knows that what we’re putting into the air, water and soil is hurting the earth. She’s all for going green when it comes to products that we buy. I’m just hoping that it will carry over into her choices for personal care products and cosmetics in future, both for the planet’s sake – and hers.

I have a round scar on my upper left arm. It’s about the size of a dime, but it was the size of a quarter when I got it back in first grade. Although it’s faded over the years, I’ll have it when I die, like most people my age. It’s a smallpox vaccination and back in the fifties, all kids got one by the time they started school or shortly thereafter from the school nurse.

No one asked us if we wanted one, because our parents and teachers knew that we didn’t want smallpox, which was still a threat even in the US. We also got polio shots, which hurt like heck. I remember thinking at the time though, that the shot was better than being in a wheelchair like my friend, Gerry or in an iron lung like my great aunt.

Polio was a scourge that scared the bejesus out of us and out of our parents. It closed public pools, theaters and even schools. There was no cure, only supportive care while doctors and parents hoped and prayed that their child or family member would recover enough to breathe on their own.

Maybe that’s why I’m not completely against immunizations for kids, like many of my Green friends are. I believe in using alternative medicine whenever possible, but I also think it’s silly to shun all allopathic medicine. After all, even the Greenest Mama doesn’t chisel her messages into stone or write them and mail them. She uses a computer because it’s faster and more effective and just makes a lot more sense.

That’s the way I feel about immunizations – with several qualifications. If I had it all to do over, I wouldn’t have allowed my kids to be immunized with more than one vaccine at a time, and I would have been very selective about the immunizations they got.

There are some immunizations whose risks outweigh their benefit – the Gardasil shot comes to mind. No way will my kids be getting that. Instead they’ll get good solid information about how to prevent cervical cancer and the importance of regular checkups for that and other cancers.

Other immunizations, like diptheria and TB make sense in a society where we’re all exposed to many more people from other countries, where these diseases are more prevalent. We live in a very rural area, yet we’re only 25 miles from an international airport where passengers spend a couple hours at local restaurants and stores between flights.

Rubella or German Measles immunizations make sense because your child’s case of Rubella can affect your friend’s unborn baby. My cousin is deaf because her mother babysat the little girl next door, who had German Measles, before it was evident that she had it.

In the end, we all have to make our own decisions about whether and how many immunizations we want our children to have. Most states, while they have mandatory immunization laws, make exceptions for religious or philosophical beliefs that disagree with immunizing.

If you’re trying to decide, there are several web sites that provide good information. One is Dr. Ryland’s KidsWellness site. It’s where I go not only for information, but for supportive alternative medicines for my kids and myself. I’ve found that immunizations are much less stressful if my kids are prepared physically with immune system support.

Like most controversial subjects, whether or not to immunize your child is a decision that can have far-reaching consequences. It’s not something that should be decided on the basis of what someone on a popular talk show says or even what your Green friends say. It’s a very individual decision that has to be made based on scientific evidence, common sense and your own sense of what’s best for your child.

Homemade Gelatin Air Fresheners
My kids really enjoyed making these and giving them to friends and family. Everyone we gave them to was thrilled with their gift and asked for refills throughout the year. So be prepared for future requests or, better yet, include the recipe on the jar or glass.
We usually double the recipe to make a quart and then pour it into pretty 4 oz jars that we get at the dollar store or yard sales.Votive candle holders, little vases, juice glasses and even little bowls work well. Just make sure that they’re clear if you’re adding color to your gel. You can even get fancy and use the smallest fishbowl you can find, let the gelatin set somewhat and add tiny toy fish, plastic plants or pretty stones. Use your imagination, but just remember that the gel is going to dissolve eventually and won’t be propping up whatever you add to the jar.
Non-Toxic Gel Air Freshener
2 Cups of Water
4 pkgs of unflavored gelatin
or
large pkg of DIET flavored gelatin
20 drops of essential oil
1 Tbsp Salt or Vodka (keeps it from getting moldy)
Optional-Food coloring for unflavored gelatin
Heat the water to boiling. Stir in the gelatin and remove it from the stove. Add the other cup of water and stir thoroughly. This is important because you don’t want lumps in your gelatin. Add the essential oil. If you’re adding coloring, add it now. Pour into decorative containers and cool until firmly set. (If you put them into your fridge uncovered, your fridge will smell like the essential oil. This might not work if you’ve used something very strong.)
Non-Toxic Play Dough
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Flour
1 Tbsp Oil
1/2 cup Salt
2 tsps Cream of Tartar
1 regular pkg DIET flavored gelatin
Combine and mix all ingredients, then knead with your hands. You may want to sprinkle flour on your hands first. When smooth and dry, put it into plastic bags and close tightly. This will keep for up to six months. You can use it to make ornaments. Roll out the dough and then cut it with cookie cutters. Put a hole in the top with a straw and let them dry. Thread a ribbon or ornament hanger through the hole and hang them on the tree. This dough can almost be painted.
Some ideas: Use powdered ice tea mix and add some ginger to make brown “gingerbread” people ornaments. Because of the salt, this shouldn’t be eaten, although it’s technically non-toxic. Too much salt can cause nausea, especially in kids.

I noticed a sign at my doctor’s office recently. “Please do not apply fragrances before your visit. Many of our clients and staff are allergic to scents.” Well, that set me back. I love fragrances, but these days, more and more people aren’t able to tolerate them. That means that when I go out in public, I forego that dab of essential oil I used to put on each wrist. Instead, I used unscented crystal deodorant and my mildest shampoo.

However, when I know I’m going to be spending the day at home, I indulge myself with one of the many homemade scented products I make. Here are three recipes that you might want to try if you like scents. Just remember that it’s best to keep them for days when you won’t be in close quarters with the public.

One of my favorite ways to make my whole house smell wonderful is with hanging air fresheners in every room.  I use cedar mixed with a complementary scent. They’re so easy to make and make great little gifts for Christmas. You can even tie one onto a bigger present.

Hanging Air Fresheners
Ingredients:
Cedar Shavings (you can get these at your local pet store)
Essential Oil
Dried Herbs
Dried Citrus Peels
Dried Flowers
Pretty Handkerchiefs, napkins or cloth
Rubber Bands
Ribbon

Add 10-20 drops of essential oil to the cedar shavings. Let it soak up the oil for several hours. Then mix the shavings, herbs, citrus peels and dried flowers together and put some into each handkerchief or piece of cloth. Gather the cloth and use the rubber band to close it tightly. Then tie the ribbon around it. You can vary the scent by using different essential oils, flowers and herbs. Lavender goes very well with cedar, as does cinnamon. You can even use cinnamon sticks. Or tie a cinnamon stick, sprigs of herbs or dried flowers on stems into the ribbon. If you prefer, you can leave the cedar shavings out and just use the other ingredients. Hang from closet rods, with a push pin in corners of rooms and attach them to wreaths or curtain rods. Make small ones and put them in drawers or on linen closet shelves. When the scent fades, refresh it with a little essential oil.

Perfumed Body Balm
Lavender and rose are my two favorite scents. I mix them into this balm and apply it to pulse points. If it’s kept in a cool, dark place, it lasts for a long time.
Ingredients:
1 TBSP Jojoba, Grapeseed or other light oil
1 TBSP Beeswax
10-15 Drops of essential oil
Contents of Vitamin E Capsule
Microwave the light oil and beeswax until thoroughly melted. With an eyedropper, add the essential oil one drop at a time. Mix together. Pour into small containers and cover tightly. It will harden as it cools. Apply sparingly because scent develops as your body heat warms the balm.

Lead in lipstick! Phthalates and parabens in lotions and creams! Toxic chemicals in makeup are bad enough for adults. But, what do you say when your little girl wants to play with Mommy’s makeup? Well, if you’ve taken a little time to prepare beforehand, your little girl can have her own supply of safe, non-toxic beauty products, just like Mom’s.

If your daughter is old enough, it might be fun to let her help you make some of these. Of course, adult supervision is always required, especially when stoves or appliances are involved, but there are many parts of these recipes that children can do.

Lipstick is a must for most little girls. This substitute is simple, safe and even edible. Plus, it’s actually good for chapped lips. You might find yourself reaching for it this winter, so make extra. Of course, it can be made in different flavors, for every member of the family.

Basic Lip Balm
2TBSP Beeswax
2 tsp coconut oil or any light oil
contents of Vitamin E capsule
coloring and/or flavoring agent (optional)

Grate the beeswax and add the oil in a small glass container. Microwave until they melt together and then stir them thoroughly. Add the contents of the Vitamin E capsule. For color add one of the following: a half-tsp of beet juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, or other nicely colored juice. We like pomegranate and cranberry, mixed. For the men in your family, you can leave out the juice or add something neutral like orange or pineapple juice. It won’t show, but it will taste good. Or melt in a peppermint candy when you’re microwaving the oil and beeswax.

Pour the mixture into a lip balm container or other small container and cool completely. Keep it covered and always make sure it’s applied with clean hands or a clean cotton swab.

Powder Puff Girls’ Powder
This is so simple that you don’t need a recipe. Just get a box of cornstarch, put it into a plastic bag inside a nicely decorated box and add a puffy powder puff. Mademoiselle can powder her nose to her heart’s content. To make it extra special, add a drop or two of essential oil, such as rose or lavender.

Blush
1 Cup of Cornstarch
1 TBSP Beet Juice
Add the beet juice to the cornstarch and stir until the cornstarch is completely colored. For a deeper color, add more beet juice until you get the desired result. Spread on a cookie sheet and let it dry thoroughly. Store in a plastic box inside a pretty box. Apply with a soft brush, as you would real blush.

Let your little girl borrow one of your old dresses or skirts, maybe some inexpensive costume jewelry and a pretty scarf. Add some old high-heels or sandals and you’ll have a very happy little girl. Best of all, you’ll be happy knowing that her play makeup is safe and actually good for her skin.